"Ruin and Redemption"

Discussion Questions II

Hi dear readers, Please feel free to answer any of these questions in the comments; I would love to have your input! It will help me with perspective as I go about the editing process. Thanks so much! High school and college professors and book group leaders, feel free to print chapters of "Reckless Lives" or "Ruin and Redemption" along with these discussion questions.

1) Is there a way Lizzie and Derrick could act differently to improve their marriage? What could each do to contribute to a more peaceful marriage?

2) How does having to share her husband affect Lizzie? What do you think Lizzie could do to better manage her reaction to the situation she is in?

3) What do you think motivates Derrick to have as many affairs as he does? What do you think he is seeking from each of his lovers?

4) What role does Mindy's personality play in her becoming Josiah's wife? How do you think Josiah knew so quickly that she would be the one for him?

5) Why do you think Celia was so eager to leave the Walsh residence, despite being treated well? Would you want to be a slave if you were well-treated, why or why not?

6) Michael sometimes talks to the other characters, despite no longer having a body. How does Michael's ghost influence the other characters? Lizzie? Josiah? Derrick? Scarlett? Do you think it is appropriate for Michael to try to influence those who are still living? Why or why not? What do you think is Michael's motivation in staying in Horry County as long as he has?

7) What changes do you notice in Derrick's view of slavery throughout the course of the novel? Which incidents lead him to revise the views he formerly held? How do Derrick's interactions with Scarlett and Patsy change as his views change. Do you notice a change?

8) How does Rebecca's profession affect her relationship with the other characters?

9) What prayers do you think each of the characters should be praying to help them be better and happier people?

10) How does Josiah's relationship with Rebecca influence his decisions?

11) What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of being a slave or a slaveowner in Horry County, SC?

12) Pick two or three of your favorite characters. What is your favorite scene for each of them. What makes it your favorite scene? What does your character do to make the scene memorable?

13) How does the revelation of Lizzie's heritage as a mulatto influence her view of herself? How does her being in a mixed marriage affect societies' view of her?

14) What are the major obstacles that Esme, Lizzie, Patsy and Mindy face in attempting to teach the slaves on Pinehurst how to read?

15) Who do you think plays the biggest role in influencing the other characters? How and why?

16) What role do past lifetimes and telepathy play in the book? Have you ever had experiences that might fit into either of these categories?

17) Which characters would you most like to meet?

18) What role does Esme play in Lizzie's and Derrick's lives? What is her motivation for wanting to teach Lizzie to please Derrick?

Dear readers, I would love it if you feel like answering any of these questions in the comments. Please write the number with your answer if you do. Thank you!