One Day in December

Analyze Laurie’s characterization in the context of her friendship with Sarah. If they’re so close, why can’t Laurie tell Sarah the truth about Jack? Why does Laurie choose to keep her feelings to herself? If she had told Sarah, what do you think the result would have been?

Analyze what might have happened if Jack and Laurie had met each other that first day in December at the bus stop. Would they have been a successful couple? Would they have been able to grow together?

Laurie and Oscar are in love and support one another through personal and career developments. At what point does their love start falling apart? Could Laurie have stayed with Oscar and made their marriage work?

Of the relationships explored in this novel, which relationship do you think will stand the test of time?

Analyze Jack’s character development. Why can’t Jack admit to himself and to Laurie that he remembers her from the bus stop? What does Jack think he’s losing or gaining by keeping his feelings secret, even to himself?

Analyze the motif of holidays in this novel. What importance does the calendar year have on the mindsets of the characters? How does this narrative structure help the reader see the progress of character development?

Analyze the symbolism behind travel in this novel. What types of journeys do the characters make? What are the differences and similarities between these journeys? How do these journeys affect character development and plot?

Analyze Laurie’s relationship with Oscar’s mother, Lucille. Is Laurie reading too much into Lucille’s treatment of her? Is Laurie reading signs that she wants to see in order to eventually break up with Oscar? Or is Lucille truly dismissive of the woman who makes her son happy? Does Lucille’s involvement have an effect on Oscar and Laurie’s relationship, or was their separation inevitable?