What We Leave Behind (43 page)

Evelyn Rok Moskovitz, you have traveled this road with me for too many years to count. Your unending support and unique spirit have lifted me up and motivated me to never give up. Thank you for cherishing my hopes and dreams as if they were your own. You are my soul sister. Merle Saferstein, my friend and so much more, you are the woman with whom I hope to share many colorful, comma-filled stories. We were brought into each other’s lives for a reason. I can’t wait to walk beside you through the next chapter.

Judith, for being there for me when my life was turned upside down. Jill Fastenberg and Doug Cohn, for making me feel close even when you are far away. Hester Esquenazi and Lainie Ginsburg, for your creative genius. Ari Grosfeld and Ella Zaron, future novelists, don’t ever give up on your passion. Jan Blanck, for being my new editor. Allen at
eB Format
for being my lifeline and working miracles with ebook conversions. Liz Feder, for all the times I hung up on you because I was writing, and to Eric Feder who brought Liz into my life. Joni Meiselman and Linda Blaustein, now you can finally read the book!  And for all my music industry colleagues and friends, a big shout out. 

Dr. David Weinstein, for sharing his infinite wisdom. Geraldine Weinstein and Justin Weinstein, for sharing David.  Faye Berger, Rylee Berger, Rose Berger, Jake Berger, and Jack Berger: dream big.  Alan Weinstein, Dale and Charles Gratz, Jon and Marti Berger, Kathy and Richie Lesser, and all my extended family, your love and support over the years has meant so much.

My father, Richard Berger, thank you for inspiring me to write.  My siblings, Randi Berger, Rob Berger, and Ron Berger, the four of us have been through so much together. You have provided me with an infinite supply of stories with no shortage of laughter and tears. There is no greater bond than the one we share as siblings. To my mother, Ruth Berger, who is not shy about how excited she is to see this book in print. Your strength and courage moved me to take this next step. There are no mountains we cannot tackle together. My loyal and loving dog, Jessie, who spent countless hours on my lap in an uncomfortable position just to be near me when I wrote.  To my beautiful sons, Jordan and Brandon, for being great nappers as infants so that I could write in perfect quiet. Watching you grow up is one of life’s greatest gifts.  I hope I have made you proud. And to all the Jonases in my life…thank you for allowing me to find my one true love, my real-life Marty.  I love you, Bear.

1.  What was your first impression of Jessica and how did it change throughout the span of the novel?

2.  Jessica is fifteen when she meets twenty-two-year old Jonas Levy.  She turns sixteen as their relationship blossoms.  How would you feel if Jessica were your child or friend? What factors came into play to influence her attraction to the older boy?

3.  The hospital environment is one in which Jonas and Jessica are able to thrive.  Why do you think that was so? How did it work for them?

4.  Jessica struggles to be part of a family.  What do you think that means to her? What defines family?  Explain how you felt about her attachment to Adam Levy and the strings he pulled after his death to take care of her.

5.  How did Jessica’s earlier loss influence her need for secrets and privacy?  When the surprise plot twist emerges, were you able to understand the need for secrecy?

6.  How did you feel about the way in which Jessica’s mother handled the pregnancy?  Should she have meddled more?  How would you have handled it differently?

7.  Why do you believe Dr. Norton was such an influential presence in Jessica’s life?  What do you think that final therapy session will unearth?

8.  Book I is a story in itself. What feelings did it evoke in you?  What parts could you identify with the most?

9.  Marty loves Jessica unconditionally. What enables him to do this?  Why do you think she is so unwilling to believe or accept that love?

10. At any point within the novel, did you want Jessica to end up with Jonas?  How much did you waver on this and why?  How much of your response is based on personal experience? 

11. Jonas was not a bad man, only one who was limited.  Did you, the reader, ever have a Jonas in your life?  A Marty?  Was the novel able to bring you back to those feelings with a fuller understanding of why you made the choices you did?  How much of our earlier experiences and losses influence our present choices and decisions?

12. The novel touches on the significant difference between loving and longing.  Do you have any personal knowledge of such feelings? 

13. The book tackles many themes (love, loss, forgiveness, guilt, family, secrets, second chances, self-love). Which do you think is the most important and why?

14. Do you think if Jessica had not received the phone call from the attorney she would have been forthcoming to Marty about her past?

15. Is being completely honest in marriage essential, or can lying through omission be acceptable and appropriate so long as no one finds out?

16. Do you agree or disagree on having a child to save a child? After reading the novel, do you feel differently one way or another with regard to medical advancements affording us the opportunity to have this opinion?

17. Why do think surrogacy was never an option for Jonas and Jessica?  Do you think Jessica took things too far?  Would you be able to be as understanding in a similar situation?

18. Michelle was real, but her presence in the novel was symbolic.  How would you describe her meaning and how her death was interpreted?

19. The scene when Jessica visits her father’s grave is most poignant.  What does the scene accomplish?

Rochelle B. Weinstein worked in advertising and marketing before starting a noteworthy career in the music industry, sharing her time between South Beach, New York, and Los Angeles. She is now a full time author and resides in Miami, Florida with her husband, twin boys, two dogs, and two cats. What We Leave Behind is her first novel. The Mourning After, her second novel, will be released in 2013.

Ms. Weinstein is available for book clubs and other speaking engagements.  To inquire about an appearance, or to share your thoughts on her novel and read her blog, please visit:

www.rochelleweinstein.com

www.facebook.com/weinsteinwhatweleavebehind

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13492155-what-we-leave-behind

Twitter:
rochwein

Happy reading!