Last Night at the Telegraph Club

How does the setting—1950s San Francisco—shape the novel? In what ways are the characters’ actions the result of their environment?

Joseph doesn’t get his citizenship papers back at the novel’s end. Why do you think Malinda Lo chose to leave this plot thread unresolved? How does it relate to the narrative’s historical context?

What does Tommy Andrews symbolize to Lily throughout the book? Use at least three references to Tommy to make your argument.

This is a coming-of-age novel, which implies growth in the main character. How does Lily’s character develop throughout the novel?

Compare and contrast either Lily or Kath with Shirley. Make an argument about the role that they each play in relation to one another.

How must Lily contend with being both lesbian and Chinese American? How does her experience of the Telegraph Club differ from Kath’s as a result?

What might the math and science symbolize in this book? How do Lily, Kath, and Judy use their interest in flight to resist stereotypes of women? Use at least three mentions of these symbols to support your argument.

What role does family and community play in the novel? Choose one character and make an argument about how her sense of belonging shapes her actions.