Books > The Devil Is a Lie > Reading Group Guide

Summary

When Nina Lawson wins the lottery it seems like all her dreams are coming true. A year earlier her marriage had ended when she discovered her husband, Todd, was cheating on her, but now she and her new fiancŽ, Rick, are about to be married and sheÕs a millionaire.

But soon NinaÕs dream-come-true turns into a nightmare. Relatives she hasnÕt seen in months are knocking on her door, looking for their piece of her pie. And theyÕre not alone. Her ex-husband, Todd, and his scheming girlfriend, PamÑthe woman for whom he left herÑreveal that the paperwork for his and NinaÕs divorce was never finalized. HeÕs still her husband, and he wants to claim half of the lottery winnings.

Nina is forced to put her plans for the future on hold as her familyÕs demands escalate, RickÕs demands escalate, and ToddÕs return to her life rekindles old feelings. Ultimately, she must choose between forgiveness and revenge in order to discover where her true happiness lies.

Questions and Topics for Discussion

1. Winning the lottery seems like a dream come true, but it becomes a nightmare for Nina. What is your opinion of the old adage Òmoney canÕt buy happinessÓ? Did the novel change your point of view about the advantages of wealth?

2. Money has a powerful effect on NinaÕs family, bringing out the worst in many of them. Why do they each feel they deserve a piece of NinaÕs winnings? Why do you think money drives people to such great lengths?

3. Did you agree with ToddÕs decision to go after NinaÕs money? How much of his decision is based on helping his grandmother and how much is based on PamÕs influence?

4. What reasons does Todd give for staying with Pam? Why does he feel breaking up with her would make him a failure?

5. NinaÕs friends and family urge her to stop hating Todd and give up her need for revenge because Òhate is wasted energy.Ó Does Nina follow that advice? If so, how?

6. How do PamÕs money-grubbing ways set her up for a fall? If she hadnÕt pushed Todd too far, do you think he might have stayed with her?

7. NinaÕs grandmother offers her important guidance. How do her wise words about NinaÕs mother and Todd change NinaÕs course?

8. PamÕs actions are directly responsible for bringing Nina and Todd back together. Does that make those actions in some way forgivable? Could they have gotten back together without her interference?

9. Throughout the book, Nina gives Rick the benefit of the doubt even as his attitude and behavior change. Was she right to ignore her misgivings? What might you have done differently in her place?

10. Discuss the role of trust in the novel. Nina trusted Todd and Rick, and both men let her down, but eventually she begins to trust Todd again. Does he deserve to regain her trust, or do you agree with Yvonne that no man can be trusted?

11. Grandma Odessa tells Todd and Nina, ÒYou both had to go spend a little time with the devil before you realized just how important each other was.Ó Do you agree? In what ways did Todd and Nina take each other for granted before they split up? What do their experiences apart teach them about each other and about themselves?

12. How did you feel about NinaÕs choice to rekindle her relationship with Todd? Did your opinion of him change over the course of the book? Why or why not?

13. ToddÕs grandmother says that God will find a way to get Nina and Todd back together. Does the novel bear that out? If so, what were His signs that they should be together?

Activities to Enhance Your Book Club

1. The book begins with NinaÕs winning lottery ticket. See if anyone in your group shares NinaÕs luck. Have every member bring a scratch-off lottery ticket and begin your book group by seeing whoÕs a winner.

2. Share with your book group what you would do with the money if you came into a windfall like NinaÕs. How would you share with your family and friends? What would be your biggest fear about winning the lottery? Discuss whether any of the motives behind your ideas for sharing the money can be accomplished without money.

3. Compare your own experiences to NinaÕs. Have you forgiven a breach of trust as she did ToddÕs? Have you believed the best of someone only to be let down, as Rick let her down?