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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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1
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5
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February 26, 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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1
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5
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February 26, 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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1
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4
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February 26, 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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1
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3
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February 26, 2026
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To what audience would you recommend Happy Land? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
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1
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5
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February 26, 2026
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Eniiyi studies genetic counseling. How do you think Eniiyi's studies impact how she views her resemblance to her aunt? How does it impact how she views the Falodun family curse?
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15
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49
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February 26, 2026
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Catherine finds Carol’s diary, which contains disturbing information about her past. Yet, she chooses to remain friends with her. Why do you suppose this is? Do you think you could have stayed friends with Carol after learning such details?
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13
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36
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February 26, 2026
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Have you read other books by Colleen Oakley? If so, how did they compare?
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5
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16
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February 26, 2026
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Jane struggles with giving up control as her children grow up. If you have children, what has been the most difficult parenting stage you've encountered?
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16
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52
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February 26, 2026
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Why do you suppose Mother Rita’s visits to the public library were so meaningful her? Did the library play in your childhood? Do you still visit your local library as an adult? How have public libraries changed and adapted over time?
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0
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1
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February 25, 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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0
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1
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February 25, 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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0
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1
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February 25, 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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0
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1
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February 25, 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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0
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1
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February 25, 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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0
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1
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February 25, 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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0
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1
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February 25, 2026
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When Mr. Weaver refuses to honor his promise to sell the land back to the Kingdom at the agreed-upon price, Luella decides to purchase only a portion of the land back. How do you feel about her decision? Do you agree with it?
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0
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1
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February 25, 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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0
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1
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February 25, 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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0
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1
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February 25, 2026
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How would you describe the connection between the kingdomfolk and their land?
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0
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3
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February 25, 2026
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How do you think love changes and evolves over time in a long-term relationship? Do you think Jane and Dan appreciate each other at the start of the book? What marriage advice would you have offered to them?
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11
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32
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February 25, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of Jane and Dan at the End of the World? (no spoilers, please!)
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22
|
68
|
February 25, 2026
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Have you ever eaten at a restaurant with a Michelin star? Did it live up to the hype? Or do you think you would enjoy that kind of dining experience?
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15
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47
|
February 25, 2026
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When the book opens, Jane is struggling with the state of her marriage along with the monotony and exhaustion of parenting teens. Could you relate to any of the emotions she was feeling?
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11
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37
|
February 25, 2026
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Do you feel Monife’s obsession with Golden Boy impacted how Ebun related to men as she got older, and if so, in what ways?
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14
|
85
|
February 25, 2026
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Which of the Falodun women did you connect with most and why?
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13
|
53
|
February 25, 2026
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What’s your opinion of the section where Golden Boy and Monife reunite? Did you blame one party more than the other for affair?
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18
|
64
|
February 25, 2026
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Ebun tells her cousin Monife that she doesn't believe in curses. Monife replies "what if the curse believes in you?" Do you think the curse is real? How do you think the curse impacted each generation of the Falodun family differently?
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14
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55
|
February 25, 2026
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Have you read the author’s debut novel, My Sister, the Serial Killer, and if so, how do the two compare?
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26
|
117
|
February 25, 2026
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What did you think about the way the men in the story were portrayed?
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19
|
78
|
February 25, 2026
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