Campfire Confessions

Annie, Sondra, and Jo were the best of childhood friends—but they haven’t seen each other in far too long. To the outside world, their lives are perfect. But appearances can be deceiving…

Married to a pastor in a small town she’s never left, Annie’s devoted her life to family and the church. Most people consider her a saint—but they don’t know she’s hiding a big secret. Sondra’s living it up married to one of the richest men in L.A. and appears to have it all—beauty, brains, and a successful career. But when a real estate deal becomes more than just a transaction, she quickly realizes she’s in over her head. Jo is four years sober and struggling through a divorce. After a one-night stand takes an unexpectedly comic turn, she’s forced to reckon with a lifetime of bad choices.

When Annie’s secret catches up with her, Jo and Sondra rush to her side, escaping on a hilarious canoeing trip that turns into a soul-searching, death-defying adventure. Lost in the woods as one thing goes wrong after another, they find themselves sharing their deepest secrets around the campfire. But as each new revelation unfolds, one thing becomes clear: it will take more than a night of true confessions for the three of them to find their way back home.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership Dartfrog Books.

Book club questions for Campfire Confessions by Kristine Ochu

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

Annie, Josephine and Sondra all have their own stories. Which of these women did you find the most appealing, and why? Did you feel more compassion for any of the characters? Why or why not?

Do you believe Annie, Josephine and Sondra empowered each other, or that they empowered themselves? Have you had friends who empowered you in your life? If yes, what actions or words did they use to empower you?

Annie, Josephine and Sondra all needed to let go of their mistakes to move forward. Why is letting go of the past or mistakes so difficult for people? What can help people through this process?

Josephine had a lot of guilt from her past alcoholic behavior. Why do you think it’s so hard for people to forgive themselves?

Each of the characters struggled at times with self-love. What does self-love mean to you? Do you think women suffer from a lack of self-love? If yes, what are ways for people to practice this concept?

Various cultures around the world have spiritual beliefs about animals, birds, insects and reptiles sending them messages. In the book, Josephine felt connected to the crow, Annie was drawn to the deer, and Sondra had a dragonfly land on her hand. Do you have any animals, birds, insects or reptiles that you feel connected to? If yes, have there been times that you received a message that you needed to hear?

There are various energy, empowerment and motivational tools used by the characters including: meditation; visualization; “I am” statements; tapping, etc. Was there a tool that resonated with you? Have you used any of these tools during different times in your life? In what way did they help you?

Thelma was considered a healer in the community through her teas and her words. Have you had healers in your life? What forms did they take? Was it a teacher, spiritual leader, parent or friend?

Fire has often been associated with the concept of transformation and rebirth. As the characters confess their secrets around the campfire, how does it change them? Do you have memories around the campfire that are special to you? If yes, were any of them life-changing?

There is a theory that men and women communicate their needs differently. Do you believe this is true? If yes, how did these differences affect each of the characters with their husbands?

Campfire Confessions Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the Campfire Confessions discussion questions