Book Club Discussion Questions
1. Non-maternal, ambivalent mothers are one of the last taboos -- and Eva is a prime example. Were her motives for having a baby entirely selfish? And if so, how much can that have factored into the outcome of an abnormally difficult baby and apathetic child? Incontrast to Kevin, Celia was loving, needy and sweet -- and her mother's favorite, if not her father's. By the very end of the novel, has Eva's love for Kevin, or at least her primitive loyalty to him, finally become unconditional? How does this fit in with the feminist ideal of motherhood?
2. Is Eva's view of Kevin colored by her ambivalence about motherhood in general, or perhaps by hindsight knowledge of his eventual violence? Is Eva responsible for creating a child she sees as a monster, or was he a monster all along?
3. Eva's tone changes throughout the course of her letter-writing. She is in turns angry, frustrated and mystified. Could you describe Eva as a loving mother -- in deed if not in thought? Was Kevin overly indulged by a parenting style that let him potty train and learn at his own pace?
4. Did the inclusion of a child into Eva and Franklin's stable, loving relationship cause the rift between them? Did the fact of a child threaten their marriage? How was Kevin perceived as a threat by Eva from conception? What expectations did Eva have of motherhood and how did she meet the reality of it? Was Franklin unsupportive of Eva?
5. The irony of Eva having read Robin Hood to an ailing, needy Kevin at a time of almost shocking mother-son bonding is played out in the way Kevin massacred his fellow students and the teacher who took an interest in him. Since it is Eva who connects Kevin's fevered state with her recollection of his unusual interest in anything whatsoever, is it possible that Kevin's methods were meant to figuratively slay his mother?
6. After Eva throws Kevin across the room, she takes him to the hospital. She confesses later on to Franklin, "However much I deserved rebuke, I still preferred the slow burn of private self-excoriation to the hot lash of public reproof." Are Eva's letters to Franklin her form of self-excoriation, though she is suffering public reproof as the mother of a mass murderer?
8. Does Eva feel responsible for Kevin's series of nasty deeds and childhood "pranks?" Does she think she could have prevented any of it? Does she come to realize why Kevin would harm other children or does she give up trying to understand? How can we sympathize with a mother and father who saw all the warning signs but failed to stop the violence?
9. Given that the story is told from Eva's perspective only, can she be trusted as reliable? How do you think Franklin's version of events would have differed? Might Eva choose to portray Kevin in childhood as more wicked than he really was, if only to make her seem less culpable for his crimes as a teenager?
10. What were Eva's reasons for having a second child? Did Franklin forgive her for the deception? Was she repentant? How closely were her expectations met and was she gratified? How did Franklin's attitude toward Kevin and Celia differ?
12. Toward the end of the novel, it is revealed that Kevin has more complicated feelings about his mother and some of the 9 people he murdered. This gives us a hint as to why he might have carefully planned and carried out Thursday. Does he seem pathetic or more deserving of compassion because he may have had a motive, after all?
13. At the conclusion of the novel, did you find Eva sympathetic in a way you may not have initially? Do you think Eva has sympathy and forgiveness for herself? Is she able to accept Kevin, and to see his personality as, however uncomfortably, akin to her own?
(Questions issued by publisher.)
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Monday, November 8, 2010
The Namesake Questions
Questions for The Namesake:
Book Club Discussion Questions
1. The Namesake opens with Ashima Ganguli trying to make a spicy Indian snack from American ingredients — Rice Krispies and Planters peanuts — but "as usual, there's something missing." How does Ashima try and make over her home in Cambridge to remind her of what she's left behind in Calcutta? Throughout The Namesake, how does Jhumpa Lahiri use food and clothing to explore cultural transitions — especially through rituals, like the annaprasan, the rice ceremony? Some readers have said that Lahiri's writing makes them crave the meals she evokes so beautifully. What memories or desires does Lahiri bring up for you? Does her writing ever make you "hunger"?
2. The title The Namesake reflects the struggles Gogol Ganguli goes through to identify with his unusual names. How does Gogol lose first his public name, his bhalonam, and then his private pet name, his daknam? How does he try to remake his identity, after choosing to rename himself, and what is the result? How do our names precede us in society, and how do they define us? Do you have a pet name, or a secret name — and has that name ever become publicly known? Do you have different names with different people? Did you ever wish for a new name? How are names chosen in your family?
