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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. 

God Speaks: Real Stories of God's Guiding Hand through Dreams or in Life

The book "Treasuring Grace" was inspired by a dream in which co -author Tracy Roberts feels that God spoke to her and directed her hand in the writing of the story. Many people feel God's special influence in their lives in direct or indirect ways.  This column seeks to bring you some of their inspirational stories.

The below story is that of John Gage, who is the talented & humble author of "Moved."

"God Literally Spoke to Me"

One is not required to believe, but I believe this story to be true.

Having been recently remarried and on a remote tour for a year away from my family, I was stationed in Korea, the Land of the Morning Calm. It was here that God humbled me a peg or two by showing me I was an alcoholic for over 16 years. That's right, I am John and I am an alcoholic. (Hi, John!) I am grateful for this knowledge because it led me to the root evil of all my unhappiness, all my confusion, my anger, and all my "emotional baggage".

I had been sober for about 4 months and had begun my "4th step" which is where one is to identify the wreckage in our lives and seek its' basic root evil. I quickly realized that I had a lot of anger, resentment and "stuff" to deal with. There was a lot of "emotional wreckage" tormenting me. I didn't do emotions in a healthy way, and had no idea of how to handle them. Overwhelmed and trying to get a foothold in this avalanche of realizations of sin in my life and how evil I was within, I was desperate for God's wisdom. On my knees, I cried...and I cried out to God. I literally begged Him - God to speak to me. "God, what is my number one problem?". I wanted to know so badly. I listened... and nothing. I still believed God would show me eventually, but I really wanted Him to speak to me. I laid down assuming I couldn't handle His truth or that God wasn't going to speak to me. I grew tired and was worn out, emotionally.

Tear soaked eyes and partially conscious, mostly asleep, my request was answered by Him. In His majestic and stately voice, God spoke to me. My first reaction was trembling for I knew I was in the presence of something Great... God... His voice; His Majesty; His Righteousness!! Awesome, simply Awesome!!! Hearing His voice made things explode in my mind. I reacted in a sort of gleeful panic, scared, excited, sorrowed, and overjoyed all at the same time. And I cried REALLY, REALLY hard because I was so honored to hear His voice, and at the same time, frightened because God revealed to me in a single word, the very nature of my misery.

God said the word, "John."

"John?" I thought and a little scared.

"John?" I thought and a confused momentarily.

"John!" I thought in a shocked state. "God means me? Am I my own worst enemy?"

"John...It's me?.... It's me..... It's me!" I thought. "Wow!" God told me and I understood right away the magnitude of His message. In a word, he told me that I am my own worst enemy.

Overjoyed and scared.... I had to call the one and only person I knew would believe me and understand me, and she did, of course. I am grateful that my best friend is and always will be my beautiful wife.

God revealed to me something that I really needed to know, and I want to share. I learned that yes, indeed, I am my own worst enemy. Now, I have a definition of pride which I feel is useful: "My thinking I am in charge."

This caused me to take a key step in my faith as a Christian. I made a complete surrender to Jesus. I got to take a good look at what God meant about my evil (John) in all aspects of my life. I saw my true nature and I am so much more grateful for God's gift of Eternal Salvation. I also realized I couldn't earn my way to heaven, nor intellectualize my way to heaven. I realized that God held me in the same regard as the rich man and the poor man, and that my sinful nature was no better and no worse than any man's. I could no longer judge others. A life of daily obedience to God has freed me from the bondage of alcoholism, and more importantly, myself.

