One Big Happy Family

Julie is embarrassed that she’s dating a younger man. How did you feel about the age difference between her and Heath? Do you think it affected their relationship in the story? Why or why not? What complications might they face in the future that wouldn’t exist if they were closer to the same age?

Discuss Blair ’s food restrictions, how the different characters reacted toward them, and how their reactions revealed their personalities.

Did your feelings about Gwen, Blair ’s mom, change as you read the story? If so, how so? Did the trauma she experienced make her treatment of Blair understandable or acceptable? Why or why not? Would you have been able to forgive her, if you were Blair? Why or why not? SUGGESTED MENU Julie’s Shortbread Cookies (recipe follows) We recommend that you wait to read these questions until after you have finished the book, to avoid spoilers.

In One Big Happy Family, it seemed nearly everyone had a secret, and all those secrets came tumbling out during their time at the cabin. Chat about each character ’s secret and how its revelation impacted the story.

When Julie found out that her boyfriend’s ex-wife was going to be alone at Christmas, she didn’t hesitate to invite Tiffany to join them at the cabin. How did you feel about that? What would you have done in Julie’s shoes?

With which character did you relate the most? Why?

What emotions did you feel about the ending of the book?

What is your family’s holiday tradition? Do you get together as a big group? What do you eat? Do you do anything special to commemorate loved ones who have passed away?