Turning

Can a lifetime of wrongs be made right?

By almost every measure, Joe Fredericks, a real estate developer in New York City, is at the top. Successful, wealthy, and now the biggest developer in New York, he should feel as strong and solid as a Manhattan skyscraper. But one phone call from his ex-wife and that façade shatters. His college-age son, Steven, is dying of cancer and has forbidden Joe from visiting him in his final days.

Steven’s death exposes how hollow Joe’s life really is. While trying to move forward, Joe can’t help but reflect on his past as waves of memories resurface. As he relives the pivotal moments of his life, can Joe determine what went wrong in time to save his strained relationship with his daughter and Steven’s twin, Laura? And can looking at his life in a new light help Joe find his future path in his career and in love?

These discussion questions were provided by the publisher, Greenleaf Book Group.

Book club questions for Turning by Wayne Feinstein

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

Why was Joe so reluctant to start a relationship with Annie Connolly?

Why did Howard and Joe become such close friends?

What lesson did Joe learn and internalize when his boss suggested he invite C Suite Executives to invest in Joe’s personal land purchases contiguous to Brickson Properties?

What did this teach Joe about business ethics?

From whom did Joe learn that prescription drugs are sold, not prescribed and how?

What reasons did Joe have for ending his marriage to Molly? Why in a short time after divorcing, did he ignore his children in all ways save financial support?

When Joe gives notice to Brickson that he was leaving at the end of that fiscal year, why did he stay on so many months after resigning?

What was Angelina Taormina’s hold on Joe when she demanded sex with him on schedule? Why was Joe reluctant to end this relationship, even though he was deeply troubled by her expectations and demand?

After Steven’s funeral, Joe begins to try to resume a relationship with Laura. She clearly is going slowly and is not ready to jump back into a loving relationship with her father. If you faced a similar circumstance, what would you do?

When Margo accepts Joe’s proposal to marry, she seems to change, from a top company CEO to a young romantic. Why do you think her behavior changed?

After Joe’s month of reflection, he knew he wanted and needed to change. Of the commitments he makes, would fulfilling one have been sufficient—or did he need to try to implement the entire package including creating his foundation?

Turning Book Club Questions PDF

Download a printable PDF of these discussion questions to bring to your meeting.