Discussion Questions

1. During her years in Green, Lois has begun to put down roots. What has helped her be able to do this? What has held her back? Have you ever felt a yearning to put roots in one place, or have you enjoyed moving around? In what ways was your experience similar to Lois's? How was it different?

2. Lois receives a surprise suggestion from Chris Craig during chapter 1 of The Glory of Green. Why does his idea catch her off guard? How does the idea symbolize changes in their relationship? How does she handle the suggestion? Have you ever had a time when you had to talk about an issue with friends to find the solution? Were they helpful?

3. The Glory of Green includes many joys and losses for Lois and other characters. What are some of the happiest moments? What are the saddest? Was there a scene that particularly touched you? What words would you use to describe this novel?

4. In this third book in the Green series, characters react in different ways to difficult situations. How do they deal with problems? What works best? Where do their biggest challenges occur? Do you think the people of Green rose to the occasion or ran from it? In what ways did they help one another?

5. Lois enjoys making plans for how things should unfold, but life in Green never goes quite as she plans. In what ways are her plans shaken? Have you had experiences when things did not work out as you planned? How did you handle those situations? In addition to Lois, others in Green are making plans. Are the plans of others affected by Lois? If so, how? Do you think people should try to plan more or see what unfolds as they go along? What advice would you give Lois and friends about planning?

6. The town of Green, Louisiana, is a key part of The Glory of Green. What are Lois's feelings about Green now that she is in her third year there? What do you like about Green? What are your concerns about Green? What part does the new highway play in the story? Would you like to visit Green? If so, who would you chat with first? How do the community correspondents for The Green News-Item affect your perception of Green?

7. What are some of the ways Pastor Jean and Lois interact? How does their relationship change during the book? How does Lois help Jean, and how does Jean help Lois? How might you describe Lois's spiritual life? Is her faith strong or weak? Is there someone in your life whom you lean upon for help with problems? Have you ever been asked to reciprocate with advice of your own?

8. Dub McCuller and Mayor Eva Hillburn seem to have a complex relationship in The Glory of Green. Why does their friendship matter to Lois? How does she handle it? Do you think she should have responded differently? Major Wilson, a person Lois does not respect, contacts her with a surprise offer. Why do you think he called her? What do you think of her conversation with him? What do you think the future holds for Major Wilson?

9. Lois and Chris continue to be troubled by poverty in the rural areas around Green. What do they do about it? Are their efforts helpful? One family, including a football player for the Green High Rabbits, lives with a variety of troubles. What are some of those? What might be done for those children? Do you encounter people in need in your daily life? How do you respond when confronted with poverty?

10. Citizens of Green have a variety of opinions on how things should be done. What are some of their differences of opinions? What do they agree on? Do disagreements hold Green back or help it move forward? If you had been in the town meeting, what topic would you have wanted to address? What part does the staff of The Green News-Item play in discussions about the future? In what ways, if any, do they shine, and in what ways, if any, do they flounder? What part do members of the media play in Green's situation?

11. What is Chris Craig's role in The Glory of Green? In what ways is he a catalyst in Lois's life? Does she change him? How does life surprise Chris and Lois? How does this affect their relationship?

12. Many women touch Lois's life. What does she learn from them? Who has the biggest impact on her? Do you think Lois frustrates her women friends? How does Iris Jo handle her illness? In what ways does Dr.Kevin contribute to the town? What are Eva's strengths as mayor? What words would you use to describe Tammy? What do you think Linda, learning to be a reporter after years as a secretary, wants in life?

13. Students Molly and Katy are woven throughout the book. How do they grow? What draws them together as best friends? What do they get from their relationship with Lois? What does she get from them? What do you think will happen as they mature?

14. Lois is adapting to her puppy, Holly Beth, a gift from Mayor Eva. Do you think her relationship with the dog changes her? Chris's dog, Mannix, also has a role in this story. How does Mannix affect Lois throughout the book? Have you ever had a pet that made a difference in your life? If so, how?

15. Home is very important to Lois, and she has settled happily into the old cottage Aunt Helen gave her. What disrupts her notions of home? How does she deal with the changes? What characteristics do you think she wants in a home? What does Chris want? What matters most to you about home? What makes a house or apartment the place you want to come home to?