Friday, December 14, 2012

We Are All Welcome Here - Discussion 1

Hola!

I am really liking the book so far.  Every time I've sat down to read I am immediately engrossed.  My first thoughts: Diana is an immature brat, her mother is a saint, Peacie is awesome, Suralee is trouble and they are so getting into trouble.


1. At the end of the Prologue, speaking about her mother and herself, Diana reflects: “[Elvis] had a kind of great luck and then terrible tragedy. For us, it was the opposite.” What do you think she means by this?

2. How does Paige compensate for her disabilities and serve as a strong parental figure for her daughter? Do you think Diana is forced to grow up a bit faster than other kids her age because of her mother’s condition? Why or why not?

3. Despite skepticism from the medical community, Paige Dunn gives birth to her daughter, Diana, in an iron lung, and they both survive. Even more amazingly, Paige is determined to raise Diana despite her condition. What do you think about Paige’s decision to keep her baby? Do you support her?

4.  Elizabeth Berg includes an Author’s Note at the beginning of the book, informing us that this work of fiction is a bit different from her other novels. What did you think of this choice before reading Berg’s story?

5. What other fictional female character would you compare to Diana? Peacie?

Thanks for participating! Hope you all are enjoying the book!

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