1. You meet the four main characters of Guest House in chapter one. Which is your favorite character. Why?

2. Melba Burns jumps off the fast track, sidelines her car, hauls groceries home in a wheelbarrow. Do you relate to Melba’s retreat from motorized society? Would you ever consider giving up your car?

3. The Garry family is a family on wheels. How have vehicles impacted their lives?

4. Matt is so private. How does Melba draw Matt out?

5. Matt enthusiastically takes apart Melba’s Volvo. What else do the two friends have in common? Their ages are decades apart. Why does their bond go so deep?

6. Will JoLee ever find her perfect mate? How many women do you know who work full time at securing a life partner?

7. Gene Garry is a likable drunk. What redeems him from utter uselessness?

8. Matt creates internal worlds to get him through hard times. Is imagination a real tool for coping with difficult circumstances? Does it help and/or harm?

9. What avenues of support does our society give to children in troubled households?

10. Melba has no legal right to step into this family. Can you justify her interference on behalf of Matt Garry?

11. Atomic City plays a major role in Matt’s life. How does this derelict town contribute to the richness of the Guest House story?