The Aloha Quilt

The Aloha Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini - To be discussed May 4, 2011 at 6:30 pm

Another season of Elm Creek Quilt Camp has come to a close, and Bonnie Markham faces a bleak and lonely winter ahead, with her quilt shop out of business and her divorce looming. A welcome escape comes when Claire, a beloved college friend, unexpectedly invites her to Maui to help launch an exciting new business: a quilter's retreat set at a bed and breakfast amid the vibrant colors and balmy breezes of the Hawaiian Islands. Soon Bonnie finds herself looking out on sparkling waters and banyan trees, planning quilting courses, and learning the history and intricacies of Hawaiian quilting, all the while helping Claire run the inn.

As Bonnie's adventure unfolds, it quickly becomes clear that Claire's new business isn't the only excitement in store for her. Her cheating, soon-to-be ex-husband decides he wants her stake in Elm Creek Quilts, which threatens not only her financial well-being but her dearest friendships as well. Luckily she has the artistic challenge of creating her own unique Hawaiian quilt pattern to distract her - and new friends like Hinano Paoa, owner of the Nä Mele Hawai'-i Music Shop, who introduces Bonnie to the fascinating traditions of Hawaiian culture and reminds her that love can be found when and where you least expect it.

1. Craig believes Bonnie is trying to turn their children against him. Bonnie knows this isn't true, and that she must keep her children out of the divorce as much as possible, but at times it's difficult not to explain the truth. How much do you think their children need to know? Do you think Bonnie is right not to let them pick sides when she's been so clearly wronged?

2. Bonnie wonders why Claire and Eric's marriage survived when hers didn't. Can people change that much over time? Discuss the differences between these two marriages and the reasons why one was able to overcome its hurdles and the other was not.

3. Hinano seems to have a real dislike for tourists. Is he justified in his opinions because of his past? Are his own assumptions and judgments of mainlanders just as ignorant and prejudiced as he believes tourists to be?

4. Bonnie's daughter wonders if Bonnie and Craig are ever going to be able to be in the same room together again. Bonnie reassures her by saying "After the divorce is final and the dust settles, I'm sure we'll manage to be civil". Given the state of their relationship at the end of the book, do you think Bonnie is right?

5. The relationship between Bonnie and Hinano gets off to a rocky start; they're constantly in disagreement. How does that kind of relationship lead to love? In what ways do they open each other's minds and help each other grow?

6. Bonnie feels betrayed when the Elm Creek Quilters decide that she should sell her share of the business. Do you think she's being overly sensitive? Why is she so upset when she knows in her heart it's the only option?

7. When Bonnie visits the Iolani Palace with Hinano, she is deeply moved by the story of Queen Lili'uokalani and her companion in confinement, Eveline Wilson. Marveling over Eveline's courage and compassion, Bonnie wonders who she would be willing to give up her freedom for. Do you agree with Bonnie that it's easy to offer what will never be required?