ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A Healing Justice would not exist without the kindness and support of special people. I would never even have started the book, for example, if I’d not signed up for the Citizens’ Academy at the Bainbridge Island, Washington, Police Department and made good friends on the force. Sergeant Trevor Ziemba, who should write novels himself, generously steered me toward the idea for my story and helped me with the plot. Officer Carla Sias supplied me with information again and again and never complained about my constant impositions. Detective Aimee LeClaire patiently explained how crime scenes are investigated, and she drew diagrams to help me understand. And every time I saw Chief Matt Hamner, I bombarded him with questions, which he cheerfully answered. All four of these people would have been justified to run when they saw me coming, but they didn’t—and I will be forever grateful.
Rachel Strohmeyer, DVM, described how Justice would be treated for his wounds. Alexandra Kovats, Ph.D., introduced me to restorative justice, which is a main theme in this book. Kirkham Johns, J.D., taught me about depositions. Todd Dowell, Senior Deputy Prosecutor in Kitsap County, Washington, explained how records are sealed in juvenile court. And Barbara Wood, my friend and fellow German shepherd lover, shared stories of her dogs, some of which have found their way into my story.
Then there are the people who were midwives at A Healing Justice’s birth. Cullen Stanley, my A-plus agent, shepherded me along from the book’s idea to its completion, and Michaela Hamilton, my gracious editor, inspired me and cheered me on. Others on the Kensington Publishing Corp. staff were always kind and helpful: Lynn Cully, publisher; Kristine Mills Noble, book cover designer; Paula Reedy, production editor; Karen Auerbach, publicity director; and Vida Engstrand and Alexandra Nicolajsen, two marketing geniuses.
My many friends, of course, bolstered me while I wrote A Healing Justice. You know who you are! And in this category I include Jordan Taylor, who took the photo of the German shepherd on the cover and of me on the last page.
As for my family, Lonnie Matheron, my niece, is my consultant in just about everything. And John, my beloved husband, is my personal Polar Star. As I have said many times, without him there would be no books. I thank him for his intelligence and understanding.
Also in my family over the years have been six German shepherds. Needless to say, I have loved every one of those dear dogs. Woofer came to me as a breeder from Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California, and Ludwig was her son. Anna, Noble, Logan, and now Bridget were rescues. I can’t imagine how sad my life might have been without them. They aren’t dogs—they are saints in German shepherd outfits. Justice is a combination of them all.
A READING GROUP GUIDE
A HEALING JUSTICE
Kristin von Kreisler
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The following discussion questions are included to
enhance your group’s reading and discussion of
A Healing Justice.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Andie’s most urgent question through most of the book is: Did I do the right thing? How would you answer for her? What’s the difference between being justified to shoot and right to shoot?
2. Andie often says that life isn’t fair. Do you agree with her? Does Tom? Was it fair for Andie to be viewed as a criminal suspect? Or for the Vanderwaals to file a civil suit against her?
3. Shooting Christopher causes Andie great emotional stress. Do you think it’s unusual for a police officer to feel that way? Or should she have considered the use of deadly force as just part of her job? Why is it important for her to acknowledge that she is vulnerable?
4. Who is to blame for Christopher’s death? Is it his own fault? Should Andie be held responsible? His parents? His girlfriend? Fate?
5. Is building a wall around herself a good defense for Andie? Would something else have been better, or was that all she could do? How does the wall change in the story? And how does her relationship to it change?
6. In the story’s first paragraph, Andie feels that the fir trees around her house are both a plus and a minus. Could the horrible night when she kills Christopher be seen as that too? What else in the story might be a plus and a minus?
7. How does Andie’s attitude toward being a police officer change in the story? What’s her attitude like before she kills Christopher? And after? What about at the end of the book?
8. What does Dr. Capoletti’s poster mean—that a storm is as good a friend as sunshine? How does that idea apply to Andie and the story? How does her attitude toward the saying change?
9. What does Justice teach Andie? How does he influence her thinking and her life?
10. How do you feel about the media’s attitude toward Andie? Do you think it’s unusual? Realistic? Necessary? Unfair? Is Sid King just doing his job, or is he relishing going after her? How do you react when you read in the news about a police officer’s use of deadly force?
Kristin von Kreisler will be happy to meet with your reading group by Skype, or in person if you’re in the Seattle area. Contact her at www.kristinvonkreisler.com.
About the Author
Kristin von Kreisler writes articles and best-selling books about animals. To get her stories, she followed a grizzly bear for a week, went hang gliding to see how an eagle felt soaring through the sky, and watched in awe as millions of bats emerged from a cave at dusk like clouds of smoke.
After writing three acclaimed nonfiction books, Kristin made a smashing fiction debut with the best-selling novel An Unexpected Grace and followed up with Earnest. Kristin’s books have been translated into twelve languages.
She lives in Washington with her husband and their beloved rescue dog, Bridget, who is their sixth German shepherd. From Kristin’s desk she watches ospreys and seals, and most afternoons in good weather she works in her garden. She says she’d rather do that than breathe. Visit her on Facebook and Instagram or at www.kristinvonkreisler.com.
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