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Discussion Guide

Love in Words and Music

From the first dance to the last word, an epic love story spanning fifty years. Told entirely in dialogue, an encounter on an ocean liner leads to life and living in the heartland of the American Midwest.

Brad, a psychiatric nurse—solid, steady, and devoted, and Patricia, a college professor—beautiful, free-spirited and passionate, meet, fall in love, and settle in Minneapolis.

A lifelong affair filled with humor, affection, and abiding devotion.
Through triumphs and trials, and bonds stretched to the breaking point, love endures.
Through fortune and misfortune, love flourishes.
Through setbacks and victories, they remain focused on the life they have built together.

A life. A whole life. Told in words and music.

Unrue's storytelling is a beacon of understanding for the human condition. AllAuthor

This book contains nongraphic scenes of marital sexual encounters and innuendo.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with DartFrog Books.

Book club questions for Love in Words and Music by J. M. Unrue

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

3) How much does personal guilt play into Brad's response to Patricia's indiscretion at the party that leads to a separation?

4) What do you think the 'music' in the title actually represents?

5) Why do you think Brad stays with the VA?

7) What traits do each of them display that masks their insecurities?

1) At what point do you feel there is a power shift between the two characters?

2) Which of the two 'grows up' more over the course of the relationship?

6) At what point do you think they are finally completely secure in their relationship?

8) Which of the two do you feel loves the deepest?

9) Why do you think their physical connection is so intense?

10) How does Brad's response to Patricia's illness define their relationship?

Love in Words and Music Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the Love in Words and Music discussion questions