Learning more about Nikki helps others learn more about themselves and the choices they've made in their lives. Written and acceptable for a teen audience but appreciated by those of all ages. If you're interested in ordering multiple copies for your reading group, please contact Joyce at 832-422-6612 or email her at preparedjoyce@gmail.com.
“Saving Nikki” is a story of hope. After reading it, you’ll see that success in life isn’t determined by where you start. What’s important is where you finish.
Growing up in a dysfunctional home with alcohol, divorce, neglect, abandonment and betrayal, Nikki had little if any guidance. So desperately looking for love and making choices based on the feelings of her heart, Nikki found herself in an abusive relationship that also included the very things she hated about her childhood.
Had it not been for loving grandparents and trusted and faithful friends, Nikki might not have had the strength to get through those difficult times. I know all about Nikki and how she felt because this is MY story. I lived it and I felt like it was necessary for me to make a record of it. Writing it helped me have some closure on those difficult years, but it also offered me a way to help others.
If you recognize yourself in any of these situations, I hope you will seek the help of a trusted friend, family member, or counselor. There’s no reason for it to continue for even one more day. I hope that working through the following questions will give you a better sense of who you are and what you can become.
Joyce Moseley Pierce
Chapter 1 – How did it make you feel when Nikki accepted a ride from Anthony? Have you ever accepted a ride from a stranger? Why do you think Nikki was nervous about being with him?
Chapter 2 – Why did it appear to be so easy for Nikki to forget about Joe once she met Anthony? What was it about Anthony that made her feel like he was the one she wanted?
Chapter 3 – How did you feel when Anthony asked Nikki to borrow money? What would you have done? When Nikki and Anthony shared information about their mothers, how did that make you feel? How was Nikki dealing with her mother’s leaving?
Chapter 4 – What did you think about Nikki going to Steve’s house with Anthony when there were no adults there? Did you think Nikki was putting herself at risk?
Chapter 5 – Do you think Anthony shows Nikki the respect she deserves? What could Anthony have done to show Nikki and her father that he really cared about her?
Chapter 6 – How do you feel about Sheila? Do you have adults in your life who disappoint and betray you? If so, how does that make you feel? What could Nikki have done to keep from putting herself in a dangerous situation after prom?
Chapter 7 – Do you think Anthony told Nikki the truth about graduation? How did you feel when Anthony showed up at the pool? Should Nikki have followed him?
Chapter 8 – Why do you think Nikki had such a good time while visiting her friend at the lake?
Chapter 9 – Nikki had done the right thing in asking Sheila’s permission before going to the state fair. How did you feel when Sheila denied any knowledge of it? Why do you think Sheila asked Nikki not to invite her father to the wedding? What would you have done?
Chapter 10 – How do you think Nikki felt when Anthony told her why he couldn’t pay the rent? Why do you think Sheila was nice to Nikki when she took her to the doctor?
Chapter 11 – How do you feel about Nikki’s relationship with her grandparents? How did you feel about Anthony when he didn’t pick Nikki up after night school? What would you have done?
Chapter 12 – Did you feel Nikki’s loneliness when Anthony didn’t go with her to the car show? What do you really think happened back at their apartment that night? Why doesn’t Nikki figure it out?
Chapter 13 – How do you think Anthony felt about becoming a father? How did Nikki feel about having a baby and a family of her own? How do you think Nikki felt about having to leave their home to live with his parents? Did you believe Anthony’s story when Nikki confronted him at the party?
Chapter 14 – How do you feel when you’re reading about Nikki working for her grandfather? Can you see that money is always an issue for Nikki and Anthony? Is Anthony being honest with Nikki?
Chapter 15 – What do you think about Steve? How does he feel about Nikki? Why do you think Anthony hurt Nikki and then ran out of the house?
Chapter 16 – In the “make up” phase after the abuse, Anthony says he wants to spend the day with Nikki. Does he show Nikki that he’s truly sorry? What should he have done? Why do you think Sheila had a change of heart about Nikki’s mother? Was she really doing something nice for Nikki?
Chapter 17 – Nikki’s grandparents try to make her birthday special. Why do you think Anthony seems to avoid her family? Does Nikki really believe his excuses or does she lie for him? What would you do?
Chapter 18 - Why was it good for Nikki to reconnect with her mother? Take some time here to think about how her absence has affected Nikki.
Chapter 19 – Why did Anthony react positively to Nikki’s news? How was he able to buy the new car? Do you believe him? Why the change of heart toward Nikki?
Chapter 20 – Why did Anthony take Nikki and Katie to his mother’s house, only to leave them there all day? How did you feel when Nikki finally did something for herself? How did you feel when Nikki told Anthony to get out?
Chapter 21 – Why was Anthony so uncomfortable with Nikki’s mother there? Did he keep his promises to change?
Chapter 22 – How did you feel when Nikki told her grandparents and mother that Anthony had packed up and moved out? Does Nikki get the emotional support she needs? Do you have a friend like Julie, or have you ever been there for a friend who is suffering? Did you think Nikki was crazy to go with Gene in the middle of the night? Why?
Chapter 23 – What would Nikki have done without Julie and her friendship? Why did Nikki lie to the staff at the hospital about her husband? Why do you think Anthony showed up when he did, and why did he bring someone with him? How would you have reacted?
Chapter 24 – Why didn’t Nikki continue to work for her grandfather? Are you starting to see a change in her? Did Nikki have a plan before she ever went to a job interview? How did you feel when she went to see the attorney?
Chapter 25 – Why didn’t Katie want to go with her daddy? How did you feel when Nikki told Anthony she knew why he hadn’t been there for the divorce? Do you think she reports Anthony out of revenge? Why or why not?
Chapter 26 – What kind of feelings do you think Steve has for Nikki? How does Nikki feel about Steve? Do you see that Nikki has become more aware of how important her choices are?
Chapter 27 - What does Nikki do when Anthony shows up at her door? How have her feelings toward him changed? What does that say about the growth Nikki is experiencing?
Chapter 28 – How do you feel when Nikki stands firm in her decision about the children seeing Anthony? Did you feel she was right to get professional advice? What helps you realize how much Nikki loves her children? What was Nikki’s reaction when she heard the news about Anthony on the television? How did you feel about it? What did this mean for Nikki and her future?
