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 Our current book club schedule:

April 13th

Book: White Like Her/Gail Lukasik, PhD

Host: Barb Shimek

May 10th

Book: A Big Little Life/Dean Koontz

Host: Ms. Darlene Thomas

June 14th

Book:

Host:

July 12th

Book:

Host:

A poem written by Nicole Thomas in honor of our featured January book; A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry

 A PIECE OF THE MOON

Our wandering eyes tend to land

on the glitter and gold scattered about.

We waver and fall, only to miss,

Too many blessings for us to count.

 

Those special items held deep within

That mean more than a cent or two,

Held dear like a Christmas memory

Or a prayer we’d pray to come true.

 

In those fleeting moments,

When falling stars may fall,

May we reconsider and remember,

The most important things of all.

 

Blissful wishing, often forgetting,

We tend to blink too soon

For deep inside, tucked away

We’ve already been given a piece of the moon.

UPCOMING MONTHLY BOOK SCHEDULE 2022

 

February 8th

Book: The Inheritance Games/Barnes

Host: Lara Schab

March 8th

Book: The Ride of Her Life/Letts

Host: Sheri Wilkins

April 13th

Book: 

Host: Barb Shimek

Discussion Questions for A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry (composed by Nicole Thomas)

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR

THE PIECE OF THE MOON

 BY CHRIS FABRY

 

Think back to the beginning of the book.  There was one verse and two quotes given.  Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.  Proverbs 15:16 Everyone is a moon and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.  Mark Twain All good songs leak from a broken heart.  Mack Strum Reading them now, what are your thoughts on how they pertain to the story.  Compare your understandings before and after you read the story – or did they not change at all?

The very first sentence in the Prologue states; “Love, like treasure, stays buried until somebody decides to dig.”  The prologue proceeds to describe Gideon’s experience with hearing from the Lord and delves further into his vision and how he carries out his mission.  At the end of the Prologue, the last sentence questions the reader; “Whether he actually heard from the Lord, I’ll let you decide.”  Here is your opportunity…. Do you think Gideon was carrying out God’s plan?

p. 2 Gideon acknowledged that despite his confusion on what the Lord was telling him, he was able to focus on something other than his wife’s death.  Share if you can identify with taking up another focus.  Would you describe Gideon’s mission a healthy preoccupation?

p. 3, 23, 114, 212 “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36. Gideon included biblical clues for eternal life.  His theme was “true treasure”.  Describe this true treasure Gideon referred to. 

p. 3-4, 313 The hiding of the ark.  Luke 24, Acts of the Apostles, Ch. 2.  Hints were given in the beginning of the book, but not so apparent until the end of the story was revealed.  What sort of premonitions regarding the hunt for the treasure, did you solve on your own prior to the end?

p. 11 Robby, the pastor, says to himself, “The treasure wouldn’t sway his heart towards temporal things.” But, then later states, “Blessed are the pure in heart.”  Was Robbie being true to himself? Discuss how easily one could fool himself into justifying something wrong.  P. 56 In Robbie’s box of research TD finds a clipping of Gideon being interviewed. Gideon describes two treasures.  One being in the Bible that lasts for eternity and then the temporal treasure that he advises can be found “in a place where it all began.” Do you remember what he meant by this? Ephra is what TD speculated that Gideon meant, which ultimately his speculations led him to finding Robbie.  But where was the place “where it all began”?  (p. 164)

p.  12 Robbie experiences fear and quotes to himself about the verse in Romans about doubt; "everything that does not come from faith is sin" (Romans 14:22-23 ).   Robbie probably had regrets at the point when he fell.  What would you have advised Robbie prior to him descending the rock wall? p. 199 Robbie gained a new philosophy; “Don’t wear yourself out to get rich.”  Compare this new philosophy to his old one. 

p. 15 When referring to the various employees of Country 16, Waite thought; “…everybody deserved a second chance.”.  p. 260 and then again on page 341, Clay pleads to Emily, Waite’s daughter to give her daddy a second chance.   Clay quotes Waite in a letter to Emily, “…the closest we ever get to loving others like God loved us is when we give somebody a second chance to hurt us.  Discuss times in the book where this quote could be applied.  Discuss the possibility of “second chances” being the theme of the book. 

p. 16-17, 263, 341 A Piece of the Moon – This song stuck to the wall of Waite’s heart.  All my life I’ve waited for you.  All my dreams are yours.  (p. 341 Clay writes to Emily telling her he thought this is what her daddy wants to say to her.) p. 346 Clay glances at the frame on Waite’s desk and comments; “Waiting’s hard, isn’t it?”  Discuss the theme of “waiting” in the story. 

