Discussion Questions for Debby's Books


Sweet Baklava

Like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home.
Proverbs 27:8

 Discussion Questions: 

  1. Why is Paula so adamant about staying in Tarpon Springs?
  2. Why is Nick so eager to leave a town where he has a family that clearly adores him?
  3. Nick was the classic high school football hero, and Paula was more studious. What attracted Nick to Paula? What attracted Paula to Nick?
  4. What is the significance of baklava in the story? Have you ever tried baklava? How would you describe the flavor?
  5. Paula obviously has a reversal of the parent-child role in her relationship with her mother. How could this have happened, and when do you think it began?
  6. Why would Paula continue to give her mother money without more accountability?
  7. Do you think Paula’s mother and stepfather can work through their issues?
  8. After Amanda tries to steal from Paula, what drives Paula to help Amanda?
  9. Kate was clearly the “bad girl” from high school. How does this affect her relationship with her daughter? How does this affect her relationship with Paula?
  10. Have you ever experienced being labeled “class nerd,” “class clown,” “the pretty one,” “jock,” or any other label typically placed on high school kids? Has this affected you for the rest of your life, and if so, how?
  11. After Nick retires from the Air Force, do you think he can be happy living in Tarpon Springs?
 


Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida

Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
Psalm 119:66

Discussion questions:
 
  1. What is the major theme of the book?
  2. Should Amanda continue to resist love after being jilted at the altar? Why or why not?
  3. How does Amanda really feel about staying in Treasure Island?
  4. Why is Lacy so resistant to growing up? What does this have to do with Amanda?
  5. Is Amanda justified in getting annoyed when her sister has trouble with one child in her kindergarten class? Why or why not?
  6. Is Jerry justified in his feelings toward his siblings for putting their spouses and children ahead of their parents?
  7. Should Amanda be concerned about Jerry's attentiveness to his parents? Why or why not?
  8. What kinds of frustrations do Rosemary and Harold have in their marriage?
  9. Is there a chance for Lacy and Brad to have an honest, open relationship? If so, how? If not, why not?
  10. What does Amanda's bicycle shop represent in her life?
  11. What is the foundation for the bond between Harold and Timmy?
  12. Does Harold really know deep down what the treasure is that he's looking for?
  13. What makes the setting of this story unique? How does the setting tie in to the theme?
  14. How do Amanda and Jerry grow or change in this story?
  15. How did you feel about Harold and Rosemary? Did anything about their health issues make you uncomfortable? Have you ever had to deal with a relative or close friend with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's?
  16. What does the bicycle helmet symbolize in the relationship between Amanda and Jerry? Rosemary and Harold? Lacy and Brad? Lacy and Timmy? Harold and Timmy?