Four Perfect Pebbles

Why did Marion set her heart on collecting four perfect pebbles? How did this small goal provide her with a great sense of purpose during the darkest of times?

How does the combination of factual historical data and genuine lived experience create both an informative and emotional memoir? Why might including both types of information strengthen the work itself?

Why did the Blumenthals and so many others hold onto the belief that life in Germany would improve? What was the moment in which it became clear that this was no longer a possibility, and how did the Blumenthals respond?

In what ways were Marion’s teenage years shaped by her experiences during the Holocaust? What emotional and psychological challenges did she encounter as a result of this horrific ordeal?

Why did Germany succumb so easily to Hitler’s ideals? What factors came together to put the country in a vulnerable position, and how did Hitler and the Nazis use the targeting of minorities to advance their regime?

How did each member of the Blumenthal family demonstrate Hope and Resilience in the Face of Adversity, and why did this sense of eternal hope help them survive? How does the possibility of something better, no matter how small or distant, motivate people to continue on?

Explore the idea of Family As the Foundation for Survival. Why did staying together help the Blumenthals survive? Why did Marion choose to both begin and end her memoir with words about her mother? How did Ruth help Marion feel safe even when she was not safe at all, and why was it so important for the family to find ways to express their love to one another, even while apart?

How do the events of the Holocaust demonstrate the challenges of Surviving in a World of Prejudice? What can be learned through an examination of the personal experiences of degradation and hatred, both from those who survived and those who did not?