Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Twilight Territory by Andrew X. Pham

Twilight Territory by Andrew X. Pham

Twilight Territory

A Novel

by Andrew X. Pham

  • Critics' Consensus (4):
  • Readers' Rating (1):
  • Published:
  • Jan 2024, 400 pages
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Book Club Discussion Questions

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Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

  1. Twilight Territory begins at the end of World War II, when the occupation of Vietnam passed from the French to the Japanese then back to the French after the Allied victory. The book then continues into the years of the First Indochina War, during which the French fought the Viet Minh, the national Vietnamese resistance, for control of Vietnam. Though the French wanted to reclaim their control of the country in some part for access to important rubber plantations, many historians agree that they were mostly interested in reinstating themselves as a global power after their humiliating surrender to the Germans in 1940. How is this theme of repossession and revenge portrayed in the novel's French characters? What about the Japanese and Vietnamese characters?
  2. Twilight Territory dedicates more space to the experiences of civilians than the experiences of soldiers on the battlefield. Did the novel illuminate anything about the effects of war on colonized countries and citizens for you? Why do you think the author chose to focus on everyday people's lives?
  3. When Tuyet is considering whether Takeshi's gift of food, shampoo, and soap has an ulterior motive, Coi says, "When possible, believe in the good intention of others." Tuyet replies, "No truth more convincing than the lies one tells oneself" (p. 10). By the end of the novel, do you think the author aligns more with Coi's opinion or Tuyet's opinion about people's intentions?
  4. Takeshi states that "Power and corruption go hand in hand" (p. 31). Do you believe it is possible to have power without becoming corrupt? In your view, are there any powerful yet moral characters in this story? Does Takeshi himself always use his power for good?
  5. The author writes that Tuyet and Takeshi share a "language of loss and loneliness," (p. 70) and that their love had been a "long, gradual surrender" (p. 87). What do these quotes, marking the beginning of Tuyet and Takeshi's love story, say about their destiny? Do the characters ever overcome their loss and loneliness? What is Tuyet surrendering to by finally giving in to Takeshi's advances?
  6. Why, in your opinion, does Takeshi join the Vietnamese resistance instead of returning to Japan with his men?
  7. A major theme of Twilight Territory is sacrifice. How does the concept of sacrifice change as the plot progresses, as Tuyet and Takeshi's circumstances worsen? What do you view as the greatest sacrifice in the novel?
  8. There are several abrupt shifts in pace, tone, and action throughout the events of the book, such as when the chaos of the violent French mob punctures Takeshi and Tuyet's trip to Saigon and when Tuyet's conscription to the garrison ends the family's steady life in the mountains. Relative peace turns quickly to devastating violence. What do you think the narrative purpose of these sudden shifts is? What do they say about the tumult of wartime?
  9. Throughout the novel, Tuyet has several foreboding premonitions of dangers to come. Why do you think the author wrote the character with this unusual gift? How would the novel be different if she did not have this foresight?
  10. The author adopts a straightforward tone when depicting great violence, such as Tuyet's assault at the garrison or Takeshi's vengeful counterattack. What effect does this direct, almost unemotional voice have on your experience of reading these scenes? What do you think the author is implying about the nature of violence?
  11. From the dunes to the forest, the author presents Vietnamese landscapes with rich, almost sensual descriptions. How do these descriptions serve the central plot and character relationships? How do they compare to the descriptions of the war-torn human world?
  12. After Takeshi avenges Tuyet by attacking the garrison and beheading her abuser, Tuyet recites a Confucian proverb to him: "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves" (p. 313). What did she mean by this? How can this proverb be applied to the bigger picture of World War II, the First Indochina War, or colonization in general?
  13. Why do you think the author uses the imagery of a mortar and pestle as a symbol for Tuyet and Takeshi's relationship?
  14. Consider the female characters in the book, from major players such as Tuyet, Coi, and Anh, to minor characters like Second Sister, the cook at the garrison; Mother Nam, the nun at the shrine of the Lady Buddha; Huyen, the captured medicine courier; Tam, Captain Moreau's wife; and the other women in prison with Tuyet. These women can be seen as occupying the "Twilight Territory" of war, not participating in battles directly but suffering disastrous consequences from the outskirts. What did this novel teach you about how women factor into the economy and progress of war? How did the burden of war differ for women than men at this time, and does it differ today? How does the author depict the women's relationships with each other? What are their primary objectives? How are these objectives different or similar to the male characters' objectives?
  15. Were you surprised that Tuyet chooses to stay in Vietnam rather than join Takeshi in Japan at the end of the novel? Why, in your opinion, does she make this choice? What does this mean for her future?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of W.W. Norton & Company. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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Debugging Information
ColdFusion Server Developer 2021,0,13,330286
Template /bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
Time Stamp 01-Jun-26 02:03 PM
Locale en
User Agent Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
Remote IP 127.0.0.1
Host Name 127.0.0.1


