Dead Poets Society discussion

Discuss The Orchard here while you read it and when you are finished. I'll try to put up questions later.

Found these. I know. It's a lot of questions but I don't want to get rid of any because I'll ruin something for myself. So answer as many as you want and remember while you read post updates on the book and how you feel about it.

1. Do you think it was brave or just plain stupid for Grace to climb the big merbau tree in the rainforest in order capture the orchid fragrance? Have you ever done anything with a determination like that?

2. Dylan is convinced that he sees his dead wife in the elevator of the Peachtree Plaza Hotel. Have you ever thought you’ve seen someone from your past across a crowded space? What did you do? Where you right?

3. Did you know that companies like Southern Compounds and International Fragrance & Flavors exist? Do you think it detracts from your favorite foods to know about all the corporate research and development that goes into making them appealing to you?

4. Have you ever eaten something that is so good you can’t stop thinking about it? Ever been haunted by a particular taste, the way Grace was when she bit into that apple?

5. Though Monic is a scientist, she rejects Chaos Theory and firmly believes that there is an order to things, particularly when it comes to love. Where do you stand?

6. Do you seek out organic foods? Do you believe, like Rebecca Jane did, that there’s something spiritual about organic farming?

7. When Grace carries the basket of eggs back from the henhouse on her first morning at the farm she sees the tombstones for Dylan’s family members, but she does not see one for his wife. Why do you think Rebecca Jane was not buried with the rest of the family?

8. Dylan is convinced that he can feel his wife in the Orchard, particularly just before harvest. Do you believe in ghosts?

9. Ever been profoundly attracted (or repelled) by the scent of another person?

10. Do you wear a fragrance? Do you prefer one on your partner, or are you more attracted to the unadorned scent of skin?

11. When Herb warned Grace – “Just make sure this is really an apple you’re chasing and not a taco” – what do you think he meant?

12. What do you think about Grace’s decision not to come clean with the exact truth about Agnes Scott? Do you think something like this is grounds for firing? Even if the person is as talented and qualified as Grace Lyndon?

13. Do you think you would enjoy a twenty-four course “molecular gastronomy” meal like the one Grace and Dylan have at Cole Thomas’ restaurant? Or would you prefer the fried chicken picnic they have later in the Orchard?

14. When Grace uses the aroma machine (the MiniVOC) to recreate Dylan’s mother’s pie, he is moved by the memory. Do you agree that smell is the most powerful sense? Have you ever been stirred by a scent? Ever had one suddenly evoke a strong emotion or memory?

15. What are your favorite scents?

16. Do you believe that Grace was right to take a stand on the high fructose corn syrup, or do you think she should have simply given the client what he wanted? Ever been faced with a similar dilemma in your life?

17. Do you think Grace should have given Dylan the information about April immediately, or held off even longer? Have you taken your time giving information when you were afraid of the response?

18. If there was one more scene added to the very end of the book, what do you think it would be?

19. Do you have a favorite type of apple?

Whoa! That is a lot. Oh, well.

I finished "The Orchard" today. I enjoyed it. It was a bit predictable. I was surprised by the name change thing toward the end.

I did not know about the companies that develope flavors. I thought the individual companies did their own research.

I loved th description of harvast day. It would be fun to be a part of a celebrationi like that.

I got it from my library! I'll be reading it soon. :)

It's pretty good so far. I'll probably edit the questions later. Too many!

I did like it but... I thought it was weird that Carter was so cool with her mom being gone and her father moving on. They didn't have to be "intimate". Why would I want to read about that?

The gift was so cute! I'm surprised she didn't get all teary eyed like I did!

Who she was was interesting but how the author presented it... idk it didn't shock me that much.

Oh yeah! The scarf! I assumed it was Grace the whole time and they just couldn't remember each other! I don't know why now. It's not like they said it was her or anything.

Ceci wrote: "I finished "The Orchard" today. I enjoyed it. It was a bit predictable. I was surprised by the name change thing toward the end.

I did not know about the companies that develope flavors. I t..."

Me either (about the companies) so food is sooo misleading! Having a "healthy" drink not be so was ridiculous. You can't lie like that!

I'm not going to edit the other posts. I'll just answer some.

8)I actually do believe in ghosts. All those shows with my mom pretty much convinced me. And why wouldn't there be?

7)I had really no idea why she wasn't buried with everyone else but now I think it was because to him she wasn't really dead. She was lost. It's really weird. Where is she?

15) Cinnamon, coffee, mist, and... that's it I think!

13) Fried chicken! I am too picky about my food.

17) No! Who cares when she brought it up! He loved her and he shouldn't have been so mad at her. It was dumb.