Treasuring Grace Book Club: Discussion Questions Ch, 25-26 The Final Chapters

We have come to the final chapters of Treasuring Grace. We hope you have enjoyed the journey and have come to love this family and their struggles as much as we do. We would love to hear your thoughts on the book and this virtual book club. For now, here are the last discussion questions and author insights. Thanks for being part of this process.

In Chapter 25, how do you think the confession went for Liz ?

First, I think it’s important to know that the confession scene is an accurate depiction of what a woman in Liz ’s position could experience.  The scene is consistent with Church teaching.  The theme would be forgiveness, not punishment or harsh judgment.  “Giddy”, I think, would be the word to describe the feeling she would have after having that enormous burden suddenly removed.

 

Chapter 26 is the end of the story.  How do you think the Swansons will do?

Jake’s world got rocked a little bit, but he’s stronger and wiser for it.  Alyssa is still cheerful and mischievous, but also a little wiser.  Grocery shopping has been the benchmark in Liz and Scott’s relationship, and they’re back to doing it together.  The void in their marriage has been removed, and they’re communicating and sharing ideas.   Liz is coming to terms with the abortion and finding peace by writing to Grace in her journals.  They’ll do well. 

Treasuring Grace: Book Club Discussion Questions Ch. 23 and 24

Hi friends, we are coming close to the end of our Treasuring Grace bookclub and we hope you have enjoyed it. When we are done we'd love to hear what you have thought of the experience. 

Here are this weeks book club questions for chapters 23 and 24.

Jennifer is featured prominently in Chapters 23 and 24.  What do you think about her response to Liz ’s despair?

We don’t really know a lot about Jennifer, but we can imagine and extrapolate from what we do know.  Despite the porta-potties when we first met her, image was very important to her.  The parade was also very important to her, so she didn’t leave it lightly.  This was almost heroic, and her subsequent rescue of Liz was crucial – you can imagine the Swansons sitting there for a long time without her help.  Sharing her own story was generous and pivotal in helping Liz .  Acknowledging the wrong and asking for forgiveness was a necessary approach.  Liz wouldn’t have responded to anything else, especially not an attempt to minimize it.

 

Do you think the relationship between Jennifer and Scott will change?  

I think Jennifer and Scott will think a little differently of each other, but they enjoy antagonizing each other too much to let it go.

 

Has Jennifer gotten over her own abortion?  

Probably not.  By her own admission, her personality changed.  She became an “Ice Queen”.  There was a stronger term before editing.  That’s why Scott’s kind words got to her.  It was almost easier for her to believe that she was just a hard, cold person than that she was a good person who made a mistake.

Read Chapters 25 and 26

Treasuring Grace Book Club Discussion Questions Ch 20 -22

We are nearing the end of our Treasuring Grace Book Club adventure and we hope you have been having fun and enjoying the author insights and discussion questions.  Here are the questions to delve into for chapters 20-22.

Consider the path of Liz ’s emotional state through Chapters 20, 21, and 22.  How do you think it relates to her belief in Grace?

In Chapter 20, the Swansons enjoy an idyllic evening on the lake.  Jake and Scott enjoy a heated game of catch, jabbing at each other.  Alyssa is annoyed by it, by Liz is wiser and tolerant even though their bantering and competing must get tiresome.  Just like their day on the lake, Liz is the glue that holds it together.  She makes the dinner.  She gathers the ingredients for the s’mores.  She keeps the peace.  She’s happy and content, and she believes that Grace is safe, snug, and fast asleep in her bed.

A transition occurs in Chapter 21.  Liz gets a warning from her grandfather but attempts to ignore it.  Liz is anxious to get to the parade, and puts on quite a show with her singing and stomping around to be sure that everyone is awake.  She’s still in good spirits, but it may almost seem forced with her joke about clowns and then snapping at Alyssa.  Grace is gone by the end of the chapter, but Liz doesn’t understand yet.

Liz fully understands the truth about Grace in Chapter 22, and she falls into complete despair.

 

In Chapter 22, the Swansons finally understand what Liz has gone through.  What do you think of their reactions?

Well, the reactions of Scott and Alyssa may be a little idealized.  A husband immediately acknowledging the significance and accepting blame for something that happened 8 years prior might not be typical.  But he loves her, largely understands her, and saw her weekend’s joy turn to heartbreak overnight.  

Alyssa had spent hours analyzing her mother’s tormented journal entries.  She would have to be pretty cold hearted not to immediately express sympathy and assurance.  

Jake was the holdout.  This was his first stumble, but we felt it was important to the story to acknowledge that the path to self-forgiveness might not be entirely smooth.

  

Read Ch. 23 and 24

Treasuring Grace Book Club Discussion Questions: Ch. 17 -19

Hey book club members! We hope you are enjoying your summer with Treasuring Grace. 

