Disscusion Questions:
- Who do you think the woman in the green dress represents, if anything? (There are no wrong answers here — only personal interpretation!)
- Luke found himself stuck in his manuscript before his father’s stroke, before returning to Halcyon. Why do you think he came up against writer’s block?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least, how much do you think Norah and Téa are alike? How do you arrive at your answer?
- Do you think there is any special significance to the character Eden Damaris being deaf? Do you think there are underlying reasons why Luke made her that way?
- Luke’s return to Halcyon is unsettling for him in many ways. Have you ever returned to your hometown after years of being away? What was it like?
- How much sympathy do you have for Nell? How about Darrel? Have you met people like these two? Why, in your opinion, do some people end up living such unfulfilled lives?
- The tree house becomes a refuge for Luke, and later for Norah, too. Discuss the placement of the tree house between the two houses. What is its significance to the story? Discuss its survival throughout the years.
- Describe your first impression of Norah when you meet her at the age of six. Does your impression change as she grows up within the story?
- Why do you think Kieran invents an imaginary playmate? Do you think Luke and Norah handled this situation the best way? What would you have done?
- What role does Goose Pond play? Is there significance in Norah’s attempting to touch the bottom and being unable to?
- Re-read Norah’s poem about the whales. What does Norah reveal about herself in the verses? Are there hidden things there that the reader can pick up but Norah herself is unaware of? What does the poem mean to you?
- Consider Luke’s immediate family members. What are some key description words for his father, Jack? How about his mother, Mary Ann? And his brother Ethan?
- At which ages do you identify with Luke and Norah the most (or enjoy them the most)? 8 and 6? 12 and 10? 15 and 13? Or 17 and 15?
- How surprised were you when you read what happened to Kieran in Nell’s driveway? How about when MaryAnn revealed what ultimately become of Kieran and Norah after they left Halcyon?
- Describe your take on Norah’s response when Luke finds her in Colorado. Luke admits to her he made a horrible mistake. Do you agree? What should he have done differently? Would it have changed anything?
- The writer of Ecclesiastes says that God has set eternity in our hearts, that we are wired to long for heaven. Discuss your understanding of this verse.
- Do you think Norah will agree to come to Luke and Téa’s house for Thanksgiving? Where do you see Luke and Norah ten years after the story ends? What is their relationship like?
© 2004. All Rights Reserved. Site created by Josh Taber.