Books Without Borders discussion

1. One of the first things Tully says to Kate is a lie. Indeed, Tully isquick to lie throughout her life. Do you think this trait is her way ofhiding the shames in her past or is it a willful reinterpretation of self? Dothese lies and manipulations, big and small, help her ultimately to be morehonest about whom she is or do they undermine her ability to face her ownshortcomings?

2. From her earliest memory, Tully feels abandoned by her mother and father. How does this sense of being unwanted influence her life? How does her troubled relationship with her mother lead to the decisions she makes in her life? Do children have an obligation of some kind to forgive their parents, even inthe face of repeated disappointment? How much do you think childhood heartaches make us who we are?

3. The Kate-Johnny-Tully triangle is one of the fundamental underpinnings of the novel. How does Johnny really feel about Tully? How does Tully feel about him?

4. Kate believes she is Johnny's second choice for love. How does Johnny contribute to her insecurities? How did Tully? How much of a relationshipis set in the beginning and how are changes made as we grow?

5. When Chad leaves Tully, she rationalizes away her broken heart by saying,"if really loved me, he would wait for me." What does this reveal about Tully's perception of romantic love? How do these perceptions setthe stage for the rest of her life? Do you believe that Tully will ever fall in love?

6. Near the end of the novel, when their friend is on the rocks, both women feel wronged. Certainly Kate has ample reason to feel betrayed, but what about Tully's similar belief? Do you understand why Tully was upset, too? Do you believe that a friend should always reach out, even when great pain has been caused? Or do you believe that true friends would never hurt each other?

7. If you could think of one word that personified the seventies, the eighties,the nineties, and the new millennium (so far), what would those words be?

8. At which moment in the novel did you first notice a hint of tension between Tully and Kate? Who do you feel was to blame for this turning point?

9. Music plays an important role in this novel. What musical memories do you have of your teen years, your twenties, and today? Do you feel, as we get older, that music plays less of a role in our lives? Why do you feel that music so profoundly impacts us when we're "coming of age?"

10. What do you feel Kate was most jealous about with regards to Tully? And what was Tully the most envious of in Kate's life? Jealousy is often wanting what we cannot have. Do you feel that these characters truly could not have the things they wanted? If not, why not?

11. Under what circumstances do you feel a betrayal is unforgivable? Do you feel that any of these characters crossed that line?

12. What role do you see Tully playing in Mara's life, after the pages of the novel are closed?

I absolutley loved this book! It made me laugh and it made me cry so hard. I still think about these characters.

I'm picking up this one tomorrow from the library. Can't wait to begin it.

Andrea "Drea" wrote: "I absolutley loved this book! It made me laugh and it made me cry so hard. I still think about these characters."

Awesome! I can't wait to read it! I think I'll hit up Half Price Books to look for these books today. Wish me luck!

Lady Day wrote: "I'm picking up this one tomorrow from the library. Can't wait to begin it."

Hooray for libraries!

Maranda wrote: "Andrea "Drea" wrote: "I absolutley loved this book! It made me laugh and it made me cry so hard. I still think about these characters."

Awesome! I can't wait to read it! I think I'll hit up Half P..."

Have you begun this one yet? I'm not impressed with the writing and I'm a bit beyond the half way point. I find the 30 year span of friendship difficult to imagine. I guess it's because, I never had a best friend as a teen. Suffice it to say, there were a few things that bother me thus far about the story.I won't spoil it for those that are still reading it, but I will simply say there are children that grow up in a home with alcoholics that do not engage in alcohol. Although i didn't care for Tully's character but I've actually walked in her shoes somewhat. In the past,I too, would throw away love for my job without thinking twice. Kate, was the stereotypical woman that would give anything for the man that she thought completed her. The women of today are complex enough to have both and manage it all without missing a beat. At times I had to put it down and simply walk away because of the one dimensional potrayal of these two women. Overall, it lacked that something that makes me know that I'm a better person after reading it.