MOON:

p. 122, 126, In a story, a character, an action, an object, or an animal can be symbolic. Often these symbols stand for something abstract, like a force of nature, a condition of the world, or an idea.  The “moon”, an object held within the title, was also used as a symbol within the story.  Talk about what the moon might’ve represented or symbolized.  What moon details were included that provided interesting material?

p. 16 Waite gives thought about the moon and how it never seemed to have the problem of having to work hard to get where it was going.  “The moon moved on a whim and chose between full or half or quarter whenever it felt like it, or so it seemed.”

p. 187 TD to Pidge: “Is that the piece of the moon? If I figure this out, you’ll move ahead?”

p. 242 Emily leaves with a singer that came through town, Mack Strum

p. 264 Mack Strum explains the meaning of his song, A Piece of the Moon. 

CLUES:

p. 23, 155 Psalm 137:2 - We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.

p. 35 Matt – For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

p. 52 Riches make themselves wings and fly away like an eagle.

p. 56” …a place where it all began.”

p. 273 “This is the final clue about the treasure.  Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”  At this point Milton freaks out and exits to go after the dog.  However, prior to this knowledge of the hint, he expresses interest in the dog earlier in the story, and then quickly changes his mind over the dog having fleas.  When he originally confronts TD and Pidge, he insists he wants the dog, no argument. (p. 189) What could’ve been his original motive in obtaining his dad’s dog?

p. 115 “Acid Reflux” is mentioned in a conversation that Gideon had with Milton his son.  It’s mentioned again when Milton called Robbie and again during Franklin’s interview with TD.  On page 164, TD explains to Pidge how “acid reflux” is a relevant clue; his findings reveal the place “where it all began”.  Discuss how you felt about these “clues” revealed in the story.  Was their existence truly substantial?  Were they noteworthy, frustrating, etc. to you?

Pidge refers to her parents: “They were yoked like two horses to a plow, and they moved through life pulling something neither could see…”  p. 33 Pidge agreed with Waite Evers regarding his belief that everybody was broken on the inside and that most people tried to hide the cracks and move on like nothing happened.  Discuss how this is an ineffective approach to living life.  P. 304 After Pidge and TD kissed, Pidge felt as if “something like moonbeams were shooting out of her heart”.  She was “glad for the broken parts that let the feelings leak out like a sieve”. 

p. 124, 126 Pidge and TD had a lot of baggage.  Pidge described this as; “towing a lot of hurt bigger than what we can pull.”  Talk about this “hurt and baggage” she was referring to. 

p. 35 Gideon believed all the good and bad in life was a gift because God was working out His plan in his own way in His own time.  P. 112 God further revealed to Gideon that His ways are not our ways. How might this comprehension be applied to the people of Emmaus?

p. 149 TD wrestles with the theory of “everything happens for a reason”.  He asks Waite; “A deer jumping in front of Quidley – is that part of the plan?  Or is it a coincidence?  (p. 254) TD’s past held a lot of self-guilt.  He blamed himself for a long time that he didn’t have enough faith that his brother would be healed. (p. 198) Robbie has stated to TD that what happened to your family was God’s will.  TD took this particularly hard.  Do you think he took this too sensitively?   (p. 268) During the confrontation with his father, did TD opinion on how everything happens for a reason soften?

The Kid was introduced to Waite as a kid with a past.  Compare how you’d handle this troubled teen to how Waite handled him.  (p. 178) “A blade can be used for good and evil.” Waite gives The Kid a blade to edit and splice audio tape.  Is this responsibility something you would’ve considered giving to him?  How might have this single act, effectively help Clay?

