Things You Save in a Fire (Center) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
We'll add publisher questions if and when they're available; in the meantime, use our LitLovers talking points; to help start a discussion for THE THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE … then take off on your own:

1.  Katherine Center's novel offers fascinating insights into the world of firefighting. What surprised or intrigued you most? What about, for instance, the frequent pranks and jokes?

2. (Follow-up to Question 1) What does it take to be a firefighter, both physically and mentally? Is is something you could ever envision yourself doing?

3. Describe Cassie Hanwell's character, her background, and her flaws. What prompted her to forge a career in emergency rescue?

4. In what ways are the Austin, Tex., and the Boston, Mass., fire departments different—both in procedure and culture? Talk about the challenges Cassie faces as the Boston crew's first woman? 

5. How would you describe Cassie's relationship with her mother? Do you blame her hesitancy to connect with Diana? What does Cassie begin to learn about herself that she has been suppressing for decades?

6. In a good novels, the main characters usually undergo change; Things You Save in a Fire is no different. How do both Cassie and Diana change? What do they learn about themselves and others?

7, What might the book's title mean? What are the things you save in a fire?

(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online and off, with attribution. Thanks.)

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