Someone Else's Book Club: Meet Chris & Suzanne Pershing

 

Chris and Suzanne Pershing first appeared in "Kilroy Was Here" as the parents to that book's narrator, Tony Pershing. Since "Someone Else's Book Club" is a kind of prequel to "Kilroy Was Here," Chris and Suzanne are seen in their pre-Tony days as a couple who have now been married for a few years. They are constantly working to prevent their marriage from becoming stale and lifeless. Part of this commitment involves regular marriage therapy. Below is a transcript from one of those sessions.

*****

Transcript: Marriage Counseling Session
Participants: Chris & Suzanne Pershing
Counselor: Dr. Meredith Klein

Dr. Klein: So, what brings you here today?

Suzanne: We don’t want to get stuck. Comfortable is fine, but it can turn into boring if we’re not careful.

Chris: Love being married. Suzanne's my best friend.

Suzanne: And Chris is mine. We just don't want to lose the magic, you know? I know couples whose weddings were all exciting and romantic but the relationships quickly lose their spark. Sad.

Chris: Remember our wedding, honey? My favorite part was the reception. It really took the cake.

Suzanne: Anyway, Dr. Klein, we both want adventure. 

Dr. Klein: What kind of adventure?

Suzanne: Spontaneity. A road trip without a map. Dancing in the kitchen at midnight. Just… things that remind us we’re alive.

Chris: I tried sushi once. That was basically a cliff dive.

Suzanne: And then you ordered a cheeseburger.

Dr. Klein: Chris, how do you feel about Suzanne’s wish for more spontaneity?

Chris: Honestly? I want that too. I don’t want us to coast. I want to keep chasing her, even if I trip over my own shoelaces.

Suzanne: (smiling) That’s sweet.

Dr. Klein: Many couples I work with try to stay active. Do things together. Are you doing that?

Chris: For sure. Jiu jitsu classes. Ballroom dancing classes. Cooking classes. I tried making Chinese food but I was left wonton more. 

Suzanne: We've played co-ed kickball. We regularly exercise together.

Dr. Klein: Are you still intimate?

Chris: No complaints there.

Suzanne: None at all. Well... sometimes, honey, you're a little eager. Too eager.

Chris: Why bring that up here?

Dr. Klein: This is exactly the place to bring that up

Chris: Fair point.

Suzanne: I'm not trying to hurt your feelings, Chris. But, like the other day. We're trying to clean the house and you start getting all frisky. 

Chris: "Doing It All For My Baby" was playing. You know how I get when we play Huey Lewis and the News.

Suzanne (sheepishly): Yeah. Yeah, I do.

Dr. Klein: Looks like our time is almost up. Same time next week?

Chris: That works for us. (to Suzanne) Honey, we need to pick up some snacks for book club tonight.,

Dr. Klein: A book club is a great way for a couple to stay active. Love that for you both.

Suzanne: Yeah, we like it. It's fine. It's not always very exciting, though. Not exactly an adventure. 

Chris: We have a friend who married a writer. Said she had finally found Mr. Write.




Someone Else's Book Club drops on October 23rd, 2025!

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