Amazing Grace Adams

Amazing Grace Adams is both a story about one woman having to find herself again, and rebuild her relationship with her daughter. How did these facets of the story work together? Did you find yourself rooting for Grace?

Grace is 45, the unhappiest age you can be, according to the Guardian. How does society erase women over 40? Why do you think that is? How does this story help you see the women in your life differently?

On page 17, the author writes: “And standing there, staring at her stupid disappearing mouth, she pictures her daughter there moments ago, considers the fucking terrible timing of it all. How, just at the point that she – that all the mothers – are drying up from the inside out (or from the outside in, who could possibly call it?), the daughters are busting out all over with the exact same firm, ripe potency they are losing. And maybe the worst part is they don’t even know it.” Do you agree with this statement?

Language plays an important role in the book, as both Grace and her husband are polyglots. How does being an acclaimed polyglot contribute to Grace’s midlife crisis? What other languages do you speak or wish you spoke? Who is the word nerd in your book club?

When Grace receives the divorce papers from her husband on page 68, her daughter Lotte walks in, completely oblivious to Grace’s state, and starts to scarf down some orange juice from the refrigerator. The author writes: “And it strikes Grace how they notice everything and nothing, these selective, narcissistic young adults. Everything you don’t want them to see.” Do you think Grace is correct? Or do you think teens notice the good things too but just don’t comment on them?

What is the significance of the theme of the cake? How would you have responded in Grace’s shoes? Do you think it’s Grace’s make-or-break moment?

Later in the novel, when Grace can’t pay for a drink, a woman pays for her. And then extends her kindness by bandaging her blisters. On page 157, she says: “You’ve been in the wars.” Has Grace been in the wars? Is menopause a war? Is marriage? Is motherhood?

There are a lot of flashbacks to Grace’s past throughout the novel. Did these glimpses of the past enable you to better understand Grace’s actions? Did they make you more sympathetic to her?

On page 160, Grace says, “Sometimes I have so much rage it scares me.” Discuss female rage. Do you think female rage is treated differently than male rage? Do you think women have more to be angry about? Why or why not? What do you think the book has to say about this?

The novel is rich with themes of love, hope, joy, and grief. What are some examples of these themes in the book? Are there any moments that encompass all four? What lessons did you ultimately take away from Grace’s story?