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The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris
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2
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8
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May 15, 2025
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Of all the characters in the novel, who are your favorites? Did your impression of anyone significantly change?
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7
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16
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May 19, 2025
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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?
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6
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9
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May 19, 2025
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Overall, what did you think of The Girls of Good Fortune? (no spoilers, please!)
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25
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45
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May 19, 2025
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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?
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6
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15
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May 19, 2025
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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?
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3
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6
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May 19, 2025
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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?
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7
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14
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May 19, 2025
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Why do you think Gordon Humphrey was so set on a ban on those of Chinese ancestry, even while profiting off them?
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8
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13
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May 19, 2025
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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?
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11
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18
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May 19, 2025
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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?
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4
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9
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May 18, 2025
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By the end of the book, which characters would you consider “girls of good fortune” and in which ways?
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3
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8
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May 18, 2025
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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?
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9
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15
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May 18, 2025
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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?
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11
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21
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May 17, 2025
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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?
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3
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9
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May 17, 2025
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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?
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5
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14
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May 17, 2025
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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?
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3
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8
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May 16, 2025
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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?
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2
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4
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May 15, 2025
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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?
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2
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2
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May 15, 2025
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Celia’s journey entails numerous twists and turns. Were there any you found especially surprising?
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2
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4
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May 15, 2025
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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?
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2
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3
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May 15, 2025
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In the epilogue, the narrator ponders the evolution and usages of racial terminology over time. Do you agree or disagree with those views?
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2
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3
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May 15, 2025
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