The interestings by meg wolitzer discussion questions. Spoiler alert heres where i tell you about the discussion we had about the book. So for those of you who missed it i kicked off a book club last month. Throughout in the unlikely event, newspaper clippings are interspersed among the text. The questions that follow are intended to enhance your reading groups discussion of in the unlikely event, judy blumes gripping new novel about a new jersey community that is left reeling after a series of tragic plane crashes strikes their town in the early 1950s. In the unlikely event by judy blume was my neighborhood book club s selection for january. Though it doesnt feel much like an adult novel, this book will be welcomed by any blume fan who can handle three real tragedies and a few fourletter words. May 31, 2015 judy blumes first novel for adults in 17 years is about a ninthgrade jewish girl and her new jersey community in the aftermath of three plane crashes in the town. Once midmonth ill set up a post with a few questions so we can check in on top of regular posting and then at the end of the month post the discussion questions and next months choices. This follows them coping not only with grief but with first love, estranged parents, difficult friendships, familial obligations, divorce, career ambitions, a grandparents love, a widowers hope, and everything in between.
In the unlikely event judy blume this novel, based on true events in the authors childhood, portrays the community of elizabeth, new jersey in the early 1950s, when it was hit by three major plane crashes within a few months, leaving residents to struggle with the repeated tragedies. Skip to main content carroll county public library. This follows them coping not only with grief but with first love, estranged parents, difficult friendships, familial obligations, divorce, career ambitions, a grandparents love, a. After a series of planes crash in a three month period in 1951, the town of elizabeth, new jersey is left stunned and confused. Jun 06, 2015 in the unlikely event is beloved ya author judy blumes first novel for adults in 17 years its centered on a series of plane crashes that really happened in her home town in the early 1950s. The autobiographical elements of in the unlikely event explain why blumes story works best when were following miri, who spends the book figuring out the meaning of the accidents.
In the video below she speaks about how she was reminded of these bizarre events. Some of these were published in late 2019, while some arent released yet, so theyre split into sections by publication date. Against this backdrop of actual events that judy blume experienced in the early 1950s, when airline travel was new. How to manage difficult meetings in your book discussion group. In the unlikely event is vintage judy blume, with all the hallmarks of judy blume s unparalleled storytelling, and full of memorable characters who cope with loss, remember the good times and, finally, wonder at the joy that keeps them going. In the unlikely event by judy blume reading guidebook. The book begins and ends with a commemorative gathering in 1987, giving us a peek at the characters lives 35 year later, complete with shoulder pads and the prince of tides. The evanston public library has monthly book discussion groups for readers of all interests, including. Alternate titles for substitution, if needed, or reconsideration for next year. In the unlikely event by judy blume reading guidebook club.
In the unlikely event by judy blume sarah anne carter. She was 14 years old when 3 plane crashes occurred within a span of 2 months. In her latest book, in the unlikely event, judy blume tells the story of that. Upcoming books are distributed monthly at the discussion. The rest of my book club who read books like this all the time, also disliked it. This months recommended novel for book clubs is in the unlikely event by judy blume, a beautiful, gripping novel based on real events and judy blumes own childhood experiences. In the unlikely event by judy blume discussion questions. In the unlikely event is a 2015 novel by judy blume. In the unlikely event idioms by the free dictionary. The book discussion group does not meet in july or august. Throughout in the unlikely event, newspaper clippings are interspersed in the text. I read in the unlikely event with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, knowing that the second plane crash described in judy blumes book was based on the reallife crash that hit my familys home in 1952 and is the central event in my memoir, replacement child seal press, 20. Definition of in the unlikely event in the idioms dictionary.
Towards the end of the book, a reflective miri muses that her life has been one unlikely. In the unlikely event is the fourth studio album by american mathcore band the fall of troy, that was released on october 6, 2009. She has spent her adult years in many places doing the same thing, only now she writes her stories down on paper. May 25, 2015 in the unlikely event discussion guide.
