Austin Chapter
Reader's Guide

In the Acknowledgments Anne quotes: "...we are not here to see through one another, but to see one another through." Throughout this book there are many people, in addition to Pammy that 'see her through' the bad times and the good times. Give an example of who they were and how they helped her. Comment on why many of the names in the Acknowledgment were not in the journal.
At times it seems as though the journal is a script for a stand-up comedy routine. What are some of your favorite lines? Do you think her humor is contrived?
She speaks of the fear of total aloneness as being the cause for he previous behavior (p. 12). How has her pregnancy affected this fear?
Though the book focuses primarily on Sam, there are a few reference that give clues to Anne's life. What are some things you know about her?
Anne troubles over Sam's lack of a father. Where do you think she is with this at the end of Sam's first year?
One of the reviews quoted on the back cover says ". . .and a deep, infectious religiosity throughout." What is your reaction to Anne's writings about her beliefs?
What are some 'operating instructions' a new mother could glean from reading this book?
In summing up your reaction to this book, do you believe we have a 'truthful' account here? On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being "Very Truthful", where would you rate her journal?