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Making moonshine requires careful identification of the different parts of the distillate. Shine becomes an expert at this at an early age, but is far less adept at handling matters of her own heart. Are you glad she gets a second chance with John?
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17
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36
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April 9, 2026
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In the prologue, the premature baby is supposed be a boy. When a disappointed Hiram Strong holds his third daughter in his hands instead, he names her "Jace," which means "the Lord is salvation" and declares that she will save the family. Does she?
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10
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29
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April 9, 2026
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Two crashes happen almost simultaneously: Jed and Rebecca's car accident & the stock market crash. How does the aftermath of the wreck affect the Strong family? How does it mirror what happens to their community and the country at large?
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6
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18
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April 9, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of The Moonshine Women? For what audience would you recommend the book? (no spoilers in this topic, please!)
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24
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63
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April 9, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home? (No spoilers, please!)
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39
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232
|
April 8, 2026
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The novel is about the mass incarceration of women suspected of promiscuous, immoral, or lewd behavior. Were you aware of this history? Are there other similar instances mass incarcerations in the US that you know of?
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29
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126
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April 8, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of Women of a Promiscuous Nature? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
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20
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117
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April 8, 2026
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Stella Temple lives in a highly dysfunctional home with a mother suffering from mental illness and an abusive father. In her case, do you think placement at the Colony was beneficial?
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18
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58
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April 8, 2026
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Dinah Jefferies uses vivid sensory detail throughout the novel. How did her descriptions of food, color, and landscape influence your engagement with the story? Which depictions did you find most impactful?
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10
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32
|
April 8, 2026
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Jed longs to be a part of the Strong family and the moonshine business. When he finally gets the chance, how does he handle it? Do you feel sorry for him? Are his feelings of being used and discarded valid? Are the women better off without him?
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14
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35
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April 8, 2026
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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?
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6
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21
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April 7, 2026
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Men, whether in the service or not, if found carrying an infection, underwent treatments while going on with their lives. Considering the era, do you find this disparity "normal"? Why?
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13
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49
|
April 7, 2026
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Stella is ostracized even before she becomes a snitch. Why do you believe the others don’t like her?
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6
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26
|
April 7, 2026
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Ruth Foster lives independently and doesn't understand why this is a problem. Why do you believe it was?
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11
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48
|
April 7, 2026
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Stella's intelligence and eagerness to please win Baker over. What did you think of their relationship? Do you think it was helpful to Stella, or do you wish her outcome were different?
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9
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31
|
April 7, 2026
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Dorothy Baker is passionate about what she sees as her mission. Her beliefs are typical of the day. Considering the time period, do you believe Baker was cruel? What similarities do you recognize within these institutions as compared to an actual prison?
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9
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25
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April 7, 2026
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Why do you think Baker refuses to believe Stella has made progress with Frances? Does Baker deliberately uses the girl in her attempt to oust Mrs. Maynard? Why do you suppose Stella is willing to align herself with Baker again after such treatment?
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2
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15
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April 7, 2026
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Baker tells others that she feels the Colony is better for the women than sending them to prison. Do you think this is true?
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12
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40
|
April 7, 2026
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What future do you see for Baker, Ruth, and Stella?
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8
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41
|
April 7, 2026
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What do you think the novel suggests about the themes of family, loyalty, and forgiveness?
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4
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18
|
April 7, 2026
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Have you read any of the author’s other novels? If so, how does Women of a Promiscuous Nature compare?
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4
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20
|
April 7, 2026
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For what audience would you recommend Women of a Promiscusious Nature? Are there other novels or authors you’ve read that are similar in style or content?
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10
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51
|
April 7, 2026
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Many women were scared or intimidated into submitting themselves to these facilities. Women didn't receive due process through a court system. Why do you think women were the primary focus of immoral behaviors and not men?
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19
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59
|
April 6, 2026
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Thirza loved the sound of her mother’s typewriter as a child. “The rituals that hadn’t seemed...important...had turned out to be the things that...held a family together”. Do you agree with her? Are there rituals you can point to within your own family?
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5
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18
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April 6, 2026
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Of Lidy, Elsie says, "Right or wrong, but never indifferent. She was a Strong through and through." Did you agree with the steely matriarch's decisions to do what she thought best—whether keeping a painful secret or ending a life prematurely?'
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6
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21
|
April 6, 2026
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As the story unfolds, Thirza uncovers more about her family's past. How do the revelations about her family's history impact her relationships with other characters in the novel?
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2
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12
|
April 6, 2026
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Have you read any of Dinah Jeffries’ other books? If so, how does this one compare?
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9
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38
|
April 6, 2026
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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?
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11
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31
|
April 6, 2026
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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?
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4
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17
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April 6, 2026
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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?
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11
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39
|
April 6, 2026
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