|
Have you had experience with a family member or loved one with dementia? What was/is that experience like?
|
|
22
|
65
|
June 24, 2025
|
|
To what audience would you recommend The Ghostwriter? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
18
|
69
|
June 24, 2025
|
|
Overall, what did you think of The Ghostwriter? (no spoilers, please!)
|
|
36
|
137
|
June 24, 2025
|
|
By the end of the book, which characters would you consider “girls of good fortune” and in which ways?
|
|
8
|
23
|
June 24, 2025
|
|
Each of the book club members has a specific genre of book they particularly like to read. Do you have a favorite genre you come back to time and again?
|
|
25
|
94
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
In the author’s note, she says she’d originally planned on Celia’s story to take place around 1910. How much of the story would have been different, do you think, if it hadn’t been set in the time period the author ultimately chose?
|
|
8
|
26
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Several Chinese proverbs are woven through the novel, including “Fortune rests in misfortune” and “Knowledge changes destiny.” How do these apply to the story? Do you believe they also apply in real life? If so, how?
|
|
8
|
33
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
To what audience would you recommend The Girls of Good Fortune? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
21
|
71
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Had you ever heard of either massacre featured in the story? What was your impression of the outcomes? Do you believe the results would differ if the incidents occurred today?
|
|
21
|
58
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Through much of the story, Celia wrestles with identity. At their core, how are Owen’s struggles with the issue similar? How are they different?
|
|
8
|
20
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
As a child Celia begged her father to teach her Chinese, but he refused. Why do you suppose this was? If your ancestors hale from a country where English isn't spoken, how did they feel about retaining their language and culture after immigrating?
|
|
17
|
44
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Marie initially tells Celia she and Pearl will have to leave but then allows them to stay. What do you feel causes her change of heart? Did her decision surprise you?
|
|
12
|
32
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Of all the characters in the novel, who are your favorites? Did your impression of anyone significantly change?
|
|
14
|
44
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
In the epilogue, the narrator ponders the evolution and usages of racial terminology over time. Do you agree or disagree with those views?
|
|
6
|
14
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Celia wonders if she could withhold the truth of Pearl’s heritage if the girl’s features never betray her Chinese background. What do you think of this question? Should information like this ever be withheld, in your opinion? Why or why not?
|
|
13
|
37
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
In the prologue, the woman we learn is Celia’s granddaughter says that she’s been shaped by “not just those on the branches of my family tree but also by their stories.” How do you think our forebears’ stories shape us?
|
|
7
|
33
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Were you already familiar with the Shanghai Tunnels and the practice of being crimped or “shanghaied”? What is the most interesting thing you learned about the topic?
|
|
9
|
28
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
During a run-in with Celia, Abigail claims she can relate to Celia’s romantic plight but she fails to expound. What do you imagine her experience might have been, and how does her sense of commonality with Celia ultimately affect their relationship?
|
|
7
|
30
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Mrs. Downey thinks it would be best for Celia to give up her baby but Celia refuses. What did you think of this decision? What about her choice later, when she refuses the offer of financial support? What would you have done in these circumstances?
|
|
12
|
46
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Why do you think Gordon Humphrey was so set on a ban on those of Chinese ancestry, even while profiting off them?
|
|
11
|
37
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Celia has the opportunity to torpedo the mayor’s career but she chooses not to. Why do you suppose she refrained? What do you think the consequences might have been if she’d proceeded? What do you think you might have done in her place?
|
|
15
|
43
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Motherhood is a central element of the story, with a range of emotions. By the end, Celia comes to view her mother’s behavior differently upon reflection. Can you relate to a similar shift of perspective involving family or other loved ones?
|
|
4
|
13
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Celia’s journey entails numerous twists and turns. Were there any you found especially surprising?
|
|
12
|
41
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Overall, what did you think of The Girls of Good Fortune? (no spoilers, please!)
|
|
40
|
144
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Nature and our connection with the natural world play a central role in the book. Which scenes and events captured the sense of the prairie the most vividly for you?
|
|
8
|
28
|
June 22, 2025
|
|
Overall, what did you think of The Frozen River? (no spoilers, please!)
|
|
62
|
874
|
June 22, 2025
|
|
Have you traveled to China or Taiwan? If so, what were some interesting experiences or observations that you encountered? If not, would you like to vacation there if you had the opportunity?
|
|
16
|
57
|
June 22, 2025
|
|
Martha and her daughters spend much of the novel immersed in everyday household labor such as making candles, baking bread, weaving, and killing chickens. Were there any 1780s tasks you've tried or would be interested to try for yourself?
|
|
15
|
113
|
June 22, 2025
|
|
Does the location have a strong sense of atmosphere? Do you think it feels like Victorian England?
|
|
4
|
17
|
June 21, 2025
|
|
What influence does Mr. Morton have on the couple's situation? Do you think his actions are designed to bring them together, or is he acting completely without motive?
|
|
6
|
19
|
June 21, 2025
|