DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR "DOUBLE CROSSING"

This book was actually the winner of the "2012 Best First Novel" from Western Writer's of America, as well as a finalist in 2012 for USA Book News Awards for Western Fiction.  Most of the online reviews were positive....."a thrill to read", "great historical fiction", "a hang on to your seat read", " loved this book from the very start".......Would you agree?  Why or why not?

The author said she wrote the book as a twist on TRUE GRIT and MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, (two of her favorite novels/movies)......If you are familiar with these two works, could you see that?

Did you like a Western written from a women's perspective?  How did it help you see how women's roles have changed?

Were you impressed with Lily's initiative?

What surprised you about this book?  Or.....did you think it was predictable?

Were you happy or disappointed that Lily didn't want to marry Charles and be a missionary?

What did you think of "Ace"?  Aunt Sylvia and her husband, Uncle Harrison, Kate, etc?
Did you identify with any particular character?

Were you sad when Kate found out she wasn't really meeting her future husband?

Did the author do a good job describing the train and the stops along the way to help you picture the scenes in your mind?

Were you happy with the ending?

Did you like reading a "Western"?

Would you like to read the sequel...."Double or Nothing"?

December Book Selection

So Much Fun!

Tonight's discussion was heavy at times due to the horrifying events of 9-11, but we had such a good time!  The twelve of us enjoyed great food (thanks to all who contributed!) , encouraging conversations and the blessings of hearing testimonies of God's saving grace!  We learned a lot from this book!  Thank you for hosting, Selina!  See ya December 2, at my house!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR "THUNDER DOG"

What did you like best about this book?
Was there anything that you did not like?
Were you aware of the prevalence of blindness among premature babies in the 50's?
Did you have vivid memories of 9-11 as you read?  Where were you that day?
Did you learn anything new about the World Trade Center as you read?  If so, what?
What was the scariest thing you thought about as he described his experiences on that day?
Did you find the way the book switched back and forth from present to past helpful or distracting?  Did it help you understand the long descent down the stairs?
They had no idea what had happened as they were descending the stairs; do you think they would have behaved differently had they known the full extent of the damage?
Do you think Michael's parents decision to mainstream him in school was a good idea?  Why or why not?
Talk about how Michael's father researched the law and contacted the Governor so Michael and his dog could ride the bus.
After the long trip down the stairs, they must have felt some relief, but they quickly realized there was more chaos there.  How would you react if you were hoping for rest but were forced to run even though you were exhausted?
Have you ever experienced a tragedy that ignited renewed purpose in your life, like Michael said this did for him?
Does reading Psalm 23 in light of Michael's personal experience cause you to see this familiar passage in a new way?
Were you thrown off by Chapter 10 which was told from Karen's perspective?
Can you imagine what she and many others were going through as they waited to hear from loved ones?
What were some things you learned about blindness that were new to you?
What is the main lesson or piece of understanding you took away from reading Thunder Dog?
Has reading it changed how you think about anything?  Do you think you will act differently in the future as a result of reading it?
Would you recommend it to others!  Why or why not?

October's Book Selection

The Front Porch

What a beautiful first day of Fall on Connie's porch!  Perfect weather, delicious hot apple cider and "themed" food provided by Connie and others, and most of all a great discussion of a great book!  I don't think there was any mention by anyone of not liking something in this book!  A definite winner!  Thanks L.N. Cronk!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR CHOP, CHOP

Did you like the book?  Find it an easy read?
What would you consider to be the main message of this book?
Did you like the title?
Did you consider this book realistic?
Did the kids in this book seem like typical teenagers?
Talk about the influence of Greg's family.
Did you agree with the "methods" taught in the Life Skills class? Why or why not?
Were you surprised by anything in this book?  If so, what?
How well do you think the author portrayed the power of forgiveness?
Did reading this book make you want to read others in the series?
To whom would you recommend this book?