Charles’s Comments (group member since Mar 31, 2020)

Charles’s comments from the Hackley Public Library Book Club group.

Again, I apologize for the technical trouble.
We will be trying a different platform for our next book club so keep a look out for that on our website, hackleylibrary.org or our Facebook Page.

Our next book discussion will be on The Gown by Jennifer Robson. https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/1...

Want a preview? Listen to an excerpt of it read live by me, Analiese, on Tuesday, 6/9 at 1:30. It will stream to our Facebook Page and our Youtube channel.

Have you traveled to Vietnam or studied the country’s history? How did this book compare to that experience? How about for other war-torn regions of the world? How did visiting or learning about those places affect you?

One of Grandma’s phrases of wisdom offered to Ngọc was “If you bear grudges, you’re the one who’ll have to bear the burden of sorrow.” Discuss Diệu Lan’s deep well of forgiveness and courage. How do you think she summoned suchcourage to release these deep wounds?

Especially in regard to the character of Sang, discuss political ideology’s potential to drive families apart.

In addition to her own personal experience witnessing war’s devastation, author Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai collected
hundreds of true stories from families to form the basis of this novel and study the aftermath of war across generations. Discuss how trauma is handed down through the decades and how it evolves between generations.

The author has earned acclaim as a celebrated poet. Discuss how you think her background in this form influenced
The Mountains Sing novel.*

Pam wrote: "The boat trip was horrible. I forget how long they were on the cramped boat but sea sickness was rampant. A Norwegian Navy ship came by and rescued them and the first man to speak to them looked li..."

It certainly sounds that way.

Pam wrote: "Our family must have been in Southern Vietnam. The Father had a great business, lost it. Decided to flee with the kids. His idea was to split the family and get on 2 boats so that at least if one g..."

Hi, Pam,
Yes, I am here. That must be so difficult to make a choice like that and split up your family.

Let's discuss Diệu Lan’s (Grandma) children and her influence on each of them. Did any characters in particular stand out to you?

Pam wrote: "well....I will talk to myself. I loved the book. Got the hardcover book because in the 70's our church, Trinity Lutheran, New Era sponsored a Vietnamese family with 6 kids. I thought I would pass m..."

That's a wonderful idea, Pam. I'm glad you loved the book. Was there anything in particular you liked about it?

Whenever we do a book discussion, I like to hear what everyone's initial thoughts were of the book. Did you read it or listen on audio?

I listened to it and thought the reader did a wonderful job. This is certainly a deep book which had me in tears in many parts but I liked the way it had the story of both (Grandma) and Huong.

What about you?

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Hi everyone! This is Analiese, librarian at Hackley Public Library, and I wanted to start out by saying thank you for joining our online book discussion of The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai.

Mark your calendar for this upcoming book discussion, 6 PM on Monday, June 8, about the compelling novel “The Mountains Sing.” This epic story narrates the powerful and painful history of 20th century Vietnam.

Welcome to the first HPL Online Book discussion of
Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles by A.L. Herbert.

As we comment on each other's posts lets remember our group rules.
1. Let's chat about the book!
2. You don't have to agree but you have to be respectful.
3. Have fun.