Discussion Questions
The questions below were generously submitted to LitLovers by CHRISTINA CHICHESTER, Adult Services Libarian, Cinnaminson Branch Library, Burlington (New Jersey) County Library System. Many thanks, Christina:
1. Shep thinks, "people who acted above money …were the same folks who never earned any to speak of.” (p. 20). Is this true? How are beliefs about the importance of money shaped?'
2. Jackson wonders about his and Carol’s decision to pretend to medicate Heather. Was this a good idea? Is medicating children necessary or just trendy?
3. The book addresses many issues about the world of illness and insurance. Which insights stick out the most to you?
4. Consider Jackson’s paradigm of Mooch to Mug (p. 76-80). How accurate is it? What do you think are the percentages of each?
5. Shep is often frustrated by Beryl’s refusal to live within her own means. How do we avoid living in an economy based on sympathy? Is Beryl capable of being a more responsible adult?
6. What similarities and differences do you see between Flicka and Glynnis as patients? What conclusions do you draw from their attitudes?
7. Why do so many people respond to Glynis with fear? Why do we feel so helpless when a loved one suffers from a serious illness? How can we learn to better handle the social awkwardness of it?
8. Does Shep’s transformation from a self centered jerk to doting husband strike you as believable?
9. Glynis wants to sue the company responsible for the asbestos. What role do lawsuits play in these circumstances? Does winning a lawsuit provide satisfaction?
10. Glynis can be a difficult personality. Does this help or hinder her in her cancer battle? Does having a positive attitude help? Does having faith?
11. What are some ways we can be genuinely helpful to a person who is seriously ill?
12. Pogatchnik, Shep’s boss, is portrayed as a greedy, insensitive business man. What do you think of his argument that employers should not be burdened with the cost of health care? Why did the author choose to make Pogatchnik such an unsympathetic character?
13. Both Glynis and Jackson eventually blow up at Shep for being a pushover. Is Shep partially to blame for his problems? Why is Jackson so angry about it? Why does Shep so quickly overlook this outburst?
14. In what ways have you seen good come from terrible circumstances?
(Questions submitted to LitLovers by Christina Chichester. Please feel free to use them, online and off, with attribution. Thanks.)
So Much for That (Shriver) - Discussion Questions
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