Discussion Questions

1. Lilliana ran away after learning of her husband and father’s plans to have her committed. Given the time and viewpoints of the police and church community, do you think she had other choices? What might those options have been?
2. Once she was safe in No Creek, Lilliana said she would rather die than go back to her abusive husband. Have you ever felt that hopeless or known anyone who felt that desperate? What did you do, or how would you counsel someone in that situation?
3. In the news we frequently hear of spousal abuse, workplace abuse, or abuse by people in political and spiritual authority. Sometimes it seems that abusers are all but excused. Sometimes they are exposed, sometimes they are prosecuted, and sometimes they are simply removed from their positions of authority. What public action or punishment do you think is appropriate? What kind of consequences would you have liked to see for Lilliana’s father and husband?
4. Celia often leapt into situations without realizing the full repercussions of her actions. List some of those situations. Did they ultimately lead to good changes or transformations? Did you find yourself cheering for her, admiring her innocence? Or growing frustrated with her lack of fear?
5. Lilliana unexpectedly found herself enmeshed in situations of abuse and racial injustice in No Creek. Why did she choose to take on these battles? Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation, where you felt convicted to get involved in a domestic, workplace, political, community, race, school, or church situation that appeared oppressive or off-kilter? If you’re able to briefly share about the experience without betraying confidences, please do so.
6. In No Creek, making, selling, or running moonshine was a way of life, especially during the Depression. Addiction and the consequences of addiction often followed. Today, many depressed rural communities are riddled with issues of addiction to drugs and alcohol. Are there remedies? What are they? How can we help?
7. Lilliana expressed doubt that Rhoan Wishon could change, saying, “Leopards don’t change their spots.” Do you believe change is possible for someone like Rhoan? Like Troy? Like Fillmore? Like Gerald? Why or why not?
8. Do you see parallels between the treatment of Jewish people in Europe during WWII and the treatment of African Americans in the US at that time and before? Do you think the people of No Creek or across America saw those similarities? Why or why not? Do similarities exist today?
9. Much has changed since the days of WWII and the world painted in Night Bird Calling. Legal rights, cultural expectations, and opportunities for women and minorities have come a long way in the last seventy-five years. So has our understanding of the proper treatment of other human beings, regardless of race or gender. Discuss what has changed, why, and what still needs to change for the good of all.
10. Citizens of No Creek, like much of America, wanted nothing to do with the war in Europe until Pearl Harbor was bombed and the war came home in a very personal way. Once Congress declared war on Japan and Germany, the country mobilized, united in a way that it has not been since. What do you think inspired that unity? Do you see that spirit in our country today? Why or why not?
11. List some of your favorites characters or scenes from the novel. What made these so memorable for you?
12. What would you like the future to hold for Lilliana, for Jesse, for Ruby, for Marshall, for Gladys and Fillmore, for Celia and Chester?