Book Club Kit

Swimming in Air

A literary memoir by Parker Griffon

Everything your book club needs to host a memorable conversation about love, grace, and a journey from Cairo to Cape Town. 

Download the Book Club Kit (PDF)

Schedule a video session for your book club

I’d be delighted to join your book club for a video conversation about Swimming in Air—the journey across Africa, the story behind the book, and the questions it raises.

If your group would like to arrange a session, info@parkergriffon.com.

What's Inside the Kit

A complete, ready-to-print packet designed to guide a 90-minute book club discussion.

Book Overview

Quick facts, logline, and a one-paragraph synopsis to set the scene.

Discussion Questions

Thematic prompts on love, control, identity, and transformation through travel.

Themes to Explore

Five major themes with framing notes for richer conversation.

Setting & Context

Munich 1986 and the late-80s overland journey from Cairo to Cape Town.

Selected Passages

Key excerpts ideal for reading aloud during your meeting.

Hosting Tips

Suggested pairings, music, and atmosphere ideas to bring the world of the book to life.

Additional Media Assets

More resources are on the way. Check back soon — or contact us to request early access for your event.

Audio Excerpts

Author readings of selected passages. · Coming soon

Signed Bookplate

Printed map of Africa for the inside front cover signed by the author.

Photo Gallery

Images from Munich, the African overland route, and afterward.

Bookmarks

Custom Swimming in Air bookmarks.

How to Use the Kit

  1. Download & print the PDF (2–4 pages).
  2. Read the book in advance and skim the themes section.
  3. Open with the logline:

    Swimming in Air is a story of unintentionally finding grace: A stranger’s kindness. A chance meeting. Help you can never repay. They aren’t looking for any of it. It finds them anyway, as they learn to see the air they swim in. 

    Vivian, a linguist from Argentina’s German colony, believes every relationship has an expiration date. Parker, a Silicon Valley physicist, believes love doesn’t exist.When their carefully negotiated romance is threatened by careers on opposite sides of the Atlantic, they gamble everything on a yearlong backpacking journey from Cairo to Cape Town. 

  4. Pick 4–6 questions from the discussion guide that resonate with your group.
  5. Close with a passage read aloud and a final reflection from each member.

Hosting an Event?

Bookstores, libraries, and book clubs — get in touch for bookplates, bookmarks, signed copies, or to invite the author.

Contact the Author

info@parkergriffon.com