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In the book, the only parent who attempts to visit the Colony is Ruth’s mother. Why do you suppose most parents accepted what was happening to their daughters?
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0
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1
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March 12, 2026
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Some of the same laws are still in effect today. Can you think of a recent time period when the law/s allowed the government control over individuals?
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0
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1
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March 12, 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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0
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1
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March 12, 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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0
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1
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March 12, 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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0
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1
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March 12, 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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0
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1
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March 12, 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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0
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1
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March 12, 2026
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Baker's personal and professional life is filled with triumphs and failures. What did you admire most about her? What did you dislike most? Do you think she got away with too much?
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0
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1
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March 12, 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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0
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1
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March 12, 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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0
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1
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March 12, 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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0
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1
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March 12, 2026
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Have you read any of Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s other novels, and if so, how do they compare to Happy Land?
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8
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23
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March 11, 2026
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What did you know about the sinking of the Lusitania before reading A Crown of Stars? What did you think of Shana Abé’s depiction of the event?
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29
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66
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March 11, 2026
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Each chapter of the book starts with an excerpt from Inez’s final letter to Rita. What did you think of this technique? How do you feel it set the stage for the chapter each precedes, or for the book in general?
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20
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52
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March 11, 2026
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Even as she began to fall in love with Giuseppe, Rita would tell herself, I want him, but I don’t want to need him. Considering her past divorce and her thriving career, was she wise to guard her heart against the count?
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7
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29
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March 11, 2026
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Charles tells Rita, “[T]he key to lasting success…isn’t luck or even necessarily talent. It’s having the public recognize you right away...” What did you think of this statement? Do you think it was true at the time? Is it true today?
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8
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38
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March 11, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of The Violin Maker’s Secret? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
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25
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161
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March 11, 2026
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Multiple characters find healing through music after trauma. Do you agree that creative pursuits can help process difficult experiences?
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12
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53
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March 10, 2026
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Gabrielle loves going to the library’s reading room because “the air had a stillness” and it “calmed her nerves.” Do you think libraries foster this sense of peace in general? Is there someplace you frequent where you experience a similar stillness?
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14
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35
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March 10, 2026
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To what audience would you recommend The Violin Maker’s Secret? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
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17
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51
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March 10, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of A Crown of Stars? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
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33
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103
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March 10, 2026
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Rita’s first experience acting in live theatre was a disappointment. Even so, she didn’t give up her dream. What kept her going? Would you have given up had you been in a similar situation?
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12
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28
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March 10, 2026
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1000 Books February 2026 Read: The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
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22
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82
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March 10, 2026
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What do you think of Rita’s deliberate, unspoken message to her enemies: I’m still here?
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7
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29
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March 10, 2026
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How do you think you would have fared in Rita's place during the tragedy? In those frantic minutes after the liner went under, would you have let the panicked people still in the water climb up the lifeboat, even at the risk of capsizing it?
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10
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21
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March 10, 2026
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Rita’s childhood could be considered sheltered, even enchanted. How did it prepare her for the real world? Or did it? Do you think Rita would have been a successful actress if not for the initial support of Pauline?
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5
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15
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March 10, 2026
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The Jolivet sisters shared a deep and abiding bond, but Rita was always the leader. Was it fair of her to drag her little sister along with her to London, just to get her own way?
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13
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30
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March 10, 2026
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Most of the characters depicted in A Crown of Stars were based on real people. Had you heard of any of them previously?
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21
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58
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March 10, 2026
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Inez was clearly devastated to lose George. Did Rita and her family do enough help her in those weeks after the sinking? Or do you think Inez was deliberately as emotionally hidden as she needed to be to conceal her true intentions?
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20
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43
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March 10, 2026
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Do you agree with Rita’s decision to make Lest We Forget? Why do you think Rita agreed to travel around the country to speak about the sinking while selling Liberty Bonds, even though it caused her anguish?
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11
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34
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March 10, 2026
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