The pharmaceutical industry has come under significant criticism for making certain drugs available to consumers, for withholding other drugs that could benefit society, and for greatly overcharging for some products. Hailey develops some ideas about misguided or corrupt practices in the industry, and the group discussion could raise others and comment on the current appropriateness of Hailey's criticism.

1. What little-known aspects of the pharmaceutical industry does Hailey explain in this book?

2. What personal and professional characteristics make Celia de Grey Jordan an appropriate heroine for this story? Is she believable as an executive?

3. How does the subplot that involves Celia's husband Dr. Andrew Jordan in a battle against drug abuse among physicians complement the main story?

4. Does Hailey take a clear position on the ethics of experimentation on live animals?

5. In what ways does the novel emphasize how the desire for fast profit or for fame...