Vanishing Acts takes place in Wexton, New Hampshire, a small rural town, and Phoenix, Arizona, a large metropolitan city. Although both settings are in the United States, they are dramatically different. How are the locations different? Do they have any similarities? How do the differences in location affect the characters? Why does Delia hate Arizona while Eric decides to stay?

Motherhood is an essential theme in Vanishing Acts. In this story, Delia, Elise, Ruthann, and even Emma Wasserstein are mothers. How would you characterize the mothering styles in this book? In what ways are these women successful as mothers? In what ways do they fail? In your opinion, which character is the best example of motherhood? Which is the worst? Why?

While motherhood has an essential role in Vanishing Acts, so does fatherhood. How do the fathers in Vanishing Acts differ from the mothers? What role does Andrew play in Delia’s life? How is it different from Eric’s role in Sophie’s? Despite the lack of a biological connection, could Fitz be considered a father to Sophie? Why or why not?