Books > Can I Get a Witness? >

Reading Group Guide

Follow Simon & Schuster

Questions for Discussion

1. Discuss the role of forgiveness in the novel. How do Vanessa and Dionne deal with the rough times in their romantic relationships, when they must learn to forgive their men? How do Roland, Henry, and Thomas deal with forgiveness when the tables are turned?

2. In one of the many sermons Aunt Ida delivers to her girls, she tells Dionne that "a man's only gonna do what you allow him to do, and you allowed him to play you..." (26) How was Dionne "played" by Roland? Do you agree with Aunt Ida that she allowed this to happen? Why or why not?

3. Rosolyn takes a turn at preaching when she comments to Dionne, "I don't know why we women do that....We get mad at our man cheating and want to jump the woman." (91) Why do you think Dionne and Vanessa feel anger toward Tasha and Alana instead of directing it at their men? Do you think that Rosolyn's assessment holds true in the real world?

4. Discuss Aunt Ida's advice to Vanessa and Dionne. What does she mean when she tells Vanessa to "get right with God"? (168) Is she right when she says, "Seeking revenge only deepens the hole in your heart"? (106)

5. Do you agree with Aunt Ida that everything good happens in God's time? What does the book seem to say about this belief?

6. "Get to know Dionne. Fall in love with Dionne. Then maybe you won't have a problem getting someone else to love you as well." (85) Rosolyn gives this advice to Dionne. Do you think that Dionne follows it? If so, how?

7. Dionne's friends and family make it clear throughout the novel that they don't like Roland. Do you think they are justified in their dislike? Do you agree with Dionne that Roland really loved her, or do you agree with her friends and family that he didn't?

8. Was Dionne right to seek revenge using her knowledge of Roland's business dealings? Would you have done the same thing in her shoes? How do you feel about the illegal actions Vanessa took to ensure the speedy finalization of her divorce?

9. Did your opinion of Rosolyn change after you learned the truth about her marriage? Did you gain or lose respect for Henry after his secret was revealed?

10. Throughout the book, Vanessa denies that she has contributed to the deterioration of her marriage. What do you think keeps her from acknowledging her role in the breakup? Has she realized her mistakes by the book's end or does she still hold Thomas accountable for their problems?

11. From the moment they meet, Vanessa is captivated by Shelly and the poems that the girl writes. What qualities about Shelly attract Vanessa to her?

12. Were you expecting the book to end like it did? Do you agree with Vanessa's and Thomas's final decisions? What do you think Dionne's future holds?