Book Group Questions and Discussion Guide
Getting It Right the Second Time Around lends itself nicely to a women's book group because it explores
the themes around the choices we make and the ones we've made, options facing women about personal
and professional destinations, and the challenge we all face to hear our own voice the loudest.
1. Alison shares her recurring daydream of what she expected her life to be like as the book opens. While she's moved past this expectation, she can't help returning to that image. What daydreams do you revisit?
2. Aunt Elinor offers her advice as freely as she dispenses her millions to her relatives. Do you think her financial generosity earns her the right to offer such blunt commentary on the choices and mistakes made by her family?
3. Elinor Hobbs chose to devote herself to her professional sucess rather than marry and raise children. Do you think women still have to make this type of choice? Is it fair for women to get married and have children while also trying to achieve the pinnacle of success in their chosen careers?
4. Alison defines her life as somewhat boring comprised of a low-paying job, a studio apartment, and a cat. As you get to know her through the pages of the book, do you agree with her characterization?
5. Rob and Alison were raised in the same family by the same parents, yet take different trajectories with their lives. While Alison seeks a life with purpose in the service of others, Rob is portrayed as selfish and self-centered. How could two siblings with the same upbringing develop such different life views?
6. If you were Alison listening to the terms of Aunt El's will, what would your reaction have been? Would you be excited about the opportunity to re-do something you regret or angry at her judgment on the life you've built?
7. In the book, we are introduced to a number of women who've faced domestic violence. Crystal's story particularly shows us the deep emotion and struggle involved in the choice to leave or stay with an abusive partner. Why do women tolerate abuse or return to abusers?
8. Alison is tasked with something that pushes her beyond her comfort zone. She is asked to run the Hannah's House annual fundraiser, requiring a level of organization, networking, and public speaking that makes her feel nervous and uncertain. How does this compare with the other choices Alison makes in the book to stretch herself?
9. Dr. Wright is a strong woman. We don't know anything about her personal life choices although she has achieved professional success. What do you think her personal choices have been that have supported her career ambitions?
10. Dr. Wright challenges Alison to develop a one, five, and ten-year plan for her life. Is this something you could do today? Is it even a reasonable expectation given the changes life tends to bring our way?
11. Alison and Nick's love story takes a sad turn as Nick rejects Alison when she has made herself vulnerable. Ironically, the focus on their wedding and future that turns Nick off was created, in part, by his insistence that she prioritize being a wife and mother. Why do you think Nick became disillusioned of the type of woman he said he wanted?
12. Ryan gives Alison little reason to doubt him, yet she finds it difficult to trust him. How does her past experience with Nick color her relationship with Ryan? When is the turning point in which she realizes that he is different than she expected?
13. Susan Tratten's presentation at the library lights a spark in Alison. Do you think she found the opportunity to visit an Ethiopian orphanage attractive because of or in spite of the terms of Elinor's will?
14. Rae is a character with a tragic life story who takes her grief and blossoms great good from it. Why do some people turn inwards after tragedy and some seek to make life better for those around them despite great sadness?
15. Alison makes an unexpected choice at the close of the novel. Were you surprised at what she decided? Why or why not?
