|
Thirza speculates that not only does Billy’s spirit still inhabit Merchant’s House, but so do the “ghosts of their former selves” (p. 111). What do you think she meant? Does this concept ring true to you?
|
|
6
|
17
|
April 6, 2026
|
|
Thirza attempts to cope with her grief and confusion by immersing herself in painting. How does this artistic outlet serve as both a means of escape and a path to self-discovery?
|
|
4
|
12
|
April 6, 2026
|
|
Which character do you think is most affected by the themes of envy, love and betrayal in the novel? Why?
|
|
3
|
11
|
April 6, 2026
|
|
Have you read any of Dinah Jeffries’ other books? If so, how does this one compare?
|
|
9
|
27
|
April 6, 2026
|
|
Who did you blame for Billy’s disappearance? Why do you suppose he wasn’t found by the authorities? Did you have any theories about what happened to the boy?
|
|
11
|
27
|
April 6, 2026
|
|
To what audience would you recommend The Greek House? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
9
|
21
|
April 6, 2026
|
|
Overall, what did you think of The Greek House? (No spoilers, please!)
|
|
16
|
40
|
April 6, 2026
|
|
Nikki feels dissatisfied with nearly every aspect of her life in D.C. and is uncertain about what to do next. How did you feel when Mother Rita gave her the gift of a new life at the end of the book?
|
|
11
|
30
|
April 6, 2026
|
|
This novel emphasizes the importance of community, family, and legacy and maintaining our connections with each of them. How is this reflected in the story of the Lovejoy women? Is this applicable to your own life? How?
|
|
4
|
16
|
April 6, 2026
|
|
Luella thinks, “Papa had taught me that choosing a husband was as much about survival as it was love.” (p. 60) What did you think of this statement? Do you think it’s equally true today as it was in the 19th century?
|
|
11
|
39
|
April 6, 2026
|
|
When Mr. Weaver refuses to honor his promise to sell the land back to the Kingdom at the agreed-upon price, Luella decides to purchase only a portion of the land back. How do you feel about her decision? Do you agree with it?
|
|
15
|
44
|
April 6, 2026
|
|
1000 Books May 2026 Read: A Lesson Before Dying by Louis J. Gaines
|
|
3
|
20
|
April 5, 2026
|
|
There are many motherless daughters in The Moonshine Women. How do the women mother each other? How do sisterhood and female friendship become even more important when our mother figures are unavailable or gone?
|
|
5
|
19
|
April 5, 2026
|
|
1000 Books March 2026 Read: Liar's Poker by Michael Lewis
|
|
7
|
36
|
April 5, 2026
|
|
Have you read Michelle Collins Anderson’s first novel, The Flower Sisters? If so, how do the two books compare?
|
|
11
|
39
|
April 5, 2026
|
|
Which character do you feel you’re most like, and why?
|
|
17
|
65
|
April 4, 2026
|
|
Lidy Strong knows what people in the Ozark hills call "granny cures." Which one did you find the most interesting or surprising? Can you share one from your own culture or upbringing?
|
|
3
|
14
|
April 3, 2026
|
|
Shine is bent on revenge but is continually thwarted. But when she finally has a chance to exact some justice she balks. Later, she muses that mercy & forgiveness are more complicated. How does this shift allow her to move forward?
|
|
4
|
10
|
April 3, 2026
|
|
The "cow shoes" that Shine wore to cover her tracks were just one creative way that moonshiners and bootleggers kept their operations clandestine during Prohibition. Have you heard of others that you found particularly clever?
|
|
3
|
16
|
April 3, 2026
|
|
Ruth Foster lives independently and doesn't understand why this is a problem. Why do you believe it was?
|
|
10
|
44
|
April 2, 2026
|
|
Overall, what did you think of The Seven O’Clock Club? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
|
|
34
|
144
|
April 2, 2026
|
|
To what audience would you recommend Happy Land? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
14
|
61
|
April 2, 2026
|
|
Nikki uses a genealogical website to research her family and does, in fact, find information about her ancestors. Have you ever done something similar? If so, how did it feel when you uncovered information about your forebears?
|
|
8
|
21
|
April 2, 2026
|
|
Luella is shocked by the concept of not voting. What did you think of her reaction? Do you feel many people today share this sentiment about the practice? Why or why not?
|
|
8
|
29
|
April 2, 2026
|
|
What is the significance of using terms such as kingdom and royalty to describe the land and its people?
|
|
14
|
70
|
April 1, 2026
|
|
Have you read any of Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s other novels, and if so, how do they compare to Happy Land?
|
|
17
|
68
|
April 1, 2026
|
|
The author based this novel on the real-life Kingdom of the Happy Land. Prior to reading this novel, what did you know about the Kingdom of the Happy Land? Were you aware that such a kingdom existed?
|
|
26
|
69
|
April 1, 2026
|
|
Do you think it would be more or less difficult to share these stories of loved ones lost with strangers? Is there a safety in relative anonymity?
|
|
20
|
85
|
April 1, 2026
|
|
We don’t find out until partway through the book why each character is grieving. What were your theories at first? Were you correct in your guesses as to what had happened to each of them?
|
|
15
|
49
|
April 1, 2026
|
|
Should The Seven O’Clock Club be a movie? Who would you cast?
|
|
5
|
28
|
April 1, 2026
|