(p. 186) Pidge: “All the money in the world’s not worth a hill of beans if you’re not willing to see the truth about yourself.” Later, Pidge tells TD “Something’s holding you back.”  Discuss how something from our past can influence our present days. 

p. 45 Milton Quidley was the antagonist of the story.  Examine how he provided contrast, exhibited suspense, and how his opposition might’ve contributed to the book.   P. 60 Waite believed he was just scared.  What do you think Milton feared? On page 170, the author writes, “That which is foreign is often feared, especially when it comes to prayer.”  Would this analogy be able to be applied to the character, Milton Quidley?

p. 207 Milton “pulled the plug” on his father.  What do you think the author was trying to achieve by removing Gideon’s voice from the story at this point? 

p. 67, 68 Waite was a man of wisdom, was full of good advice.  Were there any words of wisdom from Waite’s character that resonated with you?  Examples of his advice include.

p. 66 “Don’t go changing Ardelle.  You’re good the way you are.”

p. 68 “All who wrestled in the mud got dirty.  He’d learned that the hard way. He’d also learned that some people had the spiritual gift of discouragement.  Wisdom said it was best not to indulge them.”

p. 82 “From my experience, whatever doesn’t kill you will back up and try again.”

p. 170 “…that all most people needed was a little encouragement and about half as much criticism in order to succeed.”

p. 343 “sometimes people get themselves in situations they can’t see a way out of…”

p. 123, 308, 310, 311, 315, 319, 327-8 After much talk in the book about the “treasure”, what ideas crossed your mind in how might the treasure would be best used?  Any premonitions on how the townspeople might end up using it?  What would you do with a million dollars? Discuss the finding of the treasure.  Were you satisfied with who found the treasure and how it was used?

p. 217 The news of Gideon’s death sparks a massive treasure hunt; TD watched the slow unraveling of civility within his town.  What do you suppose instigates this sort of unraveling amongst people especially when it comes to material wealth? 

p. 233, 237. 239 Cody was hired as a new employee and his true character is revealed to Pidge and Clay.  Why role does Cody’s character play within the story?  What importance did he contribute?

p. 241 Waite comments to Clay while fishing that “this is how a Sunday afternoon is supposed to feel like.”  What is a Sunday afternoon supposed to feel like?

p. 241 While fishing, Waite comments to Clay that he’d trade all of Gideon’s treasure to see Emily and make things right again.  Waite makes note that Clay listens intently.  It struck him that one of the most powerful thing one can do is just listen.  It also occurred to him that from all the wisdom he used to impact others, he needed that wisdom just as much as they did.  p. 20 Waite: “Sometimes love is less about what you say and more about what you don’t.  He’d learned that lesson the hard way.”  Considering these examples given, what did you take out of this part of the story?  What did you assume was Waite’s flaw(s)?

263-4 Waite listens to an old interview Possom does with Mack Strum.  Strum is asked “But why a piece of the moon?” He later comments,” “I think it’s a symbol for something you want so bad but feels just out of reach…”  During the interview Strum also reveals that the song wasn’t just about helping by giving somebody something that they didn’t have, but that people need each other more than anything.  Comments? Talk about Mack Strum.  What sort of person do you think he is?  Did Waite find forgiveness towards him?   After the reunion with Emily and the meeting of his grandchildren, do you believe he could listen to Mack Strums song again?  Do you believe his grandchildren were the children of Mack Strums?

p. 351 Waite reflected and made note that in country music there was a fair amount of revenge, bitterness, and regret, but not a lot of forgiveness.  He thought that maybe was the difference between country and gospel.  What do you think?

Discussion Questions for Imperial Woman (By Nicole Thomas)

 

Discussion Questions for Imperial Woman

1.       Discuss the Imperial Woman’s names that evolved/changed through the story.  (Orchid, Yehonala (p, 7), Tzu Hsi) Do you recall if they had any significance?  How did Imperial Woman personally change, if at all? 

2.       In Pearl S. Buck’s foreword, she described the Imperial Woman possessing good and evil that mingled in her while still holding a heroic demeanor.  Would you agree that she “wrestled” with good and evil?  Was there anything else you think she may have wrestled with?

3.       The Imperial color was described as yellow.  Name some other colors that were commonly used as either symbolisms, used often to describe the scenery, and/or used within the names of places.  (pgs. 24, 139, 143, 156, 159, 176, 183, 306-7, 330, 333)

4.       The process of choosing a spouse for people in power varied from entailed to casual selection from another.  (P. 223, 275) How might this have been useful/damaging during the Qing dynasty?

