After Read Discussion

Light On - Front Cover

Light On

Jesse’s story glitters like the stars as he captivates our hearts and souls with his everyday magic. Even in the inescapable ‘dark’ pages, Jesse’s Light – God’s Light – gleams all the brighter.

This is the fabled realm of storytelling, like the treasure we keep in our hearts, shining on all that we hold dear, all that enchants us in the everyday magic of childhood, utterly true, perfectly beautiful, flawlessly good. This is how we all Light On.

After reading Light On, use these questions to help discuss the many facets of Jesse’s story.

enJOY & Light On!

Discussion Questions

  1. Jesse’s father, James, is the narrator for this story, and Jesse hears his voice within himself. What is James’ role and purpose? What does this mean to Jesse? How does he use his God Light to change his attitude? Does it change his situation? Give examples from Jesse’s challenges.
  2. Jesse left New York City to find his grandmother, Jessica, whom he has re-named Gemma. He lives with her now, and has discovered more family in his Great-Great Grandmother, Lyla, his cousin, Charlie, and all the ‘Carlyle’ women. So why is ‘family’ still so important to Jesse? What does this mean to Jesse as he moves through his story?
  3. Jesse has been living with his grandmother, Gemma, for two years. What is his concern for her? What does she think of ‘Jesse’s heart’? How does she respond toward Jesse?
  4. Jesse still hears gossip about “The Black Widow”, the terrible reputation Gemma has endured all these years. How does Jesse handle the old gossip? Does it still have a power over Gemma – or Jesse? What does Ellie Sanders have to say to Jesse about gossip?
  5. When Gemma and Jesse are at the bank, they learn that she is actually quite wealthy. How does Gemma react? What do you learn from Peter about the Great Depression? What do you learn from Charlie about Gemma?
  6. What do you think of young Benjamin Dorking from Greta’s point of view? How do you think he knows so much about Gemma and Windy Hill Farm? What do you think of his identity as ‘Nobody’? How does his transformation strike you?
  7. Jesse has wanted Gemma to feel thriving and splendid. How do you think she is doing? Is she, herself, pro-active towards that goal?
  8. What is Jesse learning and/or appreciating from (1) Mac’s readings of God’s Magic? (2) The Jewish family that live next door at Marsh Hill and their traditions? (3) Tilly and Lyla’s Christian experiences? How do they help you understand Jesse’s character in the way he reacts and interacts with them and his challenges?
  9. Describe Jesse’s relationships with both young and old, giving examples of your favorite Jesse escapades and how he handles them. [Examples: the ‘Thing’ – Egg Bombs – Shabbat Dinner – Meeting Viola – Stuck on top of the tall cupboard – Bank (looking for glittering treasure) – Sailing Catboat (fun and danger) – Square dancing fun – Hurricane perils – Thanksgiving play]
  10. Who are the dark characters and how do they impact Jesse?
  11. Discuss the ways that Jesse keeps his “Light on”, especially when a dark character speaks or acts so dreadfully.
  12. What are the important episodes wherein Jesse solves a puzzle or escapes danger? How does Jesse move through them? How does he behave afterwards?
  13. Jesse has moments of doubt, and incidences of anger and confusion. [Ex. Dorking egg bombs – Bullying at swim lessons, Matts’ injury, School torment, Fort Battery entrapment – Stolen treasure boxes – Suspicion of Morton Mealy] In each instance, how does Jesse pull himself back from the dark into his Light?
  14. Why do you think Jesse loves the ‘lovey-doveys’ so? Who are the characters he observes being romantic? Describe the people and events that show Jesse the many facets of love: emotional affections, romance, devotion, yearning, and fellowship.
  15. How does music affect Jesse? Gemma plays music on the victrola every morning, and as well, Jesse plays his favorite composer on piano. What are his favorite pieces? Listen to some of these (YouTube.com) and discuss your favorite musical pieces.
  16. What are three of the important puzzles Jesse solves? Who are the people involved in these puzzles? How does Jesse Light On?
  17. There is a full cast of supporting characters surrounding Jesse. Name three of your favorites and explain how they impact or interact with Jesse. Also, give instances when your favorite characters shine their Light, or don’t!
  18. Jesse does bungle his words sometimes. Do you have a favorite Spoonerism, Malapropism, Tongue Twister or Kangaroo Word? Give examples for each.
  19. Overall, what is it that surprises Jesse? What surprised you in Jesse’s story?
  20. What are three mysteries Jesse still has to solve at the end of this story?