In Chapters 17 through 19, do you notice anything different happening with Grace?

 

In Chapter 18, Liz ’s grandfather says “And you can’t reach her from here.”  What are two possible explanations for that?

SPOILER ALERT:

 In Chapters 17 through 19, do you notice anything different happening with Grace?

 Prior to this, Liz ’s belief in Grace has been mostly unobtrusive, with a lot of whispered conversations.  There have been instances where Liz ’s word choice might have confused others, but it was always easy to find an explanation that didn’t include Grace – which would have been the perception of a character grounded in reality.  However, there are events in these chapters where Liz ’s behavior would seem increasingly odd to someone who was observing her or listening closely: laughing, jumping in the lake, playing games by herself, etc.  She’s getting closer to a breakdown.

In Chapter 18, Liz ’s grandfather says “And you can’t reach her from here.”  What are two possible explanations for that?

Liz is supposed to understand that Grace is dead and with her grandfather in heaven.  That’s why she can’t reach her.  However, the interpretation that Liz chooses and the one more obvious to a reader would be that Liz needs to get her butt moving so that she can reach Grace in the water.

Read Chapters 20- 22

Treasuring Grace Book Club Questions for Ch. 15 and 16

Hi Friends, 

We hope you are continuing to enjoy your summer read of Treasuring Grace. If you havent started, its not to late! Pick up a copy and catch up. The discussion questions for previous chapters can all be found on the Treasuring Grace Book Club tab at the top of the blog. 

Here are the discussion questions for Chapters 15 and 16.

We see some more of Jennifer again in Chapter 15.  Describe her and her relationship with Scott.

 

Jennifer calls herself the “Ice Queen”.  She’s demanding and focused on tasks.  She’s sensitive and already feeling the loss of her graduating daughter, but she tries to hide her feelings.  We know from further reading that she evolved into this person after her own abortion.  The graduation of her daughter is particularly poignant knowing that the aborted child could have helped fill the void.

 

Jennifer and Scott enjoy being enemies.  They enjoy trying to irritate each other.  Instead of simply not getting along with each other, they’ve found a way to make their occasional forced contact enjoyable.

SPOILER ALERT QUESTION:
 

Chapter 16 is the Swanson’s day on the lake.  Why is it so enjoyable for them?

 

Liz believes Grace is alive and with them.  Not only does this erase the burden of the abortion, but Liz immensely enjoys her imaginary Grace.   Liz laughs more and does more things.  Everybody enjoys the day more as a result.  Even Scott is willing to go to the party afterwards.

  

Read Chapters 17,18, 19

Treasuring Grace Book Club Questions Chapters 12 -14

Hey Book Clubbers!  We hope your summer is going great and that you are enjoying your summer read thus far. Here are your discussion questions for Chapters 12 through 14.

In Chapter 12, what does Alyssa think that a “picture with Grace” means?

Well, it certainly doesn’t mean a picture with her little sister who doesn’t exist.  She doesn’t really know, so she assumes that she’s supposed to look graceful or not fall off the swing or something.  Of course, given Alyssa’s habit of practical jokes, it probably wouldn’t strike her as too odd to be admonished to behave before the picture was even taken.

 

Scott doesn’t think he’s a good father.  Have you noticed any examples of this?  Do you agree with him?


SPOILER ALERT:

Questions with authors insights

In Chapter 12, what does Alyssa think that a “picture with Grace” means?

Well, it certainly doesn’t mean a picture with her little sister who doesn’t exist.  She doesn’t really know, so she assumes that she’s supposed to look graceful or not fall off the swing or something.  Of course, given Alyssa’s habit of practical jokes, it probably wouldn’t strike her as too odd to be admonished to behave before the picture was even taken.

 Scott doesn’t think he’s a good father.  Have you noticed any examples of this?  Do you agree with him?

Very early on he credits Liz with their success in raising the kids.  He mentions that if he travelled more they might benefit enough from his absence to earn scholarships.  He contrasts Jake’s Eagle Scout rank with his own failed attempt at Cub Scouts.  His father’s abandonment weighs on him, and he worries that it might be genetic.  His driving fantasy about an early Swanson explorer is telling.  He insists that Liz could do nothing unforgivable, but he could.

 

When reading a new book, especially one with any first person narration, the interesting thing for me is deciding who I can trust.  Is what they say or think supported by their actions or the actions of others?  Clearly Scott can’t be trusted when talking about himself.  He’s a good Dad.  He calls from the road.  He sacrifices for them.  He’s present with them in talking, joking, and playing.  He speaks highly of their mother to them which is a great example of love and gives them stability. It was also important to the story that Scott be a good father.  He couldn't be demonized, allowing readers to conclude that he drove Liz to the abortion.  No, they were a relatively happy couple who were good to each other but failed to address the issue with good communication and focus.  Through a mutual combination of avoidance and willful ignorance, Liz got the abortion, not fully realizing the implications or long term effects.

