1. The epigraph in Me & Emma quotes Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass and it reads, "It is by ourselves we go down to eternal light." Why do you think author Elizabeth Flock chose this passage? How does it relate to Me & Emma?

2. Discuss the effects Daddy's murder has on various characters: Carrie, Emma, Momma and Gammy. Compare and contrast Carrie and Momma's lives and personalities before and after Daddy's murder.

3. As little children we tend to believe our parents are perfect and it is only as adults we begin to see their human flaws. How does that affect us? To Carrie, her Daddy was the perfect father. But in reality he was not the perfect husband. What do we learn about Daddy and the reason for his murder? How do you think this affects Carrie?

4. The author is careful not to reveal what year or decade the novel is set. When do you think this story is supposed to take place? On what clues did you base your decision?

5. Do you think Carrie is typical of girls her age? In what ways? How does she differ?

6. Momma, Miss Mary, Gammy and Miss Ueland are all products of a similar social and economic environment. What do you think about the roles of these women in this story? How has circumstance differentiated them? What does each of them represent to Carrie?

7. In chapter eight, during a violent scene with Carrie, Richard begins to cry. What is the catalyst for his breakdown? Do his emotions make him more human? Did you find yourself more sympathetic toward him?

8. Based on Mr. White's memories of Momma, what is your impression of Momma as a teenager back in high school?

9. Momma seems not to care about the abuse Carrie suffers, yet some might argue that she was as much a victim as her daughter. Discuss ways in which Momma tries to protect Carrie from Richard.

10. Carrie is a very sympathetic character, yet there are times when her actions make her unlikable (when she kicks Brownie, for instance). What do you think this says about her?

11.What so you think about the way children are portrayed in the story? Consider Carrie and Emma, Orla Mae, Forsyth, George Godsey. Are these realistic characters?

12. What do you think the future holds for Carrie and Momma? Do you see the ending as hopeful or bleak?