3. Newsweek said of Lahiri's Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of short stories, Interpreter of Maladies, "Jhumpa Lahiri writes such direct, translucent prose you almost forget you're reading." The Namesake is also subtle in style, elegant, and paced realistically. How are the events of the novel simultaneously dramatic and commonplace? What details made the characters real to you? Did you ever lose yourself in the story?
4. When Gogol is born, the Gangulis meet other Bengali families with small children, and Ashima finds with the new baby that "perfect strangers, all Americans, suddenly take notice of her, smiling, congratulating her for what she's done." How, for all of us, do children change our place in the community, and what we expect from it? Have you ever connected with someone you may have otherwise never spoken with — of a different ethnic background or economic class — through their children or your own?
5. In his youth, Ashoke Ganguli is saved from a massive train wreck in India. When his son Gogol is born, Ashoke thinks, "Being rescued from that shattered train had been the first miracle of his life. But here, now, reposing in his arms, weighing next to nothing but changing everything, is the second." Is Ashoke's love for his family more poignant because of his brush with death? Why do you think he hides his past from Gogol? What moments define us more — accidents or achievements, mourning or celebration?
6. Lahiri has said, "The question of identity is always a difficult one, but especially for those who are culturally displaced, as immigrants are . . . who grow up in two worlds simultaneously." What do you think Gogol wants most from his life? How is it different from what his family wants for him, and what they wanted when they first came to America to start a family? How have expectations changed between generations in your own family? Do you want something different for your own children from what your parents wanted for you?
7. Jhumpa Lahiri has said of The Namesake, "America is a real presence in the book; the characters must struggle and come to terms with what it means to live here, to be brought up here, to belong and not belong here." Did The Namesake allow you to think of America in a new way? Do you agree that "America is a real presence" in The Namesake? How is India also a "presence" in the book?
8. The marriage of Ashima and Ashoke is arranged by their families. The closest intimacy they share before their wedding is when Ashima steps briefly, secretly, into Ashoke's shoes. Gogol's romantic encounters are very different from what his parents experienced or expected for their son. What draws Gogol to his many lovers, especially to Ruth, Maxine, and eventually Moushumi? What draws them to him? From where do you think we take our notions of romantic love — from our family and friends, or from society and the media? How much does your cultural heritage define your ideas and experience of love?
9. Lahiri explores in several ways the difficulty of reconciling cross-cultural rituals around death and dying. For instance, Ashima refuses to display the rubbings of gravestones young Gogol makes with his classmates. And when Gogol's father suddenly dies, Gogol's relationship with Maxine is strained and quickly ends. Why do you think their love affair can't survive Gogol's grief? How does the loss of Gogol's father turn him back toward his family? How does it also change Sonia and Ashima's relationship?
10. Did you find the ending of The Namesake surprising? What did you expect from Moushumi and Gogol's marriage? Do you think Moushumi is entirely to blame for her infidelity? Is Gogol a victim at the end of the book? In the last few pages of The Namesake, Gogol begins to read The Overcoat for the first time — the book his father gave him, by his "namesake." Where do you imagine Gogol will go from here?
(Questions issued by publisher.)
Book Club Discussion Questions
1. The Namesake opens with Ashima Ganguli trying to make a spicy Indian snack from American ingredients — Rice Krispies and Planters peanuts — but "as usual, there's something missing." How does Ashima try and make over her home in Cambridge to remind her of what she's left behind in Calcutta? Throughout The Namesake, how does Jhumpa Lahiri use food and clothing to explore cultural transitions — especially through rituals, like the annaprasan, the rice ceremony? Some readers have said that Lahiri's writing makes them crave the meals she evokes so beautifully. What memories or desires does Lahiri bring up for you? Does her writing ever make you "hunger"?
2. The title The Namesake reflects the struggles Gogol Ganguli goes through to identify with his unusual names. How does Gogol lose first his public name, his bhalonam, and then his private pet name, his daknam? How does he try to remake his identity, after choosing to rename himself, and what is the result? How do our names precede us in society, and how do they define us? Do you have a pet name, or a secret name — and has that name ever become publicly known? Do you have different names with different people? Did you ever wish for a new name? How are names chosen in your family?
3. Newsweek said of Lahiri's Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of short stories, Interpreter of Maladies, "Jhumpa Lahiri writes such direct, translucent prose you almost forget you're reading." The Namesake is also subtle in style, elegant, and paced realistically. How are the events of the novel simultaneously dramatic and commonplace? What details made the characters real to you? Did you ever lose yourself in the story?
