READERS GUIDE

Questions for Discussion

1. Do you believe the author intended for the Oklahoma Panhandle to be a character in the novel? Does it play the role of villain or savior? Maybe both?

2. There’s a lot of dust in this novel. What does it symbolize for Hank? At the beginning of the book Ruby views the blowing dirt as a symbol of nothingness, bleakness, hopelessness. How does she view the dust particles at the end of the story?

3. Forgiveness is a major theme in this story. Have you ever withheld forgiveness from someone close to you? Does your reason still make sense after reading this novel, or are you more open to the possibility of forgiving your offender?

4. Raising teenagers is difficult. Do you believe Ruby handled Mia losing her virginity at such a young age appropriately? Was it right to move away from their small town? Or do you think Ruby was more concerned with how people would judge her and her motherhood skills? Why is it so difficult for parents to tell their children they’re sorry?

5. If Cora had lived, do you think Ruby’s relationship with Hank would have weakened or grown stronger? Why?

6. Life isn’t always fair and a parent never gets over the death of his or her child, but do you think it’s possible to move on with your life and find some semblance of happiness and peace without feeling guilty?

7. Being left behind is a major theme in this book. Do you think Ruby gives herself enough credit for breaking the cycle with her own daughter?

8. When in the book do you believe Ruby really forgave Cora? When she learned Cora left her the ruby necklace before she fled the hospital? When she found her baby picture in the suitcase at the motel where Cora had lived out her final years? Or when she said her final goodbye at the nursing home?

9. Ruby’s adoptive mother, Cheryl, was afraid to tell Ruby her birth mother wanted to connect with her. What would you do in Cheryl’s situation if your child were rebelling and challenging your authority and another parent wanted to enter their life? At what age do you feel it’s appropriate to tell a child they’re adopted?

10. Why do you think Hank and Mia hit it off right away? How much did it have to do with their shared love of animals?

11. What are some of the traits that Hank and Ruby share?

12. What is the significance of gambling in the book? When did it help Hank and when did it hurt him?

13. Ruby has built Hank up to be a huge obstacle to overcome or to fight against, but he turns out to be a frail man with a pacemaker in his chest. Do you believe it would have been more difficult or easier for Ruby to forgive Hank if he’d been healthy? Why do you think Ruby is so reluctant to forgive Hank?

14. Do you keep a diary? If so, are there any secrets that will turn your loved ones’ lives upside down?