DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: AS WIDE AS THE SKY
- 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?
- Do you have a “reset” point of your own life?
- 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?
- Did any of the characters in this story particularly stand out to you?
- Would you have liked to learn more about any of the secondary characters in this story?
- How has your life been affected by forgiveness, either as the giver or the receiver?
- 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?
- 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?
- Have you experienced trauma in your life? If yes, how do you feel it has changed you? How have you found healing?
- Optional Question: What are your feelings regarding capital punishment?