by Kim Cano
Reading Guide Discussion Questions for A Widow Redefined
After Amy finds the flowers she goes home and takes a hot bath, breaking down crying as the memory of her father leaving when she was a child resurfaces. Why do you think a seed of doubt, yet unproven, could have such a powerful effect and provoke one’s innermost fears?
When Amy sees the flowers a second time and decides to find out who the person is, do you agree with her decision to keep it a secret from her mother? What would you have done if in the same situation?
Have you ever had a co-worker, friend, or family member be unable to get past the loss of a loved one? And if so, how did that impact your relationship?
Amy feels drawn to spend time with Sabrina without understanding the reason why. If you were in her shoes, under similar circumstances, could you see yourself being pulled into a friendship like this?
Tyler is a stabilizing force within the family even though he’s a young child. Have you ever encountered one of these “old souls” in your lifetime? If so, did you learn anything from this person?
Throughout the book the mom is always there to help Amy, but she never lets her daughter take care of her. In regards to the divorce and the dad leaving, they never “go there.” Do you think this is common mom behavior or do you think she’s a bit closed off and withdrawn? How does their relationship compare to the one with your own mother?
Sabrina falls in love with a married man, causing herself great sadness. Do you think it’s possible to acknowledge these types of feelings while they’re occurring, but be able to stop them from advancing into something that will only cause pain? What advice would you give to someone in this predicament?
As Sabrina becomes better friends with Amy her guilt begins to surface, and she shows it by giving Amy new clothes, averting her eyes at the mention of Dr. Freidman, and eventually leads to her telling Amy the truth about her true intentions with Justin. Do you think Sabrina did the right thing by sharing that with her? Or do you think she should’ve held that information back? What would you have chosen to do?
After Amy’s big fight with Sabrina, she vows to never see or speak to her again. Yet when she’s notified that Sabrina is in the hospital in critical condition she rushes to her side. Do you think this behavior is common when serious life events occur? Would you drop whatever problem that was between you and another person to just be there for them? Or would it depend on what they’d done?
When Amy talks with Sabrina in the hospital she finds out Sabrina has always been jealous of her, and wanted to get to know her to find out what Amy had that she didn’t. Oddly enough, all through the book Amy’s self-esteem suffers because she feels she can never measure up to Sabrina. Why do you think these thoughts are so prevalent, both in real life and in the book? Why do you think we often feel we’re not enough and someone else is better?
Amy misses the funeral in favor of a return visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden. She is convinced she’s made the right decision, that it’s the proper way to say goodbye to her friend. Have you ever done something similar? And if so, did your friends/family get upset with you or were they understanding?
On vacation in Bora Bora Amy wakes to the scent of Justin’s cologne. She also sees a shooting star whizz past as she thinks of missing Sabrina. Have you ever experienced any of these “Universe is speaking to you” moments in your own life? If so, what happened and how did it impact you?
Praise for A Widow Redefined:
“Not since Lisa See’s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan have I read such a complex portrayal of friendship. A Widow Redefined will resonate with anyone who has ever lost a loved one and learned how to live again.” ~ author Deborah Brown
“Inspiring. Destined to become a book club favorite.” ~ Alicia Robinson/reader review
A Widow Redefined Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my wonderful husband, July Cano, for always being supportive of my writing and helping with all things technical. You’re a handsome geek.
I would also like to thank my editor, Steve Parolini, for being kind, honest, and helpful with my debut novel. Thanks to Geoffrey Benzing for painting another beautiful watercolor, and to Brittany Vibbert for creating an amazing book cover, not to mention all my website banners.
Thanks to all my friends and family who served as beta readers: Kelly Hyatt-Riddle, Brittany Vibbert, Alicia Robinson, Jan Nelson, and my step-dad, Mike Nelson, who spent a great deal of time providing feedback on a book he probably never would’ve read if I hadn’t written it!
I would also like to thank author friends who helped me with so many book-related things even when they were busy themselves: Deborah Brown, Melissa Foster, Russell Blake, and Rachelle Ayala.
A Widow Redefined Author Bio/Upcoming Projects
Kim Cano is the author of For Animal Lovers, a short story collection for kids ages 9 to 12. It also appeals to adult readers who are young at heart. 10% of the sale price is donated to the ASPCA® to help homeless pets. It can be bought at Amazon. Click here for details:
A Widow Redefined is Kim’s debut novel. She hopes readers enjoyed the book and asks them to please take a moment to leave an honest review at Amazon or Goodreads.
Up next: Dogschwitz. A novella set in the future that explores the terrible time in American history when millions of unwanted dogs and cats were euthanized each year. 10% of the sale price will be donated to the ASPCA® to help homeless pets.
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Copyright © 2013 Kim Cano