4. When Gogol is born, the Gangulis meet other Bengali families with small children, and Ashima finds with the new baby that "perfect strangers, all Americans, suddenly take notice of her, smiling, congratulating her for what she's done." How, for all of us, do children change our place in the community, and what we expect from it? Have you ever connected with someone you may have otherwise never spoken with — of a different ethnic background or economic class — through their children or your own?
5. In his youth, Ashoke Ganguli is saved from a massive train wreck in India. When his son Gogol is born, Ashoke thinks, "Being rescued from that shattered train had been the first miracle of his life. But here, now, reposing in his arms, weighing next to nothing but changing everything, is the second." Is Ashoke's love for his family more poignant because of his brush with death? Why do you think he hides his past from Gogol? What moments define us more — accidents or achievements, mourning or celebration?
6. Lahiri has said, "The question of identity is always a difficult one, but especially for those who are culturally displaced, as immigrants are . . . who grow up in two worlds simultaneously." What do you think Gogol wants most from his life? How is it different from what his family wants for him, and what they wanted when they first came to America to start a family? How have expectations changed between generations in your own family? Do you want something different for your own children from what your parents wanted for you?
7. Jhumpa Lahiri has said of The Namesake, "America is a real presence in the book; the characters must struggle and come to terms with what it means to live here, to be brought up here, to belong and not belong here." Did The Namesake allow you to think of America in a new way? Do you agree that "America is a real presence" in The Namesake? How is India also a "presence" in the book?
8. The marriage of Ashima and Ashoke is arranged by their families. The closest intimacy they share before their wedding is when Ashima steps briefly, secretly, into Ashoke's shoes. Gogol's romantic encounters are very different from what his parents experienced or expected for their son. What draws Gogol to his many lovers, especially to Ruth, Maxine, and eventually Moushumi? What draws them to him? From where do you think we take our notions of romantic love — from our family and friends, or from society and the media? How much does your cultural heritage define your ideas and experience of love?
9. Lahiri explores in several ways the difficulty of reconciling cross-cultural rituals around death and dying. For instance, Ashima refuses to display the rubbings of gravestones young Gogol makes with his classmates. And when Gogol's father suddenly dies, Gogol's relationship with Maxine is strained and quickly ends. Why do you think their love affair can't survive Gogol's grief? How does the loss of Gogol's father turn him back toward his family? How does it also change Sonia and Ashima's relationship?
10. Did you find the ending of The Namesake surprising? What did you expect from Moushumi and Gogol's marriage? Do you think Moushumi is entirely to blame for her infidelity? Is Gogol a victim at the end of the book? In the last few pages of The Namesake, Gogol begins to read The Overcoat for the first time — the book his father gave him, by his "namesake." Where do you imagine Gogol will go from here?
(Questions issued by publisher.)
Monday, August 16, 2010
More Questions Sarah's Key
Hachette Reading Group Guides
Welcome to our Reading Group guide for Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. We invite you to consider and discuss the following questions when reading this book:
1.This book is composed of two interwoven threads: Sarah’s story in 1942 and Julia’s quest in 2002. What are the strengths and drawbacks of this narrative form? Which ‘voice’ did you prefer and why?
2.What different feelings does Sarah experience throughout the trauma of the round-up and its aftermath? How do you think you would have reacted as a ten-year old child?
3.How does Julia Jarmond consider France and the French? Do you agree with her?
4.How would you characterise Julia and Bertrand's marriage and how does Julia's character evolve over the course of the novel?
5.How does Julia’s daughter Zoë help and support her mother? How does she echo the other little girl in the story, Sarah?
6.This novel is built around several family secrets. What are these secrets? Was Julia right to go so far? Is it sometimes better not to know?
7.Julia discovers disturbing events concerning French collaboration with the Nazis during the war. Did you learn of any historical events you previously did not know about? Which ones struck you the most?
8.What do you imagine happens after the end of the novel? What do you think Julia’s life will be like now? What has she learnt?
9.Many readers were moved to tears by certain passages in this book. Discuss whether this was your case, or not, and which were the passages that moved you and why.
10.The rue de Saintonge apartment is a key element to this story, bringing past and present together through a secret tragedy. Discuss how you would feel living in such a place. Do you think walls remember?
Welcome to our Reading Group guide for Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. We invite you to consider and discuss the following questions when reading this book:
1.This book is composed of two interwoven threads: Sarah’s story in 1942 and Julia’s quest in 2002. What are the strengths and drawbacks of this narrative form? Which ‘voice’ did you prefer and why?
2.What different feelings does Sarah experience throughout the trauma of the round-up and its aftermath? How do you think you would have reacted as a ten-year old child?