Execution Time

Total Time Avg Time Count Template
1780322629030 ms 1.78032262903E+012 ms 1 /root/website/app_server.cfm
1387 ms 1387 ms 1 /root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
315 ms 315 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm
291 ms 291 ms 1 /root/website/app_globals.cfm
250 ms 250 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_briefs_reader_rating.cfm
206 ms 206 ms 1 /root/website/app_layout.cfm
194 ms 194 ms 1 /root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/dsp_main.cfm
147 ms 49 ms 3 /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm
137 ms 137 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_right_column.cfm
127 ms 127 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm
67 ms 67 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_border_first_impressions.cfm
66 ms 66 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm
64 ms 64 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_footer.cfm
63 ms 63 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm
61 ms 61 ms 1 /root/website/adzones/showcase_track.cfm
54 ms 54 ms 1 /root/website/adzones/AdZone6.cfm
37 ms 37 ms 1 /root/website/adzones/AdZone11.cfm
37 ms 37 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm
33 ms 33 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_by_id.cfm
32 ms 32 ms 1 /root/website/actions/adstatus.cfm
32 ms 32 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_wordplay.cfm
18 ms 18 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number.cfm
16 ms 16 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_awards_by_id.cfm
15 ms 15 ms 1 /root/website/act_check_login.cfm
14 ms 4 ms 4 /root/website/actions/act_spider_tracker.cfm
14 ms 14 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_info.cfm
14 ms 14 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_book_giveaway.cfm
13 ms 13 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_account_types.cfm
13 ms 13 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/membership_advantages.cfm
11 ms 11 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_author_bookcount.cfm
10 ms 10 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_obc_number.cfm
2 ms 2 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_header.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/act_libraryIPLogin.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_ezine.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_top_brief_block.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_bottom_block.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/head.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/Application.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/actions/udfs.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/banners/ad_594.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/formurl2attributes.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/js/fbjavascriptsdk.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_free_newsletters.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_previous_arcs_for_ad.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/act_book_view_tracking.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_border_booktalk.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_header_newsletter.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_wordplay.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/email_modal.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/google_tags.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/header_announcement.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/main_menu.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/main_search.cfm
2 ms  STARTUP, PARSING, COMPILING, LOADING, & SHUTDOWN
1389 ms  TOTAL EXECUTION TIME
red = over 250 ms average execution time


SQL Queries

spidercheck (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=14ms, Records=1) in /root/website/actions/act_spider_tracker.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT	a.bot_number
        FROM	bots a
        WHERE	charindex(a.bot_name, ?) > 0
		OR a.bot_ip = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
Parameter #2(cf_sql_varchar) = 127.0.0.1

get_member_info (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=13ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_info.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
select 	a.*, 
    		b.member_account_type_name, b.member_account_type_charge, b.member_account_type_charge_frequency,  b.member_account_type_months, 
            c.member_chargetype_name, c.member_chargetype_number, a.member_classification_number, a.member_book_format
	
    from members a, member_account_types b, member_chargetype c
	
    where a.member_account_type_number = b.member_account_type_number
	and a.payment_method_id = c.member_chargetype_number
	and a.member_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 0

adactive (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=30ms, Records=2) in /root/website/actions/adstatus.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT	viewby, section
    FROM	adsystem 
    WHERE	active  = 1 
    AND		start_date <= GETDATE()
    AND 	(viewby = ? OR viewby = 'all')
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = non

