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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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9
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42
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March 27, 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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8
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32
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March 26, 2026
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Why do you think Baker is so hostile toward Ruth, who she acknowledges is “attractive without knowing it, strong-willed, intelligent, and knows her own mind”?
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11
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46
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March 26, 2026
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Victoria believes that her loss isn't traumatic enough for her to be in the group; in fact, she doesn't think she's grieving at all. What do you think about her reactions? How does a complicated family history impact the ways we process grief
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5
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18
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March 26, 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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12
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42
|
March 26, 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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9
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46
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March 26, 2026
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Now that you've finished the book, what are your reflections on the grieving process each character goes through?
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13
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65
|
March 25, 2026
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Several times Carol seems tempted to bump off one of her fellow residents, but then decides she is no longer really interested in her former “hobby.” What do you suppose changed for her, and why?
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15
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65
|
March 25, 2026
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Margaret was a politician who became Home Secretary, but her career ended because of a hot-mic moment on a morning show. What’s your opinion about programs like This Morning? Do you watch any of them? What role do they fill?
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10
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36
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March 25, 2026
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Geoffrey mourns the loss of his identity, feeling “irrelevant.” “Old ladies, at least they were still in charge of the grandchildren’s birthday cards,” he thinks. Is it true that women have more of a place in society as they age than men do?
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18
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53
|
March 25, 2026
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The administrators at Sheldon Oaks were aware of Carol’s history. Were you surprised they weren’t more cautious about allowing her to move in? Do you think they should have said anything to the current residents?
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19
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53
|
March 25, 2026
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Carol sometimes thinks that “all she’d really done was swap one institution for another.” Do you agree with her? What’s your experience been like with senior living facilities?
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11
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52
|
March 25, 2026
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Do you think Carol was naïve to believe she could keep her identity secret?
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21
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84
|
March 25, 2026
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|
1000 Books: April read mix-up
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5
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67
|
March 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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13
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36
|
March 25, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of Happy Land? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
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38
|
159
|
March 25, 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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5
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21
|
March 24, 2026
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1000 Books: May 2026: What should we read?
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3
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52
|
March 24, 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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11
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29
|
March 23, 2026
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Genevieve takes a new approach to grief therapy, where they don't share their bereavement story right away. How do you think your reaction to each character would have been different if you had known the specifics of their loss first?
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8
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19
|
March 23, 2026
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Genevieve asks Victoria to trust her, and Victoria responds with hostility (“No, Genevieve, that’s not possible.” p. 28). Why do you believe she replied the way she did? Did it surprise you?
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10
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38
|
March 23, 2026
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Mischa took on enormous responsibility at a very young age. Did learning this change your perception of her at all? In what ways does society support caretakers, and what more can be done to share some of that load?
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12
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29
|
March 22, 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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22
|
84
|
March 22, 2026
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Geneveive starts the group’s first session by asking each to recall a happy childhood memory. What did you think of this technique, and what did you think about their responses? Did the question prompt you to recall your own childhood memory?
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9
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43
|
March 22, 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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9
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40
|
March 22, 2026
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Freya faints at the first meeting, forcing Mischa and Victoria to interact. Were you surprised that it was the youngest of the group who seemed best equipped to deal with the situation? How did you interpret Victoria's reaction?
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5
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15
|
March 22, 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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8
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20
|
March 22, 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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12
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44
|
March 22, 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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15
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41
|
March 22, 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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6
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23
|
March 22, 2026
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