Sally loves book groups. She also loves to read and engage with readers. Feel free to contact her about reading for and/or chatting with your group.
- Are Regina and Jackie compelling enough characters to carry a novel?
- Are the secondary characters Yvonne, Bo, Lynn, Ramon, TJ, Pock compelling and well-developed?
- What do you think of the structure of the novel - wherein the elderly women elicit stories from their past
to reveal their long life together?
Does the structure add to the story? Distract?
- By using linked memories (stories) to create a novel, what (if anything)
do you think the author was trying to say about the nature of storytelling and its place in our lives?
- Are political the themes (homophobia, racism, sexism, classism) generic to the story?
Do they feel well-woven? Heavy handed?
- What does the title Fishwives have to do with the book?
- What do you think about the shifting points of view? Especially between Jackie and Regina?
Are they distracting? Confusing? Do they help explain what is unspoken during action or speech?
- If plot is the events of story and theme is the meaning behind or revealed by story, what is the plot of Fishwives?
the theme (besides political) of Fishwives?
- How does community change the dynamics of Jackie and Regina’s story?
- Do Regina and Jackie change their environment? Does their society and environment change them?
- Do the generational interactions seem real and germane to the story?
Do the intercultural interactions feel well-told and an integral part of the story?
- What was your reaction to the ending of the story?
- What questions do you have about the book? for the author?
- Did the book engage you? If so, how long did it take you to become engaged with the book?
Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
- Were you entertained, inspired, interested in what happened, scared, angry, amused?
What kept you reading?
Did you learn anything?
The characters – are they ‘alive’ on the page?
Do the dynamics between characters make sense?
Are their actions justified, understandable?
What characters do you like, dislike, are you intrigued or confused by any them?
Do the characters change during the story? Do your feelings about them change?
Does dialogue move the story? Could you tell who was speaking?
Does the dialogue seem natural to the time, place, and characters?
The setting
Do the details help you see the time and place?
Is setting a main feature of the novel? Does setting create a mood?
Do the characters feel ‘at home’ in the setting?
The plot
Does it keep your interest? Why? Why not?
What is the pace? Action packed? Character driven?
Reflective? Does it have an arc?
Is the structure easy to follow?
Is time well-managed?
Are you able to follow the action without getting lost?
The themes
What are the main themes? What ideas is the author exploring?
Are the ideas clear?
Are there questions you wish the author had answered?
Or asked?
- Was the ending satisfying? Revealing? Sad? Confusing?