get_current_ezine (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=1, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_ezine.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
select		top 1 ezine_number, ezine_dt, ezine_image, ezine_brief_description, ezine_introduction
from		ezines
where		ezine_active_flag = 1
and 		ezine_type_number = 4
and			ezine_dt < getdate()
order by 	ezine_dt DESC
get_current_wordplay (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=31ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_wordplay.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT		a.wordplay_number, a.wordplay_dt, a.wordplay_name, a.wordplay_intro_text, b.wordplay_puzzle_number, b.wordplay_puzzle_question
    FROM		wordplays a 
	INNER JOIN	wordplay_puzzle_mapping c on c.wordplay_number = a.wordplay_number
	INNER JOIN	wordplay_puzzles b on b.wordplay_puzzle_number = c.wordplay_puzzle_number
	WHERE		a.wordplay_number = (	select top 1 a.wordplay_number
                                from wordplays a, wordplay_puzzles b, wordplay_puzzle_mapping c
                                where a.wordplay_number = c.wordplay_number
                                and b.wordplay_puzzle_number = c.wordplay_puzzle_number
                                and a.wordplay_dt < getdate()
                                and a.wordplay_expiration_dt > dateadd(day, -1, getdate())
                                order by a.wordplay_dt asc
                                )
get_ComNo (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=25ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT 	TOP 1 	x.competition_number, x.bb_briefs_flag
	from			competitions x
	
		WHERE	x.competition_dt <= getdate()
		AND		x.competition_expiration_dt > dateadd(d,-1,getdate())
get_current_competition (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=36ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT 	x.competition_number, x.book_number, x.competition_teaser_title, x.competition_teaser_description, x.competition_intro_text, x.competition_expiration_dt, x.bb_briefs_flag, x.competition_full_info_flag, x.competition_type, x.competition_optin,x.competition_optin_text, 
				a.book_title as "title",
				(b.author_first_name + ' ' +  b.author_middle_initial + ' ' + b.author_last_name) as "author",
	            f.edition_publish_dt AS "hardcover_publish_dt", f.edition_jacket_image as "hardcover_jacket_image",
				g.edition_publish_dt AS "paperback_publish_dt", g.edition_jacket_image as "paperback_jacket_image"
	
		FROM 		competitions x
		INNER JOIN	books a on a.book_number = x.book_number
		INNER JOIN	book_author_mapping c on c.book_number = x.book_number
		INNER JOIN	authors b on c.author_number = b.author_number
		LEFT JOIN	editions f on a.book_number = f.book_number and f.edition_paperback_flag = 0
		LEFT JOIN	editions g on a.book_number = g.book_number and g.edition_paperback_flag = 1

		WHERE		x.competition_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 0

get_previous_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=0, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_previous_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT 	a.arc_number,a.arc_client_url,a.arc_active_dt, a.arc_off_ad_dt,
		b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publisher, 
		b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_number_of_pages, b.ezine_preview_bb_comments, b.ezine_preview_isbn13,
		c.ezine_preview_category_name AS "ezine_preview_category",
		(select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) as "reviews",
		(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
				 ELSE 0
				 END)
 			from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating,
 			(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,1))) AS numeric(12,1)))from arc_allocator where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS "decrating"

FROM arcs a
INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
INNER JOIN ezine_preview_categories c ON b.ezine_preview_category_number = c.ezine_preview_category_number

WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
AND arc_obc_flag = 0
AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
AND getdate() < arc_off_ad_dt

ORDER BY a.arc_on_ad_dt DESC
get_future_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=24ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text, arc_on_ad_dt,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages, ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	
	WHERE 		arc_obc_flag = 1

