Questions for Discussion

  1. Grief support groups are designed to help those whose loved ones have died. Do you think that men or women are more inclined to join grief support groups? Why? Both Phillip and Carissa were reluctant to participate in the group. Why do you think that was? Have you ever joined a support group of any kind? Was it a positive or negative experience?
  2. Phillip once remarked to his parents that he didn’t think of his life in terms of a career but rather in terms of experiences. What is the difference? If you were advising a young person preparing for the future, would you tell him or her to think in terms of career or experiences?
  3. Not only did Phillip believe that God was too busy to pay attention to someone as unremarkable and self-centered as him but that He really didn’t want to hear from him. Have you ever felt this way?
  4. Carissa believed that being a single mom prevented her from finding a man who was willing to love her and her three children. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
  5. Nathan seemed to resent any man who was interested in his mother romantically. Why do you think this was? How did Phillip handle this? What would you have done in his place?
  6. Without a college degree in a difficult economy, Carissa found it hard to find a regular job with a good salary. Did her work-at-home job seem like the best idea? What made it difficult for Carissa? Why?
  7. Phillip feared that he had nothing to offer Carissa and her children and was reticent to get too close to them. Why do you think he felt this way?
  8. Carissa’s mother, Alexandra, tried to help her daughter by offering to take custody of Grace. Why was Carissa upset by this? Why do you think Alexandra thought this was a good idea? What would you have done in this situation?
  9. When Phillip’s parents, Murdock and Maryanne, came to town, Phillip was nervous that they wouldn’t like Carissa or her children. Why was he so concerned about his parents’ approval? Do you seek out your parents’ approval when you date someone? Explain.
  10. Carissa and Phillip made good partners in their smartphone app business. Do you think mixing one’s business and personal life is a good idea? Have you ever done so? How did it work out?