~ Sailing the pages of great books! ~
~~ Discussion Questions ~~
2. Through reading Harry's book of poems and letters, Bob and Michelle come to learn about their mother, as well as about their parents' courtship and marriage. Why did Harry not tell them about their mother when they were growing up?
3. Bob has a contentious relationship with Harry, believing that Harry was not a good father and even referring to him by his first name. After Bob has read a portion of the letters and poems, Laura says to him, "I think you're starting to understand the old man, and that bothers you." (p.182) Why does this bother him? How do Bob's feelings about his father change as he discovers more about him?
4. When the novel opens, Bob and Laura's marriage is dissovling. How does their relationship change as the story progresses? What role does Harry play in their relationship both before and after his death?
5. Laura questions the cause of Harry's death, even wondering if a person can will himself to die and then delving into his medical history. What drives her to pursue this quest?
6. In one letter Harry writes, "Parents are strange and wonderful creatures ... They are just people struggling to do the best they can, just the same as you are. You will feel let down, betrayed, even ashamed. This is the time, Emily, when you need to forgive your parents for being human." (p.165) The letter is addressed to Emily, but how does this reflect Harry's relationship with his own children, and Bob in particular?
7. Which of the letters did you find most compelling, and why?
8. Do you have any letters, poems, or other writings from your own relatives? If so, how have they changed or inspired you?
9. What did you learn or gain from reading Letters for Emily?