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Forum Name Book Club Home
Discussion Name 2019 Book Club Discussions
Topic Name Evening in Paradise by Lucia Berlin
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Evening in Paradise


"Berlin's new book is a marvel, filled with deeply touching stories about lives ...
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Discuss Evening in Paradise by Lucia Berlin

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Last Post

Did you find the Buddhism concept that "life is suffering" and the Mexican attitude that "life is cheap but it sure can be fun" reflected in Berlin's work? Do you agree with either statement?

2

Dec. 01, 2019
by Lole

If you could ask the author one question, what would it be?

6

Dec. 03, 2019
by katherinep

Berlin reuses some names across stories, while other stories use different names for the same woman. Why do you think she used this technique?

13

Dec. 03, 2019
by josephinej

"Sometime in Summer": Why do you think the girls were friends? Do you recall any childhood friendships that stretched across racial or ethnic lines?

3

Dec. 03, 2019
by teacher reader

"Our Brother's Keeper": Do you think we bear responsibility for our inaction, when we know someone we care about is making an error? Do you think Sara would have listened if others had expressed concern?

3

Dec. 03, 2019
by Lole

"Itinerary": Could you have predicted the trajectory of your life? Which aspects were as you imagined they'd be and which weren't?

4

Dec. 04, 2019
by Lole

Are there any specific quotes in the novel that you found meaningful?

7

Dec. 04, 2019
by djcminor

Which of the stories was your favorite and why? Which was your least favorite, and why?

10

Dec. 05, 2019
by skagitgrits

"Lead Street, Albuquerque": What did you think of Rex and Maria's relationship? Do you think Rex ever intended to take her and the baby to Italy with him?

4

Dec. 05, 2019
by skagitgrits

"La Barca de la Ilusion": Do you think May should have given the situation another chance or was she right to leave? What do you think you would have done in similar circumstances?

4

Dec. 06, 2019
by josephinej

"Endado": Talking about "army brats and children of diplomats," the narrator writes, "The problem is.... that they adapt so quickly and so well." What do you think she means by this? Do you agree?

6

Dec. 07, 2019
by Lole

"Noel, 1974": What kinds of expectations do we place on our children, fairly or unfairly? Are there lifestyle choices your children might make that you'd find difficult to accept?

4

Dec. 09, 2019
by dorinned

"Itinerary": Why do you think the narrator's parents had someone meet her at each airport transfer? Do you recall your first trip away from home without your parents?

10

Dec. 16, 2019
by Marcia S

The first two stories highlight specific childhood memories. Do these instances call to mind memories from your pre-teen years?

9

Dec. 16, 2019
by Elizabeth Marie

"Noel, Texas, 1956": Was Tiny justified in her anger? Did you find the ending funny or tragic?

12

Dec. 17, 2019
by juliaa

Throughout the book, many of the men and women depicted are unfaithful to their partners. What do you think the author is saying about romantic relationships and marriage?

16

Dec. 18, 2019
by rivkahh

"Endado": It seems as if the loudest voices for change are often those of young adults. Why do you suppose this is?

8

Dec. 18, 2019
by rebeccar

Based on her stories, how do you think Berlin views the relationships children have with the adults in their lives, including parents, aunts and guardians? Do you agree with her assessment?

10

Dec. 23, 2019
by scgirl

What element of Berlin's writing style did you enjoy the most? Does her writing recall any other authors to mind?

10

Dec. 24, 2019
by Elizabeth Marie

"Cherry Blossom Time": What did you think of Cassandra's husband's reaction to her believe that her life is stuck in a rut? Do you consider yourself someone who sticks to a routine?

11

Dec. 26, 2019
by jennie r

Do you regularly read short stories, and if so, what in particular do you like about the genre?

16

Jan. 02, 2020
by janicea

What recurring themes did you find running throughout the stories?

16

Jan. 19, 2020
by julianna

Have you discussed short stories in a book club setting before?

22

Jan. 23, 2020
by Elizabeth Marie

The last three stories are about an older woman traveling the world alone as a tourist. Did you find this adventurous/brave or foolhardy? Have you ever taking a vacation by yourself?

14

Jan. 23, 2020
by Elizabeth Marie

Did it impact the way you read the stories knowing that the author had died? How about the fact that although not necessarily autobiographical the stories were "close enough for horseshoes"?

17

Jan. 23, 2020
by Elizabeth Marie

Why do you think the entire collection was named after the story, "Evening in Paradise"?

6

Jan. 23, 2020
by Elizabeth Marie

Overall, what do you think of Evening in Paradise? (no spoilers in this thread please)

29

Jan. 23, 2020
by Elizabeth Marie

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