7. Throughout the book, our characters each build defenses for various reasons. Some harden their hearts completely, too hurt to give or receive love anymore. Amanda has the choice to harden or to heal. In the end, she takes a chance and allows Jay to “breech the levee of her heart.” Is this the core meaning of faith—to remove those defensive barriers and return to an open heart? What does the Bible say about love? (1 Corinthians 13:4–7; 1 Corinthians 13:13; John 13:34; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:19)
8. Discuss the symbolism of the feathered bone, the role of women throughout history, and the idea of birds flying free vs. being caged. What do you want your daughters and granddaughters to know about being a woman? What do you want your sons and grandsons to know about how to treat women? What do our characters learn?
About the Author
JULIE CANTRELL IS THE NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author of Into the Free, the 2013 Christy Award–winning Book of the Year and recipient of the Mississippi Library Association’s Fiction Award. Cantrell has served as editor-in-chief of the Southern Literary Review and is a recipient of the Mississippi Arts Commission Literary Fellowship. Her second novel, When Mountains Move, won the 2014 Carol Award for Historical Fiction and, like her debut, was selected for several Top Reads lists.
For behind-the-scenes extras, including Louisiana recipes featured in The Feathered Bone, visit Julie online at juliecantrell.com
Facebook: juliecantrellauthor
Twitter: @JulieCantrell
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