Introduction

Natalie DeAngelo lost everything the day her two young sons were killed in a school shooting. Desperate to find relief from her unspeakable loss, she volunteers as a veterinarian on an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, but soon realizes she may be in over her head. Battling the memories that torment her day and night, Natalie must find a way to heal an angry, injured elephant named Sophie. Through love, acceptance, and gentle care, Natalie and Sophie heal together, finding new ways to enjoy life again.

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

ONE

How had I come to be here
Like them, and overhear
A cry of pain that could have got
loud and worse but hadn’t?
-Elizabeth Bishop

THE DOORKNOB FELT COLD and shimmied almost indiscernibly as the front door lock clicked. A definitive sound. Final. An ending. Natalie placed her right palm against the door and closed her eyes. Breathe, she told herself. Just breathe. Each sip of air required work. Thought. And though air meant life, breathing had become the hardest thing she’d ever done. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. What are your initial reactions to the scope of The Mourning Parade? Is this a recognizable tale?

2. Natalie DeAngelo suffers the worst tragedy in a mother’s imagination. She struggles with shock, depression, and anger.
What are some of the other emotions that survivors feel?

3. What do you think about Natalie’s relationship with Peter Hatcher?

4. Do you think this story is plot-based or character-driven? Why?

5. How do you feel about the way this story was structured? Does the blending of the past and the present work with this story? Why?

Weblinks

»	Author's web site
»	Publisher's Book Info

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.

Member Reviews

There are no user reviews at this time.
Rate this book