Lydia’s Comments (group member since Jan 06, 2023)

Lydia’s comments from the OBC Wine Project Book Club group.

First and foremost, apologies for being so behind on updating this page! I promise I'm back into it now.

WOW what a book. I loved it and hope that you all did too! Some of the thoughts and discussions at the in person meeting focused around these questions:

1)How did you like the book? Who was your favorite character?
2) “In the lives of puppets, there is always a ‘but’ that spoils everything.” What was the “but” of this story that set the stage for the plot?
3) This story takes a lot of inspiration from “Pinocchio.” Discuss the imagery, plot lines and characters and how the inspiration played a part in this book.
4) The Blue Fairy in Pinocchio says that Pinocchio can become a real boy if he is “brave, truthful and unselfish.” In what ways does this story’s Blue Fairy have the same requirements? How does it differ?
5) This book is largely about the human condition and what makes humanity, humanity.
Consider this quote from the author: “Humanity baffles me. We can lift others up, we can celebrate, we can be proud and filled with joy. But then there are those of us who want to cause pain, suffering, to take away the rights of marginalized groups simply for being different. I am often disappointed by people, but at the same time, I know that there is nothing like us. Why do people want to knowingly cause harm
when others are fighting to make the world a better place?
Humanity is a disease without a cure, and yet we dance. We sing. We live. This duality is at the heart of the novel.”
How did this novel showcase this duality?
6) The Authority is under the impression that they have eliminated the flaws of human consciousness from existence, but in what ways do the machines fall into the same patterns as humanity?
7) Do you feel like the ending was hopeful? Why or why not?
8) In queer communities, the idea of “chosen family” is extremely strong, as was it in this novel. How does the idea of a “chosen family” impact each of the characters?
9) Music plays a big part in this novel. Why? What is the difference between the machine made music and the Miles Davis melodies that the characters encounter? Why is that important?


Just some questions to get you thinking about this book a little deeper. I think it was a fabulously written and tender story and I loved how different it was from the novels I normally choose!

Hey Book Club! I want to open this space up to posting about book exchanges. While filling your shelves with all the wonderful titles we're reading can be incredibly fun, it also gets pricey! If you are finished with current titles or are looking to borrow a copy, feel free to post in this thread.

We're also now over on Discord for this same purpose!

I hope everyone else agrees with me that this is a phenomenal book! I think the overarching theme of identity, and the many different ways characters were able to explore and grow into their identities is something that really stuck with me. A few questions for you all...

1) How did the title relate to the plot?
2) We discussed at length the idea that the daughters were in some ways representations of the twin each of their mother's lost. In what ways does the statement "you create what you need" fit the dynamics and personalities of Desiree and Jude and Stella and Kennedy?
3) Stella thinks about “passing” and that at first it seemed so simple, she wondered why her parents didn’t. “She hadn’t realized how long it takes to become somebody else, or how lonely it can be living in a world not meant for you.” Do you think that Stella will ever feel whole or less lonely while keeping up the deception? Do you think she was relieved when Kennedy found out?
4) Stella thinks that becoming a white person means an easier life. Maybe it is as far as money due to Blake’s job but she’s never quite herself. Desiree dealt with horrible abuse but once she gets away, she’s content with Early and loves her daughter. Do you think either sister had it "easier" than the other?
5) Stella strikes up an unlikely friendship with Loretta. Do you think Loretta knew her secret? Do you think Stella would have ever admitted it to her?
6) Jude finds herself in an incredibly diverse and accepting community in Los Angeles, how do you think these friendships and her relationship with Reese impacted her growth?
7) Do you think Kennedy found some sort of relief in discovering her mother's secret? Why do you think she held onto the photo?
8) How did the theme of identity show itself throughout the book?
9) The ending sees Jude and Reese leaving behind Mallard and Jude's past and jumping into the river together. What do you think this ending meant for the characters? Did you enjoy it?
10) Who was your favorite character, and why was it Early?


For myself, I was very touched and impacted by so many of the plotlines in this book. It made me consider so many things I haven't ever thought about, and I was very thankful for that change in perspective. I especially loved the Jude/Reese storyline and found it such a beautiful example of pure, true love.

Fantastic read and I would love to hear what everyone else thought!

While I found the book a little hard to get into (even for my wine-obsessed self) I thought it was an interesting read! Although, I admit, I wanted a little more personal drama from Bianca, would have made it a little more entertaining maybe? I just want to understand how her husband and friends didn't take up a little more issue with her new found obsession...

Some questions for y'all to think about:
1) Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not?
2) Did it inspire you to get more into wine or did it show you that all of us winos are nuts?
3) What frustrated you about the characters and their experiences?
4) Which part of the Court of Somm's test do you think you would struggle with and which part do you think you'd shine at? (service, knowledge, blind tasting)
5) What was the most surprising thing you learned from this book?


For me personally, I did enjoy the book, but found it a little tedious. It definitely showed me that while I know a lot about wine, I really don't. Kind of daunting in that regard. I also was a little frustrated with Bianca throughout. I felt as if she was a little arrogant, especially in the ways that she expected to just jump in and be perfect at some of the more mundane tasks involved in restaurant service. Her disastrous start as a cellar rat felt appropriate, but I still was perturbed by a lot of the cavalier attitude she expressed towards the service industry. And, in general, I've always found wine people a little nuts, but definitely more so now haha.

As for how I think I'd measure up... the written test would probably be the part I excel at most, but the blind tasting would trip me up for sure!

Most surprising thing I found from the book was that the tongue map is bogus. Made me feel like my whole tasting life has been a lie. I took that one to heart as a kid.

Would love to hear other's opinions on the book!