Blue Jay (Schlicher)

The Blue Jay 
Michelle Schilcher, 2015
Self published
207 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780996575003


Summary
A debut novel about a young woman and a young boy scarred by abandonment who find they share an unlikely bond.

Josie McCray was eight years old when her mother left. Now a young teacher, she guards her heart carefully but finds herself pulled to mentor a child in need.

Payton Runnells was 12 when his mother left. Now in foster care, he’s slow to trust anyone but senses that Josie might somehow understand the grief that grips him.

As Josie and Payton lower their walls and forge a frienship, they begin to open themselves up to all life has to offer.

Author Bio
• Birth—April 15, 1984
• Raised—Ankeny, Iowa, USA
• Education—B.A., Iowa State University
• Currently—lives in Ankeny, Iowa


Michelle Schlicher is an American fiction writer and the author of The Blue Jay.

A graduate of Iowa State University, she subsequently worked for six years in communications and marketing. During that time she became involved with a local mentoring organization, which had a huge impact on her life and became the foundation on which The Blue Jay is based.

Michelle grew up in Iowa and still resides there with her husband and two children.

Book Reviews
A lovely debut novel!
Amazon Reviewer


I fell in love with Josie and Payton and I loved watching their relationship grow.
Susan - The Book Bag


I fell in love with so many of the characters. They were so real they became like friends.
Amazon Reviewer


I wouldn’t be surprised if one day Hallmark were to turn The Blue Jay into a film, really I wouldn’t.
Raluca - The Found Girl


I was actually quite surprised that The Blue Jay is a debut novel. To me, the book read like a seasoned author had written it.
Amazon Reviewer


This book will make your soul smile.
Goodreads Reviewer

 Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think Josie decides to become a mentor?

2. How are Josie and Payton similar? How are they different? How do these similarities and differences mold their friendship?

3. What are your thoughts on Josie's dad, John? How has he helped shaped who Josie is?

4. Why did Payton lash out at Josie when she voiced her concerns about Ira? Was his outrage warranted?

5. Mia is described as a surrogate mother to Josie. What is your impression of their friendship?

6. How did Louis help Josie? Why do you think he left such an impression on her?

7. Should Payton have forgiven his mother? Why or why not?

8. If Josie's mother were to return, in your opinion, what should she do?
(Questions courtesy of the author.)

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