Story Circle Network
Deep Water Passage
by Ann Linnea
Study Questions

  1. Among the endorsements (usually called "blurbs") on the inside front cover, Deena Metzger (author of a popular journaling book) writes: "This is the Journey: ordeal, descent, vision, and transformation." What kind of journey do you think Metzger means? What examples of ordeal, descent, vision, and transformation can you find?

  2. What prompted Ann Linnea to attempt to paddle around Lake Superior? What reasons does she offer in the text? What other reasons can you think of that she might not have wanted to include in her book?

  3. What is the significance of the book's title? Each of the chapters is also titled, and each begins with a headnote (presumably written by the author). What is the significance of the chapter names and notes? What does all of this add to your understanding of the book?

  4. What is Paul's role in Ann's journey? Does that relationship turn out the way you thought it might? Why or why not?

  5. What role do Ann's husband and children play in her journey? How are these relationships changed by her journey? Were you surprised by the events described in the Epilogue?

  6. Ann's women friends are vitally important to her. Name the most important ones. What do each of these women mean to her? How do they support her during her journey?

  7. Ann's journey is challenging, difficult, risky. What hazards does she face? What forces threaten to keep her from journeying around the lake? From completing her spiritual journey?

  8. Lake Superior is more than a setting in this book; it becomes a character whom Ann addresses in female terms. What are some of the titles Linnea uses, both for the Lake and for herself? What kind of relationship between the Lake and Ann is suggested by these forms of address? What does it make you think of? Why do you think Ann adopts it?

  9. Have you ever faced physical challenges similar to those that confront Ann? Psychological or spiritual challenges?

  10. This year, we have read two other books that describe a woman's life crisis: Drinking the Rain (Alix Kates Shulman) and Refuge (Terry Tempest Williams). What does Deep Water Passage have in common with these two books? How is it different?