As the River Rises book club questions

Hiding from an emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend, Dr Hannah Rogan finds herself visiting her friend Gracie in Featherwood. When the trip sparks an idea to move there and open a medical practice of her own, she finally finds the fresh start she needs. And to community needs her, too.

After a season of devastating fires, Hannah brings a sense of calm until another natural disaster arises. Non-stop rain causes the rivers to burst, putting the residents of Featherwood at risk of losing everything they’ve rebuilt. As the River Rises is moving and life-affirming; it’s a read your book club won’t soon forget.

Discussion points and questions  

1. Hannah moves to Featherwood for a fresh start but partly to hide from her ex. Do you think she is motivated more by her past or her future?
2. Jude is worried people will judge him if they know his story. Is he right, or is his fear holding him back? What would you do if you were in his situation?
3. Rural communities benefit greatly from advances in technology like telehealth. What other technological advancements came to the forefront in your life from the pandemic?
4. How do you feel about the work Jude has done to help other troubled men? Has he redeemed himself? Why or why not?
5. Has your community ever been affected by a natural disaster like Featherwood? Do you feel like it brought people together or drove them apart?
6. ‘You have to save the people, she reminded herself. Everything else can be replaced.’ Nell has faced a lot of loss. How does her past affect her resilience?
7. Leo asks Jude, ‘You decided to be part of the community, did you?’ How do the different characters contribute to the community, and who do you think you would be most like in a similar situation?
8. How do you feel about the choice Mavis made? Can you understand her point of view? Why or why not?
9. Did you expect Molly to fall in love in the book? What do you think about her choice of partner?
10. What was the most emotional part of the book for you and why?