printable
version
READING
GROUP GUIDE:
An Alphabetical Life: Living It Up in the World of Books
by Wendy Werris
1. An Alphabetical Life
focuses on the seemingly pre-ordained nature of Wendy Werris’
career in the book business. From the age of nineteen she was certain
of what her career would be, and followed that path. What was your
experience in finding your passion in life? Have you stayed in the
same career, or have you explored other choices? If you haven’t
found fulfillment in your work, what does your ideal career look like,
and what would you do to make it a reality?
2. In An Alphabetical Life
some of Wendy’s favorite childhood and adolescent books are
described – mysteries, fantasies and the like. Which books were
you particularly attached to when you were young, and why? Do you
still favor these genres today, or did your reading tastes change
in adulthood?
3. For many years Wendy
worked in a partnership with two men, which ultimately failed and
ended. Why do you think this happened? What partnerships in your life
have inspired or challenged you the most?
4. Wendy was lucky to have
parents who were readers and encouraged her to take an interest in
books. What role did books play in your family and in your life as
a child? Was reading considered a luxury or a given?
5. An Alphabetical Life
mentions many authors and books that Wendy read (or sold as a bookseller
or sales rep) over the years. Are you familiar with any of them? If
so, do you have any favorites among the titles that I refer to?
6. In the book Wendy describes
her decision to donate a kidney to a close friend. How did this story
affect you? Did it make you think about what you would do in a similar
situation? Have you ever considered what lengths you would go to in
order to help a friend?
7. Wendy wrote about her
1981 rape for the first time in An Alphabetical Life. It is a harrowing
story, but ultimately one of personal courage and commitment to recovering
from this trauma. She also makes it clear that she has forgiven the
rapist. How did this story make you feel? Does anything in your life
experience resonate with the idea of a violent crime?
8. The relationships Wendy
had with her parents – two very strong personalities - played
an enormous role in how she approached life as a young woman and beyond.
Individually, what and how did her parents contribute to this?
9. The Werris household
was unconventional and a bit (!) outlandish. Taken all together, what
impressed you about the way she handled what was dealt her? Do you
think her family environment was a blessing or a curse to her?
10. An Alphabetical Life
makes some strong arguments for the almost mystical power that books
hold over the reader. Have any books played a significant role in
your life journey? Which ones have influenced you the most, and why?
11. Much of Wendy’s
book is about relationships that have endured over long periods of
time. These people include both personal and business friendships,
such as the ones she has with her best friend, Penny Rose; with George
Carroll, the late Miriam Bass, Alan Kahn and others mentioned in the
book. What do you think has encouraged and cemented these relationships?
Do any of them remind you of friends you have in your own life?
12. As a book rep Wendy
discovered that she’d embarked upon a solitary path. In the
end, it led her to an independent lifestyle, which she cherishes.
In what ways has your life path surprised you? Do you feel that you
chose this path, or did it choose you?
13. What do you think motivated
Wendy to write the book and share her life story? How did you respond
to and interpret her “voice”?
14. What is Wendy’s
most admirable or unique quality? Is she someone you would want to
know, or have known?
15. At the end
of An Alphabetical Life it appears that Wendy has reached another
significant crossroad. There is the suggestion that her career as
a book rep might be coming to an end. Why do you think this is? Do
you think we ever feel that our journey is complete?
printable
version
