OVERALL
Each of the four novellas comprising A Summer in Oakville is from a different perspective over nearly
the same time. Each story builds on the others. Did the way the stories play
out challenge or enhance your reading experience? Create or relax tension? Was
there something you looked forward to in each tale?
A Summer in Oakville
is a story about a typical American rural contemporary family with secrets and
troubles. What was the underlying issue that brought everyone home? Which story
and character did you relate to more and why?
INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERS
Tessa tended to fill up her social calendar with events and
nosiness meant to gain attention. What were some of her better qualities? Least
likeable? Why do you think she felt the need to seek outside approval?
When Tessa refused to move away with her husband did you
agree or disagree with her decision? What might have happened if she’d made a
different choice? Do you think she might have let her nesting desires take over
more of her life than was good for her? Have experienced a situation in which
you had to make a difficult decision that went against reason? Did you seek
and/or heed advice?
Lindsay went through graduate school then faced a series of
setbacks. She was both headstrong and a little spoiled, and expected to work
out any problem with simple sense and diligence. When something got in her way,
what did she usually do? What did she need most? Did she get it? She wanted to
help others. How was she like and unlike her grandparents and her parents?
Andy had a lot of anger stored up, despite therapy and a
loving, if distracted, father. Was he unfairly punished for his behavior? How
did he handle his exile? Ultimately, what mattered to Andy the most? Did he
receive the care help he needed to learn to deal with his grief and wrath? How
was he like and unlike his parents and grandparents?
Art seemed to take the easy way out of dealing with the deep
pain of life and death by holding everyone on the edge of intimacy. Is it ever
better to attempt to force someone to face his fears? What made him run away
each spring? Was that healthy? How did he eventually face his hurt and guilt? When
was Art finally ready to go home again?
The supporting characters, Grandma LuAnn, Grandpa Otto,
Phil, Dana, Brandon and Josh Calloway, and Ella, had lessons to teach and to
learn in the Trust, Faith, Pride, and Forgiveness departments. Describe the
life lessons you most identified with.
IN CONCLUSION
What traits and lessons do/did you hope most to pass on to
your children/family members?
A family has many definitions in today’s society. What makes
a family, and what holds it together? What are some of the ways your family
sticks together?
