Reader Discussion Questions

1. As adults, Clare, Bev, and Joey seem to reject and embrace the labels of childhood. How has this conflict influenced each of their lives?

2. Since Bev always considered herself The Smart One, why did it take her so long to come to terms with her dream to be a schoolteacher?

3. How does the discovery of the body work as a catalyst for self-discovery in each of the sisters?

4. Bev feels that the teenage sexual encounter between Joey and Kenny was a cruel betrayal. How, then, does she justify setting out to do almost the exact same thing to Clare? Is there more to this act than Bev herself realizes?

5. Toward the end of the book, Joey slips so far off track she may have completely derailed her prospect of achieving her goal. How does she remain positive despite this obstacle? Do you think she'll be successful in battling her addiction?

6. As Clare comes to terms with the fact that beauty fades, she has to redefine her self-worth. How do you think this will affect her relationship with her husband and children?

7. Is Kenny's anger more like an 800-pound gorilla or a monkey on his back? Do you think he can easily defeat it, or will it be a lifelong struggle? How do you think the resolution of the story will affect his temper and his relationship with Bev?

8. The most prevalent image in this book is water. Discuss the various forms it takes and what it might represent.

9. When Bev sees Sam Waxman for the first time since learning of the murder, she is transfixed by the "humanness of his of his aging flesh and liver spots." Why is this such a revelation to her?

10. At the end of the book, Bev discovers a secret Renee Waxman has been harboring, yet the author doesn't reveal whether or not Renee's assumption about the murder is correct. Why do you think this was deliberately left vague? How important is this detail to the story?