1. Which of the characters in THE DESIRE could you most easily relate to and why?

2. In one conversation between Allan and Michele, we learn that a surprisingly large percentage of couples struggle with infertility. Have you ever experienced this or know anyone who has?

3. Would you agree with Michele that many churches could do a better job caring for the challenges of couples struggling with infertility? That many churches focus on family life so strongly but often don’t consider the problems of couples who can’t have children naturally?

4. What kinds of things could churches do to better care for and support couples struggling to have children?

5. One of the issues covered in the book is the choices young, unwed mothers face in a crisis pregnancy (adoption or becoming a single parent). We know how Christina faced this decision. Do you have any thoughts about this issue, or about the choice Christina made?

6. Were you aware of how expensive it is for young couples to adopt a baby, whether foreign or domestic? Why do you think the costs are so high? Do you know anyone who has adopted a child? Have you ever thought about doing something like this?

7. Have you ever heard of Korah or the plight of the orphans in places like Ethiopia? Can you understand Allan’s desire to devote so much time and energy to help them? Do you think Michele was being selfish by asking him to focus more on their family than on the situation in Korah?

8. What were some of your favorite moments in the book and why?

9. What are some of the challenges you think Christina will face in the days ahead? Where do you think the story will go from here? What kinds of challenges will the Anderson family face next?