Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Small Mercies by Eddie Joyce

1. Tina is worried about introducing Wade to her late husband's family. Would the Amendolas have had an easier time accepting him if he had been from Staten Island?
2. Gail feels that the good things in life come too easily to Peter and that Franky is destined to be a screwup. Does she resent them because they are still alive and Bobby is dead? Is it possible for any parent to love all his children equally?
3. Gail and Michael both blame themselves for Bobby's death, but in very different ways. Why do we so often feel compelled to punish ourselves for events that are beyond our control?
4. How might Bobby have felt about Franky's taking his place as Tina's husband? Would marrying Tina "save" Franky?
5. Is Peter aware that a small part of Gail wants him to suffer and learn humility? Is he a better person because of what happened between him and Gina?
6. What does the future hold for Peter and Franky? Do you agree with Gail that Peter will atone and eventually be forgiven? Will Franky be able to recover from what he regards as Tina's betrayal?
7. Did Bobby's death strengthen Gail and Michael's marriage? Would they be happier if they moved to Florida and away from the site of Bobby's death?
8. The phrase "small mercies" is repeated throughout the book and also serves as its title. How does your understanding of these words evolve over the course of the novel?
9. Eddie Joyce interweaves an evolving account of Cody's basketball pool with the Amendolas' family history and the events leading up to Bobby Jr.'s birthday party. Why is this important?
10. In many ways, Bobby is the novel's most important character, but largely unknowable except through the memories of those who loved him. What does their collective portrait tell you about him? How accurate do you think their memories of him are?
11. Compare Small Mercies to any other 9/11 novels you've read. How well does Joyce handle the events of that day and its grim aftermath?
12. There was nothing private about losing a loved one as a result of the attacks on 9/11. How do you think being in the public eye affects a family's ability to mourn?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Viking. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.