Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe

Discussion Questions

-As this story begins, Anna Kate has put her life on hold to move to Wicklow, Alabama. She’s been uprooted from everything familiar and has settled in a small, two-stoplight town where she knows no one. Though she initially has regrets about the move, she is determined to stay put. Have you ever been in a similar situation? If so, how did you adjust to your new surroundings?

-Natalie wants to become an independent, strong woman, but she is embarrassed and ashamed that she still needs financial assistance from her parents. Doc tells her that asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. Have you ever been in a position where you needed help and asked for it? Could you relate to Natalie’s emotions? Do you agree with Doc?

-Anna Kate comes to recognize that she’s been heavily influenced by her mother’s memories of the Lindens. When it becomes clear that Eden’s recollections may not tell the whole story, Anna Kate sets out to form her own opinions about her father’s side of the family. Have you ever been influenced by someone only to realize that person was wrong? How did you correct the situation?

-Anna Kate goes out of her way to help Summer secure college funds by selling T-shirts and Summer’s father’s blackberry tea, and also helps them ready their property to use as a B&B. Why do you think Anna Kate was compelled to help this young woman she barely knew?

-Natalie is dead-set against Ollie taking swimming lessons but eventually bends under Seelie’s demands. Initially, Natalie believes her mother is being controlling and doesn’t understand her pain, but do you think deep-down she recognized that Seelie was trying to protect Ollie? If you were Natalie, would you have balked at swimming lessons as well?

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