Difficulties with Girls is primarily an entertainment, intended to amuse more than to inform. Even so, there are aspects of the novel that would make for a good discussion. For instance, a group devoted to discussing readings is likely to be composed of people who will find Amis's insider's view of editorial offices and the publishing industry interesting. On the other hand, Patrick is a more problematic subject; some readers may find him merely annoying.

It is interesting how Amis constructs a comedy around an essentially unlikable, sometimes downright stupid character; the techniques he uses to make his novel successful in spite of (or because of) such a protagonist would make for a good beginning to a discussion of the book.

1. Difficulties with Girls is a good example of the sort of novel that has sustained Amis's popularity for four decades. It is funny, with its...