3. In the few weeks prior to her disappearance, who does Ben think Norah might have a problem with that would account for her uncharacteristic behavior?

4. What prize did Reta's novel, "My Thyme is Up," win the previous year?

5. Why does Reta decide not to attend the funeral for the person at Scribano & Lawrence?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some concerns Reta has in creating her fictional character Alicia, and how are they significant?

2. Why does Reta realize that she cannot create a perfect woman as a hero in her novel?

3. According to Ben, how has Norah changed in the few weeks prior to her disappearance?

4. What attempt does Reta make to bribe her daughter Norah to come home when she visits her on her street corner and how successful is she?

5. Why do Reta and her writer friends at the Orange Blossom Room conclude that the concepts of goodness and greatness are incompatible for women?

6. What does Reta do each month that indicates her attempt to live up to an idea of "goodness?"

7. Describe Reta Winter's thoughts and feelings as the novel opens.

8. Why does Danielle believe that Norah has embraced her powerlessness in society by living as a homeless person?

9. Why does Reta initially think Norah's problems may have stemmed from her relationship with Ben Abbot?

10. Describe life in the Winters' household.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss grief as a major theme of the novel, especially the expression of suffering, responding to the following questions:

1. How does Reta cope with her grief?

2. How are Norah's actions a manifestation of grief?

3. What is the relationship between memory and grief?

Essay Topic 2

Healing, both physical and psychological, is significant to the characters' recovery in the novel. Identify the ways in which the Winters family heals from the stress and trauma over the past year.