Book Summary and Reviews of A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella

Book Summary

From the author of A Little Hope—a Read with Jenna Bonus Pick—comes another "heartwarming, character-driven" (Booklist) life-affirming novel about three individuals whose lives intersect in unforeseen ways.

Set in a close-knit suburb in the grip of winter, A Quiet Life follows three people grappling with loss and finding a tender wisdom in their grief.

Chuck Ayers used to look forward to nothing so much as his annual trip to Hilton Head with his wife, Cat—that yearly taste of relaxation they'd become accustomed to after a lifetime of working and raising two children. Now, just months after Cat's death, Chuck finds that he can't let go of her belongings—her favorite towel, the sketchbooks in her desk drawer—as he struggles to pack for a trip he can't imagine taking without her.

Ella Burke delivers morning newspapers and works at a bridal shop to fill her days while she anxiously awaits news—any piece of information—about her missing daughter. Ella adjusts to life in a new apartment and answers every call on her phone, hoping her daughter will reach out.

After the sudden death of her father, Kirsten Bonato set aside her veterinary school aspirations, finding comfort in the steady routine of working at an animal shelter. But as time passes, old dreams and new romantic interests begin to surface—and Kirsten finds herself at another crossroads.

In this beautiful and profoundly moving novel, three parallel narratives converge in poignant and unexpected ways, as each character bravely presses onward, trying to recover something they have lost. Emotionally riveting and infused with hope, "the soothing tone and warm worldview of this grown-up bedtime story will be good for what ails you" (Kirkus Reviews).

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. While replaying through his long relationship with his late wife, Cat, Chuck feels "as if he's in a supermarket of guilt, and his cart's overflowing" (chapter one). Several other characters also express similar remorse over lost loved ones. How does guilt function throughout the novel?
2. In her daughter Riley's absence, Ella can't help picturing her everywhere she goes. "She imagines going to the market and making a French picnic for Riley" (chapter two). What is it about someone's absence that makes their presence loom larger? Who else experiences this in the book?
3. Natasha and Cat's friendship made Chuck nervous and even jealous at times. What was it about their connection that sparked his reaction? Compare this to Grayson...