Crystal Lies - Melody Carlson [124]
Not only that, but we get to make some wonderful friends as we journey along—the kind of friends who know how to stick by each other even when life isn’t tidy or neat or easy Those are real friends, and I have learned to appreciate them. Because I don’t believe that God ever meant for us to do this thing called Life alone.
Study Questions
The Harmon family seems somewhat blindsided by Jacob’s drug problems. What signs were perhaps missed? Do you think anything would’ve played out differently if they’d been more aware of Jacob’s susceptibility to chemical addiction? If so, what?
Early in the story Glennis portrays her family as rather “picture perfect.” Do you think she really believed this? Why or why not? Why do we sometimes believe what we want to believe?
Glennis didn’t seem to know that her marriage was in trouble when she left Geoffrey. When do you think their marital problems began? What could they have done differently?
Glennis had a classic codependent personality. Why do you think she was like this? What do you see as the negative and/or positive traits of someone who is codependent? Do you see any of these traits in yourself?
Glennis had difficulty discerning the difference between loving and enabling. How would you distinguish between them? What guidelines do you use to determine this in your own life?
Sarah had almost completely disengaged herself from her brother and his problems. Do you think this was selfish or self-preserving or both? Explain.
What factors do you think were most critical to Glennis’s discovery that she was part of the problem? Where did she find her best sources of help? If you were in her situation, where would you go for help?
Glennis’s marriage was in worse shape than she had originally thought. Do you think she should have done something differently? What would you have done in a similar situation?
Were you surprised when Sherry’s son Matthew died? Some may view this as a departure from the story line about Glennis and Jacob. In your opinion, what was its role and significance in this story?
Crystal Lies is as much about codependency as addiction. Did this story change any of your attitudes toward people who become caught in these traps? Do you know anyone who’s dealing with these issues? Do you view addicts and codependents differently now that you’ve read this book? Explain.
Resources
BOOKS
Beyond Codependency: And Getting Better All the Time by Melody Beattie.
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start.
Caring for Yourself by Melody Beattie Cracked: Putting Broken Lives Together Again: A Doctors Story by. Drew Pinsky
WEB SITES
Do It Now! Foundation—www.doitnow.org/pages/101.html
Crystal Meth—www.crystal-meth.us/
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)—www.crystalmeth.org/
About the Author
Over the years Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from preschool teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past nine years, she has published more than 100 books for children, teens, and adults—with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards, including the ECPA Gold Medallion Award and the Rita Award. She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate Lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping, and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.
CRYSTAL LIES
PUBLISHED BY WATERBROOK PRESS
12265 Oracle