A book club for those of us without the time to go to meetings. Take our book suggestion for the month and read along. Post your comments or answers to the question below.
Now Reading The Land of the Mango Sunsets by Dorothea Benton Frank Pick up your copy in front of the circulation desk.
Try out recipes from the area http://www.dotfrank.com/Whats_New.html
Questions to Ask while you read:
1. At the beginning of the novel, Miriam is desperate to be accepted among the society set and their opinions mean a great deal to her. Does she care too much about other people's judgments? How has this affected her life?
2. When Miriam needs solace she returns to Sullivans Island—the "land of mango sunsets". What does the place do for her? Do you have a healing retreat? What kind of a special place would you like to have if you don't?
3. The novel's heroine transforms herself from "Miriam Elizabeth Swanson" to "Mellie." How do these two personalities compare and contrast with one another? What do you like about them? Do you see yourself in either?
4. Weather and nature are an important backdrop in the novel. How do they reflect Miriam's transformation?
5. What is the relationship like between Miriam and her mother, Miss Josie? How are the women alike—and how are the different? How do parents impact their children's lives?
6. Friendship and family are the cornerstones of The Land of Mango Sunsets. What makes a good friend? What makes people "family"?
7. When Liz's relationship turns violent and she is terribly hurt, Miriam blames herself. Why does she feel responsible? Was she to blame?
8. Miriam did not know her mother was ill until very late. Why do you think Miss Josie and Harrison didn't tell her?
9. In the prologue, Miriam says "Recognizing yourself in my mistakes won't be pretty, but perhaps it will keep both of us from making the same mistakes again." Can we learn from others' mistakes or do we have to make our own to truly learn life's lessons?
10. Miriam also says "Things happen for a reason." Do you agree?
11. What role Miriam's fling with "Manny the Man" play in the novel? Though it didn't end quite how she expected, was it ultimately good for her?
2. When Miriam needs solace she returns to Sullivans Island—the "land of mango sunsets". What does the place do for her? Do you have a healing retreat? What kind of a special place would you like to have if you don't?
3. The novel's heroine transforms herself from "Miriam Elizabeth Swanson" to "Mellie." How do these two personalities compare and contrast with one another? What do you like about them? Do you see yourself in either?
4. Weather and nature are an important backdrop in the novel. How do they reflect Miriam's transformation?
5. What is the relationship like between Miriam and her mother, Miss Josie? How are the women alike—and how are the different? How do parents impact their children's lives?
6. Friendship and family are the cornerstones of The Land of Mango Sunsets. What makes a good friend? What makes people "family"?
7. When Liz's relationship turns violent and she is terribly hurt, Miriam blames herself. Why does she feel responsible? Was she to blame?
8. Miriam did not know her mother was ill until very late. Why do you think Miss Josie and Harrison didn't tell her?
9. In the prologue, Miriam says "Recognizing yourself in my mistakes won't be pretty, but perhaps it will keep both of us from making the same mistakes again." Can we learn from others' mistakes or do we have to make our own to truly learn life's lessons?
10. Miriam also says "Things happen for a reason." Do you agree?
11. What role Miriam's fling with "Manny the Man" play in the novel? Though it didn't end quite how she expected, was it ultimately good for her?
