Membership in two book clubs means constant vigilance at keeping up with the reading list so as to have the proper books read by certain dates. Currently I am a few months ahead on my reading and wondering how the discussions will go for each of these books. Typically, because we are all busy, the person designated to lead the discussion relies on the questions provided by the publisher. Sometimes they are even published at the back of the book. But other times the person who is leading the discussion may go off the board and do a little extra research, twice we even invited guest speakers into our midst. Since I am a bit ahead, I've been wondering how discussions will go on some of the upcoming books. This post reflects my thoughts on a few of the questions we will nibble on as we process the books together.
Title: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Author: Deborah Moggach
Book Club/#Month: (SOTH, #7)
Summary: Retired British pensioners move to Bangalore, India where prices are lower, stretching their pensions.
Possible discussion questions:
- Would you consider moving to some place like Bangalore for your retirement? Why/Why not?
- What do you think of the differences between the ways that the two cultures treat individuals who are aging?
- If you've seen the movie, how does it differ from the book? Which did you like better?
- There were lots of concurrent stories, which one did you like best or relate to the most? Why?
Author: Hector Tobar
Book Club/#Month: (RHS, #7)
Summary: The untold stories of the 33 miners trapped in a Chilean mine for 69 days.
Possible discussion questions:
- Did you follow the story as it was unfolding in 2010? What details did you miss about the real events?
- In politics today we often hear about how safety procedures are making businesses unprofitable. Where do you stand? Safety or profit?
- The rescued miners emerged from the mine with bad cases of PTSD. What do you know about PTSD and what are effective treatments?
Author: JoJo Moyes
Book Club/#Month: (RHS, #8)
Summary: Lou Clark is hired as a companion to Will Traynor, a quadriplegic. He doesn't want to live. Can she change his mind?
Possible discussion questions:
Book Club/#Month: (RHS, #8)
Summary: Lou Clark is hired as a companion to Will Traynor, a quadriplegic. He doesn't want to live. Can she change his mind?
Possible discussion questions:
- What do you think of euthanasia? Should a person have the right to end his/her life if they have a life-long disability like quadriplegia?
- Would you react the same way Lou Clark did? Like Will's parents? Friends? Society?
- Compare the two men in Lou's life.
Author: Emily St. John Mandel
Book Club/#Month: (RHS, #9)
Summary: A flu wipes out 99% of the world's population. The remaining 1% have to create a new world.
Possible discussion questions:
- "Survival is insufficient" is the motto of the Traveling Symphony. Explain what it means in context to the story.
- Identify the Shakespearean allusions in the story.
- Why do you think the author included a "prophet" in the story? Is there a deeper meaning behind his presence?
If you have read any of these books what questions, please suggest some good discussions.
30 books Summer Reading Challenge
12 / 30 books. 40% done!
These are such great picks for book clubs. I especially think Me Before You is a good one.
ReplyDelete