The next Book Club meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at Amy's apartment. On the docket is bbq chicken with white side dishes, followed by discussion and then watching the movie.
Some of my favorite quotes:
* "Her beauty was like the edge of a very sharp knife." page 3.
* "She was a beautiful woman dragging a crippled foot and I was that foot. I was bricks sewn into the hem of her clothes, I was a steel dress." page 10.
* "Her name was lost. Her name was Nobody's Daughter." page 42.
“WHITE OLEANDER,”
BY JANET FITCH
READING DISCUSSION
POINTS
1. Describe the relationship
between Astrid and Ingrid early in the book. Why was Astrid fearful that her
mother would "fly away" if she mentioned her desires - such as having
a father, or going to summer camp or a YMCA program?
2. Astrid chooses to express herself through painting and drawing, rather than
through writing. Why do you think Astrid preferred these forms of creative
expression? Which do you prefer?
3. Compare the characteristics of the white oleander to those of Ingrid. Do the
same with Astrid.
4. Ingrid said, "Isn't it funny. I'm enjoying my hatred so much more than
I ever enjoyed love" (p. 34). How did this statement come back to haunt
her?
5. Before the social service agency takes Astrid away, she packs up a few of
her mother's possessions to take with her. What is the significance of the
ex-acto knife? Of the kimono?
6. Astrid tells Paul, "I don't let anyone touch me" (p. 265). Discuss
how Claire touched Astrid. When and how else was Astrid touched by others?
Discuss the powerful ways in which Astrid touched other people.
7. Why did Astrid chose Rena as her new foster mother over Bill and Ann
Greenway? Was Astrid trying to punish herself in some way? Why did she feel she
deserved Rena?
8. Discuss Ingrid's letters to Astrid. At what point did Astrid begin to pull
away from her mother emotionally? At what point did this change?
9. Referring to her relationship with Ray, Astrid said, "I was the snake
in the garden" (p. 93). How does this phrase relate to Marvel, Claire, and
Rena?
10. Why did Astrid wait several hours before alerting Ron to Claire's death? In
what ways did Astrid also die?
11. Discuss Astrid's view of men. How did Ray compare to Ron? Did Astrid blame
men for the bad things that happened to women?
12. Why do you think Astrid so often found herself in the position of
caregiver--to Starr's children, to Marvel's children, and to Claire--when she
was so deeply in need of care herself?
13. What was the ultimate life lesson Astrid learned in this coming-of-age
journey? How did she triumph? Why would Astrid consider, and desire, a new life
with her mother, yet not return to her in the end?