To learn more about Alcoholics Anonymous, visit http://www.aa.org

John Gage is the talented & humble author of "Moved" http://www.2theheart.com/inspirational_stories/ is a devout Christian and family man; he teaches Sunday school and leads two fellowships in his home in Utah. He also performs duties as a Major in the United States Air Force. Email John and let him know how his story affected you!  John.Gage@HILL.af.mil

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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

God Speaks:True Stories of God's Interactions with Real People: Treasuring Grace's Inspiration and The Story of St Francis

 The book "Treasuring Grace" was inspired by a dream in which co -author Tracy Roberts feels that God spoke to her and directed her hand in the writing of the story. Many people feel God's special influence in their lives in direct or indirect ways.  This recurring column seeks to bring you some of their inspirational stories.

by Tracy Roberts

I have to admit that Many times when I share a story about hearing "God Speak" I begin with, "Now don't think I'm crazy but..."  Why is that?  Maybe because not many people talk about it, or because what we hear doesn't always make sense logically.

Think of St. Francis of Assisi.  He was told to rebuild the church.  Thinking it to be the physical building he began to build.  Again he heard "repair my church".  Eventually he knew God was calling him to repair the church body, the people.

We want to make sense of the supernatural.  Ephesians 3:20  states, "Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us,..."

The power at work within us:
Luke 11:9 begins with "And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 

It goes on in verse 13 to say, "If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

So why am I surprised to hear his voice?  I pray the prayer the Holy Spirit often.  Ask and we shall receive.

Believe,
Tracy

(Read more about Tracy's inspirational dream for the book Treasuring Grace on the updated About the Book tab)

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of us your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.  Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth.

O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructs the hearts of the faithful, grant, that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolations.  Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

The Story of St Francis

For those of you unfamiliar with the story of St. Francis of Assisi and his conversations with God, please enjoy the below excerpt from the story of his life from Catholic.org.

Francis grew up a wealthy and spoiled child in France. He spent his youth getting everything he wanted, enjoying all the finer things in life, wild parties, money, and was spoiled at every turn.
Eventually War came to the town of Assisi who took on a neighboring area of Peruga. As Francis was wealthy, he did not have to fight, but after a time he was kidnapped and taken for ransom by the opposing forces. He was held for a year, but never lost his happy attitude and returned to Assisi as carefree as he was before.

"The experience didn't change what he wanted from life either: Glory. Finally a call for knights for the Fourth Crusade gave him a chance for his dream. But before he left Francis had to have a suit of armor and a horse -- no problem for the son of a wealthy father. And not just any suit of armor would do but one decorated with gold with a magnificent cloak. Any relief we feel in hearing that Francis gave the cloak to a poor knight will be destroyed by the boasts that Francis left behind that he would return a prince. 

But Francis never got farther than one day's ride from Assisi. There he had a dream in which God told him he had it all wrong and told him to return home. And return home he did. What must it have been like to return without ever making it to battle -- the boy who wanted nothing more than to be liked was humiliated, laughed at, called a coward by the village and raged at by his father for the money wasted on armor. 

Francis' conversion did not happen over night. God had waited for him for twenty-five years and now it was Francis' turn to wait. Francis started to spend more time in prayer. He went off to a cave and wept for his sins. Sometimes God's grace overwhelmed him with joy. But life couldn't just stop for God. There was a business to run, customers to wait on. 

One day while riding through the countryside, Francis, the man who loved beauty, who was so picky about food, who hated deformity, came face to face with a leper. Repelled by the appearance and the smell of the leper, Francis nevertheless jumped down from his horse and kissed the hand of the leper. When his kiss of peace was returned, Francis was filled with joy. As he rode off, he turned around for a last wave, and saw that the leper had disappeared. He always looked upon it as a test from God...that he had passed. 

His search for conversion led him to the ancient church at San Damiano. While he was praying there, he heard Christ on the crucifix speak to him, "Francis, repair my church." Francis assumed this meant church with a small c -- the crumbling building he was in. Acting again in his impetuous way, he took fabric from his father's shop and sold it to get money to repair the church. His father saw this as an act of theft -- and put together with Francis' cowardice, waste of money, and his growing disinterest in money made Francis seem more like a madman than his son. Pietro dragged Francis before the bishop and in front of the whole town demanded that Francis return the money and renounce all rights as his heir. 

