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About the The River Knows Your Name BookBrowse Discussion
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2
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45
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June 23, 2025
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Becca places Evie in a children’s home so she can get a nursing degree. Did you know this type of home existed in the 1930s? What did you think of her decision? Under what circumstances might you make a similar choice?
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22
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109
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June 23, 2025
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Evie has a condition called synesthesia where she sees and feels things in terms of color. Did this play an important part someplace in the story?
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4
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25
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June 23, 2025
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Overall, what did you think of The River Knows Your Name? (no spoilers, please!)
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36
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139
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June 23, 2025
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What did you think of Hazel and the actions she took regarding two-year-old Evie? Do you feel she followed the correct course of action? What would you have done in her place?
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20
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50
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June 23, 2025
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Nell and Evie are reluctant to ask Hazel any questions about their past. Why do you suppose this is? In their place, would you have pushed Hazel for answers or avoided the subject?
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12
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36
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June 23, 2025
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What’s your opinion of Becca’s living arrangements in Nachez? Would you have stayed once you knew more about the residence?
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19
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51
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June 23, 2025
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When Mildred first reaches out, her intentions are unclear. In Becca's circumstances, would you have made a decision to seek help from her?
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22
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47
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June 23, 2025
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To what audience would you recommend The River Knows Your Name? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
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14
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46
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June 23, 2025
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Which character, major or minor, did you like the most, which did you like the least, and why?
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15
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35
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June 23, 2025
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Lottie does not reveal her illness to Becca, as she wants Becca to be free to establish a new life with Ben. Do you think that was a good decision? What would you have done in her position?
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16
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44
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June 23, 2025
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Do you think Lucy redeemed herself, despite the things she did? Did you sympathize with her?
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13
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35
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June 23, 2025
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Dory tells Becca that “time don’t heal old wounds.” Do you believe this is true?
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14
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45
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June 23, 2025
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Nell watches Evie interact with Hazel and thinks, “One never outgrows the need for a mother…or at least the desire to be mothered.” What do you think of this statement? Do you agree with it?
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16
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38
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June 23, 2025
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What kind of influence do you think Lottie has on Becca's life even after Lottie's death? Is there someone who has continued to influence you, even after they’re gone?
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6
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17
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June 23, 2025
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Nell spends a lot of time researching her past in an attempt to understand her mother. What did you think of her endeavors? What information would have been easier to obtain now, and what would be more difficult? Have you ever researched your heritage?
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6
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17
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June 23, 2025
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What was your reaction to Dory’s story and how Lottie reacted to Dory’s actions? What would you have done if you’d been in Lottie’s shoes?
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7
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24
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June 23, 2025
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Throughout their lives, Lottie and Becca find strength and comfort at the river. Why do you suppose this is? Is there a place that offers you something similarly meaningful?
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11
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44
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June 23, 2025
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Many characters in the novel develop familial relationships that are made rather than born into: Lottie and Becca, Hazel and Evie, Becca and Drew. Can you think of others? Have you created this type of bond in your own life?
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3
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15
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June 23, 2025
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Of the many settings in the story—Rodney, Natchez Under-the-Hill, Estelle's house, the Lighthouse Motor Hotel—which did you find most evocative and why? What role do you think landscape plays in the novel?
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12
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32
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June 23, 2025
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When Evie disappears, Becca does all she can to find her child. What did you think about the ensuing circumstances? Is there anything different you feel Becca could have done to retrieve Evie?
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8
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18
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June 23, 2025
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The story unfolds from three perspectives: Becca's and Hazel's in the 1930s and Nell's in the 1970s. As you read, how did this structure change your understanding of the characters and their motivations?
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14
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47
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June 23, 2025
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