The Other Sister is a story that explores where contentment truly comes from. Have you ever felt like nothing you tried or purchased contented you for long? Charlotte has to discover it comes from a deeper place and that is contentment in God. How do you keep yourself content in a consumer world?
Charlotte has been dealt a serious traumatic hand in life. Her mom, abuse, the foster care system to name a few. She believes that her wrong choices are “no other choice”. But learns that there is always a choice. Do you believe there is always the right choice?
Charlotte learns that making the right choices means consequences, so she doesn’t make them because she doesn’t want the consequences therefore she justifies her actions and makes them seem less offensive or wrong. Have you ever justified your poor actions so you didn’t have to deal with conflict or ugly consequences?
Charlotte noticed her sister wore a cross and when she asks about it, Acelynn notes it was an heirloom. Later, Detective Patrick tells Charlotte it’s not a symbol, it’s a choice–a choice of faith. What are some ways people “wear” symbols of faith but prove it’s not of any substance?
Which character could you identify most with? Why?
Charlotte isn’t always likable but she portrays the human heart. Did you see any of your heart motives (not necessarily actions) in her?
Have you ever wished for the “greener grass”? Did you find that it came with its own share of trouble and conflict?
What are some ways people live filtered lives? Why is this dangerous?
Charlotte, at the end, realizes that she has been loved and cared for but she didn’t see it because she was so focused on what she didn’t have? Have you ever taken people or things for granted because you were focused on what you didn’t have but wanted?
Who would you cast as Charlotte/Acelynn? Detective Patrick?
