ICE Breakers
ROOM ON THE SEA
BOOK OF THE MOMENT
"Have you ever had the sense that maybe all lives are nothing more than the chronicle of countless stinging might-have-beens that continue to haunt us?" - Paul and Catherine were convinced they lived in the same building as young adults? Did this novel trigger any moments in your life when you might have taken a different path with a different person?
Catherine was a successful psychiatrist and Paul a corporate lawyer. Do you think they would have been a good match if they had met their younger selves or had age mellowed them in a way that affected their perspectives on life and love?
André Aciman presents a romantic picture of two well matched individuals meeting and enjoying a min-break in their imaginations, enjoying a little Italy in NYC? Was this read a satisfying piece of escapism? Did you leave wanting more or did you find it rather too wishful thinking and a story of little substance?
Have you read any of André Aciman's novels and is this one you would recommend for book clubbers?
THE MAD WOMEN'S BALL
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Were you aware of the existence of Salpêtrière ‘The Mad Women’s Ball’ prior to reading this story?
Do you agree with Mas, that in many ways society still parades young and fragile women for the entertainment to the wider public? How detrimental has this proved to be in some instances?
What did you think of Geneviève and her role in the story, particularly how she never challenged the unethical treatments of the women she knew so well?
What did you think of Théophile as a brother?
Were you surprised that Eugenie’s grandmother betrayed her? Why do you think she did when she loved her grand-daughter so much?
Have you seen the film and how does this compare?
GOOD FOR A GIRL
Fleshman has a lot of followers on social media platforms (such as Instagram) which naturally kickstarted the book's success. Do you think you need to be a follower to appreciate this book?
Lauren’s passion and drive is evident by her actions. Do you think this affects the reader's empathy for her career path? And do you think this is admirable or foolhardy and rather naieve?
"Women’s sports have needed a manifesto for a long time. With 'Good for a Girl' we finally have one". explains Malcolm Gladwell. Do you agree? Did this book achieve this and could her call to action have been more concise?
This book opened up plenty of conversation in our book club. Do you feel this story raised a voice and shared a narrative for silent issues and did it feel like a book for you, your daughter, your friends and husbands?
Were you surprised by the limited funding allocated to young athletes like Fleshman. Could there be a positive way to fund them in the future?
Fleshman laid out her research and reached out to others to investigate and make a fairer playing field for young female athletes. Do you think this is possible?
Did your book club enjoy reading this non fiction bestseller and does this remain an eye opener for women 'running in a man's world'?
THE WILD CARD