	AND 		getdate() < arc_on_ad_dt
	
		ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_active_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=45ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages,  ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link,
	            c.book_reading_guide
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	LEFT JOIN  	books c on c.book_number = b.ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	WHERE 		a.arc_obc_flag = 1
	AND			a.arc_active_flag = 0
	AND 		arc_closed_flag = 1
	AND 		getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
	AND 		getdate() < arc_off_ad_dt
	ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_recent_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=53ms, Records=4) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages,  ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link,
	            c.book_reading_guide
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	LEFT JOIN  	books c on c.book_number = b.ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	WHERE a.arc_number IN (select top 4 arc_number
							from		arcs
							WHERE 		arc_obc_flag = 1
							AND			arc_active_flag = 0
							AND 		arc_closed_flag = 1
							AND 		getdate() > arc_off_ad_dt
							ORDER BY	arc_on_ad_dt DESC)
	ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_preview_by_id (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=20ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_by_id.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
select 			a.ezine_preview_number,
				a.ezine_number, 
				a.ezine_preview_category_number, 
				a.ezine_preview_title, 
				a.ezine_preview_subtitle, 
				a.ezine_preview_author, 
				a.ezine_preview_publisher,
				a.ezine_preview_publish_dt,
				a.ezine_preview_number_of_pages, 
				a.ezine_preview_jacket_image,
				a.ezine_preview_reviews,
				a.ezine_preview_short_summary,
				a.ezine_preview_jacket_desc,
				a.ezine_preview_reading_guide,
				a.ezine_preview_bb_comments, 
				a.ezine_preview_isbn,
				a.ezine_preview_isbn13,
				a.ezine_preview_rating,
				a.ezine_preview_bb_link,
                a.ezine_preview_bb_author_link,
                a.ezine_preview_firsts_flag,
                a.ezine_preview_reading_level,
                a.ezine_preview_paperback_flag,
				b.*,
                c.ezine_dt, c.ezine_description
,(select publisher_holding_company from publishers where ezine_preview_publisher like publisher_imprint AND publisher_holding_company LIKE 'Harper%') AS "publisher_holding_company"		
 				
from ezine_previews a 
inner join ezine_preview_categories b ON b.ezine_preview_category_number = a.ezine_preview_category_number
left join ezines c ON c.ezine_number = a.ezine_number

where ezine_preview_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18398

get_author_name (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=12ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_by_id.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT author_number, 
        CASE WHEN datalength(author_middle_initial) > 0 then author_first_name + ' ' + author_middle_initial + '. ' + author_last_name
            ELSE author_first_name + ' ' + author_last_name
            END "author_name"
        FROM authors 
        WHERE author_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1581

get_preview_awards_by_id (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=16ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_awards_by_id.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
select a.book_award_number, a.book_award_name, a.book_award_image, c.book_award_dt
    from book_awards a 
    inner join book_awards_category b on b.book_award_number = a.book_award_number
    inner join book_awards_mapping c on c.book_awards_category_number = b.book_awards_category_number
    where ezine_preview_number =  ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18398

get_briefs_reader_rating (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=250ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_briefs_reader_rating.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT	(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) >= 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
			ELSE 0
			END) AS "avrating",
            count(rating) as "ratcount"
            
	FROM (
		SELECT reader_review_rating AS rating
		FROM reader_reviews
		WHERE ezine_preview_number = ?
		
		AND reader_review_rating > 0
		
		UNION ALL
		
		SELECT reading_list_book_rating AS rating
		FROM reading_lists
		WHERE book_number LIKE 'p%'
		AND TRY_CAST(SUBSTRING(book_number, 2, LEN(book_number)) AS INT) = ?
		AND reading_list_book_rating > 0
		AND TRY_CAST(SUBSTRING(book_number, 2, LEN(book_number)) AS INT) IS NOT NULL
	) combined_ratings
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18398
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18398

get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=17ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT 		a.reader_review_number, a.book_number, a.ezine_preview_number, a.reader_review_approved_flag, a.reader_review_dt,
				COALESCE(NULLIF(LTRIM(RTRIM(m.discourse_username)), ''), NULLIF(LTRIM(RTRIM(a.reader_review_reviewer_name)), '')) AS reader_review_reviewer_name,
				a.reader_review_reviewer_email_address, a.reader_review_reviewer_from_locale, a.reader_review_recommended, a.reader_review_rating, a.reader_review_title, a.reader_review_description, ISNULL(a.like_count, 0) AS like_count,
    			b.ezine_preview_title,
    			ISNULL(e.edit_count, 0) AS edit_count,
    			e.last_edit_dt,
    			a.member_number AS review_member_number
    FROM 		reader_reviews a
    INNER JOIN	ezine_previews b ON a.ezine_preview_number = b.ezine_preview_number
    LEFT OUTER JOIN (
    	SELECT reader_review_number, COUNT(*) AS edit_count, MAX(edited_dt) AS last_edit_dt
    	FROM   reader_review_edits
    	GROUP BY reader_review_number
    ) e ON e.reader_review_number = a.reader_review_number
    LEFT OUTER JOIN members m ON m.member_number = a.member_number
	WHERE 		a.ezine_preview_number = ?
    AND			a.book_number = 0
    AND 		a.reader_review_approved_flag = 1
    

