For Book Clubs

Dear Book Club Members,

One of my greatest joys as an author has been connecting with fellow book lovers. Through visiting with book clubs via Skype, telephone, and in person, I've had the opportunity to talk about what I love most (besides my family and friends) ~ books! Being able to spend an hour or so with my kindred spirits is at once revitalizing and relaxing.

I hope that you will sign up for a possible book club discussion with me. I can't promise to fulfill all requests, but I'll do my best.

Here's what book clubs are saying:

"Everyone thought it was great to meet you, being able to ask you questions and get a straight answer – what a wonderful night. I got so many emails from members that attended that said that it was the best book club meeting we have had yet." ~Terry - book club discussion via Skype

"We LOVED, LOVED, LOVED having you attend our book club meeting! It was fascinating to hear about your writing process, how you developed your characters, how you went about finding an agent and the whole publishing process. We loved hearing about your life, the books you choose to read yourself, and how your dream to write a novel came true. Thank you!" ~The Quail Park Book Club

Sweeten up your Discussion of The Weight of Silence

While The Weight of Silence has all the elements for a serious book discussion, lighten it up by serving the fun food mentioned in the novel and see if club members can recall how each food item fits into the book.

  • Peanut butter fluff sandwiches
  • Tootsie Rolls
  • Tin roof sundae ice cream
  • Your favorite beer – please don't drink and drive!
  • Pizza

The Weight of Silence Discussion Questions

  1. Antonia describes herself as a bad mother while Louis reassures her that she, indeed, is a good mother. What evidence from the book supports each of their beliefs? How does Louis' history with Antonia effect his own decisions as a husband and father?
  2. Antonia and Louis' long history together is integral to The Weight of Silence. As a deputy sheriff, what, if any, ethical or moral boundaries did Louis cross in the search for Calli?
  3. Ben and Calli grew up with an abusive, alcoholic father. Knowing that abuse is often passed on from generation to generation, what are Ben's and Calli's chances of breaking the cycle of abuse in their future relationships? What instances from the book lead you to believe this?
  4. How does the death of Antonia's mother play into the decisions Antonia made as a wife and mother? How do you think Antonia's life would be different if her mother had lived?
  5. Martin Gregory, a proper, disciplined professor of economics has always valued order, predictability, and restraint in all areas of his life. How does his decision to seek retribution against the man he was sure violated his daughter fit into his belief system?
  6. Antonia, Louis, Martin, and Petra's perspectives are told in the first person present tense point of view while Calli's is told in third person past tense? Why do you think the author decided to write the story in this way?
  7. What does the title The Weight of Silence mean to you? How does the title relate to each of the main characters' lives?
  8. Before Calli and Petra's disappearance, the Willow Creek Woods was a haven for Calli, Ben, and Toni. Calli, fearful of the forest after her ordeal, asked her mother if she ever got scared when walking in the woods. Toni replied, "It sent you back to me, didn't it?" What did Toni mean by this?
  9. Martin Gregory had worked so hard to leave behind his farming roots by becoming a college professor, but after Petra's abduction and serious injuries, Martin subsequently moved with his family from Willow Creek to a farm. Why did Martin and Fielda decide to do this?
  10. Toni describes Calli and Petra as "kindred spirits." What makes their friendship so special? Do you think Calli and Petra's friendship will last into their adulthood? Why or why not? Who do you consider to be your kindred spirit? Why?

Get Serious with your Discussion of These Things Hidden

These Things Hidden delves into some pretty serious subject matter, including the protection of our most vulnerable citizens ~ children. In addition to using the These Things Hidden discussion guide, consider using your book club as an opportunity to give back to your community.

  • Collect new or gently used infant clothing and dontate them to a locals women's shelter ~ so often these women and their children seek the safety of the shelter with only the clothes on their backs.
  • Check with your local hospital ~ many infants go home sorely lacking even the basic necessities ~ diapers, formula, a thermometer, receiving blankets, clothing, books.

Mental health issues and animals are also mentioned in the novel. Did you know many studies show that having a pet is good for you? Petting a dog or a cat improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure and helps ease everyday worries. Animal therapy is greatly helpful when treating stress, depression and anxiety.

Collect items for your local animal shelter or Humane Society ~ items often requested include

  • Paper towels
  • Dog and cat food
  • Bleach
  • Laundry detergent
  • Fleece blankets
  • Cat and dog treats and toys
  • Kitty litter
  • Cat milk replacer
  • Cash donations (tax deductable)

I look forward to hearing how your book discussions go!

These Things Hidden Discussion Questions

  1. Charm, Claire and Allison all serve as Joshua's mother at some point in the novel. In the end, who is the best mother? Why do you think so? How does each of these characters evolve throughout the story?
  2. The women in the story all love Joshua in their own way. What else do they have in common? What are their differences?
  3. Describe Charm's relationship with her mother. How does Charm demonstrate her determination to be different than her mother? What qualities do they share?
  4. Olene, the director of the halfway house where Allison resides, tells her to "meet the world with hope in your heart." What does this quote mean for each of the main characters? What does it mean for your own life?
  5. Water is consistently referenced throughout the novel. What is its significance? What message do you think the author is trying to relate to the reader?
  6. Many of the characters in this novel have hopes and expectations for their family members that are not met. How do the various characters deal with their disappointment? Are their reactions justified? Do you relate to this in your own life?
  7. We see glimpses of Allison and Brynn's parents through each girl's eyes. How have their parents shaped each girl? How have their roles in their family defined their relationship? How have your parents shaped you?
  8. How does public perception of Allison and Brynn differ from how the sisters view themselves—and each other? How does this change throughout the book? How did your perceptions of Brynn and Allison change as you learned more about each character?
  9. It is Christopher that connects Allison to Charm, yet his presence in the story is seen only through the eyes of women in his life. What was your impression of Christopher? Why do you think Allison fell in love with him?
  10. In These Things Hidden, several characters take on the role of a parent—for example, Devin, Olene, Gus—for a child to whom they are not biologically related. What makes a good parent? Has there been anyone in your life who has represented the role of a parent for you? Have you done this for anyone in your life?