THE WEIGHT OF SMALL THINGS
From the acclaimed author of Prayers and Lies and The Sometimes Daughter comes an emotional, compelling, and ultimately uplifting novel that explores the fragility and resilience of love—and the decisions, large and small, that determine not just who we are, but who we want to be.
Corrie Philips has an enviable life—even if it’s not quite the one she wanted. She enjoys working at her university alumni magazine, her house is beautiful, and her husband, Mark, is attentive, handsome, and wealthy. But after years of frustration and failed attempts, Corrie is desperate for a child—and haunted by the choices in her past.
From the acclaimed author of Prayers and Lies and The Sometimes Daughter comes an emotional, compelling, and ultimately uplifting novel that explores the fragility and resilience of love—and the decisions, large and small, that determine not just who we are, but who we want to be.
Corrie Philips has an enviable life—even if it’s not quite the one she wanted. She enjoys working at her university alumni magazine, her house is beautiful, and her husband, Mark, is attentive, handsome, and wealthy. But after years of frustration and failed attempts, Corrie is desperate for a child—and haunted by the choices in her past.
A decade ago, just after college, Corrie’s boyfriend Daniel left town, intent on saving the world even if it meant breaking Corrie’s heart. Now he’s returned, and despite her misgivings, Corrie feels drawn to him again. But the emotions that overwhelm her may put her marriage and her secure, stable life at risk. Faced with an unexpected choice, Corrie must unravel illusion from reality at last and weigh what she most needs against what her heart has always wanted.
- Kensington Books
- Paperback
- March 2013
- 352 Pages
- 9780758280435
Buy the Book
$15.00
About Sherri Wood Emmons
Sherri Wood Emmons is a freelance writer and editor. Prayers and Lies is her first work of fiction. She is a graduate of Earlham College and the University of Denver Publishing Institute. A mother of three, she lives in Indiana with her husband, two fat beagles, and four spoiled cats.
Praise
“Emmons is undoubtedly a wonderful storyteller, and readers will be drawn to her characters and their situations. It will not be hard to lose yourself in the drama and readers will be able to relate to two women who evaluate the effects of past decisions in present life.”—RT Book Reviews
Discussion Questions
Corrie Philips seems to have an ideal life. Why can’t she let go of the past and enjoy the present?
Is Corrie a sympathetic character? Why or why not?
Bob insists to Bryn that she tell Paul about her pregnancy. Do you think a man always has the right to know when his partner is pregnant? Are there times when it’s okay to keep that information from him?
What responsibility, if any, does Corrie have for her mother’s situation?
Corrie believes that her inability to conceive a baby is punishment for having had an abortion. What does your faith tradition teach about God’s judgment? How does that apply to a woman who has terminated a pregnancy?
What role does Maya play in the story? How would the story be different without her presence?
Corrie accuses Daniel of trying to play God. Is that a fair assessment? Are Daniel’s decisions reasonable ones?
Bob has taken his wayward wife back twice after her infidelities. Do you think a partner should be given a second chance after an affair?
Bryn’s relationship with Paul began when she was his student. Is it ever okay for a teacher to be in a romantic relationship with a student? Why or why not?
Bob and Bryn begin their relationship very soon after his divorce. Is Bryn right to worry about being a rebound girlfriend? Can their relationship last?
Corrie and Daniel’s relationship is renewed while she is married to Mark. Is the relationship doomed to fail? Why or why not?
What is the significance of the title, The Weight of Small Things?