READING GROUP GUIDE FOR
LEAVING THE HALL LIGHT ON
- What does the title of the book mean?
- What is your reaction to Madeline™s story about her son? Did you have any unexpected feelings or responses?
- Have you known anyone (a friend, a relative, etc.) who has/had mental illness? In your experience, how have people dealt with mental illness?
- Would you be able to recognize the signs of mental illness or suicidal tendencies? Do you know any support services in your community that could be of help in such a situation?
- When Madeline and Bob see Paul in a manic state for the first time, they essentially do an intervention on the spot and take him to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. Would you have taken the same action? Why or why not?
- What would you do if you suspected a friend or family member was a danger to
himself/herself or to others? - After Paul is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he is emotionally distant from Madeline and Bob and sometimes seems hostile. (He frequently tells Bob to Leave me alone!)
How do you give support and comfort to a person who doesn™t want support or
comfort? - Paul doesn™t take his medications as prescribed. One of the reasons he cites is that it interferes with his creative work (in his case, composing and playing music).
If a medication inhibits an artist™s creativity, should the artist give up his/her art? - Have you known anyone who committed suicide? What was the impact on people who were close to the suicide victim? How did people deal with the suicide?
- Does the stigma of mental illness and suicide still exist? If so, how can we help erase it?
- What could you do to help and comfort a family that has experienced a suicide or other tragedy (besides bringing over a casserole)? What kind of friend would you be during a time like this?
- Madeline and Bob grieved differently. How were their experiences different? What are the pros and cons of their reactions to Paul™s suicide?
- In Chapter Nine Surviving the First Year (and Beyond), Madeline talks about diversions reading, going to movies, etc., all the things she does to keep her mind off of Paul™s suicide. What do you think of Madeline™s list? Is there anything you would add or do differently?
- What role does storytelling play when it comes to death? Does it make a difference to survivors to be able to remember a person in stories?
- Do you think that writing this story was helpful/cathartic to the author? How does writing aid healing? How do you deal with trauma in your life?
- Do you think the poetry and photos enhanced or detracted from the story? What role does the poetry play in the memoir?
Launch Day – June 3rd
Madeline Sharples launches her tour of Papa’s Shoes with an insightful interview and giveaway at the Muffin!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
June 4th @ Coffee with Lacey
The lovely Lacey reviews Papa’s Shoes by Madeline Sharples and shares her review with readers at Coffee with Lacey. This is a blog stop and review readers won’t want to miss!
https://coffeewithlacey.com/
June 5th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Lisa Haselton interviews well known author and memoirist Madeline Sharples about her latest novel Papa’s Shoes – the story of a Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America. This insightful interview is one you won’t want to miss!
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/
June 6th @ Beverley A. Baird
Beverley A. Baird shares her thoughts after reading the touching story of a Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America – Papa’s Shoes by Madeline Sharples is a book that is sure to please readers!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
June 7th @ Linda Neas
Today’s guest author at Words from the Heart with Linda Neas is none other than well-known author and memoirist Madeline Sharples. Today, her guest post is titled “How I reinvented myself from a technical writer and editor to a creative writer – and at my age.” Heart from Madeline and learn more about her latest novel Papa’s Shoes!
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
June 12th @ Linda Neas
Last week, readers at Words from the Heart with Linda Neas read a guest post penned by Author Madeline Sharples and today, Linda will share her review of Madeline’s latest novel Papa’s Shoes. This is a blog stop you won’t want to bypass!
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
June 18th @ Selling Books with Cathy Stucker
Cathy Stucker interviews Madeline Sharples at Selling Books. Readers will flock to learn more about Sharples and her latest novel Papa’s Shoes.
https://www.sellingbooks.com/
June 26th @ Linda Appleman Shapiro
Fellow author and memoirist Linda Appleman Shapiro shares her review of Papa’s Shoes by Madeline Sharples. Don’t miss Linda’s insight into this touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they move to America!
http://applemanshapiro.com/category/book-reviews/
June 27th @ World of My Imagination
Nicole Pyles reviews the latest best selling novel Papa’s Shoesby Madeline Sharples – readers will delight to hear what Nicole thinks of this crowd pleasing story of one Polish shoemaker and his family!
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/
June 28th @ Deal Sharing Aunt / Vicki Brinius
Vicky Brinius reviews Papa’s Shoes by Madeline Sharples. Find out how she feels after reading this touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America.
http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/
July 2nd @Author Anthony Avina
Fellow author Anthony Avina reviews Papa’s Shoes by Madeline Sharples – this is a touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settled in America.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
July 2nd @ Amanda Sanders
Amanda of Amanda Diaries reviews Madeline Sharples latest novel Papa’s Shoes – read Amanda’s review and add this lovely story to your TBR pile today!
https://amandadiaries.com/
July 4th @ Author Anthony Avina
Readers at Anthony Avina’s blog will delight with today’s guest post and author interview with Madeline Sharples – learn more about her and her latest work!
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
July 5th @ Lisa Buske
Lisa Buske shares her review of Papa’s Shoes – the latest novel by Madeline Sharples and a touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America.
https://www.lisambuske.com/
August 12th @ Kathleen Pooler’s Memoir Writer’s Journey
Readers and writers alike will want to stop by Memoir Writer’s Journey to hear from Kathleen Pooler and friend / fellow author Madeline Sharples as they discuss Madeline’s latest book Papa’s Shoes.
https://krpooler.com/
