DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: AS WIDE AS THE SKY

  1. Each chapter in As Wide as the Sky begins with a timer—minutes, hours, days, months, and years—meant to show a “reset” point in each life of the point-of-view character in that chapter. Were you able to pinpoint what the reset point was for any of the characters?
  2. Do you have a “reset” point of your own life?
  3. The Kübler-Ross stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Can you match these stages with any of the characters in this story?
  4. Did any of the characters in this story particularly stand out to you?
  5. Would you have liked to learn more about any of the secondary characters in this story?
  6. How has your life been affected by forgiveness, either as the giver or the receiver?
  7. Do you think you could remain as close to your child as Amanda stayed with Robbie if he or she committed such a heinous crime?
  8. How much of Robbie Mallorie’s crime do you feel was due to his mental illness, and how much was because of the choices he made?
  9. Have you experienced trauma in your life? If yes, how do you feel it has changed you? How have you found healing?
  10. Optional Question: What are your feelings regarding capital punishment?