Discussion Questions
Mend the Heart
Desert of Dreams Series · Book 5 · Jenny’s story
Discussion Questions
How did the characters react? How would you react:
- What are warning signs of physical, mental, emotional, and/or sexual abuse? When should you seek help? Who is a safe person to go to if you need help?
- What can you do if a friend confides in you that they’ve experienced trauma and/or abuse?
- How can a parent’s addiction or other struggles affect a child? How might those experiences influence the child’s relationships and choices later in life?
- What are warning signs of a controlling or unhealthy relationship? Why can it sometimes be difficult to recognize those signs or leave the relationship?
- What does it mean to belong? Can friends become family? How can having people who accept and support you change the way you see yourself?
- Looking back across the series, how did the girls change one another’s lives? What did each friendship give them that they may not have found on their own?
- How can we sustain hope and build resilience to overcome life’s challenges?
- What are your dreams in life? What do you hope to achieve? What steps can you take to get there?
Content Note
This novel addresses sensitive topics including child neglect; child sexual abuse; generational trauma; bullying; parental substance abuse; underage drinking; controlling and abusive relationships; violence; rape; teen pregnancy; and strong language.
Due to the nature of some of these themes, this book is recommended for mature teens and adult readers.
