Circle of Grace

1.Circle of Graceis a novel about friendship, about the power of honesty and vulnerability. And yet absolute honesty is a rare commodity. How and why do we put up fronts and pretenses? Are those pretenses ever justifiable?2. Although Grace's lies are the most significant, in what ways and for what reasons does each of the women lie in the circle journal?3. Each of the main characters experiences significant failure in her life. What are the results of those failures? What good ultimately comes out of the experience?4. A recurring theme inCircle of Gracecenters on the question: "What is truth?" How would you answer this question? Could you agree with the definition the girls came up with for their Philosophy class? How might you refine, focus, or extend their definition of truth?5. Grace goes through a serious crisis of confidence when she comes to grips with the truth about her father, whom she adored. Why then does she fall for Michael Forrester, who is so much like her father, and why is she unable to see the similarities until it is too late? What is the significance of Grace's recurring dreams?6. When the girls first meet in college, they seem to be very different. What draws them together then? And what connects them after 30 years?7. Tess endures a crushing blow with the failure of her first novel and quits writing for seven years. What is the revelation that turns her creative life around, and how does that vision of creativity reflect the restorations that take place in her friends' lives as well?8. When Grace finally reunites with her friends, she comes to believe that Tess's daughter Claire is the little girl she once gave up for adoption. Why is this belief important to Grace? How does Claire become a catalyst for Grace's ultimate acceptance of herself?9. How does each of the main characters grow and change throughout the course of the story? Which of the women do you identify with the most, and why?10. Who in your life has been a circle of grace for you?Stokes, Penelope J. is the author of 'Circle of Grace', published 2004 under ISBN 9780385510134 and ISBN 0385510136.