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Geoffrey learns about manscaping and attempts the grooming technique (injuring himself in the process). Is there a modern trend that you find surprising?
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19
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69
|
March 6, 2026
|
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What is the significance of using terms such as kingdom and royalty to describe the land and its people?
|
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7
|
35
|
March 9, 2026
|
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Rita decided to take the Lusitania despite the warnings. Was she too trusting that the ship was too fast to be torpedoed? Or was she justified in feeling that her need to reach her brother outweighed the risk? Would you have boarded the ship?
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23
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48
|
March 10, 2026
|
|
What’s the best nonfiction book you read in 2025?
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|
49
|
524
|
January 21, 2026
|
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Inez defends her decision to marry George (“I am at home in his heart"). Do you believe she actually fell in love with him that quickly, or was becoming Mrs. Vernon more of a new version of herself that she couldn’t wait to experience?
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17
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39
|
March 10, 2026
|
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Each chapter of the book starts with an excerpt from Inez’s final letter to Rita. What did you think of this technique? How do you feel it set the stage for the chapter each precedes, or for the book in general?
|
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20
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51
|
March 11, 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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7
|
19
|
March 9, 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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9
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24
|
March 9, 2026
|
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To what audience would you recommend A Crown of Stars? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
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15
|
38
|
March 10, 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?
|
|
9
|
21
|
March 8, 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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6
|
29
|
March 9, 2026
|
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Multiple characters find healing through music after trauma. Do you agree that creative pursuits can help process difficult experiences?
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12
|
51
|
March 10, 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?
|
|
7
|
21
|
March 9, 2026
|
|
Thrillers are very popular, but there are many types of thrillers - legal thrillers, spy thrillers, detective thrillers, etc. If you read thrillers, what's your favorite sub-genre, and who is the best author of that sub-genre, in your opinion?
|
|
27
|
92
|
February 10, 2026
|
|
At what point did you read the Author’s Note – before, after, or while you read the novel? Did you do much research/internet searching about people and events as you read?
|
|
18
|
35
|
March 10, 2026
|
|
To what audience would you recommend The Violin Maker’s Secret? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
17
|
50
|
March 10, 2026
|
|
Authors Guild expands ‘Human Authored’ certification program
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0
|
11
|
March 6, 2026
|
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What are your favorite books about animals, both fiction and nonfiction?
|
|
25
|
121
|
February 8, 2026
|
|
How would you describe the connection between the kingdomfolk and their land?
|
|
3
|
14
|
March 5, 2026
|
|
If you lived at Sheldon Oaks how do you think you would have reacted, learning a serial killer was also a resident, particularly after a suspicious death occurred?
|
|
14
|
46
|
March 6, 2026
|
|
Am I the only person who does this?
|
|
38
|
236
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
Gabrielle loves going to the library’s reading room because “the air had a stillness” and it “calmed her nerves.” Do you think libraries foster this sense of peace in general? Is there someplace you frequent where you experience a similar stillness?
|
|
14
|
35
|
March 10, 2026
|
|
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (2/12/2026)
|
|
37
|
183
|
February 19, 2026
|
|
Overall, what did you think of I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home? (No spoilers, please!)
|
|
36
|
175
|
February 28, 2026
|
|
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?
|
|
5
|
14
|
March 8, 2026
|
|
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?
|
|
6
|
13
|
March 8, 2026
|
|
What did you think of the author’s choice to make the lead investigator a mass murderer recently released from prison? Did you agree with Carol that she was uniquely qualified to investigate the murder?
|
|
18
|
54
|
March 5, 2026
|
|
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (1/29/2026)
|
|
41
|
200
|
February 5, 2026
|
|
What do you think of Rita’s deliberate, unspoken message to her enemies: I’m still here?
|
|
7
|
29
|
March 10, 2026
|
|
Minnesota authors, PEN America continue to speak out against ICE
|
|
0
|
10
|
March 4, 2026
|