Start Reading Chapters 15 and 16

Treasuring Grace Book Club: Discussion Questions for Ch. 10 and 11

Hello again book club members! We hope you are ever -more engrossed in Treasuring Grace and enjoying your summer read. Below are the discussion questions for Chapters 10 and 11, with the authors insights in the Spoiler Alerts below.  

In Chapter 10, how is Liz ’s subconscious trying to shake her from her delusion?

 

In her dream, her grandfather is telling her to go back to reality and that Grace is gone. She’s also hurting herself by squeezing the pin which should be drawing her attention to the pin and what it represents.

 

 

In Chapter 11, after Jake jumps back in the car, Alyssa says that he should become a doctor.  Can you think of a reason why he is objecting to this?

SPOILER ALERT

In Chapter 11, after Jake jumps back in the car, Alyssa says that he should become a doctor.  Can you think of a reason why he is objecting to this?

He says that there are things a doctor has to do that he couldn’t do.  He’s referring to abortions.

 

There are other very subtle references to abortion that could easily be missed.  Did you notice any in the book so far?

Well, these are subtle, and I would strenuously object if I was reading the book and being graded on it.  However, earlier in Chapter 11, Alyssa concludes that Jake is adopted and Scott agrees.   Liz asks, “Scott how could you deny your own son?”  Before that, at the end of Chapter 6, Scott decides to direct Alyssa’s jokes toward Jake with the narrator concluding: “Paternal instincts sometimes lost to the drive for self-preservation, even when it was just to avoid a little difficulty.”  That is unfair on a number of levels.  It is very subtle to recognize, but it’s also, in many cases, an unfair characterization of a father’s reason to pursue an abortion.  However, at times in addition to the ignorance that it’s a life and the enormity of that implication, there can be an element of selfishness. 

Read Chapters 12 -14

Book Club Members! Discussion Questions Chapter 3-5

Hi Readers!
Below you'll find the discussion questions for Treasuring Grace, Chapters 3-5.  As before, I have posted just the questions below,  for those of you who are reading TG for the first time.  Following that you'll find a big SPOILER ALERT section which has the questions followed by the author's insightful answers... We hope you enjoy this special look at a great read.

1) In Chapter 3, Jake says, “Sometimes laws and justice conflict with each other.”  For a conscientious rule-follower, this is a pretty strong statement.  He also mentions slavery and despite its obvious evil now, he contends that you would have faced moral objections had you tried to argue against it when it was legal.  What is bothering him?

 

 

2) At the end of Chapter 4 there are 2 journal entries.  In the first Liz is thrilled about a new job.  In the second, she is devastated because the job has been cancelled.  She mentions her sacrifices and her lost faith.  Even Alyssa accuses her mom of overreacting.  Why is she so upset about losing the job?

 

 

3) There is one journal entry in Chapter 5.  What “would have been today”?

 

 

4) In Chapter 5 when Liz sneaks into the bedroom, what does Alyssa overhear without realizing it?

 

SPOILER ALERT SECTION

 

1) In Chapter 3, Jake says, “Sometimes laws and justice conflict with each other.”  For a conscientious rule-follower, this is a pretty strong statement.  He also mentions slavery and despite its obvious evil now, he contends that you would have faced moral objections had you tried to argue against it when it was legal.  What is bothering him?

 

Well, obviously he can’t speak out against abortion this early in the story without giving too much away, but that’s what he’s alluding to.  If he’s been to a life rally, he’s familiar with the parade of lies that are routinely used to justify killing unborn babies.  Unfortunately, his comparison to slavery isn’t entirely appropriate.  Whereas that practice was no doubt driven by greed, it was sustained by ignorance.  No new enlightenment is on the horizon to abate the practice of abortion.  The feet on the cover tell the story: it’s a baby.  If that isn’t an adequate deterrent, it’s hard to imagine what will be.

 

2) At the end of Chapter 4 there are 2 journal entries.  In the first Liz is thrilled about a new job.  In the second, she is devastated because the job has been cancelled.  She mentions her sacrifices and her lost faith.  Even Alyssa accuses her mom of overreacting.  Why is she so upset about losing the job?

 

She’s not upset about the lost job.  She’s upset because she aborted Grace in anticipation of the job.  She didn’t think that she could handle a baby and the new job.  That is the sacrifice she made.  She’s not thinking of her schooling.  She’s lost her faith and trust because she can’t forgive herself, can’t believe that God could forgive her, and she’s angry.

 

3) There is one journal entry in Chapter 5.  What “would have been today”?

 

2/20/2002 was Liz ’s due date for Grace.

