The Operator by Gretchen Berg

Review:

This was a delightful look at small town American in the early 1950's which seems to be an era that has been somewhat lost in literature lately.  We read scores of books about the War years, but then, when America was recovering and supposed to be 'building the American Dream,' we don't hear as much.  The housewives of the 50's are a culture unto themselves, and Berg does a great job of getting into the details of what being a woman in this time was like.  

The main character, Vivian, was a bit of a rebel in some ways, but a traditionalist in others.  Her spunky personality made for a love/hate relationship with her for me as the reader.  The true win of this novel is the way small town happenings are brought to life, and how we are reminded that even the most trivial of matters to us now -- what hat to buy, who sits next to who at a lunch, driving alone on the highway -- were a BIG deal to these women and their families.  

Questions:

1.  Did you think about how much work it took to find out about Edward's past?  Compare investigative techniques in today's world versus Vivian's.

2.  Did you like Vivian?  Why or why not?

3.  What will happen to Betty after the story closes?  Will she get her 'just desserts?" 

CROWNSTAR Rating:

.5

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The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

One Day in December by Josie Silver

Review:

Whoa. Let’s start there. I don’t know what I was anticipating from this book, but it sure left me gobsmacked from the first bitten off earlobe...if you are expecting Twilight meets Vampire Diaries meets True Blood, you would be wrong. This is a true Vampire story with all the blood and guts and rats and evilness formerly associated with said creatures before the romantic vampires of Twilight became the norm.  It was GOOD. Half the time I felt like I was reading a women’s fiction novel about housewives in the late 1980’s, and then I’d be hit full on with biting rats, oh the rats...if you are a Vampire lover, def worth a read! All I can say is GO PATRICIA!

Questions:

1. How did you feel about the way the husbands treated the wives? Was domesticity really like it’s described in this decade?

2. Which of the book club ladies was your favorite. Why?

3. Did the male author do a good job of developing his female main character? Why or why not?

CROWNSTAR Rating:

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American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

Review:

I went into this book knowing that there was a TON of public backlash right around the time of publication.  After reading this book, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a private Zoom meeting with the author, Jeanine, and a group of women who know her from different walks of life.   It was an AMAZING experience and I can tell you that this is a woman who is WORTH keeping track of in the literary, as well as humanitarian, world.  For the record, ANYONE who says she 'shouldn't have written this book since she didn't personally experience Mexican migration,' is SORELY mistaken because she has done the research, and she has brought a serious situation in our country to light.  And if we can't expect our FICTION authors to be allowed to write what they feel/believe, while also adhering to the truth via research, then we really don't respect the institution of writing.

That said, the books was excellent.  I don't have much experience or knowledge with what Mexican immigrants must go through in order to come into this country, but after reading American Dirt, my eyes have been opened.  There is so much pain and loss right along side with love and hope in these strong, courageous people.  I can only hope that I would show as much bravery and faith as Lydia does on her journey.  
Questions:

1.  Did Javier love Lydia?  If so, did she love him back?

2.  Would you travel on La Bestia if you had your son with you?  Alone? 

3.  Will any of the children be able to psychologically recover from their experiences?  

CROWNSTAR Rating:

.5

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