Is your book club reading The Sidewalk Artist? We would love to participate in your discussion. Depending on the location, we can do so in person, over the phone, or through free Skype/web cam. If interested, please contact us at janiceandgina@hotmail.com . Also, we can send signed labels that you can stick in your copy of The Sidewalk Artist. Email us at janiceandgina@hotmail.com if you are interested. Many thanks to Ellen in Atlanta for this great idea! Book Club Questions for The Sidewalk Artist by Gina Buonaguro & Janice Kirk * The chapter titles form a poem (see below). What does the poem mean? From whose point of view is it written? When are they speaking? * Tulia’s present story influences the past story/her novel. Give examples of this. Also, how does the past story influence the present? Provide examples of this as well. * How does the sidewalk artist influence/steer Tulia’s novel? * Find examples of how clues to the ending can be found right from the beginning of the novel. * What are the various incarnations of Raphael? Do you think one is more proven and/or truer than any other? Give examples. * What is the role of italics in the novel? Look especially at the love scene at the Tuscan villa as well as the epilogue. This story begins with the rain Smoke rings like afternoon halos Drifting across rosy skies And there you were I almost forgot The poor little angels On the day balloons filled the sky And then you were gone Trying to fly Lost in a maze of water and stone I almost forgot Angels rest in quiet places Saying prayers Singing songs too ancient to remember I thought it was the end On an island of wild roses A new story begins Hoping to reach you I almost forgot Where it all began And begins again Passing by vineyards Where the sun sleeps And dreams awake Beneath Italian skies Not soon shall I forget the day I almost forgot How I wept when I remembered That summer died The last time We said goodbye And tears fall On the wings of angels I’ll never forget Love This story begins with the rain