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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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7
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21
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March 9, 2026
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When William returns to Luella and moves into the palace, Luella juggles two husbands and feels powerless. Do you agree with her decision to let William stay? Was there something else she could have done instead?
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9
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24
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March 9, 2026
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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?
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14
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34
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March 9, 2026
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Nikki wonders if her mother abandoned Mother Rita. She also asks herself if “Southern mothers feel a particular betrayal when their children go north.” What’s your take on children leaving home, particularly those that move far away from their parents?
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8
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30
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March 9, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of Happy Land? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
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30
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84
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March 9, 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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9
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21
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March 8, 2026
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Land ownership and land loss are central to this story. What did you know about heirs property before reading the novel? How do you think the impact of land loss still reverberates through today's society? What might be done to address it?
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8
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18
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March 8, 2026
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Nikki wonders about the source of the deep rift between her mother and Mother Rita. Why do you suppose they didn’t tell Nikki about the reason for their feud? Do you think they are able to completely heal their relationship by the end of the book?
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6
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13
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March 8, 2026
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The attorney informs Nikki that the law is not on their side and it is unlikely that Mother Rita will get the land back. However, Mother Rita doesn't believe that. Why do you think she is so certain?
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5
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14
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March 8, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of Harlem Rhapsody? (no spoilers, please!)
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30
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113
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March 7, 2026
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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?
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3
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10
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March 7, 2026
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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?
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3
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10
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March 7, 2026
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Do you notice any similarities in the personalities of the Lovejoy and Montgomery women? In particular, what are the similarities and parallels between Nikki and Luella?
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1
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6
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March 7, 2026
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How does the novel explore the value of lost or forgotten art? Should all art be preserved and shared?
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9
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24
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March 6, 2026
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Devlin insists on simply finding a hotel, while Gabrielle prefers to check out the reviews for a place first. What does this say about their respective personalities, in your opinion? Which of the two are you more like?
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9
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28
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March 6, 2026
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When Devlin and Gabrielle attend a concert, Devlin insists on picking up an outfit at a second-hand store, although Gabrielle resists. What did you think of this scene? Do you shop at thrift stores? Why or why not?
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16
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42
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March 6, 2026
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When Devlin learns that the violin he purchased may have been stolen, he turns to Walter for help. What would you have done in Devlin’s place?
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15
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41
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March 6, 2026
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What effect did having the violin narrate portions of the story have on your reading experience? How did it change your relationship to the instrument?
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18
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54
|
March 6, 2026
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Many characters get unexpected second chances. Which character's transformation moved you most? Do you believe we all deserve second chances?
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16
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35
|
March 6, 2026
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Have you read any of Evie Woods’ previous novels, and if so, how do they compare to The Violin Maker’s Secret?
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16
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44
|
March 6, 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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24
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155
|
March 6, 2026
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Geoffrey learns about manscaping and attempts the grooming technique (injuring himself in the process). Is there a modern trend that you find surprising?
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19
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68
|
March 6, 2026
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If you lived at Sheldon Oaks how do you think you would have reacted, learning a serial killer was also a resident, particularly after a suspicious death occurred?
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14
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46
|
March 6, 2026
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What did you think of the author’s choice to make the lead investigator a mass murderer recently released from prison? Did you agree with Carol that she was uniquely qualified to investigate the murder?
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18
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54
|
March 5, 2026
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How would you describe the connection between the kingdomfolk and their land?
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3
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14
|
March 5, 2026
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By the end, Verity realizes her decades-long pursuit of the violin was misguided. What does the novel say about revenge and obsession? Can you sympathize with her motivations?
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3
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15
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March 5, 2026
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Do you believe objects can hold genuine power to transform lives, or is the change more about the meaning we give them? What items in your own life hold special significance?
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8
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26
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March 5, 2026
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Gabrielle thinks, “It was a disconcerting feeling – knowing that your one chance at achieving something great was already over.” How did you react to this statement? Is it possible for one’s career to peak too soon, and if so, how does one move on?
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5
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19
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March 3, 2026
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William convinces the Black residents of Cross Anchor to follow him into the mountains to set up a new community. Why do you think they trusted him? Did they have any choice but to leave, in your opinion? What would you have done in their place?
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3
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14
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March 1, 2026
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Walter, Devlin, and Gabrielle are all isolated at the beginning. How does their unlikely friendship transform each of them?
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12
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40
|
March 1, 2026
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