5.       In Chapter 6, there is mentioned of Yehonala acquiring a little dog to ease her loneliness.  Discuss her dogs and pets (p. 88) and what they might have contributed to her throughout her life and what they contributed to you as the reader. 

6.       Early in the story Tzu Hsi had in interest in painting (p. 21), reading literature, studying maps, wood cuts, etc.  Many of her talents grew to impressive levels.  How might these talents have contributed to her accomplishments in other areas?  How might they have failed her in important moments?

7.       Sakota was first to conceive the Emperor’s first child (p. 41) However, Yehonala supposedly conceived the Emperor’s second.  Gossip stirred (Ch. 7) not long after she had her son.  Discuss how might the author came to this conclusion so confidently. 

8.       How might Pearl S. Buck have come across enough details for her to “portray Tzu Hsi as accurately as possible from available resources and my own memories of how the Chinese whom I knew in my childhood felt about her.”?

9.       Jung Lu evolved subtly throughout the story.  At first, he seemed to have possessed less resistance towards Tzu Hsi (giving in to her “nightly call” (p. 37)) but then it appeared that he became the stronger of the two in flesh (and maybe even mind?).  Compare your first impression of Jung Lu (p. 4) and how you came to know him to be during his last days with Tzu Hsi (p. 202. 341). 

10.   In what ways did Jung Lu (p. 202, 293-295, 311, 313, 315) influence Imperial Woman?

11.   Compare and contrast the Manchu and the Chinese (pgs. 21, 47)

12.   Discuss European Imperialism and what role it played over Imperial Woman life span.

13.   In the beginning of the book, Li Lien-ying, originally assigned as her tutor (later became her faithful Eunuch and then lastly her Chief Eunuch), had a premonition and wrote the lines for Yehonala to read; “The Dragon awakes again, The day of the Phoenix has come.”  (p. 23).  How possibly could he have known (or maybe he truly did not) that Yehonala held so much potential?

14.   (p. 24) Yehonala refused to see the Emperor when summoned to his bed chamber without her little dog.  Le Lean Ling described her “mind more stubborn than a stone”.  Recollect other examples of where Yehonala’s temper made an appearance.  (pgs. 6, 162, 185)

15.   It became known that the Emperor was commonly treated with opium by his own eunuchs.  Sakota died from opium poisoning (p. 271).  Concubine Pearl died from swallowing a deathly dose of opium (p. 307).  Opium trade caused a serious social and economic disruption within China.  Discuss the Opium Wars (1 and 2) and how they affected Tzu Hsi’s life and the Qing dynasty.

16.   (p. 46-49, 130, 149) At one point, Yehonala insisted that she was informed of her present “foes”.  Throughout the story, she acquired many enemies.  Talk about these foes she frequently encountered.

17.   (p. 65, 71, 256, 261, 298) Discuss the themes; POWER, LOVE, WISDOM and how they presented themselves in Imperial Woman.

18.   (p. 75) Tzi Hsi understood that “she must first rule herself if she would rule others” (she read this in the Analects) and towards the end of the story, after the enemy had won, it dawns on her that “she would not shape the times but be shaped by them” (p. 328).  Did Tzu Hsi utterly understand and apply these lessons?  When and when not?

19.   Compare the original Dowager Mother to the latter Tzu Hsi, Dowager Mother. 

20.   (p. 63) “For it was this woman’s power that she could be almost what she feigned and planned to be, and so she became nearly what she would be, at any moment and in any place.  She was not deceiving, for she deceived herself as much as the person before whom she appeared.”  Should we give much acknowledgement to Tzu Hsi’s “power”?  Give an example of where she might have abused her use of power (p. 214)

21.   (p. 63) In Chinese culture, Emperors were believed to have descended from dragons.  Do you recall mention of dragons within the Buck’s novel?

22.   (p. 74) While discussing the intruding English with his viceroy, the Emperor agreed; “We cannot indeed allow strangers from other countries the freedom of our streets.”  Compare their governing to our present one (without getting too off-topic!). 

23.   Prince Kung had come home from after collecting taxes and his wife had commented that she wished they had been born poor (p 203, 205).  Would you agree with her feelings about their hierarchy status in comparison to the poor class? 

