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| Reader’s Guide
for Road Map to Holland 1. In the first chapter, Graf Groneberg lists some of the stereotypes she envisions when she thinks of Down syndrome (p. 13). What were your preconceptions about Down syndrome? Had you known anyone with Down syndrome, prior to reading Road Map to Holland? Had you known any babies with Down syndrome, in particular? 2. Chapter 2 includes the introduction of what Graf Groneberg calls “the woo-woo cards.” Have you experienced anything similar to what she describes—namely, ordinary objects or events taking on a significant meaning? Do you think it was the stress of childbirth that caused her to feel these things, or do you believe there was more to it? 3. Graf Groneberg comes across Emily Perl Kingsley’s essay, “Welcome to Holland” (p. 46 and p. 291). In it, Kingsley writes about her experience as a mother to a son with Down syndrome. Do you think it matters that the diagnosis is the same, or do you think the essay can be applied to parenting children with other disabilities? 4. Throughout the book, Graf Groneberg speaks of guilt and feels to blame for her son's Down syndrome. Why do you suppose she feels this way? 5. The neighbor Cathy reacts to the family's news by distancing herself. Graf Groneberg attempts to contact her several times, then gives up. And later, when they accidentally meet at the park, she doesn’t pursue it. What did you think of this? How might you have behaved? 6. The Blue Mountain All-Women’s Run causes Graf Groneberg to evaluate her feelings about prenatal diagnosis. What do you make of the 92% termination rate statistic? Was it unexpected? 7. On p. 158, Graf Groneberg encounters her first incidence of blatant prejudice. Did the woman’s actions and gestures surprise you? What would you have done in this circumstance? 8. Graf Groneberg and her husband Tom have a discussion about the word “retarded” (p. 160). They decide to stop using it. How do you feel about the word? What about other, similar words that are often accepted as part of popular language? 9. Up until this point in the book, Graf Groneberg has resisted calling the Child Development Center (CDC). Then after meeting Robby (p. 166), when Robby’s mom tells Graf Groneberg she should call, she does. Why do you suppose this is? 10. On page 227, Graf Groneberg writes of a crucial moment when she finds forgiveness. Who did she need to forgive, and why? How did this forgiveness pave the way for the next chapter, which includes scenes of acceptance, happiness and joy? |