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Book Discussions:  Chickens in the Road - Let's Discuss It!  |
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
1846 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
1846 Posts |
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ceridwen
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Carole
Champlain
New York
USA
2087 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 03 2015 : 5:41:04 PM
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Since we are looking for our next book, I thought I would answer the questions posted.
1. What part of this book inspired you in some way?
The last part where she finds the courage to look and buy her own property. She came to believe that she could do this on her own.
2. Will you ready other books by this author?
Given that she is a former romance novel writer, I will not be reading her prior novels (I do not enjoy romance novels). However, if she publishes new non fiction, I will check it out.
3. Do the main characters change by the end of the book? (Do they grow or mature, or learn something new, etc.)
I admire how Suzanne grew throughout her relationship with 52, who I would say is the final individual, via his dysfunctional personality, that makes it clear for her that the issue is her dependency and lack of self confidence. She slowly becomes aware that her lack of self trust only serves to continue the dysfunctional relationship patterns in her life. Once she realizes that she must leave 52, as well as the farm, she starts to acquire courage and self trust. In my opinion, biggest growth was having the courage to leave what she built with 52 and move onward to a place of her own. Having the courage to know and believe that she can make it on her own. I would think that the farm she built with 52 had her heart and soul into it. It is a matter of detaching the self from the future possibility and dreams, moving on to the present.
4. If you could ask the author one question, what would you ask?
Why did you doubt yourself for so long? Was the pattern present in your former marriage?
5. If you could have lunch with one character, who would it be?
Suzanne. I admire her courage and vulnarability.
6. What did you think of the style of writing and/or the structure of the book?
I liked her style of writing. It is casual but not to familiar.
7. What surprised you most about the book?
No surprises that I can think of at the moment.
8. Did any of the characters remind you of yourself of someone you know?
Suzanne reminds me of myself. I saw a lot of myself in her.
9. Did your opinion of the book change as you read it?
Not sure how to answer that. I came to read that book without an opinion.
10. This one is just an open question -- What do you want to say about this book? Anything goes!!
I like that she does not romanticize the farm life. 52 made it difficult for her to do the various chores by herself; that was his way of controlling her, her dependency on her relationship with him - he made sure he would have control. Such a common patterns in dysfunctional relationships. |
Carole
Farmgirl Sister 3610 - Nov 7/2011
http://www.carolesquiltingetc.com
Insanity: Doing the same thing over & over again & expecting different results ~ Albert Einstein |
Edited by - ceridwen on Jul 03 2015 5:50:57 PM |
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Song Sparrow
True Blue Farmgirl
729 Posts
Amy
Talleyville
Delaware
USA
729 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2015 : 07:06:03 AM
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Carole, your answers really gave me some things to think about! Carole has given us such a terrific base to build our discussion on! How about we take a few questions at a time for us to talk about, if that's with everyone. Here are my thought on the first few:
1. Like Carole, I was inspired by her making the decision to buy a farm she could manage in her own. and moving on. She had to re-imagine her dream, and that is very hard to do. To me, persistence in times of difficulty is such an important virtue!
2. Unlike Carole I will probably try one of her romance novels, if they're not too sexy! I'm not a prude, mind you, but some of the romance writers just have too many graphically sexy scenes, and that's not what I'm looking for in a book! I'm not a big time romance reader, but, confession time -- I usually read one in the really dark, cold time of winter, and one on vacation in the summer. Guilty pleasures! So, since I enjoyed her writing, I'll probably try one of her other books.
3. I totally agree with Carole on this one. Suzanne became her own person by the end of the book. I think the process began with her divorce, but she jumped right into a relationship most likely because she was afraid to be alone. And she stayed in it even when it became abusive. BUT . . . she didnt stay with him forever, which is where the growth of her character shows. She was ready to stand on her own and make her dream a reality on her own terms. Speaking of the abusive nature of 52, I have to say when he first started acting up I thought he was either suffering from some kind of addiction or early onset Alzheimer's disease. I still think it might be the latter, and I'd be curious to know how he is now. Whatever the reason, I remember Alicia posting that he was driving her crazy as she read. I found myself becoming very frustrated with Suzanne for mutley taking all his abuse, so I was joyful for her when she moved on.
Those are my thoughts on the first 3 questions. Ladies, what are yours!?!
