Megan's Way
Melissa Foster, 2009
Outskirts Press
304 pp.
ISBN-13: 9781432744427
Summary
What would you give up for the people you love?
When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist living on Cape Cod, receives the shocking news that her cancer has returned, she's faced with the most difficult decision she's ever had to make. The love she has for her daughter, Olivia, and her closest friends will be stretched and frayed.
Megan’s illness reawakens the torment of her best friend, Holly Townsend, whose long-held secrets and years of betrayal come back to haunt her. How does one choose between a daughter and a life-long best friend? Can the secret she has been keeping be revealed after years of lying without destroying everyone in its wake?
Meanwhile, fourteen-year-old Olivia's world is falling apart right before her eyes, and there's nothing she can do about it. She finds herself acting in ways she cannot even begin to understand. When her internal struggles turn to dangerous behavior, even the paranormal connection she shares with her mother might not be enough to save her—her life will hang in the balance.
Megan’s Way is a journey of self discovery and heartfelt emotions, exploring the depth of the mother-daughter bond, and the intricacies of friendship. (From the publisher.)
Author Bio
Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of three International bestselling novels, Megan's Way, Chasing Amanda, and Come Back to Me. She has also been published in Indie Chicks, an anthology.
She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, and the World Literary Cafe (previously WoMen's Literary Cafe), a cross-promotional site for authors, reviewers, bloggers, and readers. Melissa is currently collaborating in the film production of Megan's Way.
Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she's written for Calgary's Child magazine and Women Business Owners magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod. (From the author's website.)
Book Reviews
A vivid portrayal of each character's journey through life; of the joys and travails of putting one's heart on the line and making oneself vulnerable through the act of giving the heart.
Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards
Megan's Way is beautifully written, thought-provoking and inspiring. You can not read this book without looking at your own life and those around you. You will be touched and moved emotionally. Megan's Way by Melissa Foster will change your thoughts, your reflections and your outlook. This is a powerful story and the author peels away the layers with perfect pace and tone.
Page One Lit
Cancer is a harsh companion that has an annoying tendency to return to lives. Megan's Way is a novel exploring the cancerous fate of Megan Taylor as the single mother deals with the reemergence of her disease. The tale follows Megan and her daughter Olivia as they deal with the way their lives are torn apart. "Megan's Way" is a fine and fascinating read that many will find hope in.
Midwest Book Review
Melissa Foster does an excellent job describing the physical deterioration of cancer. As the novel progresses, you feel Megan fading physically while striving desperately to stay strong for Olivia. And Foster also masters the confusion and rage of a teenager who knows she’s being lied to by her parent. Down to committing a rash act which puts her life and her mother’s in jeopardy. She also draws the circle of friends well—life long friends all there for one another, banding together in times of sorrow, celebrating as one in good times.
LL Book Review
This is a deep and moving book that speaks to men as well as women, and I urge you all to put it on your reading list.
Thomas Elliott - Mensa Bulletin
As I read this book I was reminded of one of my favorite movies, Beaches. I tried putting myself in Megan’s place, would I make the same decisions she made? Would I tell the truth or withhold it? I’m not sure. This book has five key characters; they each have a strong connection. That connection is what makes this tale so special. Melissa Foster has done a superb job of placing just the right emphasis on the drama of the situation. Foster took a paint brush and dipped it in words to paint a beautiful canvas.
Anne B. - Readers Favorite Awards
Megan's Way by Melissa Foster is an emotionally moving book.
Jeanette Stingley - Bella Online
Discussion Questions
(You may wish to refrain from reading these questions until you finish reading Megan's Way.)
1. In Megan’s Way, Megan imposes a treacherous decision upon herself: should she get further treatments for her terminal illness, or should she refrain? If you were in Megan’s situation, what would you have done? What, in your life, would impact that decision the most? Why do you think Megan felt compelled to hide her illness?
3. At the tender age of 14, Olivia was already in a stage of her life when most girls are selfabsorbed and act out toward their parents. Do you think Olivia’s age added to her angst about not knowing who her father was? Do you think she could have handled it in a mature and respectful way had Megan revealed her true father, or do you think that as a teen, it would be more likely that at any fit of anger or rebellion, she’d have used it against Megan?
4. Peter’s mother left him at a very early age, and he clearly never dealt with his abandonment issues. After Megan dies, he reevaluates his life and opens his heart. Do you think his angst would have been equal, more, or less, had his father left instead of his mother? Do you think it is possible to get past those issues?
5. At the beginning of the book, a fortuneteller foresees death, passage, and truth. She also states, “One will be released, and returned after death.” She states, “She will need you, and you will know.” She also casts a spell on one of them as they leave the tent. Do you believe there are people that can see the future? Do you think there are people who are capable of casting such spells? Do you believe in other paranormal connections, like the one between Megan and Olivia?
6. Holly and Jack have a seemingly strong marriage, and yet it is undermined by Holly’s lie, the enormity of which could land her in jail. Do you think she should have told Jack? Do you think their marriage would survive such deception?
7. Everyone keeps secrets of some sort. What types of secrets do you think are the most harmful to relationships? Infidelity? Financial problems? Former relationships?
8. The friendship between Megan, Holly, Jack, and Peter is very strong. It appears, throughout the book, that they are all there for each other, no matter what is going on in their own lives. And they all rallied around Olivia after Megan’s passing. Do you think such strong bonds can really exist within a group of this size? Do you have this strong of a friendship with anyone, male or female? What do you think drew these friends together and bonded them throughout the years?
9. After Megan’s death, Olivia meets Jason, who has also lost his parents. Do you think Jason helps Olivia grieve and deal with her mother’s death? What other role do you think Jason plays in Olivia’s life?
10. If you were Holly or Jack, what might you have done to help Olivia through her mother’s death? Would you have done anything differently?
11. Megan’s Way brings to the reader more than one moral dilemma. Discuss the ethical and moral values that might weigh into the decisions the characters have made. Did you feel angry at any of the characters? Did your emotions change as you progressed through the story? At the end of Megan’s Way, did you agree or disagree with the characters’ decisions?
(Questions issued by publisher.)
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