Jun 04, 2015 in the unlikely event is one of the most depressing books ive ever read and not in a good way. Judy blumes in the unlikely event spotify playlist. It follows fifteen year old miri ammerman and her family and friends as they cope with three plane crashes from december 1951 to february 1952 in their home of elizabeth, new jersey. In the unlikely event by judy blume, 9781509801664, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. How does the community band together after the first crash. In the unlikely event by judy blume the boston globe. In the unlikely event a novel book club kit fiction book club kit. Beloved novelist judy blume on why well never meet margaret at 50, and why we should all feel fine about our changing bodies. How do those articles help to provide context for the events. The questions that follow are intended to enhance your reading groups discussion of in the unlikely event,judy blumes gripping new novel. Did anyone else notice the part in the book towards the beginning when a character says that the ny giants football team are about to play the ny yankees baseball team. Mostly set in 1952, in the small town of elizabeth, new jersey, in the unlikely event is a snapshot of an era long ago. Content includes books from bestselling, midlist and debut authors. In the unlikely event was the august online book club book choice.
In the unlikely event is judy blumes final gift to her readers book. Judy blume is here to discuss the book, and her celebrated career writing for young adults and beyond. Having someone do a little bit of homework about the author and book in advance makes a huge difference in the book discussion. It includes details of events in the book, so if that ruins a book for you, and you totally had your heart set on reading this, scroll over the next paragraph.
Her first adult novel in 17 years called, in the unlikely event. If you like depressing books i would recommend still alice instead of this, as it actually has an interesting plot, intriguing perspective and developed characters. All books chosen are available in large print and audio, as well as, regular versions. How do you handle friction in your book discussion group. The questions, discussion topics, and reading list that follow are intended to enhance your reading groups discussion of in the unlikely event, judy blumes gripping new novel about a new jersey community that is left reeling after a series of tragic plane crashes strikes their town in the early 1950s. This was blumes first adult book in 17 years and one of only four adult books she has written in her career. To link up, all you have to do is grab the button above and link up below. The host by stephenie meyer book club discussion questions. This months selection is in the unlikely event by judy. About this book in this brilliant new novelher first for adults since summer sistersjudy blume takes.
In the unlikely event is a wonderful book, a parable of life in america post911. The thing that struck me the most about this book is that it is based on actual events. Judy blumes first adult novel in over 15 years is the perfect jigsaw of. Judy blume and kwame alexander on the books that shape childhood.
This months selection is in the unlikely event by judy blume. Towards the end of the book, a reflective miri muses that her life has been one unlikely event after another, adding up to a rich, complicated. It always adds to the understanding of the book if you know something about the author, why they wrote the book, how they. In 1987, miri ammerman returns to her hometown of elizabeth, new jersey, to attend a commemoration of the worst year of her life. February was judy blumes novel i n the unlikely event. Sign in or create your guardian account to join the discussion.
In the unlikely event is vintage judy blume, with all the hallmarks of judy blumes unparalleled storytelling, and full of memorable characters who cope with loss, remember the good times and, finally, wonder at the joy that keeps them going. Our fellow librarian, katie karkheck, found a character map to help us keep track of everyone in the book. Bookbrowse provides answers to your difficult book club questions. In the unlikely event share book recommendations with. Thirtyfive years earlier, when miri was 15, and in love for the first time, a succession of airplanes fell from the sky, leaving a community reeling. However, it got pushed to the back burner as the line to check out the book from the library was very long. Please contact mary ellen if you would like a copy of the book. Junes title is in the unlikely event by judy blume. It works just like a normal book club except the discussions are happening online so you can join in on your commute or cosied up at home on the sofa with a glass of wine in hand. In the unlikely event is a best book club book for discussion, a novel for adults by judy blume, who takes us back to the 1950s and elizabeth, new jersey, where she grew up. Lets start off 2020 right with a selection of the best book club books.
This work of historical fiction contains differing points of view and probes the themes of adolescence and grief. Our moderator will chime in with questions and comments throughout the month. August book club in the unlikely event septembers book our book club pick for august was in the unlikely event by judy blume. Home in the unlikely event discussion guide libguides at. To ask other readers questions about in the unlikely event, please sign up. In what ways do the events and characters reveal the authors values or world view. In the unlikely event is told in a large chorus of voices, but at the. I hope this is corrected in the final published version of the book. Join us for a friendly, informal discussion of in the unlikely event by judy blume.
Did the story make you question any of your own beliefs. Personally i was an avid reader, id literally read at the dinner table until my mum made me put my book away, i loved it. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the book club of california and are free and open to the public. In the unlikely event is a 2015 historical novel by judy blume which recounts three airline crashes in elizabeth, new jersey, in the winter of 195152, and the effect they had on the people living in the town. In the unlikely event by judy blume discussion questions 1.