3.How does Julia Jarmond consider France and the French? Do you agree with her?
4.How would you characterise Julia and Bertrand's marriage and how does Julia's character evolve over the course of the novel?
5.How does Julia’s daughter Zoë help and support her mother? How does she echo the other little girl in the story, Sarah?
6.This novel is built around several family secrets. What are these secrets? Was Julia right to go so far? Is it sometimes better not to know?
7.Julia discovers disturbing events concerning French collaboration with the Nazis during the war. Did you learn of any historical events you previously did not know about? Which ones struck you the most?
8.What do you imagine happens after the end of the novel? What do you think Julia’s life will be like now? What has she learnt?
9.Many readers were moved to tears by certain passages in this book. Discuss whether this was your case, or not, and which were the passages that moved you and why.
10.The rue de Saintonge apartment is a key element to this story, bringing past and present together through a secret tragedy. Discuss how you would feel living in such a place. Do you think walls remember?
Sarah's Key #8-12
8. How do you imagine what happens after the end of the novel? What do you think Julia’s life will be like now that she knows the truth about Sarah? What truths do you think she’ll learn about her self?
9. Among modern Jews, there is a familiar mantra about the Holocaust; they are taught, from a very young age, that they must “remember and never forget” (as the inscription on the Rafle du Vél d’Hiv) Discuss the events of Sarah’s Key in this context. Who are the characters doing the remembering? Who are the ones who choose to forget?
10. What does it take for a novelist to bring a “real” historical event to life? To what extent do you think de Rosnay took artistic liberties with this work?
11. Why do modern readers enjoy novels about the past? How and when can a powerful piece of fiction be a history lesson in itself ?
12. We are taught, as young readers, that every story has a “moral”. Is there a moral to Sarah’s Key? What can we learn about our world --- and our selves --- from Sarah’s story?
9. Among modern Jews, there is a familiar mantra about the Holocaust; they are taught, from a very young age, that they must “remember and never forget” (as the inscription on the Rafle du Vél d’Hiv) Discuss the events of Sarah’s Key in this context. Who are the characters doing the remembering? Who are the ones who choose to forget?
10. What does it take for a novelist to bring a “real” historical event to life? To what extent do you think de Rosnay took artistic liberties with this work?
11. Why do modern readers enjoy novels about the past? How and when can a powerful piece of fiction be a history lesson in itself ?
12. We are taught, as young readers, that every story has a “moral”. Is there a moral to Sarah’s Key? What can we learn about our world --- and our selves --- from Sarah’s story?
Sarah's Key #7
7. Were you surprised by what you learned about Sarah’s history? Take a moment to discuss your individual expectations in reading Sarah’s Key. You may wish to ask the group for a show of hands. Who was satisfied by the end of the book? Who still wants to know --- or read --- more?
Sarah's Key #6
6. de Rosnay’s novel is built around several “key” secrets which Julia will unearth. Discuss the element of mystery in these pages. What types of narrative devices did the author use to keep the keep the reader guessing?
Sarah's Key #4
4. How does the apartment on la rue de Saintonge unite the past and present action --- and all the characters --- in Sarah’s Key? In what ways is the apartment a character all its own in?
Sarah's Key #3
3. Per above: Which “voice” did you prefer: Sarah’s or Julia’s? Why? Is one more or less authentic than the other? If you could meet either of the two characters, which one would you choose?
Sarah's Key #2
2. Sarah’s Key is composed of two interweaving story lines: Sarah’s, in the past, and Julia’s quest in the present day. Discuss the structure and prose-style of each narrative. Did you enjoy the alternating stories and time-frames? What are the strengths or drawbacks of this format?
Discussion Questions for Sarah's Key #1
1. What did you know about France’s role in World War II --- and the Vél d’Hiv round-up in particular --- before reading Sarah’s Key? How did this book teach you about, or change your impression of, this important chapter in French history?
Summer Reading
Hope everyone is reading this summer. I have been reading about Native Americans because I was teaching it. I also reviewed Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus because the title has been so resounding for years and a friend bought it for me for my birthday! It is an easy read geared mainly to females but males would benefit too if they would choose to read it. It is basically about relationships and why a certain sex acts the way it does. But, I am getting very ready to delve into Sarah's Key since I will have some time traveling to New Mexico. I also have the audio book for the car during my last-minute drives before heading back to Stamford High, a great high school where I like to work with students and staff!
Feel free to use this blog in anyway relating to books, especially ones we have or are about to discuss.
