1) The Vanished Priestess is dedicated to men and women creating new lives—those willing to risk and fly, to trust and fail, to laugh at the clock, and live in bold colors. Is it ever too late to begin a new life? What would cause someone to do so? Is there a time when it wouldn’t be appropriate?
2) One trapeze student told his instructor that he was afraid, that he could never get high enough to complete his turn. His teacher replied, “Of course you can. Just throw your heart over the bar and your body will follow.” What did the instructor mean? Do you believe it’s true? If so, have you ever experienced this first hand?
3) Sam Keen, in his book Learning to Fly, says it may be the goal of the soul to recover its wings. What’s he talking about?
4) Annie discovers that her daughter Abra who seemed to be living a picture-perfect life, was beaten by her husband on more than one occasion. Her daughter runs, seeking retreat at Annie’s house, and is followed by her violent husband. Protecting her daughter, Annie meets the man head-on. As the parent of a grown child, what would you do in this situation? What would you want to do?
5) Stretching, Madame Mina stands up and groans. “My bones are getting tired of all this birth and death and rebirth. It’s so predictable. One night a baby comes into the world, the next day a person leaves. Sometimes I feel like this planet is one big giant train station.” Have you ever felt this?
6) Physical abuse of pregnant women is the leading cause of birth defects and infant mortality in the US. It’s around us, but we don’t see it… What should we look for? Why do we turn a blind eye? When should we voice our suspicions?
7) Margo, a main character says, “Failing gives us the chance to start over, but sometimes failing is dangerous. That’s why every one of us needs a safety net.” Have you built a safety net? Who is part of it? How important is it to you?
8) Ernest Hemingway said, “The circus is good for you. It is the only spectacle I know that while you watch, it gives the quality of a truly happy dream.” Do you have any happy or scary childhood memories of the circus? (For example, Meredith was scared to death by the clowns, and is still not crazy about them…)
9) Circus is a huge part of Americana. One hundred years ago, entire towns shut down, and employees were given the day off when the circus came to town. Why did we lose our wonder at the strange marvels? Are we “too sophisticated” for childhood delight? Are we able to reclaim that delight?
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