M.A. Harper | Author
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. One of the most prominent themes in the novel is Alzheimer's. How do you feel about Harper's approach to shedding light on this disease? Does the fact that Harper lived through a similar situation make her novel more credible?
2. Do you think that Velma is jealous of Jeanne? Does C. Ray give her any reason to be? Why do you think that Velma is so critical of her?
3. Are Rocky and C. Ray really blind to Velma's faults, or are they simply in denial? Does love tend to dilute one's perceptions of another's faults? Explain.
4. After Jeanne defeats her would-be-rapist, she feels a strong sense of pride. However, she quickly loses it. Why do you think this is so?
5. Harper makes it obvious that Rocky was looking for his mother in the woman he married. Who or what was Jeanne looking for?
6. When Rocky is taken to the emergency room to have his stomach pumped, Velma asks Jeanne if she wants ice cream. Jeanne convinces herself that she does, even though she truly does not. What else does Velma encourage Jeanne to want?
7. Jeanne is an art history major because she loves beautiful things. What else does she consider to be beautiful? What do you consider to be beautiful?
8. How would the relationship between Velma and Jeanne be different if Alzheimer's did not play a role? Do you know anybody with Alzheimer's or another terminal illness? How does this affect your relationship with them?
9. Jeanne feels that her diary is the only thing that she can confide in. Why do you think she has so little trust in others? Do you keep a diary? Do you share it with others on occasion?
10. When Jeanne bursts through the door to free herself and her mother from the fire, she feels like a heroine. Are there any changes at this point in the story? What is the symbolism of this action, or is there any?