WELCOME
Message to Book Clubs
If you are interested in discussing The Dementia Diaries with others I have included some questions. My hope is that these will initiate and instigate thoughtful conversation. I would enjoy participating via Zoom if invited. A link for requests is provided below. Please keep in mind that the sole purpose of the discussion would be of the book as a literary piece, and its layers of metaphor and symbolic meaning. It would in no way serve as a forum for giving or sharing medical advice. Mental illness and neurodegenerative conditions are highly intimate and personal topics which deserve professional attention. Also caregivers of people with these serious conditions have earned and are in need of specialized support. Please seek this if it applies.
The
Questions
Spoiler alert. Some of these questions are intended for those who have finished reading the book. In some ways, it is even required.
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What might the trail of dirt leading Will from the ravaged flowerbed to the medical director’s office represent?
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Why does the sliding chair in Danielle’s office mean more to Will than just being poorly designed furniture?
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Why does the author have Rogue call Will, “Dr. New Man?” How does Rogue’s rhyming speech affect how his words might be received? Perceived?
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Are Preacher’s Bible ambushes inspired? Chance? Both? Neither?
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Why does Pope never refer to Will as a doctor?
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What did being forced to deal with Mr. Wilcox’s anger mean for Will?
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Bobby (aka George Whipple), under duress, agrees to identify Will as Dr. Newman rather than ‘Jim.’ What might this mean about the location of truth and feelings in Bobby?
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Do you think Will’s “healing” was quicker or slower than normal? How might his illness have affected the timeline? What other factors could have helped or hindered?
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There were many incidents of serendipity and coincidence in the book. Have similar events ever happened in your life? What were the circumstances?
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Will struggles with how to help Curtis. The author implies they find a common ground in their acts of kindness and caring. Do you agree? How or why would this occur?
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Will claims to have once prided himself on being color blind. But then he claims Floe’s ability to see all colors is better. What does he mean?
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Can forgiveness be contagious? Can anger be diffused and alchemized into some other emotion?
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Will stays away from a romantic relationship with Danielle to avoid hurting her. What changes his mind? Why is the word ‘yes’, so important to him?
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Will struggles with the idea of free will? In the end, he seems to suggest that it is the ability to create and engage. Do you agree?
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Are the three maxims Will learns to live by accurate, real, or enough? What are the rules you live by? What understanding in Will does this interaction promote?