Questions for The Wide Smiles of Girls    Read an excerpt...
1. As Mae Wallace approaches Langdon Island, she encounters a strange new place, road construction, and the mysterious Miss Your Lips Ruth signs. Discuss the trials that await her. Have you ever started over in an unknown place?

2. The first part of the novel introduces Mae Wallace and March's late childhood, college, and post-college years. In what ways does Mae Wallace show her love for her sister? In what ways does she reinforce March's irresponsibility?

3. How would you characterize Mae Wallace and March's relationship? What kind of sister is March? Do you think she understands Mae Wallace's desperation at the rift in their relationship?

4. Mae Wallace seeks out a career in the non-profit world. Why do you think she does this? How does Mae Wallace's devotion to various "causes" affect her life? What about those around her?

5. The "lovely and talented Ruth" consumes much of Hale's thoughts, yet he is ready by novel's end to move on with his life. Discuss why March seems only mildly threatened by Ruth. Why do you think Hale is attracted to March? How is she different from Ruth?

6. What is the significance of the title, The Wide Smiles of Girls? In what ways does the sisters' idyllic childhood help or hamper their ability to relate to each other as adults?

7. Mae Wallace has trouble telling others what she feels. In what ways does this affect the relationship she has with Hale? Discuss why you think Hale and Mae Wallace form an important bond. Do you know someone like Mae Wallace? Like Hale?

8. Ruth is known and unknown in the book. Why do you think Mae Wallace is so fascinated with Ruth? In your family life, is there a relative you have never met who is fascinating to you?

9. Langdon Island forms an important touchstone for the sisters. In what ways is it a prison and a place of healing or something in between? What is the island for Hale?

10. Discuss Vince and Mae Wallace's relationship. Does he give Mae Wallace room to grieve her sister's accident or is he justifiably impatient with her conflicting emotions? Does her treatment of Vince seem understandable or is Mae Wallace cruel to her boyfriend?

11. Langdon is the scene of Hale's darkest hours. But it also gives him the inspiration for his bridge series paintings. Discuss how the bridge figures prominently into Hale's art and his personal tragedy.

12. Ruth's final climb is witnessed by many people, but only one woman sees her tragic end. Do you think Ellen will ever tell what she saw? How does Hale's uncertainty about Ruth's death affect him?

13. Discuss what happens to March and Hale after the novel ends. What happens to Mae Wallace? What might a sequel look like?