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Reading
Guide for Island Blues for Book Discussion Groups
Island
Blues is about desperate people who do desperate things… is
there anything desperate you have done? Can you identify
with the desperate actions of the characters in the story?
Sabrina
Dunsweeney is going through a sort of mid-life crisis. Do
you think it is a coincidence that Sabrina’s crisis of self
happens at this juncture in her life?
The
“Taos Hum” has been investigated by the Unites States
government and is generally recognized as a legitimate, if
unknown, problem for thousands of people. What do you think
of the author’s use of this phenomena in the story?
The book
deals with the animosity between islanders and tourists…
have you ever found yourself doing something obnoxious on
vacation?
At the
end, the reader must shelve the concept of the “Hum” as
something that cannot be satisfactorily explained. Are you
comfortable with that, or do you feel that everything should
have an explanation? Can you think of any other things that
defy explanation?
How did
Gilbert Kane die?
There
are questions left unanswered at the end of this book. How
do you feel about that?
Some
suspension of belief is required for this story. Do you have
a problem with that when reading a mystery? Are there other
types of books where it is easier to suspend belief?
How does
Bicycle Bob’s story affect Sabrina’s actions in the last
part of the book?
Why do
you think Lima and Sabrina have hit it off so well?
The
Comico Islanders throw a “Mullet Toss” every year to raise
money for the island’s school, a tradition that stretches
back through the years. Do you have any strange traditions
where you are from?
Property
Manager Vicki Carroway acts selfishly without regard for how
her actions affect the islanders and their way of life. Do
you think she has any redeeming qualities? Do you think she
will ever change?
Hill
Mitchell seems to have trouble interacting with people. Why
do you think he is alike this? Do you know anyone like Hill?
Sabrina
is elected island ombudsman to help facilitate relations
between the islanders and their tourist guests. Do you think
this is a good idea for every town? Why is it necessary for
Comico Island?
From
outside appearances, Joseph Siderius could be considered a
quack and a charlatan. Do you think this is the case?
Lance
Mayhew was going through a acrimonious custody battle, which
made him do things he would otherwise not have done. How far
is too far when a parent is trying to keep their children?
Why was
Joseph Siderius crying at the end?
What was
symbolism of Sabrina’s date at the end of the story?
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