Reading Group Guide
Discussion Questions
Chasing Sunsets: A Cedar Key Novel
1. Which characters in Chasing Sunsets did you feel connected to and why?
2. The role and impact of a child's relationship with their father, whether good or bad, is a theme that's prevalent throughout this book. How do you see this thread? How has your relationship with your father shaped your character and sense of self-worth, for the better or worse?
3. Why do you think Kimberly craves control?
4. Can you recognize areas in your life where you, like Kimberly, could stand to relinquish some control? What steps can you take toward overcoming your desire to control these situations? Why do you crave control in these areas?
5. Other than the father’s role, what themes did you see woven through Chasing Sunsets and how do they relate to one another?
6. Patsy mentions that the Bible instructs us to be guides and mentors to those younger than us. We can all see how society suffers when this practice is scarce. But what do you think has caused this breakdown? If nothing changes, what picture do you get of the future we have bound ourselves toward?
7. In what ways can you be a part of restoring the bridge between your generation and those coming behind it? Is there anyone in your life that could use a mentor or that you feel God leading you to mentor?
8. Have you ever been guilty of enabling someone to continuously make poor, even harmful choices? Have you ever been enabled to do so? Have you ever made the decision to give tough love? Have you ever been on the receiving end of it? What was the outcome in each case?
9. How did circumstances lead Kimberly to a place where she was finally ready to see the truth --- the truth about her marriage, her mother, Steven, her sister and, more importantly, herself?
10. Kimberly isn't sure how to help Cody accept that she has a new man in her life. If he refuses to take part in getting to know Steven and Eliza, what do you think is the wisest way for Kimberly and/or Steven to handle it and why?
11. How often do you choose to see those who have hurt you through God's eyes --- to understand that they hurt others because they hurt? How often do you choose to work past your hurt and their actions and allow God to use you as a source of healing for them?
12. Tell about a time you had to trust God in a seemingly impossible situation and how, through your obedience, He worked all things "together for the good?”