The bishop was very kind to Francis; he told him to return the money and said God would provide. That was all Francis needed to hear. He not only gave back the money but stripped off all his clothes -- the clothes his father had given him -- until he was wearing only a hair shirt. In front of the crowd that had gathered he said, "Pietro Bernardone is no longer my father. From now on I can say with complete freedom, 'Our Father who art in heaven.'" Wearing nothing but castoff rags, he went off into the freezing woods -- singing. And when robbers beat him later and took his clothes, he climbed out of the ditch and went off singing again. From then on Francis had nothing...and everything. 

Francis went back to what he considered God's call. He begged for stones and rebuilt the San Damiano church with his own hands, not realizing that it was the Church with a capital C that God wanted repaired. Scandal and avarice were working on the Church from the inside while outside heresies flourished by appealing to those longing for something different or adventurous. 

Soon Francis started to preach. (He was never a priest, though he was later ordained a deacon under his protest.) Francis was not a reformer; he preached about returning to God and obedience to the Church. Francis must have known about the decay in the Church, but he always showed the Church and its people his utmost respect. When someone told him of a priest living openly with a woman and asked him if that meant the Mass was polluted, Francis went to the priest, knelt before him, and kissed his hands -- because those hands had held God. 

Slowly companions came to Francis, people who wanted to follow his life of sleeping in the open, begging for garbage to eat...and loving God. With companions, Francis knew he now had to have some kind of direction to this life so he opened the Bible in three places. He read the command to the rich young man to sell all his good and give to the poor, the order to the apostles to take nothing on their journey, and the demand to take up the cross daily. "Here is our rule," Francis said -- as simple, and as seemingly impossible, as that. He was going to do what no one thought possible any more -- live by the Gospel. Francis took these commands so literally that he made one brother run after the thief who stole his hood and offer him his robe! 

Francis never wanted to found a religious order -- this former knight thought that sounded too military. He thought of what he was doing as expressing God's brotherhood. His companions came from all walks of life, from fields and towns, nobility and common people, universities, the Church, and the merchant class. Francis practiced true equality by showing honor, respect, and love to every person whether they were beggar or pope.

Read more at Catholic.org

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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

God Speaks: Real Stories of God's Guiding Hand...

The book "Treasuring Grace" was inspired by a dream in which co -author Tracy Roberts feels that God spoke to her and directed her hand in the writing of the story. Many people feel God's special influence in their lives in direct or indirect ways.  This recurring column seeks to bring you some of their inspirational stories.

"John's Story"

“ I remember it was a Dark street with a lot of people walking, looking for something.  Jesus looked at me and asked “what do you see John?

 I said, “I see a lot of people who look poor and need help.”

Jesus said to me “you’re right, these are my children. What they are looking for is help.” A tear came to my eyes because I could not help his children.

I saw next to this street a series of brightly lit yards and nice sidewalks leading to the doors of churches. Each one was beautiful, covered with gold and embellishments, filled with followers. At that time that gave me hope in my heart.  

 Jesus said to me “John, look.” and some people came out with food and gave to the street people and then they were walking back to their church’s very happy with what they have just done.

They were being followed by a few of the people. Now, they were not dressed nicely and they asked if they could come in, they wanted to belong to the churches on the block but they didn’t know or look right for the church they were asking to enter and after a while the doors were closed and no one enter from the street. 

Now it was raining and terrible weather outside and I ask Jesus what happen? He said to me “Is it the children in the church or the children in the street who need to learn?”

Just after he said this I didn’t have time to ask him enough questions when a chariot landed right in front of us.  The doors opened and the doorman held them open then all the Church doors opened and the people inside came out to see what was going on.  They quickly jumped into the chariots, pushing the people who were on the streets off.

 As the last car was being filled Jesus reached out his arm, saving the last seat for me and said “John, do you wish to go with them? 