24.   (p. 77, 240, 241) At one point, Tzu Hsi had a dream about her mother and was overcome with loneliness as she described to the Son of Heaven.  She longed for her mother, yet she did not know why.  Do you suspect otherwise?  Or did the longing for her mother represent longing for something else (past, choice, regret?)? 

25.   (p. 82) Describe what realities Tzu Hsi met while visiting her childhood home and family. 

26.   (p. 193) Tzu Hsi had a unique relationship with her son, the heir.  (p. 235) She believed “she had given up all her womanhood for him, she had made his destiny her own” Do you agree?  From the limited time she had while he was young, to the controlling and contradicting nature she applied during his adolescence, and the authoritarian role she played when choosing his wife, discuss the timeline and certain moments that were more vivid to you than others.  Do you believe Imperial Woman caused her son’s death?

27.   Aside from Jung Lu, talk about Tzu Hsi’s relationship (trusting and distrusting) of other men (eunuchs included).  Discuss the role eunuchs played within the Qing dynasty.  Why did Jung Lu possess a dislike for eunuchs? (p. 279)

28.   There was mention of Buddhism in the latter half of the story.  (p. 149, 160, 197, 199, 218) Why do you suppose religion was not mentioned prior?

29.   Could you find any relation to Tzu Hsi when she arranged a marriage between Jung Lu and Mei?  How did you think she would react when discovering Jung Lu with his concubine (p. 266)?

30.   (p. 217) “As usual, she ignored what she could not solve.”  Has this approach always served her well?

31.   (p. 217) Discuss the philosophical approach of limiting exposure to outside culture and influences that China practiced with other nations. Discuss the pros and cons of a leader applying nationalism while ruling a nation.

32.   (p. 226, 299, 306, 307) Imperial Mother comments to her ladies; “You see how loving kindness conquers fear, even in animals.  Let this lesson be engraved upon your hearts.”  Tzu Hsi waivered much between being kind and ruthless.  What was her true nature?

33.   (p. 236) Buck writes; There is no end to the sorrows that children bring to their parents in palace or in hovel.  To what might this concept be applied in the book?  Do you agree with Buck’s assessment?

34.   (p. 241) Jung Lu responds to Tzu Hsi’s questioning, “I have no true sons”.  What does he mean by this?

35.   (p. 309) Consider Imperial Woman’s quote; “Does any nation give something, anything, for nothing?”

36.   (p. 328) Imperial Woman realizes she must leave the Forbidden City and flee.  In her overwhelming state, she opens her book and her eyes fell upon the words; “For lack of a broad mind and true understanding, a great purpose has been lost.” What does this mean to you and how would this be applied to her circumstance?  

37.   Do you agree that Tzu His eventually experienced a revelation?  (p. 341)

38.   (p. 346) Do you believe Tzu Hsi’s acquired nickname, Old Buddha, was a fitting one?  Do you have another that would have fit her better?

 

 

 

 

Discussion Questions for When You’re Gone by Brooke Harris (By Nicole Thomas)

 

