Her Forever Family (16 page)

1. Once a little-known disorder, autism now affects 1 in every 166 children in the United States. Why do you think the incidence of this disorder is on the rise?
   
2. Asperger’s syndrome is a highly functioning form of autism. Have you ever been exposed to a child or adult with Asperger’s? What was your experience?
   
3. Ali and her sister responded to their abusive childhood quite differently—one by running away from family and the other by studying family. Which reaction would you be most likely to have? Why?
   
4. Benjamin led a charmed life until tragedy struck, first in the diagnosis of his son and then in the death of his wife. Who do you believe is better equipped to deal with personal loss, women or men? Explain why you feel the way you do.
   
5. Ali went into the foster care system at the age of twelve. How much do you know about foster care in your city or state? Would you consider being a foster parent?
   
6. Ben’s post-football career was as a motivational speaker who espoused the power of positive thinking. Do you agree that a positive attitude about
   life can change your circumstances? Have an impact on your future?
   
7. I have a dear friend whose daughter wrestles daily with OCD and anxiety disorders. Much of what their family has been through inspired me to write Ethan’s character. Do you know a person or family struggling with mental illness? Are you praying for them and helping them to cope in some way?
   
8. Ben told Ali about a time in his career as a professional football player when he felt people only cared about him for his athletic ability. Why do you think our society is so enamored of high-profile sports figures?
   
9. Ali was a volunteer with West Texas Rescue and she specialized in helicopter long line operations. We’ve all watched those amazing videos of stranded people being plucked off the tops of cars and houses just before flood waters sweep them away. Have you ever wondered about the men and woman who risk their lives by volunteering to save strangers in life-threatening situations?
   
10. Ben found that blind faith in a friend was probably not such a good thing. Has there been a time in your life when you trusted a friend or family member without question and lived to regret it?
    
11. Ali dedicated her professional life to working with abused kids. Have you ever taken the time to research
    child abuse in America? Commit to spending ten minutes on the Internet and then discuss your results with your friends or reader group.
    
12. Ali was grateful to have a second chance for a relationship with her little sister, Erin. But even the best of sibling relationships can be trying at times. Can you relay a situation with a sister or brother that almost made you lose your religion?
    
13. There are some extremely difficult sibling relationships that seem impossible to overcome. But nothing is impossible with our God. Was there ever a time when you sought spiritual guidance to resolve a dispute with a brother or sister?
    
14. Are you new to Love Inspired books or have you been reading them for years? Are you aware we now have historical and suspense as well as contemporary novels?
    

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