Do you like books that are written in letter format? Or in other words, books that tell the story between people based on their letters/correspondence. They fascinate me, actually. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS & THOUGHTS: Here's a thought-provoking quote from one of Evelyn's (Evie's) first letters to Thomas Harding: "You know I have a dreadful tendency for over enthusiasm & I'm afraid this war might bring out my very worst best intentions." What does Evie mean by saying this? How are our very worst best intentions sometimes made manifest? Discussion Questions: Why are letters such an interesting way to tell a story? Is it possible people were more direct & descriptive in their letters because it was their only form of communication when distance & war were involved? How does Evie (alias of Genevieve Wren) contribute to the LDT? Are her columns on “A Woman’s War” unique or traditional for her time? At what point does Evie seem to realize she’s in love with Thomas Harding? Why does she believe she’s just a dear friend to him? What do you think of Evie's relationship with Hopper? What are some of the main reasons Evie decides to enroll in the WAAC? Is her decision to run away from things brave and wise or cowardly? Who is Delphine? What gift does Thomas give her when they meet up in Paris in December of 1968? How does she remind him of Evie? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Also, I mentioned a few of my other letters format favorites on my IG video; here they are! Dennis & Greer : Molly Gould Ella Minnow Pea: Mark Dunn The Potato Peel Pie Society: Mary Ann Barrows & Annie Shaffer
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We are reading Stephanie Meyer's the Chemist this month.
Yes, she's the same author who wrote the Twilight series, but this book is written in a very different style. In some ways it reminds me of the Host, especially in that Juliana (the protagonist) is always on the run. It's a longer book, but it's been a page-turner for me so far! It also gets a little graphic in places (her job is far from ordinary or standard.) So just be aware of that as you read! You might feel a bit queasy at points. *BOOK QUESTIONS:* How did Juliana F. ever get started with the company that now has her running for her life? (pg. 198 =answer) Are Juliana (a.k.a. Alex) & Daniel falling in love? How can you tell? Is that strange, considering the fact that she tortured Daniel initially? What leads Kevin & Alex to strike a truce? Will they be able to restrain themselves from beating each other up? Is the ending to the story believable? Was it predictable? Why or why not? So this book is divided into 3 parts & I will post thoughts & questions under these categories for easier reference while you're reading! I would welcome your thoughts & how you have processed the book now. :)
Cheers! And HAPPY reading. ;) Part I: Positive Emotion (taking all the quizzes outlined here has been very insightful for me; the overall happiness, forgiveness scale & glass half full vs. half empty ) & the sastisfaction with life scale (which I've adapted for my happiness research & created a questionnaire on Google docs.) Part II: Strength & Virtue (the point in taking these quick quizzes on your character is so you can build "the good life around polishing and deploying your strengths, then using them to buffer against your weaknesses & the trials that weaknesses bring." Part III: In the Mansions of Life "....a calling must engage your signature strengths. Your job is transformed from a burdensome means into a gratification." "having flow-- feeling completely at home within yourself when you work." A quote from the Preface: "The pursuit of happiness is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence as a right of all Americans, as well as on the self-improvement shelves of every American bookstore. Yet the scientific evidence makes it seem unlikely that you can change your level of happiness in any sustainable way. It suggests that we have a fixed range for happiness, just as we do for weight. New research, though, demonstrates that {happiness} can be lastingly increased." **Also a fun thing to try at the beginning of reading Authentic Happiness is the Fordyce Emotions Questionnaire. It is found within the text, or you can take it online at: https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/
This month's book will be a self-help book. It's called: Authentic Happiness by: Martin Seligman. It's been quoted as a classic in many books relating to happiness & seems like a good starting point for those of us trying to find ways to be happier in our everyday life.
Please join me in reading this during the month of September! I will post Q &A and discussion questions as we go along. Happy reading! |
AuthorHi, I'm Katie! I'm 33 years old, have 2 little babes, live in sunny Arizona & have begun dabbling in a bit of writing of children's books. Archives
February 2022
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