The main central theme for Ordinary People, written by Jude Guest, is that repairing ones emotional and physical problems after a tragic event such as suicide is truly possible, but difficult for a group or family to heal altogether. And that communication is the best way to heal after an event like this. Throughout the book Conrad attempts to find himself and gain a better understanding of his feelings. In the end, he succeeds and feels stronger emotionally after he finally tells Dr. Berger his true feelings. His family, Calvin and Beth, actually suffer in the end as Beth leaves the household. This was a result from the stress and problems that occurred due to Conrad's suicide attempt earlier in the story. The stress was a result from the different forms of communication both parents had. And neither made an attempt to talk to each other about how...