Discussion Questions for When You’re Gone by Brooke Harris

1.       What did you like about this book?  What did you not like? Who was your favorite character?

2. Did you like the dual timelines the author used to tell the story by alternating between Annie in 1959 and Holly in the present day?  If not, how would you have told the story?  
3. Did you have a special relationship with a grandparent?  What role did Annie play in Holly’s life?  Do you think Holly’s life would have turned out differently if she hadn’t spent those last two days with her grandmother?
4. Do you consider Annie’s mother, Mary to be selfish?  Do you think she could have done more to protect Annie from her husband?  What do you think gave her the courage to leave when she did?  How have things changed for women and children in the last sixty years?
5. What did you know about Edward’s Syndrome prior to reading this story?
6. Do you have any favorite quotes from the book?
7. Did you catch that Annie named her daughter Blair after Sketch’s mother?  And Holly’s baby was named Arty after Sketch (Arthur). Were there any other interesting twists and details you made notes of?
8. (p. 260) Compare 1950s medical care in Ireland, that was described in the story, to United States medical care you might receive today. 
9. Do you think this book could give a woman considering an abortion a different perspective? At one point, Nate says; “We need to make decisions.” (p. 108) (p. 150-1) What sort of decisions do you think he was referring to?  Discuss the dangers of making decisions while enduring emotional turmoil.
10.  What would you say was the “theme” of the story?  Time? Love?  (p.11) For example, take the quote; You can’t save time...so spend it wisely.”  -Nana
11. (p.19) Nana says, “True love...you don’t find it, Holly.  It finds you.  And it never lets go.  Ever.”  Discuss this statement.
12. Ben and Holly found themselves “snooping” in their Grandma’s attic.  (p. 34)   Did you find this inappropriate?  Have you ever sifted through old family stuff and found treasure?
13.   Nana is often described as having a hard time talking, she sleeps a lot, and must be in an upright position.  Many of the other characters find themselves asking questions that if Nana could easily answer, they would find out easily.  How does this aspect (of open-ended questions) add to the story?  
14.  (p. 146) Nana’s (Annie’s story) is a unique story to tell, to pass forward.  How do you view your history, your past?  Is it something you’d like to be passed forward and learned from?
15.  (p. 205) Turning 21, was considered by Annie’s mother as “becoming a man”.  Do you think this was typical of the time?  Typical of Europe?  Why would this be an odd concept in today’s time?
16.  (p 281) Ben compares Annie and Sketch’s lack of communication to the lack of communication between Holly and Nate.  Do you believe this played as big of a role as what the author was attempting?
17.  Discuss the similarities and differences between Annie and Holly. (p. 282-3)
18.  While recognizing the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday, would you categorize this as a love story?  
19. (P. 284-5) Holly often referred to her predicament with Nate as “complicated” however, her Nana’s response was; “It’s only complicated if you let it be.”  Nana continues; “It’s never about how long you love someone, Holly.  It’s about how much.”  Do you agree with Holly’s perspective?  Do you agree with Nana’s?
20.  ((p. 325) How would you describe Sketch’s friendship with Bridgett?  What do you think became of her?
21.  (p. 341) Discuss how the author articulates Sketch’s death.    
22. How does the quote; “When it rains, think of me.” resonate within the story?

THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB’S GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES by Grady Hendrix (By Nicole Thomas)

 

THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB’S GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES 

by Grady Hendrix

1.       Those of you might recall the author’s note discussing his inspiration for writing this novel.  He explains further that he was compelled to tell the story from a parent’s view; a parent feeling helpless when their child is in danger.  Discuss this theme within the story.  Other than it being about vampires, do you feel the author is accurate when describing what this book is about?

2.       (p.14) Discuss Patricia Campbell.  Was she an ideal protagonist for the story?  What was your first impression?  Was she likeable?  What could the author improve upon, if any, in having to do with her character?  (p. 15) Discuss the significance of the name of the first book club, Literary Guild of Mt. Pleasant.  Compare it to the various changes it later took. (topics include members (p. 18), genre (p. 29), book selection process) 

3.       Discuss the various characters within the story.  Favorites?  Dislikes?  Discuss the contrasts within the members.  Explain why you think this might add or take away from the story.  (Original members include Patricia, Marjorie, Slick, Louise, Cuffy, Kitty, Grace, Sadie, MaryEllen) (p. 40-41) How do you think being different might benefit each other?  What do you suppose drew (or motivated) each individual character to join Kitty’s new book club or a book club in general?

4.       (p. 28) Kitty assembled a new book club to meet at her house.  Grace commented; “This isn’t a book club.” She later defends her statement; “We’re just getting together to talk about a paperback book we all happened to read. It’s not like it’s a real book.”  You might recall Kitty’s response.  However, what is your definition of a book club?

5.       (p.30) Patricia and Carter were portrayed as a typical American suburbia family in the late 80’s.  How might you disagree with the “typical” portrayal of them in the early part of the book?  Could you relate to your own experiences during the 80s?  Talk about this time, the setting, and the characters themselves and how realistic they come across as being during the 80s and 90s.  

6.       (p.35) When did Patricia’s friendship with the other members of the book club become apparent?  Do you recall any examples of genuine friendship prior to the final coming together at the end?  Discuss the definition of camaraderie and what reinforces friendships?  Why do we seek camaraderie, and do we typically find what we are looking for?

7.       (p. 51) Talk about Patricia's encounter with her neighbor Mrs. Savage while taking out the garbage.  Describe your thoughts and impressions.  Discuss your theories on why Patricia didn’t change, after being bitten, and why she didn’t suffer a similar fate as Mrs. Savage.

