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In the epilogue, the narrator ponders the evolution and usages of racial terminology over time. Do you agree or disagree with those views?
|
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8
|
93
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Why do you think Gordon Humphrey was so set on a ban on those of Chinese ancestry, even while profiting off them?
|
|
13
|
154
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Through much of the story, Celia wrestles with identity. At their core, how are Owen’s struggles with the issue similar? How are they different?
|
|
10
|
95
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Overall, what did you think of The Girls of Good Fortune? (no spoilers, please!)
|
|
42
|
619
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Dorothy tells her Auntie Em that she didn’t think Mr. Stregone was a magic man at all. Em replies, “I think the idea of magic is sometimes more important than the magic itself” (p. 324). What do you think of her response? Do you think she’s right?
|
|
5
|
45
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
What are your favorite lines or quotes from the book? Share them with your reading group and discuss why they especially resonate with you
|
|
4
|
96
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Annie asks Emily why she hadn’t told Henry about her miscarriage. Emily responds that she “didn’t want to bring such sadness to our new start.” Annie concurs: “Sometimes ignorance is kinder than the truth.” What did you think of this exchange?
|
|
11
|
112
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Emily eventually publishes her journal entries into a book, parts of which are included between chapters of Before Dorothy. What did you think of their inclusion? What did they add to your understanding of Emily and her life? Do you keep a journal?
|
|
3
|
82
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
How did you react to Leonardo Stregone, and in what ways did you see parallels between him and the wizard in the original Wizard of Oz book and movie? What are your thoughts on the rainmakers who traveled across the Great Plains during the Dust Bowl?
|
|
14
|
125
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
The roles of women as sisters, friends, daughters, wives, aunts, and mothers is explored throughout the book. What was your emotional response to the relationship between Emily and Dorothy? Which other relationships particularly resonated with you?
|
|
6
|
106
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
What is your own connection or response to the natural world? What more could you do to change how you interact with and respond to nature?
|
|
8
|
130
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Evelyn and William are both dishonest about important aspects of their lives. Did either do the right thing by concealing the truth? How might their situations have been better or worse had they been honest with each other and with their friends?
|
|
12
|
136
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
What dynamic does Aunt Clara add to the story?
|
|
12
|
114
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Overall, what did you think of The Lamplighter’s Bookshop? (no spoilers, please!)
|
|
22
|
207
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
If you were Eden, would you have accepted Luis Felipe's invitation if it meant a mega payoff for you, your loved ones, or a charity?
|
|
18
|
130
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
How are Eden and Rufus transformed by their southwestern road trip? Does it measure up to the glamorous jet-setting they did previously?
|
|
14
|
138
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
What do you think about Evelyn's relationship with her father? Do you think she will see him again in the future? Do you think she should?
|
|
17
|
132
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
What did you enjoy most about the romance between Evelyn and William? How does it compare to other star-crossed lovers in literature?
|
|
11
|
150
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
How does Olivia remember her childhood, and how does that differ from how her father remembers her childhood? How have Olivia’s and Vincent’s pasts affected their actions and relationship?
|
|
11
|
187
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
To what audience would you recommend The Ghostwriter? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
19
|
184
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
By the end of the book, which characters would you consider “girls of good fortune” and in which ways?
|
|
9
|
138
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Each of the book club members has a specific genre of book they particularly like to read. Do you have a favorite genre you come back to time and again?
|
|
26
|
324
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
In the author’s note, she says she’d originally planned on Celia’s story to take place around 1910. How much of the story would have been different, do you think, if it hadn’t been set in the time period the author ultimately chose?
|
|
9
|
105
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Several Chinese proverbs are woven through the novel, including “Fortune rests in misfortune” and “Knowledge changes destiny.” How do these apply to the story? Do you believe they also apply in real life? If so, how?
|
|
9
|
147
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
To what audience would you recommend The Girls of Good Fortune? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
22
|
174
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Had you ever heard of either massacre featured in the story? What was your impression of the outcomes? Do you believe the results would differ if the incidents occurred today?
|
|
22
|
196
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
As a child Celia begged her father to teach her Chinese, but he refused. Why do you suppose this was? If your ancestors hale from a country where English isn't spoken, how did they feel about retaining their language and culture after immigrating?
|
|
18
|
111
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Marie initially tells Celia she and Pearl will have to leave but then allows them to stay. What do you feel causes her change of heart? Did her decision surprise you?
|
|
13
|
150
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Of all the characters in the novel, who are your favorites? Did your impression of anyone significantly change?
|
|
15
|
180
|
September 3, 2025
|
|
Celia wonders if she could withhold the truth of Pearl’s heritage if the girl’s features never betray her Chinese background. What do you think of this question? Should information like this ever be withheld, in your opinion? Why or why not?
|
|
14
|
138
|
September 3, 2025
|