DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle focuses on four childhood best friends torn apart by tragedy. Did you have a close group of friends when you were growing up? If so, are you still close or did you drift apart after graduation?
2.The main character, Melody Palmer, returns to her hometown of Trove Isle after being gone for a decade. Do you think the saying “you can’t go home again” is true? Or do you believe that home is a place that one can always return to?
3.In the story, Liz’s character struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. Her fears hold her back from chasing her dreams. Have you had a similar experience where fear kept you from going after something you wanted? How did you deal with that?
4.When Liz sees Melody for the first time since Melody’s return to Trove Isle, Liz is torn between welcoming her long lost friend with open arms and being angry at her for abandoning their group of friends when they needed her most. How would you feel if you were in Liz’s position?
5.All the friends feel guilt over the death of their friend in high school. Alyssa was Melody’s younger sister and Melody was supposed to look after her. Liz was the one driving. Bri encouraged Alyssa to come with them that fateful night. Do you think any of the friends is more guilty than another? Do you think that a friend could ever fully get over the guilt of an accident like this one?
6.A recurring theme in this book is friendship. The characters were friends in the beginning and then lost touch. After a tragedy and years apart, they reconnect as very different people. Do you feel that friendship can survive anything? Do you have a friendship that has endured despite hardships?
7.In the book, the friends all share a charm bracelet with special meaning to them, passing it around with the intention of doing something out of the normal. Something to prove they aren’t just “zombies” as Alyssa put it. Have you ever had an object that you felt inspired or empowered you in some way?
8.Each of the three friends handled their grief in different ways. Melody ran. Liz shut herself off and became imprisoned by her fear. Bri self-destructed and found herself in a literal prison. Which friend do you relate to the most and why?
9.Even though Aunt Jo was deceased at the start of the book, she was very present in the story. Did Aunt Jo remind you of anyone in your life? What was your favorite aspect of Jo’s character?
10.Liz’s attraction to Matt was difficult for her because he was the one who pulled her from the wreckage after the fatal accident that killed Alyssa. Liz was afraid to fall for him because he reminded her of the worst day of her life. Do you think you would be able to fall in love with Matt if you were in Liz’s shoes?
11.If you inherited a thrift store from your Great-aunt Jo, would you run it as a thrift store or turn it into something different?
12.Discuss this saying: One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.
13.In addition to the theme of enduring friendship, what other themes did you identify in this book?