22 LIVES LOST. ONE SURVIVOR. IT COULD HAVE BEEN ANYONE. WHY HER?
Snow whirls around an elevated train platform in Chicago. A distracted woman boards the train, takes her seat, and moments later a fiery explosion rips through the frigid air, tearing the car apart in a horrific attack on the city’s transit system. One life is spared. Twenty-two are lost.
A year later, Autumn Manning can’t remember the day of the bombing and she is tormented by grief—by guilt. Twelve months of the question constantly echoing. Why? Why? Why? Searching for answers, she haunts the lives of the victims, unable to rest.
Paul Elliott lost his wife in the train bombing and wants to let the dead rest in peace, undisturbed and unable to cause more pain for his loved ones. He wants normalcy for his twelve-year-old daughter and young son, to see them move beyond the heartbreak. But when the Elliotts and Autumn are unexpectedly forced together, he fears she’ll bring more wreckage in her wake.
In Life After, Katie Ganshert’s most complex and unforgettable novel yet, the stirring prose and authentic characters pose questions of truth, goodness, and ultimate purpose in this emotionally resonant tale.
| DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Who was one of your favorite characters and why?
- Did you enjoy the setting? Have you ever been to Chicago?
- Autumn had one event that changed her whole life. Have you experienced anything in your life that has changed you? Discuss.
- How did the families of the victims react differently to their loss?
- Autumns family both overwhelmed her and drew her back into the world. Discuss her relationship with them.
- This author isn’t afraid to have the characters ask hard faith questions. What question or moment stood out to you? What questions do you have in your own faith journey and how have they been answered?
- One overarching theme was the problem of evil. What thoughts did Autumn have as she worked through the conundrum of how God can be good but there is still great evil in the world?
- The story of Lazarus is mentioned. How does it relate to Autumn’s story? Why is the revelation taken from this story so healing for Autumn? Can you relate?
- One of the themes is “the truth will set you free.” Discuss how how the truth set Paul and Reese free.
- Autumn wrote in a journal to help her cope. Reese wrote letters. Discuss the benefits of both. Are there any dangers? What other means do people use to digest and grieve great loss?
- Were there any other lines from the novel that resonated with you that you haven’t yet discussed? Share with the group. Why did this particular line resonate so deeply?
ENDORSEMENTS
“Ganshert uses masterful pacing, engaging characters, and believable dialogue to bring readers along … tackling big issues powerfully.”
– Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Katie Ganshert is a skilled writer who wrestles earnestly with the clashing forces of faith and fear. Life After will hook you on the first page.”
– Lisa Wingate, New York Times best-selling author of Before We Were Yours
“Another emotionally gripping page-turner from Katie Ganshert, a novelist who consistently writes with honesty and insight. Life After plumbs the depths of all that gives our existence meaning. Well done.”
– Susan Meissner, award-winning author of Secrets of a Charmed Life
“Katie Ganshert has made her mark by writing compelling stories about resiliency and faith. In her latest, she draws us through the aftermath of trauma, examining the soul’s miraculous ability to not just survive but to thrive–even in the wake of tremendous suffering. The result is an emotional journey that prompts us to question the greater purpose behind every moment we are given.”
– Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of The Feathered Bone
BOOK DETAILS
Release date: April 18, 2017
Publisher: Waterbrook, PRH Christian Publishing
Amazon ASIN: B01IZTEOF4
Audio ASIN: B079TT4TSM
ISBN-10: 1601429029
ISBN-13: 978-1601429025