(These do contain spoilers!)
- Liz and her father have a very difficult relationship. Through the story, they slowly find a way back to each other. Do you have any strained relationships in your life? Can you think of a way to move past the difficulties and journey forward?
- At the beginning of the story, Liz is reluctant to pray the novena that Josie had given her. With nothing to lose, she gives it a try. As the relationship with her dad improves, she starts to see the beauty of asking heavenly friends to pray for her. Do you turn to any specific prayers or novenas? Has God ever answered your prayers in a unique or surprising way?
- Liz turns to music to work through the pain of her childhood. Do you have an outlet for releasing your fears and frustrations: poetry, exercise, music, journaling? Or do you tend to keep painful things locked inside? Do you feel channeling your energy through an activity is helpful? Share other methods one can use to cope with trials.
- Were you surprised that Liz ended up being the thief? Making her an Unreliable Narrator offered a surprising twist to the story but also provided an opportunity to highlight her vulnerability. Have you seen this technique used in fiction before?
- Can you relate to Liz falling back into her childhood coping mechanisms? Why do you think this is a common reaction? What would have been a better way for Liz to handle the situation?
- One message of this story is owning up to your mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions. How hard is that to do? Why?
- Liz discovers her faith through the help of her friend Josie. Is there anyone you might be able to invite to church or share a novena with? Have you ever offered to pray for someone?
- The books in my Finding Faith series are about teens who struggle in their personal lives. Sometimes we have to experience those moments of desperation before we can open ourselves to the beauty and grace of Christ. When you face difficulties, do you have a friend to turn to? Or can you be that friend for someone in need? Like Liz, don’t be afraid to seek out a priest to talk to. Through Jesus’ loving mercy, a priest can offer counsel and forgiveness.