The Shirt Off His Back

1. Alisa's and Ariana's contrary behavior with their mother during Christmas reflects the twins' mixed feelings about her sudden reappearance. Their excitement at seeing her and their anger at her neglect are expressed by each twin; Alisa can't wait to see Catherine, while Ariana can't stand to be around her. Why do the twins have such different reactions? How much does their father influence their feelings about their mother? Which twin do you most sympathize with? 2. In many ways Terry's children have helped make him who he is; likewise for Jackie. Their children, they admit, are the best things that have happened to them. How have their children shaped their lives? How different would they be had they not had their twins? 3. It is clear Jackie and her girlfriends think Terry is great husband material; after all, not only is he a single father who cares deeply for his children, he is exceptionally kind to family and friends alike. Is Terry unusual? How easy would it be to find Terry's equivalent in the real world? 4. After Catherine threatens to take Alisa and Ariana away from him, Terry's contact with her is, at times, unyielding and bitter. His initial reaction to her request to see the twins on Christmas is outright refusal. Is Terry right to treat Catherine the way she treats him? Are his actions justified, or is he stooping to her level? If she had been a more sympathetic character, do you think Terry would have been more willing to share custody? 5. Despite Terry's clear preference for her size, Jackie often feels unhappy about her weight. Her obsession with it increases during times of stress — when she seems to feel particularly insecure. Should she lose weight? What is holding Jackie back from accepting herself as she is? What is Brown showing us about our obsession with weight? 6. Although Catherine makes it clear she is only seeking custody of the twins for professional gain, she displays a few instances of motherly concern. Do you think Catherine regrets her ruthlessness in any way? Do you have any sympathy for her character? Why does she choose to sever all ties with her daughters at the end? 7. While Roland and Cedes have known each other for years, it is not until Roland sees Cedes's vulnerability that he becomes attracted to her. Why is this? What does he finally come to understand about her? About himself? 8. Cedes envies Jackie and Terry's relationship but has been unable to replicate it for herself; she has not been able to find a man with whom she can have a long-term relationship. What changes in Cedes allow her to see Roland in a new light? Had she pursued a relationship with Charles, do you think it would have been successful? 9. Roland and Terry employ some pretty dirty tactics to expose Catherine's vicious nature. Is this fair? Could they have won the case without Wendell/Howard's 'undercover' work? 10. Together with their grandparents, siblings, and friends, Jackie and Terry's extended family form a strong, supportive unit. How do different family members step in to help one another? How important is family in providing support when times get tough? 11. As the matriarch of Jackie and Terry's family, Momma C dispenses wisdom and love with her own special way with words. What are some of her more memorable 'proverbs'? How essential is she in the lives of her children and grandchildren? Describe the differences between Momma C and Catherine. 12. Even though Jackie and Terry are deeply in love with each other, Jackie seems apprehensive about accepting Terry's marriage proposal and Terry is equally shy about asking her. Why is it so difficult for them? Have their past relationships with the parents of their children affected them? How hard is it to enter into a new relationship after leaving a bad one? 13. Love is one of the central themes of The Shirt off His Back and it takes many forms: fatherly and motherly love, romantic love, brotherly and sisterly love. Those who do not experience these kinds of love are unable to do so because of selfishness and distrust; we see this mostly in Catherine and, to a much lesser extent, in Roland and Cedes. What emotions are necessary for love to flourish? What is Brown telling us about love of self and love for others?