Book Club Questions for
There Goes the Bride

The following questions have been designed to enrich your reading experience for There Goes the Bride (SSE, Feb., 2003). The first set contains chapter by chapter questions. The second set is composed of overview questions that can be reflected upon at the end of the story. Each set has spoilers, so you may want to explore them after you’ve read the appropriate text. Also, if you’re discussing the book with other readers, using quotes and examples to support your opinion will help you delve more deeply into the themes and lessons of the story.

Chapter Questions

Chapter 1
Describe the dynamics of Daisy and Coral’s relationship. How do you think it affects Daisy’s decision to marry/not marry Peter Tarkin?

Chapter 2
What details cast Rick as the loner in his family? How do you think he became this way?

Chapter 3
How has Daisy’s weight gain influenced her relationship with Peter Tarkin as well as her self-image? How does she control food (and how does it control her?)?

Chapter 4
We all know young people—or adults—like Rick who embrace mediocrity instead of living up to their potential. Why do you think people choose to handle pressure in this manner? Are they avoiding something else, too?

Chapter 5
What inner conflicts are keeping Rick and Daisy from falling for each other? If you could give them advice, what would it be?

Chapter 6
How do you feel about beauty pageants? About children competing in pageants? If Daisy hadn’t competed, what would be different about her life?

Chapter 7
How does Rick feel about Daisy’s weight gain? Why doesn’t she believe his opinion?

Chapter 8
If you were Daisy, what would you do at this point? Keep running or return to Kane’s Crossing? Why?

Chapter 9
How has Daisy changed since the beginning of the story? How might these changes help her in the coming days when Rick returns?

Chapter 10
Rick decides not to run from his problems with his brother any more. How much responsibility do you think Matt shoulders for sending Rick to the Gulf? Should Matt still be held responsible for what he said to Rick?

Chapter 11
On pages 161-162, Daisy thinks, “…She wondered if she was trading one addiction for another, replacing food with the human touch, filling her hollow center with whatever worked.” Is she? Why/why not? What do you use to make yourself feel complete?

Chapter 12
Would you become involved with a person who seems emotionally unavailable? Why/why not?

Chapter 13
Do you think Daisy owes more loyalty to her sister or to Rick? Why?

Chapter 14
In order to assert her new sense of control, Daisy strikes a business arrangement with Peter Tarkin in the form of marriage. Is it “right” for her to use marriage in this way? What is the purpose of marriage? Should it always be about love?

Chapter 15
On page 237, Daisy is frustrated because “…she couldn’t even understand why someone would go into battle, knowing that they could be killed. How did you talk yourself into that? How did you survive it?” Put yourself in Rick’s place, then try to answer these questions. How would killing another person—even legally—affect you as a human being?

Overview Questions

• What is the symbolic significance of Rick’s “burying” Daisy’s wedding tiara next to his Silver Star medal?
• Do you know anyone who’s suffered from bulimia? Why do you think they’ve chosen to handle food/weight in this manner?
• One of the story’s themes concerns ugliness and beauty, both on the outside and within. What are some examples of this, and how do they fit into the big picture?
• Both Daisy and Rick have control issues. What are some examples for each character, and how do they affect the other person?
• On page 116, Daisy says, “We’re both running away from a lot of things, aren’t we? And I’m not just talking about my wedding. There’s something that’s trying to catch up with you, and you’re running for your life.” What is Rick running from exactly? Is Rick’s inner turmoil due to Clarice or something deeper? And how does the self-disgust that grew from Rick’s tragedy involve Daisy?
• Rick is rewarded for his efforts in the war. He’s called a “hero.” In your opinion, what is a “hero”? Does Rick fit the definition?
• In five years, will Rick and Daisy still be together? Why/why not?

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