Discussion Questions for How We Came to Be by Johnnie Bernhard

1. How is the title of the novel explained in the cover art, “The Monkey Bar Queen: A Fable of Self-Worth,” and in Tiffany’s letter to Karen in the last chapter?

2. Explore the strengths and weaknesses of the character, Karen. Is being a teacher and a mother a “savior” for her or a crutch?

3. Discuss the “angel” in the adoration chapel. What do we learn about Karen’s shifting faith? Also consider the scene when Karen speaks of St. Therese, the Little Flower.

4. Tiffany succumbs to the illegal use of prescription drugs. How prominent is this today?

5. Explain how the love of money replaces the love of family and relationships in the novel. Begin with Tiffany’s mother and Karen’s ex-husband, Greg. Give other examples of superficial people and objects in the novel by recalling the scene in the grocery store between Karen and Greg. Explain the holiday photo card and Facebook as an example of this.

6. The refugee backstory of Leona Supak is significant to understanding her as a character. Explain how she serves as a “mother figure” to both Karen and Tiffany.

7. What is significant about Joel Perez’s message to Karen, “Don’t forget to do some living.”

8. Friendship among women is explored in this novel. “The sisterhood” can be defined through Karen, Kelly, Leona, and Tiffany. How are all these relationships connected, when all the women are very different in age, social status, and appearance. Explain the common bond of human suffering.

9. The novel explores the brokenness of four people: Karen, Tiffany, Leona, and Matt. What does Matt mean by the term, walking wounded?

10. What social commentary is being made about the “text-only” communication between Karen and Tiffany? Consider the woman sitting next to Karen when she flies from New Orleans to Houston.

11. What social commentary is made about children in American, while Karen gets her nails done in Austin?

12. What is significant about the repeated phrase, American girl-woman?

13. What is significant about the death of Leona followed by the birth of Aliz?

14. The beauty of second chances is a central theme in the novel. Explain.