Fiesta Moon

Reading Guides

Reading Group Guide

1. Why is Mark Madison thought of as the prodigal son? What makes his older brother Blaine the "good" son?
    
2. What do you think is the root of Mark's irresponsible approach to life? Will being in Mexicalli change his attitude? How is Corinne helping him?
    
3. Why doesn't Corinne trust Mark at first? How does this try her behavior as a Christian?
    
4. Mark frequently refers to Corinne as Miss Muffet sitting on her tuffet because he says her daddy spoils her. What is he really thinking? What is missing in his life that Corinne brings out in him? How does this make him feel?
    
5. How does Mark's pet pig Toto figure in the story?
    
6. What are some of the most valuable lessons both Mark and Corinne learned from working together on building the mission?
    
7. How does Antonio's testimony of love and concern for his lost brother affect Mark's thoughts toward Blaine?
    
8. What things does Mark realize that he's taken for granted back home? Does this realization affect his behavior in any way?
    
9. Despite her sharp tongue, Mark is attracted to Corinne from the beginning. What about her causes this attraction to deepen beyond the physical?
    
10. What is the pivotal point for Mark spiritually? What lesson does he learn?
     
11. Was Doña Violetta's admission that she was Corinne's grandmother a surprise? Why do you think she didn't admit it to Corinne immediately?
     
12. Do you feel frustration as a Christian at the nature of the Indios' version of our faith? What is the key point they have missed, the one that Corinne tries to point out to Primitivo?
     
13. How did you feel about the voodoo that occurs in Mexicalli? Do you think there is more manmade mischief in their superstitious practices than supernatural? Is one less evil or dangerous than the other?
     
14. When does Corinne discover that her heart belongs to Mark? What did you like most about Mark and Corinne's love story? Why?