Book discussion questions for Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family, created by MPPL staff.
Book Discussion Questions
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Book Discussion Questions: The Obituary Writer by Ann Hood
The Library is happy to share staff-created discussion questions to supplement those provided by the publisher. If we might assist your book club in choosing a title or by curating additional resources, please contact Fiction/AV/Teen Services.
Book Discussion Questions: News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Title: News of the WorldAuthor: Paulette JilesPage Count: 213 pagesGenre: Historical FictionTone: Compelling, Lyrical, Character-driven Summary:In the aftermath of the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, an elderly widower and itinerant news reader, is offered fifty dollars to bring an orphan girl, who was kidnapped and raised by Kiowa raiders, from Wichita Falls back to her family in…
Book Discussion Questions: Lucky Boy by Shanthi Sekaran
Title: Lucky BoyAuthor: Shanthi SekaranPage Count: 472 pagesGenre: Literary Fiction, Multiple PerspectivesTone: Sympathetic, Moving Summary:A wrenching emotional battle ensues between Soli, an undocumented Mexican single mother, and Kavya, an Indian-American chef who cannot have children, when Soli's infant son is placed in Kavya's care during an immigration detention. SPOILER WARNING:These book discussion questions are highly…
Book Discussion Questions: Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
Title: Necessary LiesAuthor: Diane ChamberlainPage Count: 343 pagesGenre: Domestic FictionTone: Compelling, Haunting Summary:Set in the 1960s, the little-known North Carolina’s Eugenics Sterilization Program is brought to light as twenty-two year old Jane Forrester defies societal pressure and begins work as a social worker. Although they seem worlds apart, she becomes linked with fifteen-year-old Ivy Hart as…
Book Discussion Questions: The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
Title: The NestAuthor: Cynthia D'Aprix SweeneyPage Count: 353 pagesGenre: Contemporary Lit, Dysfunctional Family FictionTone: Sardonic, Moving Summary:Years of simmering tensions finally reach a breaking point after an ensuing accident endangers the Plumbs' joint trust fund, which they are months away from finally receiving. Brought together as never before, Leo, Melody, Jack, and Beatrice must grapple with old…
Book Discussion Questions: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Title: Crazy Rich AsiansAuthor: Kevin KwanPage Count: 527 pagesGenre: Satire, Mainstream FictionTone: Humorous, High Drama, Witty Summary:Envisioning a summer vacation in the humble Singapore home of a boy she hopes to marry, Chinese American Rachel Chu is unexpectedly introduced to a rich and scheming clan that strongly opposes their son's relationship with an American girl. SPOILER WARNING: These…
Book Discussion Questions: The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
Title: The Boston GirlAuthor: Anita DiamantPage Count: 322 pagesGenre: Historical FictionTone: Dramatic, Reflective Summary:Recounting the story of her life to her granddaughter, octogenarian Addie describes how she was raised in early-twentieth-century America by Jewish immigrant parents in a teeming multicultural neighborhood. SPOILER WARNING: These book discussion questions are highly detailed and will ruin plot points…
Book Discussion Questions: Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
Title: Tell the Wolves I'm HomeAuthor: Carol Rifka BruntPage Count: 360 pagesGenre: Coming-of-ageTone: Moving, Atmospheric Summary:Her world upended by the death of a beloved artist uncle who was the only person who understood her, fourteen-year-old June is mailed a teapot by her uncle's grieving friend, with whom June forges a poignant relationship. SPOILER WARNING: These…
Book Discussion Questions: Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
Title: Ordinary GraceAuthor: William Kent KruegerPage Count: 307 pagesGenre: Mystery, Psychological fictionTone: Melancholy, Nostalgic, Strong sense of place Summary:Looking back at a tragic event that occurred during his 13th year, a man explores how a complicated web of secrets, adultery and betrayal shattered his Methodist family and their small 1961 Minnesota community. SPOILER WARNING: These book…
