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A Better Heart
For aspiring indie filmmaker Kevin Stacey, it's another day on the set of his first film, but when his estranged father, a failed Hollywood actor, arrives unexpectedly with a bundle of cash, a gun, and a stolen capuchin monkey, he's propelled toward the journey that will change his life.
The monkey, Henry, has been liberated from a research lab by animal rights activists. Inspired by his friend Veronica to reevaluate his relationship with other species, Kevin learns about the pain and suffering inflicted on lab animals as he forges a bond with the capuchin. When father and son embark on a road trip with Henry, Kevin is caught between the egocentric father who abandoned him and the temperamental monkey whose fate is in his hands. With both the FBI and his mother's ghost watching, will Kevin risk his career and his father's freedom to bring the stolen monkey to safety? Meanwhile, Veronica's encounter with an eccentric Catholic priest triggers her own journey toward change.
A heartbreaking yet comic family drama, A Better Heart examines the human-animal bond and the bonds between fathers and sons, challenging readers to explore their beliefs about the treatment of non-human species.
This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Dartfrog Books.
Book club questions for A Better Heart by Chuck Augello
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
In A Better Heart, filmmaker Kevin Stacey’s father Brian arrives unexpectedly with a capuchin monkey during the filming of a scene. How do Kevin’s childhood resentments influence his adult relationship with his father?
Henry, the capuchin monkey, has been stolen from a laboratory where he was subject to painful and invasive experiments. Were the activists who freed Henry justified in their actions? What are your thoughts on the rights of animals? Do humans, in the pursuit of scientific knowledge, have the right to inflict pain on non-human species?
Veronica and Father Blank visit Melissa, a young shut-in living in squalor with her cats. Is it irresponsible of them to support Melissa in her unconventional life choices? Do they have a moral duty to help her change?
To avoid prison, Brian agrees to cooperate with the FBI in a sting operation to capture two experienced animal rights activists. Is his cooperation justified? Why does he want Kevin to help him, knowing it puts his son at risk?
The FBI considers the activists who “stole” Henry to be terrorists. Do you agree?
How does Kevin’s connection to his mother’s death influence his decision to help Henry escape from the FBI?
While Kevin remains missing, Veronica works to bring Exit 23 to the screen. Though they have no formal commitment, she feels betrayed by his absence. Why?
Kevin, Rita, and Henry wind up at the home of a legendary Hollywood icon. How does the experience influence Kevin’s view of his father?
Do you support or oppose animal testing? Do you check to see if a product has been tested on animals before you buy it?
How does the relationship between Kevin and Brian change as a result of their adventure with Henry? How did you feel at the novel’s end when the three are reunited at the sanctuary?
A Better Heart Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the A Better Heart discussion questions
"A promising new literary voice." –Kirkus Reviews