Michael Emerson, who plays Ben Linus (in season two known as Henry Gale), was originally contracted to appear in just three episodes but the producers were so impressed by him that they contracted him for a further five episodes (making eight in total). In season 3, he is a regular cast member.
The book club is reading Carrie by Stephen King, a story about a special child, a recurring theme of the show.
Juliette asks Jack what he does professionally. Jack replies that he's a "Repo Man." Hurley's original backstory was a high-profile repo man.