Reading Group Guide
for
Brown Eyes
The following questions are intended for reading groups to spark discussion:
1. "Letting go" is a central theme in Brown eyes. What other themes run through the novel?
2. How important is the setting to this novel?
3. Which character in Brown Eyes has the greatest effect on Callie?
4. Callie has consistently put her art and family ahead of relationships. Do you consider this a selfless or selfish character trait?
5. What do angels symbolize in Brown Eyes? What other symbolism is used?
6. Which element better succeeds in driving the story: characterization or dialogue?
7. How important is the Prologue to the story?
8. Aidan is a complex character. Do you think he evolved over the course of the novel or emerged?
9. Did Nicholas put undue pressure on Callie to make a decision to move?
10. Everyone has parameters that define his or her relationships. How much would you compromise to make that love affair or friendship work?
11. Women and men seem to cope differntly after a relationship ends. What do you do to cope or get over a past lover?
Reading Group Guide
for
Gianna
The following questions are intended for reading groups to spark discussion:
1. Faith proves to be the central theme of Gianna. What other themes are interwoven throughout the story?
2. Gianna's career as an architect poses irony at her inability to "design" and "build" a love life of her own. What other examples of irony can be found within the book?
3. Gianna's family plays an important role in her life and significantly influences some of the decisions she makes. In your own personal life, how has your family and its traditions effected your choices?
4. Gianna finds herself caught up in the romance and seduction of Vincenzo and his 61 messages. Could that be construed as a character flaw?
5. Gianna's family and Vincenzo's career were two considerations factoring into Gianna's decision to end her relationship with Vincenzo. Which one proved to be the central motivating factor?
6. Trina disappoints Gianna by not being a more objective friend. Was Trina the best friend she could have been?
7. Wine symbolizes many things throughout Gianna, such as life and love. What other tangible objects provide symbolism?
8. Gianna reacts very differently at the two deaths she faces in her life. Why does one leave her feeling utterly abandoned and the other inspire her to mend a broken relationship?
9. Gianna finds serenity at her uncle's vineyard and near the ocean. Where do you go to find peace or escape life's daily stresses?
10. Gianna and Vincenzo's love endures despite significant obstacles. What do you believe was the unifying thread that kept them bonded over the years?
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