Feel free to use this blog in anyway relating to books, especially ones we have or are about to discuss.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Sarah's Key and Runaway have arrived!
Very soon we will be distributing Runaway. Let's plan on meeting Thursday, June 17th afterschool for the final discussion! Pick up a book soon!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Slave Girl
Keep Reading!
I know Spring Break was a nice time to catch up on all those other things, but let's keep on reading until Thursday! If you can not make the book club discussion on Thursday for a sporting event or another reason, stop by the Upper Level Media Center at 2:05 p.m. and return the book, mention a thought or 2 related to the book, and VOTE for our final book which we can order due to the Grant money received from FOSH!
I think the beginning is challenging but once you get through it Chapter 1 is great and unique. It is suspenseful. I am surprised with the spoiling of the daughter a bit by the father. I thought the mother would be more of a spoiler.
I know Spring Break was a nice time to catch up on all those other things, but let's keep on reading until Thursday! If you can not make the book club discussion on Thursday for a sporting event or another reason, stop by the Upper Level Media Center at 2:05 p.m. and return the book, mention a thought or 2 related to the book, and VOTE for our final book which we can order due to the Grant money received from FOSH!
I think the beginning is challenging but once you get through it Chapter 1 is great and unique. It is suspenseful. I am surprised with the spoiling of the daughter a bit by the father. I thought the mother would be more of a spoiler.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Slave Girl Competition
I have read reviews, a minute part of the Prologue, and Page 1 of Chaper 1. Let the race begin!
So far, the names are seeming very indiginous to the geographic location and the author seems to be immediately describing the characters involved: dad, 2 kids, and a mom who may be ill...
So far, the names are seeming very indiginous to the geographic location and the author seems to be immediately describing the characters involved: dad, 2 kids, and a mom who may be ill...
Friday, January 22, 2010
Preservationist: Ques. 2
Do you think any of these lessons have relevance to things we need to learn today?
Preservationist: Ques. 8
How does each character grow and change through the course of the novel and what are some lessons each of them learned?
Preservationist: Ques. 7
According to Father James Martin, a Catholic priest quoted in USA Today, the current trend of Bible-oriented books is "theology lite... some is nourishing, most of it isn't. But it's easily digested and makes few demands." Is this a fair criticism?
Preservationist: Ques. 6
The book starts with Noe and ends with Mirn. Is she the right character to be given the last word, or would you have preferred someone else?
Preservationist: Ques. 5
The chapters jump back and forth between 3rd and 1st person narration. Is this effective?
Preservationist: Ques. 4
How does the book's structure contribute to its pacing and emotional resonance?
Preservationist: Ques. 2
In the original, Biblical version of the story, only God, Noah and his sons are mentioned (and only God and Noah perform any specific actions). Does this [male] writer do a good job of creating convincing female characters?
Monday, January 4, 2010
Time Traveler's Wife: Discussion Question 10
Though history there have been dozens of mediums used for time travel in literature. Please cite examples and compare The Time Traveler's Wife to the ones with which you are familiar.
Time Traveler's Wife: Discussion Question 9
9. Do you think the ending of the novel is satisfactory?
Time Traveler's Wife: Discussion Question 8
8. The book is told from both Henry and Clare's perspectives. What does this add to the story?
Time Traveler's Wife: Discussion Question 7
7. How does their desire for a child affect their relationship?
Time Traveler's Wife: Discussion Question 6
6. The Time Traveler's Wife is ultimately an enduring love story. What trials and tribulations do Henry and Clare face that are the same as or different from other "normal" relationships?
Time Traveler's Wife: Discussion Question 5
5. Henry and Clare know each other for years before they fall in love as adults. How does Clare cope with the knowledge that at a young age she knows that Henry is the man she will eventually marry?
Time Traveler's Wife: Discussion Question 4
4. Henry's life is disrupted on multiple levels by spontaneous time travel. How does his career as a librarian offset his tumultuous disappearances? Why does that job appeal to Henry?
Time Traveler's Wife: Discussion Question 2
3. How does the writer introduce the reader to the concept of time travel as a realistic occurrence? Does she succeed?
Time Traveler's Wife: Discussion Question 2
2. Although Henry does the time traveling, Clare is equally impacted. How does she cope with his journeys and does she ultimately accept them?
Time Traveler's Wife: Discussion Question 1
1. In The Time Traveler's Wife , the characters meet each other at various times during their lifetime. How does the author keep all the timelines in order and "on time"?
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