Coral has forms of synesthesia—sounds and emotions are linked to colors. Discuss the contrast between Coral’s vibrant world in the beginning and the gray world Brooke sees throughout the story. What did you notice regarding how the world they see changes based on where they are in their journeys?
Jordan and Jonah are closed off, stoic, and cold—they see emotions as a “Disease.” Discuss Coral’s/Brooke’s growth as she learns the value of emotions and allows herself to feel and process the things she has faced.
The topic of mental illness can be a difficult one in our culture. There is a lot of negative stigma surrounding words like suicide, depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Do you believe mental illness should be approached from a different perspective? If so, how can you be a part of that change?
Merrick, who suffers from survivor’s guilt, blames himself for Amaya Hope’s death. How did his perspective alter following the conversation he had with his dad in chapter 45?
Compare and contrast the characters in Coral with the well-known characters we have come to know in both Disney’s and Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” How are they the same? How are they different?
Explore the symbolism of the elements such as “Red Tide,” the “Abyss,” and even the name “Coral.” Did you find deeper or multiple meanings behind each one? If so, discuss what you believe they represent for each character.
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
Discuss what you believe the line “there is more than one way to drown” alludes to.
Fairy tales are often made up of heroes and villains, though sometimes they are more obvious than others. Who or what did you find to be the main hero or villain in this story?
Acknowledgments
This novel has only reached its end by the unfathomable grace of God. After three rewrites and countless tears, he finally helped me find the heart of this story. For that I have no words.
My momma in heaven introduced me to “The Little Mermaid.” She encouraged me to believe in fairy tales. I will never stop thanking her for reminding me what true love looks like.
My husband deserves at least 50 percent of the credit for this book. This man never complained through each soul-wrenching deadline. Caiden, you are a true prince if there ever was one.
My darling children have more patience than any mom could ask for. I love you, babies. You are my world.
My parents on all sides: Dad, Mom (Jodi), Paul (other dad), Jen (other mom), Erika (also other mom), Tosh (also other dad), and Aunt Terri (might as well be my mom)—all of you deserve more thanks than I could ever give.
Jim Hart—my agent—thank you for supporting, for listening, for serving.
Nadine Brandes, Mary Weber, and Ashley Townsend—your friendships have blessed my heart. For all the insecurities you validated and the doubts you snuffed, thank you. I love you.
To my AMAZING group of Phoenix writer friends: Liz Johnson, Lindsay Harrel, Tina Radcliffe, and Jennifer Deibel. You are priceless—I love you all.
To my sisters in life and love: Madisyn Carrington, Brooke Larson, Janalyn Owens, Mandi Alva, Elizabeth VanTassel, Kayla Kunkel, Gabrial Jones, Carolyn Schanta, Deena Peterson, Laura Pol, Arianna Fourt, Anna Fehr, Cheryse Ligabo, Vanessa Uphoff, and Tiffany Barlow—so many words and so little space. Thank you for always caring and encouraging. Hugs!
To my team at Thomas Nelson: Becky Monds, Amanda Bostic, Jodi Hughes, Allison Carter, Paul Fisher, Matt Bray, Kristen Ingebretson, Kristen Andrews, Julee Schwarzburg, Whitney Zapffe, and everyone else I am failing to mention both in the states and internationally—thank you for your tireless efforts to get this story into the hands of readers.
My writerly folks without whom I could not survive this crazy career: Sarah Grimm, Lindsay A. Franklin, C. J. Redwine, Beth Revis, Marissa Meyer, RJ Metcalf, Shannon Dittemore, Dana Black, Kara Swanson, Kayla Grey, Taylor Bennett, Katherine Reay, Kristy Cambron, Christen Krumm, Stephanie Warner, Heidi Wilson, Katie Phillips, Lauren Mansy, Annie Sullivan, Brianna Tibbetts, Melissa Ferguson, Emilie Hendryx, Emileigh Latham, and the many others who have given me their precious time over the years—thank you.
My #Bookstagram family—there are too many of you to name within my word limit! I see you. I am so grateful for you! For every gorgeous photo, shout-out, or kind comment—each one of you makes a difference. You bring light and joy to my life.
My influencers and street team (aka Bookish Belles) who never fail to support me—you are the reason my books are seen. Without you, Coral would be lost on a back shelf at the bookstore. Thank you for your time and energy and unfailing faithfulness.
Finally, to my sensitivity readers, including Dr. Michael Callaway—you saw this story at its very worst. Your experiences are more valuable to this story (and to me) than I can express. Thank you for helping steer these characters in the right direction, despite any triggering it might have caused. You believed in this story enough to risk reliving your own pain. You are seen. You are loved. You are not alone.
About the Author
Sara Ella is the award-winning author of the Unblemished series. She spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses, raising her little prince to be a king, and conquering realms of her own imaginings with her swoony husband by her side. She may or may not be obsessed with #Bookstagram, which feeds her current addiction to bookish tea and candles. A lover of fairy tales, she believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away.”
Visit Sara online at saraella.com
Instagram: saraellawrites
YouTube: Sara Ella
Facebook: writinghistruth
Twitter: @SaraEllaWrites
Pinterest: Sara Ella
Advance Praise for Coral
“I was not prepared for Coral. Sara Ella strikes every emotional chord imaginable, sweeping the reader into a breathless, powerful journey of the heart and mind—raw, beautiful, and as real as it gets. Coral is a painful, resonate tale that will linger long after The End.”
—Lindsay A. Franklin, award-winning author of The Story Peddler
“Part fantasy, part reality, this heart-wrenching tale will pull you under its spell. Coral is an in-depth look at the lives we lead, the ones we lose, and how we get through it all.”
—Annie Sullivan, author of A Touch of Gold and Tiger Queen
“As magical as a fairy tale, Coral is a beautiful reimagining full of heart, hope, and the powerful healing of unconditional love.”
—Lauren Mansy, author of The Memory Thief
“Sara Ella gives readers an honest, candid portrayal of depression that’s sure to resonate with readers.”
—Christina June, author of It Started with Goodbye, Everywhere You Want To Be, and No Place Like Here