A Field Guide to Burying Your Parents
Book Club Picks

Book Club Picks: A Field Guide

When Gracie Hawkes' mother dies very suddenly and tragically, she didn't think she'd be the type to just up and walk away from her whole family. But that's just what she does. Five years and a lot of life-lived later, fate comes a-callin' in the form of her sister, Abigail. Their dad, whom none of them have seen or spoken to in over twenty years, has had a stroke.

This one event begins a series of monumental change in not only Gracie's life, but that of her three siblings as well. Throw in an old, money-hungry lady and her aging son, and the stage is set for an interesting family drama. Will Gracie make it through with no more than a black eye and a broken heart?

Book Club Picks: A Field Guide Opinion

I loved Liza's first book so I was excited to read her latest title. I was not disappointed.

She has a way of weaving characters so that you feel interconnected with the story and their lives. And in this novel, the family ties that bind are so tight, you can't help but feel like a Hawkes child about halfway through. I found myself wanting to tuck Leo's hair behind his ear, or comfort Huston despite his stoic exterior. I loved Abigail's kids as if they were my own nieces and nephew, and I even wanted Grace to win back John's heart. Most of all, I felt the acute loss of both parents, and the anguish it caused their children. Overall, a novel that forces you to experience real emotions. I definitely shed a tear, or two!

A great book club read with themes to explore like family, death, dealing with grief, forgiveness, and true love. Plenty to discuss!

Book Club Picks: A Field Guide Discussion Questions

1. How would you handle your mother's sudden, tragic death? Do you think Grace's reaction is realistic?
2. Would you visit your father on his deathbed after not seeing or hearing from him in over twenty years? Why or why not?
3. Who is your favorite Hawkes sibling and why?

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