OBC Wine Project Book Club discussion

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In the Lives of Puppets discussion

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message 1: by Lydia (new)

Lydia Murray | 4 comments Mod
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!


message 2: by Amanda (new)

Amanda Denton | 1 comments Hi Lydia! Is this group still active by chance? Couldn’t make the March meetup but would love to come in April… May I ask what the next book is? Thank you!


message 3: by Laura (new)

Laura Resau (lauraresau) | 2 comments Amanda wrote: "Hi Lydia! Is this group still active by chance? Couldn’t make the March meetup but would love to come in April… May I ask what the next book is? Thank you!"

Hello, Lydia and Amanda! I'm also interested in joining the group and wondering about the next book. I'd love to come to the May discussion. I recently met Courtney, and I think she said that The London Seance Society is the May pick. Just want to make sure that's right, and verify that the group is still active. ;-) Thanks!


message 4: by Reader (new)

Reader | 1 comments Hi Laura, I never heard from anyone on this… Won’t be able to read the May book in time for Wednesday, but if you go would you mind sharing what the June pick is? Will try to make that one! :-)


message 5: by Laura (new)

Laura Resau (lauraresau) | 2 comments Hello and nice to meet you, Amanda! I emailed Courtney, who is in the group, and she said that this Wednesday they're doing All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr. I actually read that one years ago when it came out, so I might swing by for the discussion. I'll ask Courtney what the pick is for June, and I'll plan on reading it and going. Once I hear from her, I'll post the book here for you. Hopefully I'll get to meet you in person there at some point!


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