One Day in December - Discussion Questions

1. How would you describe the connection Laurie felt upon first seeing Jack? How do you think he perceived her when he saw her from the bus stop? Have you ever felt a similar connection with someone?

2. Why do you think Laurie couldn’t bring herself to tell Sarah that Jack was the man from the bus? What would you have done if you were Laurie?

3. Why do you think Jack doesn’t admit to Laurie that he remembers her from the bus stop?

4. Should Sarah have noticed the tension between Laurie and Jack?

5. Is it realistic for Laurie and Jack to try to be friends considering their feelings for each other? Why do you think they try so hard to remain friendly?

6. Dissatisfied with her job and feeling guilty for kissing jack, Laurie decides to leave it all behind and go to Thailand for a bit. Why was this the right choice for her? Would you have done something similar if you were in her situation?

7. Do you think Laurie truly loved Oscar or was it more the comfort he provided?

8. On page 209 Laurie notes that she’s been conflicted about “how much information constitutes the truth, how much omission constitutes lying.” Do you think she’s lying to Oscar and/or Sarah considering what she hasn’t revealed to each of them?

9. Why didn’t Jack and Sarah last? How did his accident change him?

10. Right before Laurie and Oscar’s wedding, Laurie accidentally reveals that Jack is the bus guy. Sarah is extremely upset and refuses to attend Laurie’s wedding. Do you think her reaction was extreme since they had broken up?

11. How similar are Laurie and Sarah? In what ways do their personalities differ? Which character do you identify with?

12. With Sarah’s absence, Jack fills in to give the speech. How did his speech define his love for her? Were you surprised that Oscar didn’t try to talk to Laurie about it?

13. Do you believe in love at first sight? Could Laurie love Jack after one glance?

14. What do you think would have happened if Jack and Laurie had met that day on the bus?

15. Eventually Sarah and Laurie make up, why do you think Sarah decided to forgive her?

16. What do you think of Laurie’s New Year’s resolutions evolve through the years? Do you made your New Year’s resolutions?

17. Did you like the ending? Do you think Jack and Laurie will last?

18. If One Day in December was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see play Laurie, Jack, and Sarah?