Introduction

Lawyer-turned-stay-at-home mom Sarah Shaw is struggling to keep it together for her two young sons and law professor husband. Since the death of their infant daughter, her husband has been buried in his career, her friendships have withered, and Sarah remains lost in a private world of grief. Then one day walking in L.A., Sarah’s heart catches at the sight of a young homeless woman pushing a baby in a stroller?and saving them becomes her obsessive mission. An unlikely bond grows between Sarah and the young mother, Josie. When tragedy threatens Josie, Sarah discovers that she is capable of deceptions and transgressions she never imagined. Her lies unleash a downward spiral that will threaten her marriage, family and her sanity. Shelter Us speaks to the quiet joys and anxieties of parenthood and illuminates a place all parents know: that shadowy space between unconditional love and fear of unbearable loss.

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Excerpt

Chapter 1

This Ferris wheel revolves faster than I remember. It was Robert’s idea to come tonight. “A great way to say good-bye to the year—right, kiddos?” Oliver and Izzy jumped up and down, squealing their agreement. There was no saying no. And so we ride. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. Sarah says her typical reaction to homeless people had been “to give them food, or a dollar, or do nothing.” Why does Josie spark such a different reaction from Sarah?

2. Can reaching out to help people in need heal our own wounds? Does it work for Sarah?

3. How do values get passed down from one generation to the next? What values do you trace to your parents? What are the values you want to pass to your children, and how do you communicate them?

4. Although Sarah claims to be surprised to see her high school boyfriend in Berkeley, do you think she wanted to see him? Have you orchestrated “accidents” because you didn’t want to admit to yourself that you wanted something?

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