"And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie

What are the motives behind the murders of all the guests? Each of the guests is guilty of a crime, but not one that could be prosecuted in a court of law. Does each receive his/her just deserts? In other words, has true justice been accomplished by the end of the novel? Is the murderer insane as all the guests claim? Or is he/she acting with clear-headed logic and rationality?

For further information about Agatha Christie and her extensive bibliography, check out:

http://www.agathachristie.com/

"The Scent of Rain and Lightning" by Nancy Pickard

The Linders are portrayed as being the most influential family in the county. Even with the best intentions, good people can make terrible mistakes.  Do you think the Linders had good intentions or were they controlling with their familial power?

For more information about the author, check out: 

http://www.nancypickard.com/biography.html

For an interview with Nancy Pickard, go to: 

https://www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/full/index.cfm/author_number/1849/nancy-pickard

"Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes

How does Charlie change by the end of the novel? What does he come to learn about the gifts of superior intelligence? What trade-offs are involved as Charlie develops his genius... and, again, as he begins to revert to his previous state? How do the friendships and relationships he has change as well?

For more information about Daniel Keyes, check out:

http://www.danielkeyesauthor.com/dksbio.html

"Sworn to Silence" by Linda Castillo

There is good *and* evil in all societies, including the Amish community.  Were you surprised that Kate and her family chose to keep the secret of Daniel Lapp rather than reporting the crime through the law.  Is the law different for the Amish community?

For further information about the author, check out:

http://www.lindacastillo.com/

"Heart of the Matter" by Emily Giffin

At the end of the book, Tessa has a decision to make. Do you feel she made the right one? What would you have done? What do you see as the "heart of the matter" in this story?  How is trust distinct from forgiveness?

For further information about the author, check out:
http://www.emilygiffin.com/


For an interview with Emily Giffin about this book, go to:
http://www.bookreporter.com/authors/emily-giffin/news/interview-051410

"The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

At the novel's end, the carved-animal woman in the African market is sure that "There has never been any village on the road past Bulungu," that "There is no such village" as Kilanga.  What do you make of this?

For further information about the author, check out:

http://www.kingsolver.com/biography/



"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Numerous Guernsey residents give Juliet access to their private memories of the occupation. Which voices were most memorable for you? What was the effect of reading a variety of responses to a shared tragedy?

For information about the authors, check out:


http://www.bookreporter.com/authors/mary-ann-Shaffer


For information about the German occupation of the Channel Islands:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/topics/occupation_channel_islands

"Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko

As Moose obediently helps his sister off the boat as they head to school, he thinks to himself, "Good Moose, obedient Moose. I always do what I'm supposed to do".  Is this true?

For further information about the author, check out:
http://www.gennifercholdenko.com/about/faq1.html


For information about autism, the author and the book:
http://www.alcaponedoesmyshirts.com/autism/autism01.html


Alcatraz - The True Stories: interviews with people who lived and worked on The Rock:
http://www.alcaponedoesmyshirts.com/interviews/

"Brooklyn" by Colm Toibin

If Eilis had been able to choose freely, between Brooklyn and tony, and Enniscorthy and Jim, what do you think she would have chosen? Or is Eilis really a young woman who does not choose, who allows others to determine her fate?

For further information about the author, check out:

http://www.colmtoibin.com/

To read the New York Times Sunday Book Review of "Brooklyn" from May 1, 2009:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/books/review/Schillinger-t.html?_r=0

"The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henriquez

How does Alma’s lingering guilt about Maribel’s accident affect her choices and interactions when she’s in America? Do you think that she still feels this way by the end of the book? What does she have to do, and realize within herself, to move beyond her feelings? Do other characters besides Alma struggle with guilt? How does this emotion echo throughout the book, even among the varying narrators/voices?

For further information about the author, check out:

http://www.cristinahenriquez.com/

For information about the Unknown Americans Project, check out:

http://unknownamericans.tumblr.com/

For interviews with author Cristina Henriquez:

https://lareviewofbooks.org/interview/three-questions-cristina-henriquez

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/novelist-cristina-henriquez-immigrants-unknown-americans-n276336