1. Why do you think Tanner avoids settling down and prefers life on the road? Have there been times in your life where you’ve felt a similar restlessness? How did you handle it?

2. When Tanner meets Kaitlyn for the first time, he feels strongly that she has a story to tell --- and that he needs to hear it. What do you think sparks this feeling for him? Have you ever met someone you instantly needed to know more about? Discuss what drew you to them --- and what you learned.

3. What does the white deer come to symbolize for Jasper? In what ways does his obsession with protecting the deer help him? In what ways does it hurt him?

4. Discuss the ways in which respect for nature and the land are central to the book, especially to Jasper.

5. The theme of community and finding where one belongs are central to this novel. What does belonging mean to each of the main characters?

6. The devastating tragedies Jasper has endured in his life have caused him to identify with the Biblical character of Job. Do you have experience in your life with people for whom bad things always seem to happen?

7. COUNTING MIRACLES explores themes about justice, punishment and fairness. Do you think it’s fair that Jasper has suffered so much? Is it fair that the Littleton boys don’t seem to face consequences for their actions?

8. What storylines or action in the book would you categorize as miracles? What, in your own life, do you consider a miracle?

9. Several characters in the book think that they’ve closed the book on love and the possibility of new relationships (Tanner, Kaitlyn, Jasper). Discuss what happens to change their outlook --- both internally and in the story. Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? What surprised you or inspired you in your journey?

10. Jasper and Audrey seem to embody the idea that it’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Do you agree with the saying? Why or why not?

11. What did you think of the ending of the novel? Where do you imagine the characters will be in five years?