1. A recurrent theme in the story is summed up in the saying: “Life’s gearshift’s got no reverse, so you have to just keep moving forward.” Several characters in the story have had to choose to move forward, including Jon-Paul Pearcy. He says of his blindness that he hasn’t come to accept it, but rather he copes with it. Has a life-changing event (personal illness, loss of a loved one, loss of a career, etc.) happened to you? Have you learned to cope with the different life you have as opposed to the life you expected? What, if anything, helped you adapt to the life you have today?

2. In Chapter 12, Jane and Truman discuss mercy. Jane says people always talk about God being merciful, but, “it seems no matter what you ask for, he always lets the hardest things happen.” Truman says, “He is merciful, Jane, and he lets the hardest things happen, which in itself might be a mercy. Who are we to say?” What do you think Truman means by that statement? Have you ever gone through a trial that later showed itself to be a mercy?

3. Jane wants to know why she should forgive her mother for committing suicide and for never saying, “I love you, Janie.” In Chapter 21, Laney tells Jane she should forgive because Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. Jesus sacrificed Himself in order to forgive us our sins. Have you found it difficult to forgive someone you believe harmed you? Have you found it difficult to forgive yourself for something you did or didn’t do? Have you been able to forgive? Why? Why not?

4. In Chapter 24, Jon-Paul introduces Jane more fully to what life is like for those who are blind. Jane realizes she has much to learn and many assumptions to lose concerning the disabled. Have assumptions been made about you because of your appearance, eyesight/hearing capabilities, your religious denomination, your career, or even your clothing? How have those misconceptions affected you? How do you respond to those who treat you differently due to their pre-conceived notions/perceptions?

5. Jane and Truman visit the place by the Saluda River where his life was forever changed. Jane thinks, “If only.” Do you think back to a particular event and wonder if you had made a different decision what your life would be like now? Are you content with the path your life has taken since that time? Who do you think has been/is in ultimate control of your past, your present, your future?