Hollow Bones

1. On September 11th, Molly lost her mother when she was 2 months old. How did losing her mother affect Molly’s perspective of the world? What examples can you give? Did it influence her career choice? Why?

2. Eloise grew up in an abusive religious community. How did that shape her beliefs about motherhood, herself, and other relationships? Did it follow her into adulthood?

3. Even though Molly was loved and raised by her stepmother, she still felt the void of not having a biological mother. How important do you think that was to Molly’s identity and her relationship with her stepmother? How does that speak to the different ways someone can become a mother?

4. Evie steps in as Molly’s mother. How do you feel about Evie taking on that role for her best friend? Did she cross a boundary? What would you have done in her position?

5. Even though Evie becomes Molly’s stepmother, Molly still mourns the loss of her biological mother, and she is an important part of Molly’s identity. How does that impact Evie and Molly’s relationship?

6. Jesse and Molly both have childhood trauma. How do you think this enables them to support one another? What challenges does it create? Does it strengthen their marriage?

7. Did you know anything about postpartum psychosis before reading this book? What did you learn about it from this story? How has your perspective changed?

8. September 11 is a day we will never forget. Does this part of the novel bring back memories or emotions about that day for you?

9. There were several times characters felt betrayed, angry, and hurt. What actions or characters were the most difficult to forgive? Were there any choices you found hard to forgive even after discovering the past?

10. Once learning a character’s history, was it easier to understand their actions? Which character did you judge the most at first? Do you feel anyone broke the cycle of their past?

Book Club Talking Points:
This book offers much to discuss and will spark a lively conversation. It raises many questions about trust, family, love, and the lasting effects of trauma. Many of the characters' relationships are complex, leading to difficult moral choices.