DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR "GO SET A WATCHMAN"

"Go Set a Watchman" is considered a sequel.  Was it hard for you to think of it being written before "To Kill a Mockingbird"?

Why do you think "To Kill a Mockingbird" was published first?

Did you find this an easy/enjoyable read?  Why or why not?

Did you like any of the "stories within the story" like Scout's flashbacks, her dating Henry, etc.?  What did you like?

I found this quote online, "It is a flawed novel and probably would never have seen the light of day if it didn't have the name of Harper Lee as author."  Do you agree or disagree with that?  Why or why not?

What do you think about the timing of this book's release, some 50+ years after it was written?  How much has changed in regard to the issues in this book?

There is a statement in the book that goes something like this.... "government control/expansion could lead to communism or Hitler-like control."  This was in the 1950's!  Do you hear anything about "big government" in the news these days!!??  Comments?

We're there any other quotes in the book that you would like to comment on...or anything else you'd like to discuss?

Year 9 Reading List

Discuss on 4th Tuesday, unless noted otherwise!

September- "Moonlight on Linoleum" by Terry Helwig (book provided)

October- "Back Home Again" by Melody Carlson

November-(5th Tuesday!) "Unveiling Grace" by Lynn K. Wilder

January- "A Week in Winter" by Maeve Binchy

February- "The Root of all Evil" by Dr. Phillip Coulter

March- "Wreath, A Girl" by Judy Christie

April- "The Waiting" by Cathy Lagrow

May- "Agnes Hopper Shakes up Sweet Briar" by Carol Heilman

Summer Read-(Discuss at 1st meeting of Year 10 in August!) "Agnes Gray" by Anne Bronte

SUMMER READ

Year 8 comes to an end!

We were small but mighty tonight!  Great discussion!  Thank you Mary Ann for hosting!  I look so forward to Year 9 starting in August!!  KEEP READING!!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR "THE ENCOUNTER"

We have read other books this year which have dealt with abandonment, abuse, etc.  Compared to those, would you consider this book helpful?  Why or why not?

What did you enjoy about this book?

Were there any memorable quotes in this book?  If so, what?

Would you say this book was predictable or did anything take you by surprise?

If you knew someone who was dealing with anger issues, or un-forgiveness, would you refer them to anything in this book?  If so, what?

Was the ending satisfying?  If not, what would you change?

On the front cover there is a quote, "Read The Encounter and learn things about yourself that you never knew were there."  Did you?

May Book Selection "The Encounter"

Thanks Amanda!  We had 20 tonight, including two new ladies!  Thank you to everyone!!  One more to go in Year 8!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR "THE ORPHAN TRAIN"

How did you like the way the author switched back and forth between the two stories?  Did you prefer one story over the other?  Explain.

It isn't until a rebellious 17 year old girl with secrets of her own starts asking pointed questions that Vivian finally tells her story.  The author said "Over the course of the novel, Vivian moves from shame to acceptance, coming to terms about her past and in the process learns about the regenerative power of claiming and telling one's own life story."  Talk about whether or not you agree with that in the book as well as in real life.

The present day story took place over 6 weeks or so.  Vivian's story encompassed 90 years.  Did you find it hard to follow?  Why or why not?

Do you find it hard to believe that children were put on trains and taken cross country to be basically "picked through" by perspective parents who sometimes only wanted extra help on the farm or around the house?  Talk about how this was better/worse than being left in an orphanage.

How did you perceive Vivian's decision to give her daughter up for adoption?

There is evidently a 1979 PBS movie called "The Orphan Train".  Do you think this book would make a good movie?  Why or why not?

How do you feel about the way the author ended the book?

If you were to write additional chapters, what would happen to Vivian and/or Molly?