Lake Wobegon Days Book Discussion
Dates: 10/6/99,2:30 PM through 10/7/99,1:39 PM (2 postings)
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Lake Wobegon Days Book Discussion
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FROM: "Ingrid Norris" <[removed]@lakeco.lib.in.us>
REC'D: 10/6/99, 2:30 PM
FROM: "karen migaldi" <[removed]@nslsilus.ORG>
REC'D: 10/7/99, 1:39 PM
Surprisingly, humorous stories can be a challenge for book
discussions. I'm not sure which Garrison Keillor book you're
discussing, but I'm forwarding the ones I used for Lake Wobegon Days.
Hope they help.
Karen Migaldi
Crystal Lake Public Library
LAKE WOBEGON DAYS
by Garrison Keillor
1) What gives Lake Wobegon its charm? Does it seem quaint
to its residents?
2) Do the residents recognize the humor in local events? Is
Keillor writing as a part of the community or as an outsider?
Must one be an outsider to appreciate the humor?
3) What advantages/disadvantages does Lake Wobegon offer?
Geographically, socially? Sense of comunity, know everyone,
security, ordered life.
4) How does Lake Wobegon view change? Healthy suspicion,
technology bad, don't want new religion - want to be home for
dinner p. 76. Does the modern world rely too heavily upon
change?
5) From what has Lake Wobegon's view of the world evolved?
Heritage or small town?
6) What is the importance of our past? Sense of place,
history. Is knowledge of our past necessary to our well-being?
Is this knowledge missing from our contemporary lives?
7) Did you have a favorite section of the book? p. 9
Germans
8) What does Lake Wobegon represent? Frontier town. Grew
from hopes of settlers. Unplanned/unfettered belief in self.
Pioneer spirit.
9) What problems did the original settlers face? How would
you describe the pioneer spirit? Is it still present in Lake
Wobegon or the United States in general?
10) How would you describe the residents of Lake Wobegon?
Loyal, true, hard-working (p. 96 - buy local even though cost
more) What are the similarities/differences between the original
and second-generation settlers?
11) What came with the settlement of Lake Wobegon?
Civilization - grudges, differences, politics. Do different
groups cooperate?
12) How do the people of Lake Wobegon view other faiths? How
do the children of Lake Wobegon view other faiths? More
tolerant, mystical, love pageant
13) Will Lake Wobegon remain untouched by modern society?
Death - p. 8 Grandma, p. 195 Death caught by surprise, own
daughter doesn't attend funeral. Sports prove boys are "all
right". Charlotte's illness like father's train. People change
when move?
14) How would you describe the relationship between parents
and children? Result of small town or modern life?
Ingrid Norris wrote:
> Someone suggested I could ask the knowledgeable people of
> FictionL if they had some ideas. We are discussion Garrison
> Keillor's book and I am having trouble thinking up discussion
> questions for the reading group. Last time we discussed a humorous
> book the talk fizzled and I would like to be prepared with lots of
> discussion ideas. Anyone have any thoughts on good questions for
> this book? for humorous books in general? for book discussions in
> general? Thanks for any help Ingrid NorrisBranch ManagerHighland
> Branch
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