Introduction

The book involves young widow Claudia McIntosh. Determined to fulfill her husband's last request, she is hauling a three-foot bust of Elvis Presley in the back seat of a vintage Cadillac from Dallas to Memphis, hoping to locate the kitschy sculpture's rightful owner. Along for the ride are Claudia's eccentric aunt-who actually knew Elvis-and a temperamental teen with a suspicious mind of her own. When the road trip hits the Heartbreak Hotel, the three women uncover pieces of their past along with the bust's mysterious history-discoveries that may change their lives and faith forever.

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Excerpt

Love Me
“Claudia,” Ben starts.
I know what he's about to say so I look toward Elvis, as if he holds the answers to my questions. “So, where did Stu get him?”
He studies me for a moment. “You want a matching set? Like bookends?”
“How much?” A man with an Elvis-sized pouch steps toward the King.
I catch myself blocking the man's way. I tried to get rid of the bust a few times in the past. Stu always said, “Love me, love Elvis.” I touch the shoulder of the bust protectively. “He's not for sale.” ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. Which character did you identify with the most: Claudia, Rae or Ivy? Which personality trait or aspect of her life did you relate to?

2. Which mother/daughter relationship in the novel most reflects your own experience? In what ways?

3. What 'idol' did each woman cling to? Were they each able to let go of their idols?

4. Have you ever been to Graceland? What was your experience like? What was the most unusual thing you saw? What surprised you most about Elvis?

5. How was Claudia trapped in her life? Did Elvis seemed trapped in a similar way?

6. How does the American culture idolize those in the limelight? What are some of the perks and pitfalls for both the 'idol' and fan?

7. How do you think attitudes toward American idols have changed from 1977 when Elvis died to recent years when the TV show American Idol became a national phenomenon?

8. What do you think the lasting impact of Elvis's influence on our culture has been?

9. How did each woman's faith change during the course of the novel?

10. The need to forgive runs as an undercurrent throughout the novel. Whom does each of the characters need to forgive and why? Whom do you need to forgive?

11. How do you think the women will handle their changing roles in future years? How will the relationship between Claudia and Rae change now that the truth has come out?

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