8.       (p. 61) Grace informed Patricia that Mrs. Savage suffered from “blood poisoning” and she was malnourished, dehydrated, and covered with cuts and sores.  What were you speculating at this point?  Did the author reveal too much too soon?  

9.       (p.63) Patricia states; “A woman had died.  She needed to take something by the house.  Grace was right: it made no sense, but sometimes you did a thing because that was just what you did, not because it was sensible.”  Tell how later this same concept could be applied within the story.  Discuss how this same philosophy may have played a part in your own story (life).  

10.   (p.71) Discuss Patricia’ s and the other book club member’s relationship with their children.  

11.   (p.80) Theorize why James Harris took such an interest in Patricia’s family.  

12.   (p. 80, 84) Why was Patricia so caught up with James?  Did Patricia respond to certain “James Harris” events (giving cash, performing CPR, giving a ride) in a believable manner?

13.   (p. 82) James pleads to Patricia to help him with his house.  He portrays himself as weak (though this was supposedly after he killed Francine – wouldn’t he be stronger?) and needing her help because of his sickness.  Attempt to identify with Patricia.  What would you have done?  Are her choices even more questionable because of her book club’s genre choice?  (ex. Featuring Ted Bundy, Manson…?)

14.   (p. 100) James Harris was invited by Patricia to attend the book club.  The book of the night during his attendance was The Bridges of Madison County.  Think back to the club’s discussion while James was there.  Why do you suppose the author chose this book for this meeting? 

15.   (p. 78-9, 101, 103, 128, 136) How did Miss Mary contribute to the story?  Why do you think her outbursts were important?  (p. 74) At what moment did you consider Mis Mary held truth within her comments?  What was her most important role, or roles, to play in the story? 

16.   (p. 136) At Miss Mary’s funeral, the song Come Thou Disconsolate was played.

17.     CH-1) Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish,
Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;
Earth has no sorrow that heav’n cannot heal.

18.     CH-2) Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,
Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
“Earth has no sorrow that heav’n cannot cure.”

19.   What, if any, was the significance of mentioning this song? 

20.   (p. 124, 181-2) Blue possessed an interest in the Third Reich.  Do you think the author used this interest to connect with the storyline?  How did his parents deal with this unique interest?  Would you have been more concerned?  How might you have handled Blue differently? 

21.   (p. 147) Mrs. Greene lived in a different neighborhood called Six Mile. This vicinity was quite different than Mt. Pleasant.  Was the stark contrast between the two areas in town convincing to you especially it taking place in the 1990s in South Carolina? Discuss the believability, the significance in the story, and why this difference in backdrop provided something to the reader. 

22.   (p. 153) Initially Patricia swooned over James Harris and then at some point she was quick to consider him being the culprit of a murder.  Why was she so quick to question?  Why was she so inclined to connect the dots? 

23.   (p. 100) Discuss MaryEllen, the feminist, and what she provided to the story.  Talk about the roles of the men characters within the story.  (p. 80, 204) Do you believe the author held favor to either of the sexes?

24.   (p. 227) Grace later discusses in frustration to Patricia; “Why do you pretend what we do is nothing? Every day, all the chaos and messiness of life happens and every day we clean I all up.  Without us, they would just wallow in filth and disorder and nothing of any consequence would ever get done.  Who taught you to sneer at that? I’ll tell you who.  Someone who took their mother for granted.” What might Grace be reacting to?

25.   (p. 90, 160, 169,) Share your recollections of “dumb” moments within the story.  Perhaps your examples include “what mothers wouldn’t normally do” or “typical horror movie scenes”. 

26.   In Chapter 19, on book club night, the club discusses the book The Stranger Beside Me about Ann Rule and her relationship with Ted Bundy.  Though Slick defends Ann and how hard it must’ve been for her, MaryEllen is critical about how Ann was ignorant and failed to recognize Ted for who he was.  She later states; “That’s not the point at all.  The point is, if the evidence says your best friend Ted talks like a duck, and walks like a duck, and drives the same car as a duck, then he’s probably a duck.” Describe the significance of this part in the story and how it later applies to James Harris and to each of the book club members. 

