Excerpt

When a young woman is murdered at the recording studio where Parker works, Parker is drawn into a mystery where nothing is as it seems. Unraveling the truth puts her own life at risk when she uncovers high-level industry corruption and is terrorized by a menacing stalker. As the danger escalates, Parker begins to question her dreams, her future, and even her faith. Does stardom even matter anymore?
     

 Double Minds Discussion Questions: by Terri Blackstock

1. Parker feels uncomfortable when Serene asks her to rewrite her songs to tone down the Christianity, but Serene argues that she can reach more people with the gospel if her music reaches a larger audience.  Can you think of any Christian artists who have gone mainstream with their music?  What did it do to their careers?  How did their secular songs compare with their Christian ones?

2. Have you had times in your life when you’ve made compromises in the interest of success? Does success look the same to God as it does to the world? Discuss the difference.

3. What significance does the song title “Double Minds” have in the story?  Which characters have a “double mind” that they must confront?  Do all Christians struggle with this to some degree?

    
4. Discuss the friendship between Parker and Serene.  In what circumstances did their friendship begin?  How does each view and treat the other?  What misconceptions does each woman have about herself that work their way into the friendship?  Are these eventually resolved?   

5. Many of the characters in the story are deeply affected by their relationships with their families.  How does Parker’s family differ from the others portrayed in the novel?  How are the characters shaped by their families growing up?  Are there any characters who are able to rise above the negative influence of their families? 

 
6. What causes Pete to finally decide to get help for his alcoholism?  How does his family react?  What does this say about the nature of trust?  Forgiveness? 

     
7. Throughout the novel, Parker fights to keep Serene’s anorexia out of the public eye and urges Serene to acknowledge that she has a problem.  Do you think Parker should have handled Serene’s eating disorder differently?  What would you have done in her situation?  How do you think prominent Christian figures should deal with their personal struggles?

  
8. Parker criticizes the hypocrisy often found in the Christian music industry.  What examples of this come up in the story? Is this a problem in high-profile Christian occupations? What standards should we expect of our “leaders?” What should be our response when they fail?

9. How do Parker’s ambitions change throughout the story? Are you satisfied with her choices at the end? Can you see Parker’s journey resulting in a more fulfilled life?