At the beginning of the book, Alyssa’s kids are older and starting to leave home. What has been your favorite stage of life so far? What do you look forward to?
If you were in Mike’s situation—feeling that the care of your mother rests solely upon you—would you have moved across the country or moved her in with you and why?
Is moving in the middle of high school too big a sacrifice to ask of a teenager?
Alyssa’s biggest fear is someone close to her leaving the Church. Do you think she responds appropriately when Mike starts skipping church? Do you think her biggest fear changes by the end of the book? Is she better equipped to handle the loss if it does come to pass? What is your biggest fear?
What did you think of Elder Ryan Johnston’s struggles on his mission? Do you think his trial of testimony is indicative of the majority or the minority of missionaries going out?
How did you feel when Wyatt is accused of vandalizing Mason’s bike? Would you have assumed he was guilty like his parents did?
Have you ever lost an adult friendship over a misunderstanding? Without giving names or bad-mouthing the other person, what did you do to overcome the problem?
Bullying comes in many forms—some more subtle than others, and some more intentional than others. What are a few of the situations in this book that hint of bullying that maybe aren’t typically thought of that way?
Did this book make you think of things differently than you had before? Did it change your mind about anything?
Do you agree with Mike and Alyssa’s decision to move Ruth to a nursing home?