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Happy Day!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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levisgrammy
Scattered Prairie Hen Honcho
10588 Posts
Denise
Ohio
USA
10588 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2015 : 08:20:43 AM
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#1. That she made to take on a full time farm in the first place and that she had the perseverance to continue on even under the pressures of dealing with 52.
#2. If she was to write about the farm she now has and how she is doing with that I probably would, but not really into much romance stuff.
#3. I was very happy that she was able to remove herself from the abusive situation. She found a way out and she took it. I hope that he found help eventually. Would be interesting to find out. I was thrilled that she found everything she was looking for in a farm but she was willing to work her way out of the Slanted House and then the next farm too. I think she had to change as she went through each of these "phases". |
Denise~~
Sister #43
"I am a bookaholic with no desire to be cured."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"
Psalm 119:105
www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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Lexi Lavender
True Blue Farmgirl
77 Posts
Lexi
Bangor
Maine
USA
77 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2015 : 5:19:32 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by hudsonsinaf
Lexi - who is the chef???
The chef is Vivian Howard and the show is "A Chef's Life" on PBS. She and her husband run 2 restaurants in North Carolina. |
Lavender Lexi
Farmgirl #4034
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them." — Eeyore. |
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Lexi Lavender
True Blue Farmgirl
77 Posts
Lexi
Bangor
Maine
USA
77 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2015 : 5:28:24 PM
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Question 1: I felt a kinship with how she kept acquiring animals without really knowing what she was getting into...then figured out how to take good care of the animal and work with what she got. It also inspired me since I have always wanted to write. My girlfriends keep telling me to write a book about our experiences here on the land.
Question 2: I would evaluate whether to read another of her books after I saw it.
Question 3: I had the sense throughout the book that she was reacting to outside forces. I didn't really feel like she took charge of the situation with 52...she just eventually couldn't stand it and moved on. That may just be how it comes across in the book but I would have liked her to take a more active and less passive role in the relationship. I am glad she has moved on and that she has her own farm now. |
Lavender Lexi
Farmgirl #4034
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them." — Eeyore. |
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Song Sparrow
True Blue Farmgirl
729 Posts
Amy
Talleyville
Delaware
USA
729 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2015 : 7:42:00 PM
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Denise, I didn't think of it, but you're absolutely right, the Slanted house really was like the first chapter in her farm life. I also am really curious about what became of 52. I wonder if she'll write a sequel, and if she'd talk about what happened to him if she does?
Lexi, I see what you mean about her being passive in the 52 situation until she reached her breaking point, then finally she acted. She's very conflict-aversive, which is one of my (many) shortcomings, too. So guess it was harder for me to recognize it in her story. And, by the way, now you go ahead and write that book! I want to read YOUR story someday soon! |
Happy Day!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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Lexi Lavender
True Blue Farmgirl
77 Posts
Lexi
Bangor
Maine
USA
77 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2015 : 10:07:41 AM
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| Lol. Thank you for the encouragement! I just went from no job to 3 jobs so I may not start just yet. I too saw myself in this book. I have also wondered about the line between a hobby farm and a real farm. Just goes to show we all have similar desires and insecurities at our core! |
Lavender Lexi
Farmgirl #4034
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them." — Eeyore. |
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mbenton16
True Blue Farmgirl
205 Posts
Maryellen
Denver
North Carolina
USA
205 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2015 : 5:59:52 PM
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Question 1. Not actually a particular part. What did inspire me is her persistence in learning new things. She seems very self taught,she did whatever it took to learn something. She followed through until the end of acquiring a new skill. I start strong and then rarely finish.
Question 2. No I just don't enjoy romance novels. I would definitely read something by her if not romance.
