The Catholic Book Club discussion

6. How does the theme of forgiveness play a role in the novel? What can we learn from the decisions that the characters made?
(This thread may contain SPOILERS.)

Rebecca likely forgave the Abominable Snowman for putting the air freshener in the testing room, even though Rebecca asked her not to. Rebecca doesn't appear to have reported this to the campus and this was kind of her in regards to the Abominable Snowman, but also potentially dangerous since Rebecca got very sick from the incident, and if the woman does that every time someone requests something because of allergies than some people, like those who have anaphylactic reactions just from being in the same room as someone eating peanut butter. I admire Rebecca's forgiving this frighteningly malicious woman, though I do think that she should have reported her to the campus security.

Rebecca also forgave Chelsey for dropping their friendship and telling Adriana that she thought Rebecca was embarrassing. I have had more than one person drop a friendship with me and it is particularly hurtful if they do it as abruptly and aggressively as Chelsey did. While Rebecca was hurt, she didn't seem angry the next time she saw Chelsey.

It's been a while since I read the book, so I suspect I've missed a few moments.

I love how you girls really zoned in on the Abominable Snowwoman scene. As a random fact of the day, that is actually my mother's favorite chapter in the book.

You are absolutely right that Rebecca should report her to campus security so that she may not affect the health of other students.

Some great examples of forgiveness. Another one would be that Peter needed to forgive himself in light of what occurred with his brother.