More Than You Think You Know centers on a trio of women in their early-to-late 40s who have decided to flee the status quo, heading from Illinois toward an undetermined destination at the end of the Heartland Rivers. Have you ever wanted to run away?
What role does menopause play in the story? Have you experienced hot flashes, mood swings and other hallmarks of “the change of life?” If so, how did you ameliorate the symptoms?
Statistics show that a shocking percentage of rapes go unreported. What do you think is behind Robin’s decision to keep silent about the assault? Do you think Hailey and Trish should have pushed her to report the attack? What self-healing methods does Robin use to aid in her recovery?
Hailey’s husband is mentally and physically abusive. Her methods of retaliation are infidelity and alcohol abuse. How does her lack of control and passive-aggressive response ultimately affect her life? Does she deserve sympathy or empathy?
Early on in the book we learn that both Hailey and her son Joey have spent time in jail. The situation reflects a reality in the U.S., which imprisons more of its citizens than any other developed country in the world. Have you seen any evidence of this “incarceration nation” phenomenon in your community?
Trish seemingly embodies the stereotype of the “hooker with a heart of gold.” A man magnet and accomplished flirt, she continues to attract male attention throughout the trip down the rivers. If you met someone like her, would you be drawn to form a friendship? Or would moral scruples or jealousy be a barrier?
To dye or not to dye, that is the question when a woman of a certain age begins to go gray. Trish, a licensed beautician, is a firm believer in cosmetic enhancement. Hailey, confounded by the double-whammy of wrinkles and zits, discovers the joy of looking good for herself rather than worrying about how sexually attractive she is to men. Robin either doesn’t care or is pretending not to care how she looks. How does aging affect the way women look at themselves? Does getting older really mean getting better?
All three women drink to excess on occasion. Robin, who has lupus, exhibits many alcoholic tendencies. How does alcohol consumption affect their decision-making and well-being? Why do you think Robin drinks so much?
Each autumn hundreds of boaters head down the Heartland Rivers for warmer climates, experiencing the power and beauty of the Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Tenn-Tom Waterway and the lower Tombigbee and Mobile Rivers leading to Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Many who make the trip vow “never again.” Does a river journey sound like fun — or Hell on Earth — to you?
“You know more than you think you know,” an Ontario sailor tells Hailey. How does she discover the truth of this statement during her escape down Lake Michigan to Chicago?
The estrangement of adult children from their parents is reportedly on the rise. Experts advise patience, avoiding guilt trips and doing more listening than talking in reaching out to children who have “divorced” their parents. Do you think there’s hope that Hailey will reconnect with her kids?
Robin takes delight in her androgyny, willingly playing the role of Hailey’s “husband.” How does her masquerade affect the interactions between Blackdog’s crew with boaters, marina operators and other people that they encounter during their travels? Do you think that being able to imitate a man would come in handy (for example, when you’re getting a repair estimate for your car?).
Boat collisions, close encounters with giant tow-barges, raging water, mean dogs, violent intruders and medical emergencies are among the crises Hailey, Robin and Trish encounter head-on in “More Than You Think You Know.” When were you most scared for them?
Do you think Hailey will find permanent peace in her cottage on the river? Does the idea of a “house of women” appeal to you?