Reading Questions for Sing You Home
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12. When Max says to Zoe, "God forgives you," she replies, "God should know there's nothing to forgive." (p. 406) Their statements are diametrically opposite, and they spend almost the entire novel arguing their beliefs to each other. Do you think both sides' arguments were equally represented in the novel? Which points from either side did you find most compelling or convincing? Which points did you find most difficult to hear?
13. When Max seeks guidance from Pastor Clive as to how he should react to Zoe's new relationship with Vanessa, Pastor Clive tells him a story about Pastor Wallace, who allowed homosexuals into his congregation. Pastor Clive believes that Pastor Wallace is a model for tolerance and that, while homosexuality shouldn't be accepted, gay members of the church should be tolerated. Do you believe Pastor Clive practices what he preaches in the novel? What about when he says that the Eternal Glory Church isn't "anti-gay" but rather "pro-Christ"? (p. 219) Is tolerance even possible without acceptance? Explain.
14. Despite being about a very specific relationship and a unique court case, Sing You Home addresses universal themes and ideas regarding family, love, and acceptance. Do you think this story reaches a wide audience, despite its unique specificities? Did you connect with the characters? Why or why not?
15. Several different story lines are left unresolved, such as Lucy's story and why she made allegations against Zoe, and how Max and Liddy eventually get married. Are there any subplots you wish the author had resolved or delved into more thoroughly? Are there any that you would've resolved differently?
Enhance Your Book Club
1. Visit the author's website, jodipicoult.com, and learn more about Jodi Picoult and her seventeen novels.
2. Have life imitate art! Run a part of your discussion of Sing You Home as a court trial debate. Split your group into two opposing sides, such as team Zoe and team Max, and hold a debate over some of the novel's main themes and events.
3. Get the lowdown on the law. Learn about your state's civil union laws and discuss what laws (or lack thereof) you find most interesting.
4. Bring some music therapy to your book club and create a group discussion soundtrack! Have each member bring in a song, whether a personal favorite or a track that's reminiscent of the story, and play them during your discussion.
Read O's review
Get more reading guides
13. When Max seeks guidance from Pastor Clive as to how he should react to Zoe's new relationship with Vanessa, Pastor Clive tells him a story about Pastor Wallace, who allowed homosexuals into his congregation. Pastor Clive believes that Pastor Wallace is a model for tolerance and that, while homosexuality shouldn't be accepted, gay members of the church should be tolerated. Do you believe Pastor Clive practices what he preaches in the novel? What about when he says that the Eternal Glory Church isn't "anti-gay" but rather "pro-Christ"? (p. 219) Is tolerance even possible without acceptance? Explain.
14. Despite being about a very specific relationship and a unique court case, Sing You Home addresses universal themes and ideas regarding family, love, and acceptance. Do you think this story reaches a wide audience, despite its unique specificities? Did you connect with the characters? Why or why not?
15. Several different story lines are left unresolved, such as Lucy's story and why she made allegations against Zoe, and how Max and Liddy eventually get married. Are there any subplots you wish the author had resolved or delved into more thoroughly? Are there any that you would've resolved differently?
Enhance Your Book Club
1. Visit the author's website, jodipicoult.com, and learn more about Jodi Picoult and her seventeen novels.
2. Have life imitate art! Run a part of your discussion of Sing You Home as a court trial debate. Split your group into two opposing sides, such as team Zoe and team Max, and hold a debate over some of the novel's main themes and events.
3. Get the lowdown on the law. Learn about your state's civil union laws and discuss what laws (or lack thereof) you find most interesting.
4. Bring some music therapy to your book club and create a group discussion soundtrack! Have each member bring in a song, whether a personal favorite or a track that's reminiscent of the story, and play them during your discussion.
Read O's review
Get more reading guides
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