Book Group
Join us to discuss books in a small group setting. We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month via Zoom. We check in at 10:45 AM, then start the discussion at 11:00 AM, which lasts for about an hour. We select the books as a group several months in advance, choosing from all genres. The discussion is always stimulating, lively and respectful.
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To join the meeting on Zoom, go to our online calendar by clicking below.
For more information please contact Ann Nelson by clicking the button below.
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Upcoming Books
December: No Book Group meeting
January: The God of the Woods, by L. Moore
February: Long Island, by C. Toibin
March: The Paris Novel, by R. Reichl
April: The Secret Book of Flora Lea, by P. Henry
May: Becoming Madam Secretary, by S. Dray
June: Frozen River, by A. Lawhon
July: No Book Group Meeting
August: Book Selection Meeting
Previously-read Books
James by Percival Everett
A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell
North Woods by Daniel Mason
The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn
Up Home: One Girl's Journey by Ruth J. Simmons
A Memory of Violets by Hazel Gaynor
Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Darznik
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Ma
Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II by Daniel James Brown
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
Mad Honey by Jennifer Boylen
The Bohemians: A Novel by Jasmin Darznik
Lightning Strike: A Novel by William Krueger
Jack by Marilynne Robinson
How Lucky by Will Leitch
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
The Chancellor: The Remarkable Odessey of Angela Merkel by Kati Marton
Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout
The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan
About The God of the Woods
by Liz Moore
When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide
Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.
As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.
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Reading Notes
Here are a few things to look at/consider if you have the time.
45 minutes
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Discussion topics
1. How does "The God of the Woods" compare to other mystery or thriller novels you've read? What made it unique?
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2. The novel explores two missing children cases in the same family. How did this dual mystery impact the story and your reading experience?
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3. Discuss the class divisions portrayed between the wealthy Van Laar family and the working-class townspeople. How did these dynamics influence the events and characters' actions?
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4. What did you think of Barbara as a character? How did her rebellious nature and punk aesthetic contrast with her family's expectations?
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5. The book is told from multiple perspectives. Which character's viewpoint did you find most compelling or insightful? Why?
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6. How does Moore handle themes of power, privilege, and corruption throughout the novel?
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7. Discuss the role of women in the story, particularly focusing on characters like Detective Judy Luptack and Barbara's mother Alice. How does Moore portray their struggles and strengths? How are they products of their time period and in what ways do they resist those constraints?
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8. The second disappearance is set in 1975. How does the time period influence the events and characters' behaviors?
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9. Discuss the significance of the Adirondack setting. How does the wilderness backdrop impact the mood and plot of the story?
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10. After reading this book, what are your thoughts on the impacts of generational wealth and privilege on families and communities?
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11. Without spoiling the ending, what did you think of the resolution to the mysteries? Were you satisfied with how Moore wrapped up the various storylines?
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