Safe Haven

Kevin quotes the Bible often. How do his religious beliefs help him? How do they harm him? How does Sparks use elements of the Bible to illustrate Kevin’s state of mind at the end of the novel?

Kevin often states that he is a good detective. How does the reader know if this statement is true? Why does Kevin feel the need to state this so often? How does it relate to his belief that those around him are talking about him behind his back?

The book is written from three points of view: Katie, Alex, and Kevin. Why do you think Sparks chose to tell his story in this way? Why is it important for the reader to see the events in the novel from all three points of view? How might the novel have been different if it was written only from the point of view of one of these characters?

Almost from their first meeting, Alex figures out that Katie is a survivor of abuse running from her husband. How did he figure this out? What does this say about the prevalence of domestic abuse? And what does it say about Katie’s behavior? Does her behavior change over time? If so, why?

Alex and Kevin are detectives. Are they both good detectives? Do they have other things in common? Why do you think Sparks decided to give these men common traits?

Alex worries about his kids growing up without a mother. How much influence does this fact have on his decision to date Katie? Would Alex have dated Katie had he not felt like his kids needed a mother? What other influence on his relationship with Katie did the children have?

Katie decides to get her driver’s license at the age of twenty-seven, even though she had no desire to buy a car. Why does Katie make this decision? What does it say about her state of mind at this point in the novel? And what does it say about her feelings for Alex and her fear of Kevin? Was this a good decision?

An important element of the story is Carly’s letters to Alex and the woman he one day falls in love with. Why did Carly write these letters? What do these letters say about Carly’s state of mind before she died? How does Carly’s letter to Alex influence his decision to date after her death? Why does Alex give the other letter to Katie, and how does Katie react to it?