We're compiling a list of questions about To Have Not for book groups, designed to spark enjoyable and insightful discussions, and maybe a few arguments. The questions target the book's themes (exclusion, infinity, and helicopters, for example), and its provocative pronouncements (such as, "Kill your dreams, I say. Kill them before they kill you."). Good questions, all. But then there are the questions you really want to ask. I once belonged to a book group in the sleepy town of Kennebunk, Maine, whose sole purpose was to bring a bunch of girlfriends together to drink wine and talk about sex. We had a lot of fun, but the book was incidental. With that easily-distracted group in mind, I pose this list of 5 more pointed questions:
1. Why is the author so hung up on what she doesn't have? Sheesh, she's got food, shelter, and surfboards. What right does she have to complain?
2. She describes meeting with Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, and Paul McCartney. Why all the name-dropping?
3. How could she go public with this book while her parents are still alive? Does she have no shame?
4. Why does she move so much? I think I counted almost 40 houses and apartments in California and up and down the Eastern seaboard. It's not like she's in the military or anything.
5. Speaking of sex, and settling down: shouldn't she be married by now? What's her problem?
Um, I haven't read the book yet, but maybe readers will ask questions like How did she get such a fresh and well-rounded perspective? How was she able to craft a life that many people say they want (professional writer, published in natuional magazines, etc)? And how can I get a smokin' hot body like hers?
ReplyDeleteJust a thought...
Alison
Great questions; i'll add them to the list. Answer to the last one: good genes and great jeans, and the older i get the better the jeans gotta be.
ReplyDeleteAre people gonna ask if the picture on the cover is you when you were a small child?
ReplyDeleteThe more questions the merrier, I say. Just don't expect me to answer them all...
ReplyDelete