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Mimi assists in a procedure on a 12-year-old girl and afterwards wants to provide more help to her. Ada, however, shuts her down. (p. 135). What did you think about her stance? Given the time period, is she correct to limit their assistance?
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14
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78
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May 30, 2026
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Have you read any of Shana Abé’s previous novels, and if so, how do they compare to A Crown of Stars?
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21
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116
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June 3, 2026
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Mimi’s sister sent letters home after being sent away, yet her parents never opened them. Why do you think this was? What impact did their actions have on Mimi? How would Mimi’s life have been different if she’d been in communication with her sister?
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14
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92
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May 30, 2026
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Merritt is sometimes harsh with those she’s interviewing but at other times she fawns. What were your thoughts as she spoke to suspects? What was your opinion of her investigative style? Is there another fictional detective she reminds you of?
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8
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54
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May 28, 2026
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While watching the gorilla in the Chicago zoo, Mimi tells Daniel, “Iron bars aren’t the only thing that can cage people.” (p. 166) To what do you think she was referring? What else can cage people, in your opinion?
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8
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44
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May 27, 2026
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Do you think Billie made the right decision to stay in Hutch and take care of her mother?
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21
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126
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July 2, 2026
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How does faith influence Mimi and other characters' choices? How does faith—religious, spiritual, humanistic, or otherwise— influence your choices?
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6
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46
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May 26, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of Won’t Be Long Now? (No spoilers in this topic, please.)
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30
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189
|
July 2, 2026
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At the end of her first week of classes, Chef Clarke advises Mebel to drop out because she doesn’t “have what it takes to be a chef.” (pp. 88-90). What did you think of this scene? Do you feel he was trying to be kind? What about Mebel’s response?
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11
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57
|
May 22, 2026
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The novel, “All her life, Mabel Tanadi has always had a fear of – not so much death as much as situations that eventually lead to death.” What did you think of this opening? What was your opinion of her list of anxieties? Do you ever have similar worries?
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7
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29
|
May 21, 2026
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To what audience would you recommend Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
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8
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57
|
May 21, 2026
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Mebel discovers that cooking provides a “sense of peace” and that it calms “the usual cacophony of noises” in her mind. (p. 107). Does this ring true for you? Are there activities you engage in that clear your head in a similar manner?
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21
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133
|
May 21, 2026
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When Mebel and Alain begin their affair, both are still married but living separately from their spouses. What was your opinion of Alain, and of their relationship? Did you suspect his true character before Gemma spilled the beans?
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15
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68
|
May 21, 2026
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Were you surprised Agatha didn’t come forward sooner regarding what she knew of Alain’s behavior? Why do you suppose she kept his character secret?
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6
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43
|
May 21, 2026
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Henk, Mebel’s son Sammy, and Sammy’s wife Hannah surprise Mebel by turning up in England to ask her to come back home. She refuses. How did you react to this scene? Of the adults present whose reaction surprised you the most?
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12
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62
|
May 21, 2026
|
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What was your first guess as to why Gemma suddenly left school? Were you surprised she didn’t return?
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|
20
|
130
|
May 21, 2026
|
|
Overall, what did you think of Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block? (No spoilers in this topic, please.)
|
|
36
|
353
|
May 21, 2026
|
|
Jesse Q. Sutanto is the author of 16 other novels including the Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers series and the Dial A for Aunties series. Have you read any of her other titles?
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29
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192
|
May 21, 2026
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What plot point surprised you? What red herrings did you detect?
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6
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51
|
May 20, 2026
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Mebel tries to integrate with other students at lunch. (p 66, 68-70). What did you think of her technique? Were you surprised at the other students’ reactions?
|
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7
|
38
|
May 20, 2026
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Olivia expects to be fired any minute, and in truth Merritt doesn’t seem very supportive. What did you think of Olivia as a detective? What strengths did you see, and what weaknesses? Do you agree with Merritt’s “final grade of C plus”? (p.378)
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8
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35
|
May 20, 2026
|
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What did you think about Clayton's role in the novel? How would you describe his feelings for Billie? Why does he seek her out? How do you think she feels about him?
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14
|
98
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Billie refuses to attend important rituals, like her graduation ceremony or funerals. Why do you suppose this is? Her mother tells her she'll regret it later. Does she? What's your opinion about such rituals?
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14
|
91
|
July 2, 2026
|
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Do you think Billie is, as she implies, autistic? How does that affect your view of her and her story?
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|
16
|
105
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
What did you think of the book’s conclusion, and what do you think Billie's life will look like going forward?
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23
|
164
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
In the Author’s Note, Bear says she “drew a lot of Aphrodite’s character” from women of Hollywood’s Golden Era. Which elements of these starlets did you see in Aphrodite? Which other “goddesses” would you add to the list?
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7
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35
|
July 2, 2026
|
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Which scene in the book was your favorite? Were there any passages or quotes you highlighted, and if so, which ones?
|
|
20
|
133
|
May 19, 2026
|
|
How does the author use humor to tackle the serious anxieties of aging and loneliness?
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|
3
|
29
|
May 19, 2026
|
|
To what audience would you recommend Won’t Be Long Now? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
19
|
120
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Billie's feelings about Joan are complicated. What aspects of Billie's life play into that relationship? What did you think about Joan's treatment of Billie?
|
|
22
|
138
|
July 2, 2026
|