1. Describe the relationship between the three generations of women, Ashley, Liz and Maisie.

2. Is their family truly dysfunctional, or are they normal? Are they happy?

3. Why doesn't Liz approve of her mother's relationship with Skipper? Is it scandalous? Why do we allow social disapproval to keep us from who or what we want?

4. Talk about Liz and Clayton's marriage. Is there anything Liz could have done to prevent Clayton's proclivities in New York? Why does he act as he does? What makes him stop? Should Liz forgive him? Are we a society too quick to divorce? Is forgiveness a weakness? How can Clayton regain Liz's trust?

5. Strong women are the heart of Dorothea Benton Frank's novels. Choose three adjectives that describe the women in the book. Explain why you chose each, and use examples from the book.

6. How does Dorothea Benton Frank use the location of her beloved Carolina Lowcountry as a character in the story? How is this family part of the Lowcountry? How much does place define who we are?

7. Abuse is an important theme in the novel. Do you think our society takes this issue seriously enough? How does abuse proliferate? How do their cultural predilections and personal desires blind them to the senator's behavior? What might have happened to Ashley if she didn't have her family behind her?

8. Think about the three generation of women. Have our notions of romantic relationships changed? Use examples from the novel to support your answer.

9. Which character embodies change the most in the novel?

10. Other generations have weathered financial downswings. What makes the experiences of Ashley's generation different? Are their parents wrong to try to dissuade Ashley and her friend from pursuing their dreams? Is it better to pursue what makes you happy or what makes you money? Why do we have to choose?

11. How are these characters reflective of today? Are they anachronistic in any way?

12. Do you have a favorite scene or part of the novel? Share your insights with the group.

13. What did you take away from reading THE HURRICANE SISTERS?