1. Aside from the presence of pie recipes and the title story, "World of Pies," why is the book as a whole called World of Pies? What does the title evoke for you?

2. Why do you think the author called the town in World of Pies Annette? What qualities does the name conjure up?

3. How would you characterize the relationship between Carl and Christina? What does Roxanne learn about relationships from her parents?

4. Why does Roxanne fear the arrival of her baby sister? What effect does the large age gap have on their relationship?

5. How does Stolz keep the father's presence felt in the chapters subsequent to his death at an early age?

6. What are the gifts of small-town life? What are the strictures?

7. What motivates Roxanne's interaction with Tommy at the end of "Solace"? Name three plot threads in the story that have a common link.

8. Aunt Ruthie is a source of humor in the book; what events gave you a more balanced view of her and her motivations?

9. Why does Roxanne have such a hard time deciding to have a baby when she comes from such a happy home herself?

10. What is the cultural center of Annette, Texas? What part does this venue play in the book's progress?

11. Why is small-town life in the sixties so food-focused? What memories did the food in the book stimulate in you?

12. What is Roxanne's biggest character flaw? What is her greatest strength?

13. Why did Stolz set all of the stories/chapters in the summertime?