Wife Goes On
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Book ClubsWelcome to the Club!
According recent studies, not only do women initiate most divorces today, but over 80% of us are glad we did. It’s common knowledge that men often leave marriage for another woman; the real news is that that women do, too - for a happier version of ourselves. If you have ever had a bad break-up, or know someone who has, you understand how awful it is. We are bombarded by romantic notions of marriage and beautiful bridal gowns, yet the reality can often be ugly. When I saw the divorced moms sit on the opposite side of the softball field from the married moms, I didn't want that "D" on my forehead, no matter how common it seemed. I was married nearly twenty years - and proud of it. But when I realized how important it was to be a good role model for my daughters, I went through that dark tunnel and fought my way out to the light. But when I went to the book store and read everything I could find for inspiration, there weren't a lot of happy endings for women starting over. So I had to do it myself. And one day, I finally woke up smiling. It felt like a miracle. The next day, it happened again. And the next day, too! I decided to write a story that would give hope to others who are as afraid as I had been. I want to let people know there is a blue sky at the end of the dark tunnel and it is worth all the struggle. Everywhere I go, I meet others with the same knowing smile on their face, the one you earn through the kind of pain that propels you to find inner peace - and outer joy. So, I invented these four women in Wife Goes On, who are as different as the real women I've made friends with - from a twenty one year old beauty queen with two babies - to a forty year old MBA turned PTA supermom. Many scenes in the book really happened to me, from the stranger giving Bonnie a break on a coffee table to Diane almost losing a married friend. I added Annette, the sharp lawyer, and Lana, the betrayed actress, to round out the friends. All are good mothers and good women trying to do what's best for everyone. And I gave them each happy beginnings. I hope this novel offers hope and inspiration - and a fun read! Sure, life is a struggle in many ways. But if we take the time to figure out who we are and what we want, then we can go get it. Only we can make our dreams come true. Below, you will find questions to discuss with your friends. And a place to share your stories of success! READERS GUIDE - Discussion Questions:
1. Why does Diane Taylor feel like she has the scarlet letter “D” on her forehead? Do you believe there is still a negative perception of divorced women? Why? 2. What transformation takes place when Bonnie’s little girl puts her old Homecoming Queen tiara on Bonnie’s head? What elements of her past contribute to her insecurity? 3. All four women struggle with identity issues as they start their second acts. Do you think this is true with all wives going through divorce? 4. How does Diane’s relationship with her daughter change throughout the book? How do you think it will affect her daughter when she grows up? 5. Why is Annette more broken-hearted at the end of her affair than at the end of her marriage? What is it that happens during the deposition scene that causes her to realize what she really wants? 6. Do you think Annette has an easier time or a harder time than the others because her husband turned out to be gay? How would you feel? 7. Bonnie initially sees Annette as a strong woman, while Annette sees Bonnie as weak one. How do their roles switch so dramatically? 8. Initially, Lana helps the others out of pity and self-interest. What prompts her development into a generous friend? What did Winston see in her from the beginning? 9. When Lana helps Diane with a make-over, she teaches her about the power of panties. Do you ever use lingerie as a “mood ring”? 10. Bonnie is the youngest of the four and yet she feels the most responsible for her husband’s well-being. How does the theft of her car help free her of this? 11. Diane, Bonnie, Lana and Annette each had different reasons for joining the “club.” What similarities contributed to their friendship? 12. What do you think about intimacy aids? 13. Why are wedding shows so popular? Do you think the lucrative wedding industry contributes to the high divorce rate? Why or why not? 14. If you are divorced, what advice would you give to a friend? How would you help her? 15. If you are not divorced but have a friend who got divorced, was it scary for you? Did she change? How did you help – or how would you help next time? 16. Whom is Diane protecting by not telling her children their dad is a compulsive gambler? Would you tell your children about why you are getting a divorce? What advice would you give to your children when they get engaged? 17. Each chapter begins with a joke: “You know you’re in the club when…” Which is your favorite and why? Can you think of another? (If you’d like to share one on the book website, email Leslie at Leslieswork@aol.com) 18. Would you get married again? If so, would you buy Marriage Insurance? Please share your stories of success HERE! Click and type in a question or comment Ingenue of a book! Please send me a bookplate signed by you, or a bookmark! Anything! I ADORE your book. As a woman who just escaped from an abusive relationship ... your book was inspiring and gave me a laugh! Roseanna Cannaday posh_rachael@hotmail.com |
