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Did you prefer Joe's voice, Norma's, or the combination? Were there other characters you wished could give their point of view?
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13
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40
|
November 27, 2024
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How does Ruthie's disappearance echo tragedies and atrocities in the broader history of Indigenous peoples? Have you learned more since reading the book?
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3
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20
|
November 27, 2024
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How do you feel the opening line sets the scene? What expectations did it give you for the story, and were those fulfilled?
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7
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25
|
November 27, 2024
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Music, singing, and the power of lyrics to connect to or express deep emotion recur throughout the story. Which of these moments made the strongest impression on you? Are there songs or poems that deeply affect you?
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4
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9
|
November 27, 2024
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The family receives very little help from the authorities when Ruthie goes missing. How do you think this scenario would have been different today? What factors do you think influence a quick response when someone disappears?
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13
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42
|
November 27, 2024
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Mr. Griffin says, “When people are afraid, they’ll hand over their rights as willingly as they’d hand over pennies for bread. But not until they’ve handed over other people’s rights first.” What was your reaction to that passage?
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4
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11
|
November 27, 2024
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Mae ends up being Joe’s caretaker, much to his surprise (“I would never have imagined Mae as the caring type” – p. 47). Do you think this side of her was always buried within, or did she change over time? Why do you believe this?
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8
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22
|
November 27, 2024
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What kind of future do you envision for each member of the Aust family? Do you have an opinion about how each of their lives might play out?
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3
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9
|
November 26, 2024
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Is there a quote or a scene in the novel that stood out? Why do you think it resonated with you?
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1
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12
|
November 26, 2024
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What audience would you recommend The Berry Pickers to? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
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5
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33
|
November 25, 2024
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How does Norma's feeling of being stuck between worlds come out in the story? In what ways might other characters feel a sense of duality or out of placeness?
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1
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7
|
November 25, 2024
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Why do you think art-making becomes so important in the story? Are there other themes that jump out at you about making a meaningful life after loss?
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1
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11
|
November 25, 2024
|
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What is your book club reading in 2025?
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27
|
218
|
November 16, 2024
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