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The Right Way to Write Discussion Questions
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chris Bohjalian, Susan Meissner, and more ...
Book Club News: March Issue
Hello Book Clubbers,
In this issue of Book Club News, we feature our current book club discussion of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel Dream Count, following the lives of four women and their experiences with love.
Members are also talking about Chris Bohjalian’s The Jackal’s Mistress, a Civil War narrative with a slow-burn romance, and Susan Meissner’s A Map to Paradise, a suspenseful McCarthy-era story.
Plus, we can’t wait to show you what April books we’re excited about, how to write your own book club discussion questions, and the upcoming discussions we’re looking forward to.
Thanks for reading,
The BookBrowse Team
Book Club Discussions
Discussions are open to all to view and participate, so if you've read a book, click on "discuss." If you have not, we suggest you go to "about the book" to avoid spoilers.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
From the Jacket A publishing event ten years in the making—a searing, exquisite new novel by the bestselling and award-winning author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists—the story of four women and their loves, longings, and desires. From the Discussion "It was my first experience reading Adichie. Her storytelling is spellbinding, and draws you into the characters. I will certainly read other books of hers." —Peggy_H |  |
"I think this is a book for people who like character-driven novels as well as women who are looking for where their life choices may have taken them. I read Purple Hibiscus and this book is equally as good as that one (which I read twice because it was such a powerful story and so beautifully written as well)." —Janine_S
See what people are saying in response to this question: "Zikora tells Omelogor and Chia that 'every woman has a story…where a man has lied to her or betrayed her and left her with consequences.' Do you think this is true?"
The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian
From the Jacket In this Civil War love story, inspired by a real-life friendship across enemy lines, the wife of a missing Confederate soldier discovers a wounded Yankee officer and must decide what she's willing to risk for the life of a stranger, from the New York Times bestselling author of such acclaimed historical fiction as Hour of the Witch and The Sandcastle Girls. From the Discussion "The Jackal’s Mistress is a superbly written and exhaustively researched Civil War novel.” —John_A |  |
“Bohjalian provides readers with a great deal to contemplate about war, the costs of war, the Civil War in particular, racism, and social structures. He gives insight into the different ways his characters see the world and respond to their circumstances…It would make an excellent choice for a book club because there is much to discuss and debate.” —Janie-Hickok-Siess
“I would recommend The Jackal’s Mistress to fans of historical fiction, for readers looking for a book with a strong female character, for readers who appreciate an understated, slow-burn romantic element, and to readers who appreciate a story told from multiple points of view.” —Karen_Belyea
A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner
From the Jacket With her name on the Hollywood blacklist and her life on hold, starlet Melanie Cole has little choice in company. There is her next-door neighbor, Elwood, but the screenwriter's agoraphobia allows for just short chats through open windows. He's her sole confidante, though, as she and her housekeeper, Eva, an immigrant from war-torn Europe, rarely make conversation. Then one early morning Melanie and Eva spot Elwood's sister-in-law and caretaker, June, digging in his beloved rose garden. After that they don't see Elwood at all anymore. Where could a man who never leaves the house possibly have gone? |  |
From the Discussion
"I liked the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books about women’s friendships with an important dose of American history included. The Blacklist and McCarthyism is a dirty part of American history that is being forgotten, is not being taught in schools, and history is threatening to repeat itself." —Ruthie_Arnold
“It was entertaining and suspenseful, with a compelling theme and well-developed characters…Would inspire good discussion for book clubs.” —Janie-Hickok-Siess
See what people are saying in response to this question: "If you had access to a time machine like the one June imagined for herself, would you use it? If so, where in time would you want to go and why?”
April Books We’re Excited About
Between April showers and sunshine, you’re sure to be craving some fresh reads. Here, we present a murky story of literary suspense, a novel of historical England, an African Gothic tale, and a book about a woman with an abiding interest in airplanes. Read them with your book club safely indoors while weathering spring storms, or take them to the park to enjoy amid the gradually warming breezes. And look out for upcoming coverage in our digital magazine! … continued |  |
Write Your Own Discussion Questions!
Need to brainstorm discussion questions for your book club's next meeting? We're here to help! In this article, we'll cover the basics of writing a successful book discussion guide. … continued |  |
Discussions
Discussions are open to all, so please join us! If you would like to receive a message when a particular discussion opens, you can sign up for a one-time notification. You can also find inspiration for your book club among our more than 200 past discussions. Currently, we’re discussing Husbands by Holly Gramazio, among many other books. Starting this week, we feature The River Knows Your Name by Kelly Mustian and The Devil Finds Work by James Baldwin. |  |
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