27.   (p. 215-217, 233) Analyze Patricia and Carter’s relationship and how it developed and then finally ending in divorce.  What was your initial impression of Carter?  Was his reaction and his lack of supportive nature to Patricia realistic?  Do you believe that he was indeed having affairs with other women? 

28.   (p. 228-9, 252) Patricia was humiliated and left on her own after accusing James Harris of her suspicions.  She was left entirely on her own, feeling as though no one believed nor supported her.  She realized Carter had set her up and built a trap for her.  Her daughter says, “Dad said I didn’t have to listen to you.” Why was Carter so malicious towards his wife?  Was he that manipulative?  She frantically took Prozac pills in her despair. Do you think she was trying to kill herself or was trying desperately to get someone’s attention?  (p. 235) Did Carter honestly think punishment was going to “teach” Patricia?

29.   (p. 103) Did you anticipate Miss Mary’s alliance with Patricia as we found in Patricia’s realization of what Miss Mary’s mission was?

30.   (p. 240) The story fast-forwards to three years later.  Rush Limbaugh, favored by Carter, was mentioned.  Patricia is conscious of her weight and is mentioned multiple times.  James Harris is playing a more dominant role within everyone’s lives, clearly involved with each character.  Do you believe the three years was necessary (and believable) for the story to proceed? 

31.   (p. 261) Patricia has a conversation with James Harris on the phone regarding Blue.  The topic of her husband, Carter and him working too much comes up.  Patricia makes note that “she felt disloyal talking about Carter behind his back”.  What!?

32.   Discuss previous familiarities you had of vampires.  Discuss how you might have been enlightened with how the story portrayed James Harris. (p.59 owl bit Miss Mary) (p. 128 rats) (p. 171 – appendage-?) (p. 177 rats, flying?) (p. 232 the owl, rats)

33.   (p. 274, 341) “Three things are never satisfied…” Mrs. Greene had stated, and later Patricia recalled that Miss Mary (p. 119) had also quoted a similar statement some time before; “Nightwalking men always have a hunger on them.  They never stop taking and they don’t know about enough.  They mortgaged their souls away and now they eat and eat and never know how to stop.” Discuss the similarities between the book’s description of vampires and what your preconceived definition of vampires was prior to reading the book. 

34.   (p. 263, 271) Miss Mary made an appearance to both Patricia and Mrs. Greene.  Share why might she chose to do this and why was this important to the climax of the story. 

35.   (p. 294) Discuss the invasion of James Harris’s house.  Why was this significant?  Explain why Patricia and Mrs. Greene braved the risks.  Was it worth it in the end?

36.   (p. 282, 308,) Refer to Slick’s character and how she provided a counterbalance opposite of other book members, their opinions, and choice making.  How did you prioritize her within the story? Speculate on why Slick’s character was chosen to be violated and not Patricia’s.  (p. 281) Did you trust Slick with the information Patricia provided?

37.   (p. 338-9) Patricia discovered James Harris mutilating Korey.  She then went into a state of guilt, claiming it was all her fault.  What do you think about her self-criticism?  Why would she feel like the events that had happened up to that point was her fault?  Guilt, and betrayal, and nausea churned in her gut and she barely made it to the bathroom before she threw up.  What “betrayal” could she be experiencing?

38.   (p. 354) Do you believe Patricia had to give herself to James to conquer him?

39.   (p. 350) In her last days, Slick quotes Proverbs 25:26. Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain
 is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. She explains afterwards that they “wanted to believe that Patricia was wrong because it meant we didn’t have to do anything hard.” How easy is this to identify with? 

40.   (p. 393) Slick and Patricia discuss Patricia’s encounter with James.  They discuss “sin”.   How did “sin” play a part of this story?

41.   (p. 395) Slick passes away while Kitty read to her In Cold Blood.  Why was this story significant?  Why would this book bring Slick comfort?

42.   (Prologue and p. 361) The author forewarns the reader in the Prologue of what the story entails, a story about a group of stereotypical southern housewives.  Discuss the stereotypes attached to housewives and why you might think the author featured this in the story.  Later, James Harris belittles Patricia and her role as a Southern housewife and how dumb she was. (p. 403) Patricia later concluded; “Think of us what you will, she thought, we made mistakes, and probably scarred our children for life, and we froze sandwiches, and forgot carpool, and got divorced.  But when the time came, we went the distance.”  Share your thoughts.