Barefoot Beach (44 page)

1. A major theme of
Barefoot Beach
is the marvelous power of female friendship. Has there been a time when a woman friend or a group of friends helped get you through a life-changing or extraordinarily difficult situation? Also, compare the nature of female friendship with the bonds men build with one another.

2. Margo tells Nora, “I'm not supposed to be kind. I'm your best friend. I'm supposed to be honest.” Do you agree or disagree?

3. How might the story be different if Jack was a girl instead of a boy?

4. How do you feel about children of sperm donors, or adopted children, contacting their biological parents?

5. Nora, Margo, and Emine are close friends despite very different backgrounds. Have you ever experienced obstacles to friendship because of different ethnicities, religions, or upbringing?

6. Do you believe that Margo will be able to let go of the episodes in her past that haunt her and regain the trust she once had in her marriage? Is
it possible to trust fully again—in friendship, family, work, or love—after you have felt betrayed?

7. Is there someplace in your world where the surroundings impart a sense of peace and happiness in the way Nora finds joy and relaxation at Barefoot Beach? If your access to it were threatened, what might your reaction be?

Photo by Fern Elsner

Toby Devens
has been an editor, public information specialist, and author of short fiction and articles for national magazines. She has lectured worldwide about writing and women's issues and has led writing workshops. Her first published book was a humorous and poignant collection of poetry that was excerpted in
McCall's
and
Reader's Digest
. She is also the author of
My Favorite
Midlife Crisis (Yet)
, her debut novel.
Happy Any Day Now
, her second novel, was published by Penguin Random House to excellent reviews. Toby lives halfway between Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

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