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What did you initially think of Penelope, and of her relationship with Piers? How did your opinion of her change over the course of the novel? How about your opinion of Piers?
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10
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34
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April 10, 2026
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1000 Books March 2026 Read: Liar's Poker by Michael Lewis
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13
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53
|
April 9, 2026
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Which character do you think is most affected by the themes of envy, love and betrayal in the novel? Why?
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9
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39
|
April 11, 2026
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Shine decides to "make a family like she and her daddy had made moonshine, putting together a bunch of unlikely ingredients, things that didn't come from the same place...Stir it all up and see what happened." What do you think of this metaphor?
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13
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40
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April 13, 2026
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Who did you suspect of leaving the cryptic note for Dulci, and what did you believe might be behind it?
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12
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44
|
April 11, 2026
|
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Other than the main trio (Baker, Ruth, and Stella) which character struck a chord with you and why?
|
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14
|
59
|
April 13, 2026
|
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Dinah Jefferies uses vivid sensory detail throughout the novel. How did her descriptions of food, color, and landscape influence your engagement with the story? Which depictions did you find most impactful?
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10
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32
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April 8, 2026
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What did you think about Dulci’s and Thirza’s relationship? Why do you think the rift between them remained unhealed for so many years?
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11
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31
|
April 11, 2026
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What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (3/19/2026)
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54
|
220
|
March 26, 2026
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What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (3/26/2026)
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52
|
210
|
April 2, 2026
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Has a book ever inspired you to visit a location? If so, which book, and where did you go?
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4
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13
|
April 14, 2026
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The novel blends personal drama with the wider political and social tensions of its historical setting. How do these external pressures heighten the stakes of the relationships and decisions made within the novel?
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7
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21
|
April 11, 2026
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Why do you suppose Ianthe so wanted to marry Walter? What did you think of the couple’s interactions? What future do you see for them?
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13
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42
|
April 11, 2026
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Hiram calls Shine his "daughter of the spirit." What does he mean? How does Hiram's love and acceptance play a part in Shine's later decision to form and embrace her own unconventional family bonds? In the end, who do you think is the "strongest Strong?"?
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6
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17
|
April 13, 2026
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In the prologue, the premature baby is supposed be a boy. When a disappointed Hiram Strong holds his third daughter in his hands instead, he names her "Jace," which means "the Lord is salvation" and declares that she will save the family. Does she?
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10
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30
|
April 9, 2026
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Here's a stat for you
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17
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95
|
March 28, 2026
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Dorothy Baker is passionate about what she sees as her mission. Her beliefs are typical of the day. Considering the time period, do you believe Baker was cruel? What similarities do you recognize within these institutions as compared to an actual prison?
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10
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27
|
April 13, 2026
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Jed longs to be a part of the Strong family and the moonshine business. When he finally gets the chance, how does he handle it? Do you feel sorry for him? Are his feelings of being used and discarded valid? Are the women better off without him?
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14
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37
|
April 8, 2026
|
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Dublin Literary Awards 2026 longlist
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24
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170
|
April 7, 2026
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What book was the subject of your most memorable book club discussion?
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13
|
95
|
March 29, 2026
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Two crashes happen almost simultaneously: Jed and Rebecca's car accident & the stock market crash. How does the aftermath of the wreck affect the Strong family? How does it mirror what happens to their community and the country at large?
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6
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19
|
April 9, 2026
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Both Hiram and his abusive father were alcoholics; Jed's drinking dramatically changes his personality for the worse. Yet it becomes their livelihood. How do they deal with this contradiction? What do you suppose none of the Strong daughters drink?
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6
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17
|
April 9, 2026
|
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Am I the only person who does this?
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38
|
258
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (2/26/2026)
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|
38
|
189
|
March 5, 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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|
10
|
52
|
April 7, 2026
|
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1000 Books May 2026 Read: A Lesson Before Dying by Louis J. Gaines
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3
|
30
|
April 5, 2026
|
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Why do you think Baker refuses to believe Stella has made progress with Frances? Does Baker deliberately uses the girl in her attempt to oust Mrs. Maynard? Why do you suppose Stella is willing to align herself with Baker again after such treatment?
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3
|
17
|
April 13, 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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|
25
|
293
|
March 11, 2026
|
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Overall, what did you think of Happy Land? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
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39
|
170
|
April 13, 2026
|
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Just for fun - April fools shelf awareness
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3
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37
|
April 3, 2026
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