Discussion Points

1.  During Beverly’s time, it was expected of her to keep Keller from the public’s view.  Why do you think she continued to take him to town and to speak to him as if he would respond?

2.  When Beverly and Keller visit the Walgreens drugstore, where Mr. Ferrin works, how does the way he treats them differ from everyone else and what were his motives for this treatment?  How did his motives compare to Margaret Price’s?

3.  Beverly and Warren have different ways of coping with the stress and disappointment of Keller’s disability and its affect upon their lives.  What were their coping techniques and how did it cause tension in their relationship?

4.  When Beverly discovers that she is expecting another baby what was her reaction?  Do you feel she was justified in her reaction?

5.  After discovering Barbara Clark and Warren’s office flirtation do you think less of Warren?  His love and devotion for Beverly are apparent.  Why do you suppose he couldn’t seem to put a stop to the flirtation between Miss Clark and he?

6.  Although Keller was a hard child to deal with, he had some redeeming moments.  What did you feel they were?  What was his way of showing affection?

7.  While everyone else felt that Keller belonged in an institution, what was Beverly’s reasoning for resisting such a decision?  Warren was beginning to lean toward the belief that their lives would miraculously be easier if they had him committed.  Do you believe that having Keller put away would have solved their problems?

8.  How did Warren’s relationship with his father affect his relationship with others?  What were the factors that made his parent’s marriage deteriorate to the point of hatred?  Do you feel that Warren’s father had any redeeming qualities?

9.  Beverly starts out as a very fragile and insecure person.  By the end of the book how has she changed?  In your opinion what made her change?

10.  After discovering Margaret Price’s secret, do you feel differently towards her?  If so why?

11.  Do you agree or disagree with Beverly and Warren’s final decision?

12.  Despite Keller’s disability, Beverly felt that he would always be equal in one thing to his sister.  What was that one thing?  Do you feel that losing him may have helped Beverly and Warren better appreciate this quality in him?
 
13.  Do you agree or disagree with the notion that there are no fairy-tale endings just fairy-tale moments.  Do you think that having that understanding would make Beverly happier?