Book Club
A common refrain from members of book clubs who have been part of an in person or on line conversation with Gwen, is that reading her memoir, has brought members of the book club closer.
Gwen’s lack of self pity and unique lens into the challenges of her childhood, enable people to re-examine some elements of their lives from a different perspective. And the conversations that have continued long after Gwen’s visit, have deepened relationships among members of the book club.
So it only stands to reason, that in preparing questions for book club discussions, Gwen would reach out to book clubs for their insights about the questions that fostered the best discussion and answered the burning questions many readers have.
The questions currently on this site are a starting point for new book clubs from book club members who have submitted their best questions. We know that as new book clubs select Gwen’s memoir, there will be questions that haven’t been contemplated. And we’d like to hear about those great new discussion starters.
Send us your new questions and an invitation for Gwen to attend one of your book clubs, in person or virtually.
Happy reading….and discussing.
Discussion Questions
Memory & Perspective
1. Gwen revisits childhood experiences from an adult perspective. How does time change the way we interpret memories from our early years?
Family & Relationships
2. How did family relationships influence the author’s understanding of herself while growing up?
3. Family relationships often shape the stories we carry throughout our lives. Which relationships in the memoir stood out to you and why?
Revisiting the Past
4. The title suggests the idea of “exhuming” childhood. What do you think Gwen hoped to uncover or understand by revisiting these memories?
5. Do you think examining the past can bring healing, clarity, or new questions?
Courage & Vulnerability
6. Writing a memoir requires honesty and vulnerability. Were there moments where you admired Gwen’s willingness to share difficult or personal experiences?
Big Picture
7. Did your feelings about Gwen or her experiences evolve as you progressed through the book?
Reader Reflection
8. Did this memoir prompt you to reflect on any memories from your own childhood?
9. Many of our earliest memories are filtered through time and emotion. Did this memoir change the way you think about your own childhood memories?
10. If you were to revisit a place from your childhood and “exhume” one memory to better understand your younger self, what memory might you uncover—and how might you
see it differently today?
11. Were there moments in the story that reminded you of dynamics within your own family or upbringing?