As a big fan of judy blume in my younger years, i was looking forward to seeing how she would transition into an adult novel. Each month well be suggesting a new or classic paperback that is perfect for book club discussion. When i heard judy blume was releasing a new book, i was super excited. It is by going backwards that blume helps us accept that the wounds of yesterday will heal, but the lessons learned in the healing will have a profound effect on everything to come after it. May 03, 2016 upcoming books are distributed monthly at the discussion. A site dedicated to book lovers providing a forum to discover and share commentary about the books and authors they enjoy. I tried to start it several times but each time my eyes would. In 1987, miri ammerman returns to her hometown of elizabeth, new jersey, to attend a commemoration of the worst year of her life when a succession of airplanes fell from the sky, leaving her community reeling. But her central character, miri ammerman, is a 15yearold jewish girl growing up in the 1950s who has. But in her novel in the unlikely event, which like summer sisters is written for an adult audience, blume travels back to that time and tells the more intimate stories within the larger one, to help us better comprehend the incomprehensible, and learn the lessons that are the only bright side of catastrophe. In the unlikely event judy blume, 2015 knopf doubleday 416 pp. When the novel begins, the citizens of elizabeth go about their lives normally. In the unlikely event is one of the most depressing books ive ever read and not in a good way. Wild rose readers scroll down for ladies garden of readin.
Today were going to talk about in the unlikely event by judy blume. How do those articles help to provide context for the events that occur. Each month ill give you all a few book options to vote on so we can decide together which book to read. How do the articles help to provide context for events.
In the unlikely event by judy blume halifax public libraries. Posted on august 7, 2015 by blondeundercoverblonde no comment. In the unlikely event by judy blume when i heard there was a judy blume book written for adults, i immediately put in the unlikely event on my toread list. The album was recorded with producer terry date and is the only fulllength album to feature bassist frank ene first featured on phantom on the horizon. I had heard a lot about judy blumes new adult book when it first came out and when i found it on the sale rack at a store, i thought it would be an interesting choice for a book club. In the unlikely event book club kit halifax public. Discussion spoilers in the unlikely event by judy blume. The celebrated author of young adult classics is joining the leonard lopate show book club to discuss her latest novel for adults, in the unlikely event.
I am reading an advance reader copy of this book, which. About this guide the questions that follow are intended to enhance your reading groups discussion of in the unlikely event,judy blumes gripping new novel about a new jersey community that is left reeling after a series of tragic plane crashes strikes their town in the early 1950s. I ended up reading the majority of the book in one sitting, during a long car ride. In the unlikely event by judy blume, paperback barnes. This month weve been reading judy blumes novel in the unlikely event her first book for adults in 16 years, set in the 1950s and based on a set of real. Judy blume spent her childhood in elizabeth, new jersey, making up stories inside her head. In the unlikely event book king county library system. Judy blumes in the unlikely event the new york times. Recommending new books each month to spark lively conversation.
Visa, mastercard, american express paypal, diners club and discover. W hen we heard that judy blume was releasing a new adult novel we knew we would have to make it our june book club choice. In the unlikely event is a classic judy blume story that will definitely satisfy the needs of her huge following. In the unlikely event is a story told by a chorus of voices most of them young beginning with miri and her mother, rusty, who see a fireball fall from the sky in elizabeth, n. In the unlikely event is told in a large chorus of voices, but at the center is miri ammerman, a ninthgrade jewish girl in elizabeth, n. Today were going to talk about in the unlikely event by judy blume so for those of you who missed it i kicked off a book club last month personally i was an avid reader, id literally read at the dinner table until my mum made me put my book away, i loved it. Answered questions 16 i am reading an advance reader copy of this book, which i obtained at a librarians conference. Lopate show book club to discuss her latest novel for adults, in the unlikely event. What is elizabeth, new jersey, like before the plane crashes occur.
Home in the unlikely event discussion guide libguides. My paris dream will have you considering moving your next book discussion to france. In the unlikely event is vintage judy blume, with all the hallmarks of judy blumes unparalleled storytelling, and full of memorable characters who cope with loss, remember the good times, and finally, wonder at the joy that keeps them going. Come join us for a sharing of good books and ideas.
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