Question 3. In my opinion it is quite apparent that Suzanne made huge changes. Much like life does to all of us. I am not saying better or worse changes, just changes. Suzanne was determined for the neighbor lady to like her, I don't think she liked any type of confrontation which was pretty obvious with 52. I feel she was one tough cookie throughout but her inner self was definitely stronger at the end. |
Maryellen Benton |
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Song Sparrow
True Blue Farmgirl
729 Posts
Amy
Talleyville
Delaware
USA
729 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2015 : 6:50:45 PM
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| Oh wow, Maryellen, you really picked up on something significant, I think, about the neighbor. She really wanted to win her over, and it probably had to do with her own self esteem. She needed to feel approved of. But that really changed by the end of the book, she's probably a lot more comfortable with herself. She was tough throughout as you said, but she really grew in her sense of self worth. Thanks, that's a great point! |
Happy Day!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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mbenton16
True Blue Farmgirl
205 Posts
Maryellen
Denver
North Carolina
USA
205 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2015 : 6:30:36 PM
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| This is why I love book clubs and book discussions so much. We can all read the same book and get so many different options, opinions and insights from that book. Thanks for including me. Maryellen |
Maryellen Benton |
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Song Sparrow
True Blue Farmgirl
729 Posts
Amy
Talleyville
Delaware
USA
729 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2015 : 04:20:51 AM
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| It really does enrich your reading, doesn't it? Anyone else have anything to add on the first few questions?? |
Happy Day!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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Song Sparrow
True Blue Farmgirl
729 Posts
Amy
Talleyville
Delaware
USA
729 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2015 : 06:27:09 AM
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Here are my responses to the next few questions. Please chime in with your own answers to any of the discussion questions that appeal to you! We all don't have to respond to all of the questions -- you can pick and choose.
#4. If I could ask her one question, it would be whether she thought the time with 52 had a negative impact on her kids -- especially her daughter. That concerned me.
#5. I would love to lunch with Georgia. I admire her her no nonsense approach to life, and I'll bet she has some stories to tell!
#6. I enjoyed the informal, chatty style of writing, and thought it showed her sense of humor about herself and life in general. It suited the overall intent of the book.
#7. At first, the thing that surprised me was her putting up with the abuse from 52. But as her story developed and we learned more about her, it was more understandable.
#8. Suzanne reminded me of myself in that she hated conflict and didn't always respond wisely. She had to be pushed to the limit before she would engage in conflict -- I can really relate to that (unfortunately!). Georgia reminded me of one of my dearest friends, Joan, who is as unflappable as they come. I admire that so much!
Can't wait to hear from everyone else! :)
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Happy Day!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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Lexi Lavender
True Blue Farmgirl
77 Posts
Lexi
Bangor
Maine
USA
77 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2015 : 08:19:44 AM
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#8 I really identified with this lady. Her experience with cooking her little goat the first time! The first time I cooked one of my own chickens, I really freaked out. The smell was too much like the real thing. But like the author I eventually concluded that our birds have a great life and one bad hour at the end.
Also I lost my first bunny last year very unexpectedly (it was young) and I really had (have sometimes) a lot of guilt over that. But as in the book, my neighbor up the road who is farther toward a "real farm" rather than a "hobby farm" said "if you are going to have livestock, you are going to have deadstock". I was horrified the first time she told me that but I've come to realize it is true.
Over all I found this book inspiring because the author let us see her triumphs and her failures. It made me feel a connection to her and this "simple" life we all aspire to and gave me inspiration to carry on. |
Lavender Lexi
Farmgirl #4034
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them." — Eeyore. |
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DandeeRose
True Blue Farmgirl
358 Posts
Alicia
IN
358 Posts |
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ceridwen
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Carole
Champlain
New York
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2015 : 5:55:21 PM
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| Alicia, Gorgia would be a good character to have lunch with! I so enjoy hearing stories! |
Carole
Farmgirl Sister 3610 - Nov 7/2011
http://www.carolesquiltingetc.com
Insanity: Doing the same thing over & over again & expecting different results ~ Albert Einstein |
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Song Sparrow
True Blue Farmgirl
729 Posts
Amy
Talleyville
Delaware
USA
729 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2015 : 04:53:22 AM
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| Alicia, let's go-- you bring the jam and I'll bring the spoon! Hee Hee:) |
Happy Day!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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mbenton16
True Blue Farmgirl
205 Posts
Maryellen
Denver
North Carolina
USA
205 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2015 : 4:19:01 PM
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4) I would ask her does she have any future dreams or is she content.
5)I would like to have lunch with Suzanne because I think she would have the most to tell.
7) it took so long "in the book" for 52 to move out. I would have liked to hear about new farm and her adventures on her own. Maybe a sequel.
10) I enjoyed the book and her lifestyle. I like that she appreciated her blessings but admitted her hardships. I like the way she didn't quit and followed a task until it became a reality. I think she has a very honest opinion of herself and I appreciate that in anyone.