 

4) In Chapter 5 when Liz sneaks into the bedroom, what does Alyssa overhear without realizing it?

 

You have to read ahead to Liz ’s journal entry in the next chapter, but she is sitting down on Grace’s bed, giving her a hug and a kiss, and telling her that she loves her, etc. 

Start Reading Chapters 6 and 7

 

Treasuring Grace BookClub Discussion Questions Chapter 1 and 2

Hi Friends,
We hope you have enjoyed the book club thus far. Below are the discussion questions for chapters 1 and 2. If you have gathered your friends together to enjoy the book as a group, begin your discussion!

If you are reading the book for a second time, you'll appreciate the notes from the author in the second "SPOILER ALERT" section of the posting. Here you will find Rob Plumley's discussion questions (same as in the first section) along with his insights ... but be warned! Reading the second section may give away some of the secrets of the book if you haven't discovered the treasures of Treasuring Grace already!

Discussion Questions for Chapter 1 and 2

1)       What is the pin?  If you’ve read to the end, you know what the pin is. 

2)       What do you think the voice of Liz’s grandfather represents?

3)       In Liz’s journal entry at the end of Ch 1, why won’t Grace ever wear the sweatshirt? 

4)       Describe the relationship of Liz and Scott.  Has it changed?  

   

SPOILER ALERT:  QUESTIONS WITH AUTHORS INSIGHTS

1)       What is the pin?  If you’ve read to the end, you know what the pin is.  Look at the back cover of your book.  Do you see how it might be mistaken for an angel’s wings or a butterfly especially if you didn’t want to believe what it was?

2)       What do you think the voice of Liz’s grandfather represents? Throughout the book his voice represents her conscience trying to guide her to the truth.

3)       In Liz’s journal entry at the end of Ch 1, why won’t Grace ever wear the sweatshirt?  As Liz falls asleep, she’s still mourning the loss of Grace.  But notice that she’s deluded in her sleep and has already convinced herself that Grace is alive and needs a swimsuit for the trip.  Scott accepts it as meaningless sleep talk.

4)       Describe the relationship of Liz and Scott.  Has it changed?  They were probably newlyweds for a long time.  Their relationship is still pretty good.  They laugh together.  They love each other.  Liz makes cookies, leaves notes, and recognizes the goodness in Scott.  Scott worries about Liz being taken advantage of on the trip.  He credits her with their wonderful kids.  But there is a gap growing between them.  Neither knows the origin, but both recognize it.  For example, it might have been nice for Liz to wait up for Scott, and maybe she would have if he’d called.

  

Start reading Chapters 3, 4 and 5! 

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A Message and A Prayer from Treasuring Grace

I hope you are enjoying Treasuring Grace and have laughed through the first two chapters.  Rob with his witty way of writing helps keep the story light and humorous.

 

Many of you know that Treasuring Grace is inspired by a dream.  On the morning of October 19, 2007 I awoke from a vivid dream.  It was as if I were watching a movie.  I got up and jotted down the main ideas while they were still fresh in my mind.  I felt compelled to share the message of the dream with others.

 

Thanks to the collaboration with Rob Plumley, the first copy of Treasuring Grace was printed exactly 3 years after the date of the dream.  Coincidence?  I don't believe so!

 

Enjoy reading,

Tracy

 

A prayer from St. Teresa of Avila

 

Lord,

 

Grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by you, always follow your plans, and perfectly accomplish your will.  Grant that in all things, great and small, today and all the days of my life, I may do whatever you require of me.

 

Help me to respond to the slightest prompting of your grace, so that I may be a trustworthy instrument for your honor.  May your will be done in time and in eternity - by me, in me, and through me.

 

Amen

 

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Treasuring Grace Online Book Club

  Join us on a summer reading adventure!  Together we will read through Treasuring Grace by Rob Plumley and Tracy Roberts (books may be purchased online from Healthy Life Press or Amazon).

    Treasuring Grace, a novel inspired by a dream, shares a story and a secret that will touch your heart.  You will come to know the characters and gain insight as the authors share their thoughts along the way.

    Begin reading on Wednesday, June 13.  The following week you will get discussion questions for chapters one and two.

    Pick up your copy of Treasuring Grace and join us on this journey!

Don't Miss Your Chance for a Free E Book Copy of Treasuring Grace

Tomorrow we will be drawing names for three free eBook copies of Treasuring Grace in preparation for our summer guided book reading!  Comment here or on our Facebook page to have your name put in for a drawing for one of three copies so you can be ready to join in on the fun!

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Coming Soon.... Can you Read Between the Lines?

"Treasuring Grace" is a great read with a message we want to share... we have an idea of how we can make it fun and easy for you to get involved! ... Get your copy now and get ready for a fun summer .... Stay Tuned!

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