Girls in White Dresses - JENNIFER CLOSE [101]
“Kristi and Todd stood with their shoulders touching, wrapped in the cloth. It reminded Isabella of the way that Lauren and Kristi used to huddle together, whispering and laughing at jokes that only they understood.” (this page) Why does Isabella get so emotional during the “chuppah within a chuppah” wedding scene?
Connect the dots between Shannon, Dan, Barack Obama, and the contestants on “The Biggest Loser.” Why is hope so important?
Throughout the book, questions of identity pop up. For example, when a friend gets divorced and decides to keep her married name, Isabella thinks it may be because, “She’s afraid no one will remember who she is.” (this page) How do these characters determine who they are? By the end, who seems to have created the strongest sense of self?
What is the turning point for Isabella in her relationship with Harrison?
Why is Lauren ready to call the turtle Mark gives her Rudy, when she wouldn’t use that name for the goldfish?
Discuss the last scene. How have the women changed over the course of the book? Who is the most satisfied with her life?
Where do you imagine Isabella, Mary, and Lauren will be in five years?
SUGGESTED READING
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin; Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner; Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy; The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan; How to Make an American Quilt by Whitney Otto; Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.