The Sign for Drowning
Book Club Picks

Book Club Picks: Sign for Drowning

One small moment in time, a wave crashing to the shore, completely changes Anna's life. From the time she is eight years old, Anna knows nothing but guilt. Guilt for having a life while her sister doesn't. Guilt that her mother and father never came fully back to life after their loss. But most of all, guilt because Anna is sure that if she had jumped in the water, she could have saved Megan.

As an adult Anna has taken up the study of sign language. It began as a childhood obsession, a way in which she could communicate with Megan. Her love for the silent language grows into an education and later on, a career. It is during her time at a deaf learning center that she meets Adrea, a five-year old deaf child abandoned by her teenage parents.

How their lives intertwine and all the things that happen during and as a result of their connection, serve to help Anna finally come to grips with her role in her sister's death.

Book Club Picks: Sign for Drowning Opinion

This is not a story for the fast, "I need a zippy mystery," reader. Rachel weaves her tale with eloquence and grace; and every detail that she includes is necessary and strengthens our connection to each character.

There were times when I wondered what the climax could possibly be, but this is only because (as I realized upon finishing) that the book is written with such a sense of peace that even the tragic, the tumultuous, and the mundane events happen as smoothly as a wave lapping the shore.

I found the aspect of deafness and sign language to be an integral part of Anna's ability to deal with Megan's death. As a matter of fact, I think it is the sign language that both hinders her from moving on and then allows her to move on in the end.

A great book club book as topics for discussion can range from adoption, deafness, mothering abilities, or loss of a child just to name a few.

Book Club Picks: Sign for Drowning Discussion Questions

1. How would you have dealt with the guilt of losing a sibling as you stood by and watched?
2. Do you think Anna should have adopted Adrea? Why or why not?
3. Is it possible for a marriage to survive after the tragic loss of a young child?

Return from Book Club Picks: Sign for Drowning to Home