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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The Wives by Tarryn Fisher

Review:

What a strange book!  I went into it fully expecting a Big Love-esque story, only to be totally surprised when the tale went in a totally different direction.  So as not to spoil, I won't say what that direction is, but I will say that the author ended up trying too hard to 'wow' us, and by the end there were just TOO many unclear points left for me to feel satisfied as a reader.  I did, however, find a lot of really interesting, and provocative, questions about what it means to be an independent woman in this world.  It also made for a good book club discussion, so I rated it half a point higher than I would have if just reading on my own!

Questions:

1.  The main character says it’s in women’s nature to want to know more about other women. Do you think that’s true? That we want to feel more secure about ourselves by finding the worst in others?

2.  “We busy ourselves trying not to be lonely, trying to find purpose in careers, and lovers, and children, but at any moment, those things we work so hard to possess could be taken from us. I feel better knowing I’m not alone...”. Thinking about this time we are in right now (COVID19 and quarantine and all)—a lot of things have changed. Some things have been taken away. We are finding new identities. How and where do you think we as women should/can find our true identity?

3.  How much of what Thursday told us about Seth and their marriage was true?  Did he manipulate her knowing her vulnerabilities?  

CROWNSTAR Rating:

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Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

Review:

Every now and then I read a book that touches me deep in my heart and soul.  Dear Edward is one of those books.  The idea of a what a life is worth and what it means to live on in memory is explored down to its foundations in this extraordinary story of survival.  Questions about overcoming tragedy and living a life worth something, not just to one person but to many people, will leave you thinking about your own purpose long after the last page is turned.

Questions:

1.  Would you have written a 'Dear Edward' letter if you lost someone in the crash?  Why or why not?

2.  Will the co-piolot's wife ever live without guilt again after she finds out about her husband's mistake?  How would you feel if you were her?

3.  Who is your favorite passenger?  Why?

CROWNSTAR Rating:

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