	ORDER BY a.reader_review_rating DESC, a.reader_review_dt DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18398

get_arc_idfk (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=18ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk,a.discourse_flag
    FROM 		arcs a
    INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews e on e.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
    
	
        WHERE 		e.ezine_preview_number = ? 
    AND DATALENGTH(a.arc_forumidfk) > 0 AND arc_obc_flag=1
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_integer) = 18398

get_arc_idfk_legacy (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=23ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk,a.discourse_flag
    FROM 		arcs a
    INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews e on e.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
    
	
        WHERE 		e.ezine_preview_number = ? 
    AND DATALENGTH(a.arc_forumidfk) > 0 AND arc_obc_flag=1 AND a.discourse_flag = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_integer) = 18398

obc_discussions (Datasource=booktalk_new, Time=152ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT 		t.name,
                m.title, m.body,
                u.username, t.id,
				(SELECT COUNT(*) from booktalk_messages where threadidfk = t.id) AS	"responses"
                
    FROM 		booktalk_forums f
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_threads t on t.forumidfk = f.id
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_messages m on m.posted = t.lastpostcreated
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_users u on u.id = m.useridfk
    
    WHERE 	f.id = ?
    AND 	f.active = 1
	AND		t.active = 1
    
    ORDER BY t.name, t.messages DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) =

searchResults (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=118ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
SELECT book_number, post_id, topic_id, blurb, username, topic_title
					FROM DiscourseSearchResults
					
        WHERE 		book_number = ? 
                    AND topic_id IS NOT NULL
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = p18398

ya_check (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=14ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
select ezine_preview_reading_level 
from ezine_previews 
where ezine_preview_number = ?
and ezine_preview_reading_level = 2
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18398

get_books_by_brief (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=20ms, Records=20) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm @ 14:03:49.049
select 			top 20
				a.ezine_preview_reading_level,
				b.category_name,
				c.category_number, 
				d.book_number, d.book_title,
				f.author_number, f.author_first_name, author_middle_initial, author_last_name
				
from 			ezine_previews a 
inner join		categories b on b.ezine_preview_category_number = a.ezine_preview_category_number
inner join		category_book_mapping c on c.category_number = b.category_number
inner join		books d on d.book_number = c.book_number
inner join		book_author_mapping e on e.book_number = d.book_number
inner join		authors f on f.author_number = e.author_number

where			a.ezine_preview_number = ? 

order by 		d.book_number DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 18398

get_author_bookcount (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=10ms, Records=3) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_author_bookcount.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
select		b.book_title as "title", 1 as "bb_flag", b.book_number as "number"
        from		book_author_mapping a
		inner join	books b on b.book_number = a.book_number
        where		a.author_number = ?
union
    	select		c.ezine_preview_title as "title", 0 as "bb_flag", c.ezine_preview_number as "number"
        from		ezine_previews c
        where		c.ezine_preview_bb_author_link = ?
        and			c.ezine_preview_bb_link = 0
		
order by title DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1581
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1581

get_obc_number (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=9ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_obc_number.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
select a.arc_forumidfk
    from arcs a
    
    	where a.ezine_preview_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_numeric) = 18398.0

existingResults (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=117ms, Records=1) in /root/website/actions/udfs.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT id, last_updated
        FROM DiscourseSearchResults
        WHERE book_number = ?
        ORDER BY last_updated DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = p18398

get_member_account_types (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=12ms, Records=2) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_account_types.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
select member_account_type_number, member_account_type_name, member_account_type_charge, member_account_type_charge_frequency, member_account_type_postscript, member_account_type_months, member_account_type_stripe_lookup_key
from member_account_types
where member_account_type_number = (select top 1 member_account_type_number
									from member_account_types
									where member_account_type_months = 12
									and member_account_type_public = 1
									order by member_account_type_charge ASC)
									
or member_account_type_number =		(select top 1 member_account_type_number
									from member_account_types
									where member_account_type_months = 3
									and member_account_type_public = 1
									order by member_account_type_charge ASC)
									
order by member_account_type_sort_order ASC
get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=14ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT		a.adid,	adweight
	FROM		adsystem a
	INNER JOIN 	ad_category_mapping b ON b.adid = a.adid
	WHERE		a.section = ?
	AND			a.active  = 1
	AND 		a.start_date <= GETDATE()
	
	AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
            

	AND     (b.category_number IN (	SELECT	category_number
									FROM	category_book_mapping
									WHERE	book_number = ?)
      		OR 	b.category_number = ?)
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone11
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0
Parameter #3(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0

get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=20ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT	a.adid,	adweight
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.section = ? 
        AND 	a.active  = 1 
        AND		a.start_date <= GETDATE()	
        
        AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
        AND (select count(*) from ad_category_mapping where datalength(category_number) >= 1 and adid = a.adid) = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone11

get_bio (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=23ms, Records=1) in /root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/dsp_main.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT 	a.author_number, author_info_biography, author_info_image, author_info_copyright_info, author_info_interview, author_pronunciation, author_info_url
	                        FROM 	author_info a
	                        inner join authors b on b.author_number = a.author_number
	                        WHERE 	a.author_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1581

get_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=17ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT 	top 10 a.arc_number,arc_promo_text,
		b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, 
		(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
				 ELSE 0
				 END)
 			from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating

FROM arcs a
INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number

WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
AND arc_obc_flag = 0
AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
AND (select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) > 1
and getdate() <= dateadd(day,1,a.arc_off_ad_dt)

ORDER BY NEWID()
get_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=47ms, Records=3) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT 	top 3 a.arc_number,arc_promo_text,
			b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, 
			(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
					(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
					 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
					 ELSE 0
					 END)
				from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating

	FROM arcs a
	INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number

	WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
	AND arc_obc_flag = 0
	AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
	AND (select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) > 1

	ORDER BY a.arc_off_ad_dt DESC
get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=32ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT		a.adid,	adweight
	FROM		adsystem a
	INNER JOIN 	ad_category_mapping b ON b.adid = a.adid
	WHERE		a.section = ?
	AND			a.active  = 1
	AND 		a.start_date <= GETDATE()
	
	AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
            

	AND     (b.category_number IN (	SELECT	category_number
									FROM	category_book_mapping
									WHERE	book_number = ?)
      		OR 	b.category_number = ?)
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone6
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0
Parameter #3(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0

get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=16ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT	a.adid,	adweight
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.section = ? 
        AND 	a.active  = 1 
        AND		a.start_date <= GETDATE()	
        
        AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
        AND (select count(*) from ad_category_mapping where datalength(category_number) >= 1 and adid = a.adid) = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone6

get_type (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=1ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT	a.start_date, a.adid, a.end_date, a.camp_views, a.image_name, a.alt_text, a.views, a.code, a.adsize
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.adid = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112

get_quotes (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=13ms, Records=1) in /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_book_giveaway.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
select top 1 ezine_number, ezine_quote, ezine_quote_title
	    from ezines
	    where len(ezine_quote_title) > 1
	    order by newid()
get_free_newsletters (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=4, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_free_newsletters.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT 	*
    FROM 	free_newsletters
get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=11ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT		a.adid,	adweight
	FROM		adsystem a
	INNER JOIN 	ad_category_mapping b ON b.adid = a.adid
	WHERE		a.section = ?
	AND			a.active  = 1
	AND 		a.start_date <= GETDATE()
		 	AND a.adid NOT IN (?) 
	AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
            

	AND     (b.category_number IN (	SELECT	category_number
									FROM	category_book_mapping
									WHERE	book_number = ?)
      		OR 	b.category_number = ?)
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = showcase_track
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112
Parameter #3(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0
Parameter #4(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0

get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=32ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT	a.adid,	adweight
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.section = ? 
        AND 	a.active  = 1 
        AND		a.start_date <= GETDATE()	
        		AND a.adid NOT IN (?) 
        AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
        AND (select count(*) from ad_category_mapping where datalength(category_number) >= 1 and adid = a.adid) = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = showcase_track
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112

get_type (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=15ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 14:03:50.050
SELECT	a.start_date, a.adid, a.end_date, a.camp_views, a.image_name, a.alt_text, a.views, a.code, a.adsize
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.adid = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 594


