SMART GIRLS THINK TWICE by Cathie Linz
Reading Group Discussion Questions
1) The story begins with Emma Riley talking to her sisters. Which sister – Emma, Sue Ellen or Leena – do you relate to the most? Why? Each sister seems to have a label like Emma being the smart one. Do you have sisters and were they given labels? Can a sister ever break free of that label? Why or why not?
2) Emma has come home for her sisters’ wedding. Have you ever returned home for a wedding? How did that make you feel? Have you ever been a bridesmaid? Had an awful dress like Emma? Share your wedding stories.
3) Jake is an outsider in the small town of Rock Creek. What is the appeal of small towns? Do you like the fact that everyone knows everyone else? Describe some of your favorite secondary characters in town. Why do you like them?
4) Jake grew up in foster care and that changed him, made him more self-reliant and tougher. Do you think he would have been different had his parents not died? How so? What is the appeal of the loner hero?
5) Jake feels guilty about his friend’s death. How does this affect him and the decisions he makes? Do you think Jake is responsible for his friend’s death? Have you ever felt guilty about something you’ve done? How did you deal with it?
6) Emma is the peacemaker in her family. Describe the ways that she tries to stop family battles. How does Emma’s role as peacemaker affect her relationship with her mother? With her sisters? Is there a peacemaker in your family?
7) The book deals with family relationships – both Emma’s and Jake’s. Describe the different ways they approach these relationships. How does that difference affect their relationship with each other?
8) Jake is the reluctant temporary caretaker of a dog named Mutt. Describe his relationship with Mutt. Why is Jake reluctant to have a dog? In what ways are Mutt and Jake alike? Did Mutt change Jake? How so? Have you ever had a pet that changed your life?
9) Lulu and Oliver have a secondary love story in this book. Describe their attraction to each other. Do you know a nerd like Oliver? What makes them special? Do you think Lulu and Oliver will be happy together? Why? Why not?
10) Jake’s love for Emma terrifies him. Was he right to leave Rock Creek? Was he repentant enough when he returned? What can Emma teach Jake? What can Jake teach Emma? What can their families teach them both?