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Rita enjoyed a bohemian lifestyle for her time, flouting convention if it didn’t suit her. She had a strong publicity machine at her back to smooth over any transgressions, but should she have been more circumspect regarding her private life?
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4
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19
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March 10, 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
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56
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March 10, 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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41
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March 10, 2026
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Have you read any of Shana Abé’s previous novels, and if so, how do they compare to A Crown of Stars?
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19
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65
|
March 10, 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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49
|
March 10, 2026
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Do you take notes as you read?
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22
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226
|
March 10, 2026
|
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How long to read a book?
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11
|
209
|
March 10, 2026
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Name three nonfiction books you absolutely loved and would recommend
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43
|
2631
|
March 10, 2026
|
|
Women Prize for Fiction longlist 2026
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13
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125
|
March 9, 2026
|
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Have you attended any author events this year?
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5
|
106
|
March 8, 2026
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What’s the last book you purchased? Why did you select it? Paperback, hardback or ebook?
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23
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288
|
March 8, 2026
|
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Which literary death was the hardest for you to come to terms with?
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25
|
333
|
March 7, 2026
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How does the novel explore the value of lost or forgotten art? Should all art be preserved and shared?
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9
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44
|
March 6, 2026
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Authors Guild expands ‘Human Authored’ certification program
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0
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23
|
March 6, 2026
|
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The America 250 Challenge: 26 Books for Reading US History in 2026
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5
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77
|
March 6, 2026
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When Devlin and Gabrielle attend a concert, Devlin insists on picking up an outfit at a second-hand store, although Gabrielle resists. What did you think of this scene? Do you shop at thrift stores? Why or why not?
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16
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43
|
March 6, 2026
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When Devlin learns that the violin he purchased may have been stolen, he turns to Walter for help. What would you have done in Devlin’s place?
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15
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53
|
March 6, 2026
|
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Many characters get unexpected second chances. Which character's transformation moved you most? Do you believe we all deserve second chances?
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16
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48
|
March 6, 2026
|
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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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79
|
March 6, 2026
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By the end, Verity realizes her decades-long pursuit of the violin was misguided. What does the novel say about revenge and obsession? Can you sympathize with her motivations?
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3
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23
|
March 5, 2026
|
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BookBrowsers Ask Amelia Ireland, author of The Seven O'Clock Club
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1
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16
|
March 5, 2026
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Do you believe objects can hold genuine power to transform lives, or is the change more about the meaning we give them? What items in your own life hold special significance?
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8
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39
|
March 5, 2026
|
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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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Do you plan what book(s) you’ll read next, or are you more of a spur-of-the-moment reader? If you’re a planner, how far in advance do you stage your books?
|
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10
|
51
|
March 4, 2026
|
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Minnesota authors, PEN America continue to speak out against ICE
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0
|
15
|
March 4, 2026
|
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Gabrielle thinks, “It was a disconcerting feeling – knowing that your one chance at achieving something great was already over.” How did you react to this statement? Is it possible for one’s career to peak too soon, and if so, how does one move on?
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5
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21
|
March 3, 2026
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Walter, Devlin, and Gabrielle are all isolated at the beginning. How does their unlikely friendship transform each of them?
|
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12
|
56
|
March 1, 2026
|
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How does the prominence of the land and flowers shape the reader’s understanding of the story?
|
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0
|
14
|
March 1, 2026
|
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What's your favorite quote from The Violin Maker's Secret?
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1
|
29
|
March 1, 2026
|
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Max took advantage of the teenage Gabrielle. When she told others in her life about this, she was ignored and the abuse continued. Why do you suppose that was? What, if anything, would have been different had that part of the plot happened today?
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11
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35
|
March 1, 2026
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