Book Club Questions

Sins of the Mother

  1. Describe Sadie’s life in West Philadelphia. She appears conflicted in the opening chapters…is it possible to be content in a place so harsh?
  2. What is the irony of the Philadelphia depicted being called the City of Brotherly Love?
  3. How do you feel toward Rachel? Is she at all a sympathetic character?
  4. Life is difficult in West Philadelphia. Is Rachel to blame for her situation? Cecil? Or is it merely a product of their environment?
  5. Is Diane heroic for what she does to provide for her family or merely a criminal?
  6. Though West Philadelphia is a tough place, there are many signs of a thriving community. What are some ways that the residents look out for one another?
  7. Would Sadie have been better off in foster care in the city or with her Amish family?
  8. The novel explores the differences of religion versus spirituality. Discuss this in Rachel’s life and Hannah’s life.
  9. Rachel tells Sadie that “love always finds a way.” Do you agree? How does love always transcend hardships in the novel?
  10. In what ways are Ruthie and Rachel similar?
  11. The theme of education is prevalent throughout the book. Why is this important? Does it play a different role in each location?
  12. Did Levi have cause to be wary of Sadie?
  13. What would be the hardest aspect of Amish life for you?
  14. The media protested vehemently against Sadie living among the Amish. Should it be legal to place a non-Amish child in an Amish home for temporary custody?
  15. There is discrimination in both places. Which is worse in your opinion?
  16. What similarities do you find between teens of both worlds?
  17. Is rumspringa a good idea?
  18. The female characters in both West Philadelphia and the Amish world are strong figures to be reckoned with. In what ways do they wield their power?
  19. Why is the quilt important to Sadie? What does it represent for her?
  20. Why was it unlikely that Rachel could ever return to the Amish world and be happy there?
  21. What does Rachel putting the kapp on Sadie in the last scene symbolize?
  22. Should Sadie have left with her mother in the end? Were you surprised with her decision?
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