Million Dollar Smile

Book Club Discussion Questions

Welcome, Book Clubs!

I’m so glad you’ve chosen Million Dollar Smile as part of your reading journey. This story is close to my heart, and it means a lot to know it’s sparking conversations. Below, you’ll find a set of open-ended questions designed to guide discussion about the novel’s characters, themes, and historical backdrop. Feel free to use them as a starting point and take the conversation wherever it leads.

Thank you for reading—I’d love to hear how your group connected with the story!

Discussion Questions

  1. First Impressions: What were your first thoughts about Paul Carlson as a character? How did your impression of him change over the course of the book?

  2. Faith in Wartime: How does faith shape the choices and perspectives of the characters? Did any part of their faith journey resonate with you personally?

  3. Joe Mitchell’s Journey: Joe begins as a light-hearted character but matures over time. What did you think of his growth, and how did his ranch background play into his story?

  4. Friendship and Brotherhood: The crew of the C-87 come from different walks of life but form strong bonds. Which moments best showed the strength of their friendships?

  5. Sacrifice: Sacrifice is a central theme. What kinds of sacrifice do the characters make, and how did these moments affect you as a reader?

  6. Alta’s Role: Alta’s letters and presence are woven throughout the novel. What did you learn about her character, and how important is she to the story even when she isn’t physically present?

  7. Chuck’s Arc: Chuck struggles with doubt and feelings of worthlessness. How did his story affect you? Do you think his journey toward redemption felt realistic?

  8. The “Million Dollar Smile”: The book’s title comes from a particular moment. How did you interpret its meaning in the context of the story?

  9. Historical Perspective: Did the book introduce, change or deepen your understanding of the Air Transport Command and its role in WWII?

  10. Personal Reflection: Which part of the story stayed with you the most, and why? Did it make you think differently about faith, family, or resilience?

To make things easy, I’ve created a PDF version of these questions—perfect for printing or sharing with your book club.

If your group discusses Million Dollar Smile, I’d love to hear how your conversation went! Feel free to reach out through the contact page.