I waited for a short time and said “I don’t deserve to go Jesus I am not worthy” and I backed away from the car I turned to Jesus and ask if he was going he said “No John, My children need to learn and there is still time” and then The Chariot lifted off the ground and soared into the sky. 

A bright light began to build in the sky and the people in the chariot were excited because they were going to Heaven. Suddenly the bright light turned into a hot and fiery Volcano, and the Chariot rode right into the middle of it, with all the Church people inside.

 After I saw what had happen I didnt know what to say, so I asked, “how do we enter into heaven Jesus”. 

As tears ran down my face and I found my self kneeling in front of him for I was one of those people doing what was being ask of me. No more but no less. In my heart I know I was doing works just to get my place in the chariot to heaven.

As Jesus leaned down to me he asked me to stand.  As I look through my tears I could see we were no longer on the street.  It was still raining and windy but in front of us was a rocky mountain with water running down it and a cable like off a crane but it was frayed he told me to grab the cable and put my hand on it and said “John this is the only way.”

 So I started to pull my self up the cable it was ripping through my skin on my hands and the sides of my feet were bare and the rocks did not help much.   

 “The road to heaven is not easy John it takes a lot of hard work and must give your body and soul to your work” that was the last thing I head from Jesus.  

  As I was squeezing through a tight hole I could see at last a bright light and I felt peace falling through the hole onto me. My hand was ripped up and bleeding but as soon as it reach the light it was healed and then I woke up feeling the pain in my hands and turning on the light I could see little cuts all over my hands. I fell to the floor and prayed.   The next morning I showed my wife and told her of what the dream was and where I thought the cuts came from .”

Have you been touched by God or inspired by a dream? Share your story with us here.

Treasuring Grace Book Clubbers! Discussion Questions for Ch. 8 and 9

Hi Treasuring Grace Book Club Readers!

We hope you are enjoying your summer read of Treasuring Grace. If you havent started, its not too late to enjoy all the cool author insights and discussion questions, so start up a book club group and get reading!
For those of you who are staying on schedule here are your book club questions for chapters 8 and 9.

In Chapter 8, how can you explain Liz’s choice of seats for the trip and her explanation for sitting there?

 

You’ve seen Liz and Scott together for several chapters. What observations do you have about their relationship, especially as it relates to their children?

 

In Chapter 9, why do you think Jake is so worked up about Alyssa’s feigned interest in Drew?

 

Why does Liz’s expression cloud briefly at the end of Chapter 9?

SPOILER ALERT:  

Discussion questions with authors insights:

 

In Chapter 8, how can you explain Liz’s choice of seats for the trip and her explanation for sitting there?

 

Liz initially states her reason clearly: so that Grace can see the horses. Alyssa didn’t hear her, and as people frequently do, Liz didn’t simply repeat her statement. Instead, she said that she wanted to be near each of her children, which was plausible. Alyssa’s teenager response about togetherness was easy to ignore, and could have just as easily been attributed to an empty window seat as to a bigger person sitting in the middle.

 

You’ve seen Liz and Scott together for several chapters. What observations do you have about their relationship, especially as it relates to their children?

Outside of a few jobs and note cards, their relationship is almost entirely sustained by their children. Their conversation is about them. Their activities include them. Liz even sits in the back of the truck when the seat could easily slide forward to give Jake more room. The loss of Grace created the void between them, but Jake and Alyssa prevent it from getting bigger.

 

In Chapter 9, why do you think Jake is so worked up about Alyssa’s feigned interest in Drew?

Jake is a good brother, and of course he doesn’t want his sister involved with someone who moves from girl to girl and brags about his conquests.  He also fears where an unwanted pregnancy may lead.

 

Why does Liz’s expression cloud briefly at the end of Chapter 9?

Liz is deluded.  But even in her fantasy, she sees herself as unsuitable for guiding her happy, mischievous daughter through life’s difficult decisions.  

Start reading chapters 10 and 11 for next week!