“The False Flat“ by Author Melissa R. Collings

1. Discuss Penelope’s journey: In the very beginning of the book, Penelope is overwhelmed by life and makes a sudden, fairly drastic decision to move across the country into a house she’s never seen before.
   • How do you think Pen's life would have been different if she hadn't made the move to a new city?
   • Was the move essential to Pen's inner journey? Why or why not?
   • How does she evolve from beginning to end? Is the transformation satisfying?
   • Could you see yourself ever making a sudden move like this?
   • Can you relate to Pen’s feeling of “life is crumbling around me?”
   
   
2. Discuss Pen and Deanna’s friendship: They meet and have an instant connection in a grocery store.
   • Have you ever experienced a spark of instant connection like Pen and Deanna? If so, did that spark evolve into a meaningful friendship?
   
   
3. Pen chooses to forgive Chad, who’d made life choices not everyone could forgive. Discuss Chad’s decision to pursue Pen. Would you have forgiven him?How did you feel when Pen decided to re-enter a relationship with him?


4. Discuss Pen’s relationship with Grant:
   • Have you ever had a relationship that started off rocky and evolved into something lifechanging or wonderful?
   • How does their burgeoning relationship affect Pen's journey towards independence and selffulfillment?
   • Would you enter into a relationship with someone knowing you’d likely lose them?
   
   
5. Grant has a very positive outlook on life. Given everything that has happened to him in life, why do you think he chose to adopt the attitude he did? Have you ever known anyone like Grant? If so, how has that person changed or enriched your life?


6. Discuss Pen’s self-esteem:
   • She’s surprised when she finds out that Erin admires her because all Pen can see is her flaws. Why is Pen worthy of admiration?
   • Have you ever been surprised by a compliment? If so, did it change how you see yourself?
   
   
7. Discuss Pen’s rocky relationship with her mother Aurora:
   • How did you feel about Aurora’s actions and how did that change, if at all, when you finally learned her story?
   • Do you think Pen and Aurora would have ever evolved their relationship if Grant hadn't entered Pen's life?
   • Do you have relationships that you wish were different in your life?
   
   
8. Who’s your favorite side character and why?


9. What was your favorite scene?


10. Pen is biracial. How did you feel reading from her perspective?Can you relate or did you find it interesting/informative?


11. The themes of self-discovery and starting over is central to Pen's journey. How does the author portray the challenges and rewards of reinventing oneself? Do you think anyone can reinvent themselves at any time?


12. Explore the theme of overcoming past trauma and letting go of baggage. How does Pen confront and ultimately move beyond the obstacles in her past to embrace a new future?


13. Pen joins a cycling group:
    • How does this activity serve as a metaphor for Pen's journey of self-discovery and forging new connections?
    • Have you ever joined an unfamiliar group or started a new hobby as a path to personal growth? If so, how did that work out?
    • Do you ever regret not doing something when you had the chance?
    
    
14. Reflect on the overarching message or feeling you took away from the novel when you reached the end.
    • How does Pen's story resonate with broader themes of empowerment, resilience, and authenticity?