2. Below the Big Blue Sky has a huge and varied cast of characters. Who would you say was your favourite?

3. Molly struggles with her faith throughout the novel. What part does religion play in the book?

4. Why do you think Juliet refuses to be called ‘Bunny’ after her mother’s death?

5. Do you think Grace’s reaction to finding out she has the BRCA gene is rational or not? Would you do the same?

6. Do you view Marjorie as one of the Hayeses? How do you think her relationship with her own mother has affected her relationship with the Hayes family?

7. Rabbit and Davey both love music. What significance does this have within the novel?

8. Family is one of the biggest themes in this book. How do the Hayes family help each other grieve, and to what extent do they need to find a way to grieve on their own?

9. Why do you think Molly objects to Rabbit’s book being published? Why do you think Jack doesn’t?

10. In what ways do each of Rabbit’s family remember her differently?

11. Did you read The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes before reading Below the Big Blue Sky? If so, has this second book made you think or feel differently about the characters? If not, what sort of person does Rabbit seem to you?

If you enjoyed Below the Big Blue Sky, you’ll love Anna McPartlin’s Waiting for the Miracle