Heart in the Right Place - Discussion Questions & Groups

Discussion Questions

1. Early on, Fletcher says to the author, “Your daddy’s smart. He could’ve done anything, could’ve been any kind of doctor and got rich, but he came out here instead cause he wanted to help people.” What are the trade-offs in being a small-town doctor versus being a doctor in the big city? Going to a big school versus going to a small school? Living in the city versus living in the country?

2. Discuss the ways in which Carolyn Jourdan’s view of her father and mother shifts over the year. For instance early on she describes them as “stoic” and “utterly self-contained” (page 41). How does she see them by the end of the book? How has your perception of your own parents changed as you moved through the stages of life?

3. During one of her telephone conversations with Jacob, the author says, “You know how we always talk about wanting to be in public service so we can help people….Well, in this place I feel sometimes like I really am helping people. Actual people. It’s not just an idea. I can’t help them much. I know it’s not glamorous, but sometimes I think maybe I’m doing more good swabbing up body fluids and being a friendly face here than I ever did working in the Senate” (pages 177-178). Which is the greater good? Is there more value in direct or indirect help? Societal or individual service?

4. Near the end of the book, the author realizes the true significance of the story about performing surgery with a pocketknife: “I’d always thought the story was about the astounding surgery. But it wasn’t. It was about using the talents you had, whatever they might be, to the most constructive purpose” (page 296). Who else mirrors this sentiment and why? Historical figures? People in your own life? Would you like to use your talents differently? If you could do anything in the world, what would you do? If you “had it to do over,” what would you change?

For a list of more off-beat questions, visit Carolyn Jourdan’s website.

Discussion Groups

A good book is even better when people get together to talk about it! Add your voice to the discussion by attending a book group at one of our library locations.

February

HASLETT
Wednesday, Feb. 3 - 7 pm

FOSTER (Lansing Eastside)
Wednesday, Feb. 3 - 7 pm
Thursday, Feb. 4 - 1 pm

LESLIE
Wednesday, Feb. 10 - 1 pm

DOWNTOWN LANSING
Wednesday, Feb. 17 - 12 noon

March

April

HOLT-DELHI
Tuesday, April 6 - 1 pm

OKEMOS
Thursday, April 15 - 12 noon

HASLETT (Seniors Group)
Monday, April 26 - 11 am