1. The book's beginning quote from Sister Corita Kent "Flowers grow out of dark moments" is obvious in its meaning, but what specific "dark moments" throughout the book force the protagonist, Emma to grow? In what ways?
2. How does Emma change throughout the book? Which of her character qualities remain constant? What does she learn from her journey?
3. Emma is a woman with some modern ideals and thoughts. How do these qualities make her life more difficult? How do they motivate her? How do they serve her throughout the book?
4. At the beginning of the book, Emma leaves her children to escape her difficult situation and heal. Do you think she might have found another way out, or did she have any choice given the strictures of the times (1900)? If so, what else could she have done to escape or repair her family and situation? Is leaving her children behind selfish, necessary, or somewhere in between?
5. Monkey Bear is a symbol throughout the story. What does he signify to Emma's son, Toby? To Lilly? To Gage? To Emma (at different times in the book?)
6. Several characters in the book can't see their value. Who else, besides of Emma, makes the journey through this particular theme? How does the story influence the way they grow to see themselves?
7. Cooking is a motif throughout the book. How does Emma's cooking make her new life possible? What did cooking mean to her at different stages throughout the book (when she is living with Jared, when she first goes to the boat, when she really feels part of the crew)?
8. Why do you think the book's title is First, There is a River? What does the river mean to Emma? Gage? The captain? Quentin? How does the river influence the story? Could the same story be told in a different setting? Why or why not?
9. How is the riverboat community different from people with stationary lives? Is there a contemporary lifestyle equivalent to life as a member of a riverboat crew? How does the river influence the towns along the way? What kind of person would it take to live that lifestyle?
10. What are the issues of class and social status in the book? Emma seems able to be a bridge between various classes traveling and living along the river. What qualities does she possess that give her this ability?
11. The love story is an important part of Emma's healing. How is Gage a different man than Jared? How does the captain differ (or not) from Jared? What about Gage and the captain?
12. What does Emma learn throughout her journey that allows her to fall in love again? In your opinion, did she make the right choice?
13. Might she have made a different choice if she met Gage and/or the captain earlier in her life? What about later?
14. The Rashavi haunts Gage, and he isn't sure if it is real or a dream. When does the creature come to Gage? Is the Rashavi real, or a manifestation of his fear? Is there a modern-day syndrome or psychosis that might explain the creature?
15. Lilly is an important friend for Emma and their friendship takes on many different facets. What are some of these? How does Emma connect with Lilly and why? Would Lilly have had the same growth if she hadn't met Emma?
16. Quentin is a flawed (but kindhearted) person. Yes, he's an alcoholic, but what other demons does he have to battle? What other weaknesses show up throughout the story? What strengths does Quentin possess?
17. Speaking of flawed and admirable, what about the captain do you love? Hate? What does he learn? What does he refuse to learn?
18. Jared is a damaged person who allows evil to take him over. What are some other traits or possible psychosis does he have? Is he in any way or at any part of the story sympathetic? Is his descent into evil a choice?
19. How did the times support Jared's views of women and religion? Do you think he is at heart a religious or spiritual person? Why or why not?
20. The riverboat race reveals some deeper aspects of the characters. What kind of moral choices are made during the race? By whom? Both captains are competitive and driven to win, but how does Captain Yoder differ from Captain Briggham?
21. How, as you were reading, did you think the story would end? Did the final few chapters surprise you? In what ways?
22. Is Emma's struggle and story relevant to women of today? How would her story be different if it was in a contemporary setting? What might some similarities be?
