Discussion Group Starter

The Story We Share

A simple, trauma-informed guide to host thoughtful conversations about harm, healing, and hope.
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The Story We Share is a nonfiction account told in multiple voices (Jessi, her husband Chad, family members, advocates, and professionals) that moves from the immediate aftermath of sexual assault through reporting, family impact, therapy, dissociation, prosecution attempts, and long-term healing and faith. The book includes a “Note to the Reader” with a clear content advisory and empowers readers to move at their own pace, which we mirror in this guide.

Who this is for

  • General book clubs ready to hold a careful, compassionate discussion

  • Faith-based small groups seeking survivor-centered conversations

  • Campus, community, or nonprofit reading groups (with optional resource tie-ins)

How it works

  • Simple plan: You choose the schedule. Use the prompts that fit your group.

  • Survivor-centered: Opt-in sharing. Confidentiality. Breaks welcome.

  • Ready to print: Download the PDF or open the guide on your phone.

Reading Plans

  • Setting the story and ground rules

  • The event and early responses

  • Family perspectives and secondary trauma

  • The body, coping, and dissociation

  • Faith, community, and support

  • Repair, resilience, and action

6-sessions (primary)

  • Before and immediately after

  • Family ripple effects

  • Systems, justice, and anger

  • Hope, faith, and next steps

4-sessions

Prefer 4 sessions?

Combine (1+2), (3), (4), (5+6).

Prefer 8–10 sessions?

Split each major section into two meetings and shorten the page ranges.

Q&A Requests

Are you interested in talking with the author after your group reads The Story We Share? Just fill out the form and we’ll get back with you on the next steps.