Scope Variables

CGI Variables:
AUTH_PASSWORD=
AUTH_TYPE=
AUTH_USER=
CERT_COOKIE=
CERT_FLAGS=
CERT_ISSUER=
CERT_KEYSIZE=
CERT_SECRETKEYSIZE=
CERT_SERIALNUMBER=
CERT_SERVER_ISSUER=
CERT_SERVER_SUBJECT=
CERT_SUBJECT=
CF_TEMPLATE_PATH=/root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
CONTENT_LENGTH=
CONTENT_TYPE=
CONTEXT_PATH=
GATEWAY_INTERFACE=
HTTPS=
HTTPS_KEYSIZE=
HTTPS_SECRETKEYSIZE=
HTTPS_SERVER_ISSUER=
HTTPS_SERVER_SUBJECT=
HTTP_ACCEPT=*/*
HTTP_ACCEPT_ENCODING=gzip, br, zstd, deflate
HTTP_ACCEPT_LANGUAGE=
HTTP_CONNECTION=upgrade
HTTP_COOKIE=CFCLIENT_BOOKBROWSE=order%3Dp%23member%5Fnumber%3D0%23member%5Factive%5Fflag%3D0%23member%5Flogged%5Fin%5Fflag%3D0%23library%5Fuser%5Fflag%3D0%23view%3Dbooks%23; FREEACCESSCOUNT=0; CFGLOBALS=urltoken%3DCFID%23%3D4102980%26CFTOKEN%23%3D12122ba9adf08ca7%2D22F8F4AE%2DF946%2D511E%2D4D35EB842FD4D14C%23lastvisit%3D%7Bts%20%272026%2D06%2D01%2014%3A03%3A48%27%7D%23hitcount%3D43%23timecreated%3D%7Bts%20%272026%2D06%2D01%2014%3A03%3A38%27%7D%23cftoken%3D12122ba9adf08ca7%2D22F8F4AE%2DF946%2D511E%2D4D35EB842FD4D14C%23cfid%3D4102980%23; CFID=4102980; CFTOKEN=12122ba9adf08ca7-22F8F4AE-F946-511E-4D35EB842FD4D14C
HTTP_HOST=dev.bookbrowse.com
HTTP_REFERER=
HTTP_URL=
HTTP_USER_AGENT=Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
LOCAL_ADDR=127.0.0.1
PATH_INFO=/ezine_preview_number/18398/twilight-territory
PATH_TRANSLATED=/root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
QUERY_STRING=
REMOTE_ADDR=127.0.0.1
REMOTE_HOST=127.0.0.1
REMOTE_USER=
REQUEST_METHOD=GET
SCRIPT_NAME=/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
SERVER_NAME=dev.bookbrowse.com
SERVER_PORT=8500
SERVER_PORT_SECURE=0
SERVER_PROTOCOL=HTTP/1.1
SERVER_SOFTWARE=
WEB_SERVER_API=
Client Variables:
cfid=4102980
cftoken=12122ba9adf08ca7-22F8F4AE-F946-511E-4D35EB842FD4D14C
hitcount=49
lastvisit={ts '2026-06-01 14:03:50'}
library_user_flag=0
member_active_flag=0
member_logged_in_flag=0
member_number=0
order=p
timecreated={ts '2026-06-01 14:03:38'}
urltoken=CFID=4102980&CFTOKEN=12122ba9adf08ca7-22F8F4AE-F946-511E-4D35EB842FD4D14C
view=books
Cookie Variables:
CFCLIENT_BOOKBROWSE=order=p#member_number=0#member_active_flag=0#member_logged_in_flag=0#library_user_flag=0#view=books#
CFGLOBALS=urltoken=CFID#=4102980&CFTOKEN#=12122ba9adf08ca7-22F8F4AE-F946-511E-4D35EB842FD4D14C#lastvisit={ts '2026-06-01 14:03:48'}#hitcount=43#timecreated={ts '2026-06-01 14:03:38'}#cftoken=12122ba9adf08ca7-22F8F4AE-F946-511E-4D35EB842FD4D14C#cfid=4102980#
CFID=4102980
CFTOKEN=12122ba9adf08ca7-22F8F4AE-F946-511E-4D35EB842FD4D14C
FREEACCESSCOUNT=0
Session Variables:
cfid=4102980
cftoken=12122ba9adf08ca7-22F8F4AE-F946-511E-4D35EB842FD4D14C
sessionid=BOOKBROWSE_4102980_12122ba9adf08ca7-22F8F4AE-F946-511E-4D35EB842FD4D14C
urltoken=CFID=4102980&CFTOKEN=12122ba9adf08ca7-22F8F4AE-F946-511E-4D35EB842FD4D14C
URL Parameters:
ezine_preview_number=18398
twilight-territory=
Debug Rendering Time: 8 ms