Thank you for selecting this book and allowing me to participate. Maryellen |
Maryellen Benton |
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Song Sparrow
True Blue Farmgirl
729 Posts
Amy
Talleyville
Delaware
USA
729 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2015 : 03:54:34 AM
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| Maryellen, I really love your comment about her having an honest opinion of herself. That's very insightful-- and when I thought about it, I believe it's a big part of why she seems so likeable. She's very authentic and didn't try to embellish or cover up anything. Very thought provoking answers, thanks! |
Happy Day!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
1846 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
1846 Posts |
Posted - Jul 26 2015 : 08:36:32 AM
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Since I am such a SLACKER, I thought I would sit here and catch up all at once, lol.
1. I think the thing that inspired me the most, was she had a dream, and even with what it costed her, she still WORKED to fulfill it. She didn't just research answers, or continue to dream, but rather went out and worked towards obtaining it!
2. I enjoyed her authenticity, but honestly, whether or not I will read another of her books totally depends on the book.
3. There was definitely some growth in Suzanne, by the end of the book. She started off with low confidence, feeling she needed to depend on others... be it her cousin, Georgia, 52, etc, to the point where she learned that she has what it takes within her, if she would trust herself and accept that mistakes are going to be made, and that is okay... just learn from them.
4. One question I would ask the author... I think I would be interested in the growth she saw in her children - in their own self confidence and determination...
5. Lunch with one character - oh my! That would be a toss up - either Suzanne herself, or Georgia.
6. One of the greatest parts of this book was the authenticity. It was not written from a "superwoman" perspective, but one that recognized her limitations, yet overcame them as she could. Her feelings were raw and unfiltered.
7. I think what surprised me the most in 52's unwillingness to change. I have a "Pollyanna" view point sometimes, and like to think that when people are resented with their downfalls that are hurting other people, they will do what they can to change. He didn't even follow through with counseling :(
8. I'm not sure any of the characters reminded me of myself or anyone else - but perhaps Suzanne showed me the kind of person I want to be... the kids that will rely on myself. The kind that will follow through with my dreams. The one that will take those dreams, take the plunge, do the work, and make it a reality. The one that will not listen to the naysayers, but rather embrace one's calling.
9. I think as I read further and further into the book, I enjoyed it more and more. I was "rooting" more for her - desiring her to overcome the "gloomy cloud" 52 was putting over her head. For her to realize she had the strength within.
10. For me this book is about self-realization. To examine one's motives and reasons, to find the will and strength within, and to follow through with one's dreams. It was a great reminder that dreams stay dreams until you act and make them a reality. Nothing will happen without the work! |
~ Shannon, Sister #5349
Farmgirl of the Month January 2016
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
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Song Sparrow
True Blue Farmgirl
729 Posts
Amy
Talleyville
Delaware
USA
729 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2015 : 4:45:17 PM
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| Hi Shannon, and thanks so much for your insight! I think your answers really captured the essence of this book. Self-discovery and the realization that dreams come true with hard work and persistence. I think what we all seem to have responded to is Suzanne's growth as an independent woman, and the way she went with the flow of life's ups and downs and persisted until she achieved her goal on her own. |
Happy Day!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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ceridwen
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Carole
Champlain
New York
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2015 : 08:07:02 AM
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| Ladies, thank you for taking the time to post your insights! I enjoyed reading everyone's input! |
Carole
Farmgirl Sister 3610 - Nov 7/2011
http://www.carolesquiltingetc.com
Insanity: Doing the same thing over & over again & expecting different results ~ Albert Einstein |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
859 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
859 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2015 : 9:00:55 PM
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| I know I have not participated in this discussion yet but I was impressed how she adapted to the seemingly inhospitable land she was farming on. All that up and down the hill. I'm really glad she had a chance to get a better farm situation in the end and that she dumped 52. I think it is significant that she called him that. She did need physical help and he provided that but that was all. I enjoyed the book and the connection she had to her grandfather's place. |
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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Song Sparrow
True Blue Farmgirl
729 Posts
Amy
Talleyville
Delaware
USA
729 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2015 : 11:01:27 AM
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| Another great insight -- it really is significant that she called him 52 instead of his name, but I didn't actually pick up on that until you pointed it out. Thanks, Bonnie! |
Happy Day!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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Book Discussions: Chickens in the Road - Let's Discuss It! |
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Chickens in the Road - Let's Discuss It!
