February's discussion will be on Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns:
Our local library system has several copies.
With the newcomers adding to the mix, it is an opportune time to review the aim of our reading group -- a post I will write soon.
In the meantime, the list of recommended questions for evaluating a novel might be helpful:
In the Logic stage:
- Is the novel a "fable" or a "chronicle?"
- What does the central character (or characters) want? What is standing in his (or her) way? And what strategy does he (or she) pursue in order to overcome this block?
- Who is telling this story?
- Where is the story set?
- What style does the writer employ?
- Images & metaphors -- Is any particular image repeated again and again? What does it represent?
- Beginnings and endings -- what do they represent? Are they related?
In the Rhetoric stage:
- Is it true?
- Do you sympathize with the characters? Which ones, and why?
- Does the writer's technique give you a clue as to her "argument" -- her take on the human condition?
- Is the novel self-reflective?
- Did the writer's times affect him?
- Is there an argument in this book?
- Do you agree?
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