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The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip
Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she's been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who's just entered hospice care.
But there's more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she's not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it's a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that's just what Mrs. Kip will give her--but she's going to have to work for it.
Debut author Sara Brunsvold delights with this emotional multigenerational story that shows that the very best life is made up of thousands of little deaths to self. You'll want to be just like Mrs. Kip when you grow up!
These book club discussion questions are provided courtesy of Revell.
Book club questions for The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
Aidyn is scared of death, but Clara is not. What do you think is the root of this difference?
Clara tells Aidyn that authentic love “requires a thousand little deaths to self.” What does she mean by this?
Clara is eager to pour time, prayer, and lessons into young Aidyn. Why does she want to invest so much into someone of a younger generation? How do you invest in those coming up behind you?
Describe a time when you listened to the life story of someone of a previous generation. What was the story? What did you take away from it?
Have you walked with someone through the end-of-life stage? If so, how does your experience compare to what is presented in the book?
Aidyn discovers the perfect last line for Clara’s obituary. What would you want the final line of your obituary to be?
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip discussion questions
"Brunsvold's first novel is a moving story that brings attention to the history of Kansas City's refugee resettlement efforts during the 1970s. With a truly compassionate protagonist, Brunsvold reverently creates a space for readers to reflect on living with vivacity and dying with dignity."--Booklist
"Clara's vivaciousness in the face of death makes her a captivating protagonist, and readers will appreciate her poignant reflections on faith and renewal."--Publishers Weekly