To my husband Tony, and my daughters Jena and Mary, life’s a whole latte fun having you in it. Love you.
Questions With Coffee:
A Reader’s Guide
How does the setting of New York City support Sara Beth’s disappearance?
Throughout the story, Sara Beth keeps secrets (carriage house, loss of wedding ring). Why does she keep these secrets? Why can’t she tell the truth?
When Michael arrives at Rachel’s door unexpectedly on the first day of summer, Rachel calls him “spontaneous.” What role should spontaneity play in our lives?
Do you have a friendship like Sara Beth and Rachel’s? Has a friend ever taken you for granted? How did you get past that situation?
Was it wrong for Tom to read Sara Beth’s journal?
In what ways is the novel’s title symbolic?
Is Sara Beth selfish?
How will Rachel’s life change with Michael?
The novel explores the question of What if…What if Sara Beth never walked out of that Manhattan restaurant? What if she chose Claude all those years ago? What if Rachel never filed the Missing Person Report? What if Sara Beth’s mother didn’t die? Share your own What ifs. What decisions do you still question?
Sara Beth tells Rachel that “Wishes are a mystery to me. It’s like putting your hope out there, opening a part of your heart to the constellations.” Why do the stars hold such hope for us? Have any of your wishes ever come true?
About The Author
Joanne DeMaio is a Connecticut author blending family, coffee and friendship on the page. Her music essays have appeared in literary journals, celebrating her passion for song, in print. She is also the founder of the inspirational blog Whole Latte Life, and is currently at work on her next novel. Visit Joanne as she brews coffee and conversation at…
Novel Website: www.wholelattelife.com
Author Website: www.joannedemaio.com
Author Blog: www.joannedemaio.blogspot.com
Twitter: @JoanneDeMaio
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