While I'm Falling

By Laura Moriarty
(Hyperion, Hardcover, 9781401302726, 320pp.)

Publication Date: July 10, 2009

Other Editions of This Title: Large Print (January 2010)

Categories: General

Selected by Indie Booksellers for the August 2009 Indie Next List

“While I'm Falling is a gripping story of what happens to good people blind-sided by unforeseen circumstances of divorce and financial insecurity. Like the best writers of suspense, Laura Moriarty keeps the reader engaged with her vulnerable and heroic characters as she exquisitely mines the murky terrain of families and people in crisis and recovery.”

-- Sarah Bagby, Watermark Books, Wichita, KS

Description

kly humorous, compelling, and filled with crystalline observations, "While I'm Falling" takes a deep look at the relationship between a mother and a daughter as one is trying to grow up and the other is trying to stay afloat.

Conversation Starters from ReadingGroupChoices.com

When Veronica's father describes finding the roofer in his bed, he says he was "blinded by naiveté." In what ways were Veronica, her mother, her father, and her sister blinded by naiveté before the divorce? What issues within their family are more visible after the divorce?

Veronica often proclaims that she and her mother are very much the same, while Elise and her father are similar. Do you agree? Are Veronica and her mother the same? In what ways is Veronica also like her father? How much of their family dynamic is predicated on the assumption of these similarities and differences?
Twice, the perspective switches from Veronica's first-person to Natalie's third-person. Why do you think the author does this? What is gained from the change in perspective?
Veronica's argument with her father in the restaurant, she thinks, "He was no better than she was. There are many ways to leave someone stranded." (p. 128) In what ways do the characters in the novel strand one another?
Why do you think Veronica cheats on Tim? In what ways does she reenact her mother's mistakes?
Natalie makes a lot of sacrifices to keep Bowzer in her life. Why? What does Bowzer represent to her? Why is putting him down so unthinkable?
Why does Natalie depend so much on Veronica? Why does she refuse to call Elise when she's in trouble? Do you think Veronica and Natalie depend too much on each other?
Discuss the character of Haylie Butterfield. What is her place within the novel? What does she represent to Veronica? Why do you think she bails Natalie out of trouble?
When Elise tells her family that she is going to become a stay-at-home mom, the reaction is extreme. Why does Natalie disapprove? Why does their father disapprove?
Veronica's decision to quit premed. Do you think she made the correct decision? What in the events after her parents' divorce brought about the change?
Were you surprised by Natatlie's career choice at the end of the novel? In what ways does it suit her?
Why does Natalie want to go look at the house in the cul-de-sac? In what ways do each of the characters find closure at the end of the novel?
Discuss the title of the book. In what ways is Veronica falling? When does she begin to fall? How does she stop herself? What about Natalie? In what ways do they help each other recover?

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