Student Study Guide

1. The book title, The Pink Begonia Sister’s Caribbean Retreat, is thought by some readers to contain a punctuation error. Others feel it is correct. How can you explain the correctness of both points of view? What do you think?

2. What are two possible ways to “correct” the title? Hint: One solution involves punctuation. The other solution involves the focus of the story.

3. Why do you think the author allows the questions about the title to continue? Is it an opportunity to suggest that no one is perfect?

4. What clues in the story tell you that the author is familiar with southeastern North Carolina?

5. Do you think the author values having lived her life in rural southeastern North Carolina?

6. Is it easy to believe Mary Ruth, Annie Mae, and Nancy Ree are American Indians? Why?

7. Who do you feel is the strongest of the three women at the beginning versus the end? Why?

8. In what way does breast cancer serve as a catalyst in the lives of each of the three women? Consider whether the outcome was positive or negative.

9. Summarize the women’s lives begin in childhood and conclude on Pink Begonia Island.

10. How does education impact each woman?

11. In which genre does the novel fit?

12. Name at least one way the story has elements of the following subjects: science, geography, history, art, business, psychology, American Indian issues, women’s issues, and health.

13. In what ways do the three women remind you of real people?

14. Excluding Mary Ruth, Annie Mae, and Nancy Ree which character is crucial to the story? Why?

15. Name at least three important conflicts in the story.

16. Name three issues in the story which weren’t necessary but add to the interest of the story.

17. What is the overall message the author wants the reader to know?

18. Why do you think the author based the story on Bible scripture?

19. List at least three ways the story challenges the reader to pursue life?

20. Discuss the impact belief in self has in a person’s life.