Discussion Questions

1. What did you enjoy most about Flight of the Earls? Which were your favorite characters? Why?

2. Was there a character in particular you most closely identified with throughout the story? How so?

3. What did you see as the central themes in the novel?

4. Describe the relationship you have or had with your father (or father figure in your life). What did you most appreciate? What would you have wished to be different?

5. How has your relationship with your father influenced your life for better or worse? Have you fully expressed your gratitude or, if needed, granted forgiveness?

6. Do you have a relationship with God the Father? How would you describe it?

7. Have there ever been times in your life when you’ve felt as if you’ve been forgotten by God? If so, are you still in that place today? Why?

8. Grandma Ella plays an important role in Flight of the Earls. How would you explain it?

9. Do you have a Grandma Ella in your life? Who is it and how has he or she influenced your spiritual growth? Have you played this role in the lives of others? If so, share some examples.

10. Proverbs 12:20 reads: “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy” (niv). Uncle Tomas certainly had deceit in his heart. How do you deal with the difficult people in your life?

11. Proverbs 16:9 says: “The heart of man plans this way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (niv). Do you feel as if you’re allowing God to lead the way?

12. When times are tough is your core reaction to blame God or to trust Him? What do you feel makes you react that way?

13. Jeremiah 29:11 states: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope’” (niv). Do you believe God has plans for you? If so, what do you believe them to be? What is your life purpose, and do you feel it’s more God’s idea or yours?

14. David offered these words of wisdom in 1 Chronicles 28:9: “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought” (niv). Are you serving God the Father with a whole heart and willing mind through all circumstances? What steps could you take to grow closer to Him?