The Nest
This month we are reading the Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney. The Nest is a family drama that follows four siblings as they navigate a shared inheritance in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, 9/11, and their own life choices.
Discussion QuestionsWhat Is a Trust and How Does it Work?
The Nest is based on a trust for the benefit of the Plumb siblings, but what exactly is a trust, and how do they work? This class will walk you through the basics of the world of trusts and the accuracy of the trust in The Nest.
Discussion Questions
Reflect on these questions as you read the book, and feel free to join the conversations on these themes in the Challenges section.
- Money and Literature: Generally, when a person thinks about reading about money, non-fiction books are top of mind. However, money is a common theme in art, literature, and film. Why is money such a compelling theme in literature? What books come to mind when you think about money and literature?
- Inheritance: The Nest centers around the Plumb siblings and their relationship with their expected inheritance. Receiving an inheritance can be advantageous to those who receive them. How does the Plumb siblings’ expected inheritance impact their financial life, and why? Is an inheritance always a good thing?
- Trust Arrangement:
Leonard Plumb was very intentional about how he structured the trust for his children. Do you think the dad’s trust arrangement benefited or stymied the Plumb siblings? How did the trust arrangement impact the siblings' relationship with each other?
- Setting: The Nest is set in New York after the 2008 financial crisis and 9/11. Do you think this choice of setting made the descriptions of financial strain more captivating or distracting from the plot of the book?
- Financial Rebellion: Later in the book, we learn more about Jack’s background, his relationship with Walter, and other choices he has made in his life. How does Jack’s desire to have more adventures in his 20s impact his financial decisions now? Do you think financial rebellion is a common occurrence? If so, what drives that kind of behavior?
- Money and Relationships: Throughout the book, we peek into several characters' romantic lives. How do the character’s choices in romantic partners impact their financial life? Do you think choosing a romantic partner is also a financial decision?
- Secrets: Throughout the book, the Plumb siblings keep all kinds of secrets from each other and their romantic partners. How do financial secrets impact romantic relationships? Do you think there are times when it makes sense to keep financial secrets from your romantic partner? Did you resonate with any of the partner’s reactions to the secrets the Plumb siblings were keeping?
- Lifestyle Inflation/Deflation: Lifestyle inflation is when a person’s expenses increase as their income increases. Is lifestyle inflation or deflation harder for a person, and why?
