Discussion #3 & Final Wrap-up: Hissy Fit

Alas, it’s time for discussion #3 of Hissy Fit. By now you’re probably getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends & family, but perhaps you can find a few moments to post your thoughts on the last third of the book, pages 287-419 or through chapter 68. As motivation, here are a few more questions from that sweet little ‘Reading Guide’ at the end of the book:

• When Keeley gets underneath the façade of some people she’s known all her life, what does she discover? What does this novel say about how well we ever really know one another?
• Do you feel any sympathy for A.J.? Does he get the comeuppance he deserves? Does Stephanie?
• The novel, which begins with a broken engagement, ends with a wedding. Is the identity of the happy couple a surprise?
• Will you be trying the Grits n’ Greens Casserole recipe?
• Overall, how do you rate this novel on a scale from 1-10, 1=bad & 10=most excellent?

Have yourselves a Happy Thanksgiving, Chicken Lit’ers!

Discussion #2: Hissy Fit

Ready for discussion #2 of Hissy Fit? Ok then! Let’s talk about the next third of the book from pages 142-286, or through chapter 46. Again with the help of our handy-dandy ‘Reading Guide’ at the end of the book, let’s begin with:

• Any thoughts on Keeley’s matchmaking skills in hooking up Will and Stephanie? Are they really a match?
• So far, what part do you think antiques play in this story? Are Keeley’s questions about her own past reflected in her search for enduring old furnishings and her wish to create beautiful homes for her clients?
• Is Serena a positive influence on Wade’s life? What about Keeley – is her Dad’s new relationship necessary in helping her let go of the past?
• Overall, what do you think of the author’s writing style? Do you like this novel?

Any other insights you’d like to share? Tell us – we’re interested!

Discussion #1: Hissy Fit

Now’s the time to open up discussion #1 of Hissy Fit. At this time, we will be chatting about the first third of the book from pages 1-141, or through chapter 24. And check this out – we’ve got pre-formulated questions from the ‘Reading Guide’ at the end of the book! So here we go with a few to help us get started:

• What do you think of Keeley’s reaction to her fiance’s behavior at their engagement party? Does she do the right thing? How would you react in a similar situation?
• Do you find it surprising that Will Mahoney is so determined to impress a woman whom he’s never met? Why?
• Is the picture that Mary Kay Andrews paints of life and business in a small town a realistic one?
• Here’s a new question: When Keeley first met and started getting to know Stephanie in Atlanta, did you think Stephanie seemed to be a likely match for Will?

Curious minds want to know your thoughts so far… post ’em right here!

Bookclub Book #22 & #23 Releases

With the holidays just around the corner, the Chicken Lit’ers are looking ahead at our reading lineup – hence the back-to-back book announcement. First, Mary Kay Andrews will keep us entertained with Book #22: Hissy Fit. Immediately following will be our holiday Book #23: Grace by Richard Paul Evans. What a treat it will be to have 2 brand spankin’ new authors to get us through the holiday season, don’t you think? How sweet it is!

So now that you’re equipped with advance notification of our next book selections, feel free to download an audio book or buy a copy on Amazon in support of our bookclub here: Hissy Fit & Grace. Both book pages will be easily accessible in the sidebar on the right under ‘Books‘ with timelines and discussion areas, so check back often.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Our Chicken Lit Bookclub rocks the holidays like never before. Eggnog?

Discussion #3 & Final Wrap-up: Chasing Harry Winston

The time has come for our third and final discussion of Chasing Harry Winston: A Novel. Have you finished reading? If so, please take a few moments to give us some feedback on your experience and post your thoughts on these questions:

• Were you all that surprised by the outcome for Leigh, Emmy and/or Adriana in their pact promise? Which seemed the most out there to you?
• How do you think bonding with Otis impacted Adriana’s luck?
• Did you find scenes in the book similar in nature to Candace Bushnell’s ‘Sex in the City’ – also a name dropped by Weisberger in Adriana’s career announcement?
• What is your overall rating of ‘Chasing’ on a scale from 1 to 10 (1=worst, 10=best)?

Last but not least, we are officially accepting recommendations for the selection of book #22. Having Chicken Lit’ers read along with you will make the experience that much more enriching (a proven fact), so post a few titles of books you’ve been itching to read and we’ll take them under consideration. As always, we hold to our promise not to bite here – so what do you have to lose, anyway?

Not a thing, that’s what.

Discussion #2: Chasing Harry Winston

Why don’t we move ahead with discussion #2 of Chasing Harry Winston: A Novel. We’re now talking about pages 97-207, or through “friendly really means available and desperate” for our listening Chicken Lit’ers. Here are a few questions to get us chatting:

• What was the biggest shock to you in reading this segment of the book?
• At this point in the novel, which character seems most likely to fulfill her promise in the pact they agreed on for the year?
• Do you envision anything positive happening for Leigh, Emmy, or Adriana as a result of the pact promises made?
• Were you surprised at the author’s choice in Leigh’s chick lit reading material – aka the Emily Giffin Something Blue plug?

Again, these are just a few rattled off the top of my head for starters. Got more? Post ’em here!

Discussion #1: Chasing Harry Winston

Alas, Chicken Lit’ers! On with discussion #1 of Chasing Harry Winston: A Novel. This first segment covers pages 1-96, or through “if you think it’s too big, you don’t deserve it” if you happen to be listening along via audible. So let’s get started by talking about the these questions:

• How do you like Weisberger’s writing style in this novel? If you’ve read The Devil Wears Prada, how does it compare?
• Has Adriana found a future husband match in movie director Tobias Baron? And could she possibly be serious about marrying Gilles if she doesn’t find the right man within a year?
• Does Emmy seem capable of pulling off the Tour de Whore ’07? Could she have sent her first European fling candidate, Paul Wyckoff, running away any faster with that so-called subtle inquiry about his feelings about having children?
• Will accepting Russell’s ginormous engagement ring have an affect on Leigh’s cold exterior? Or was it the mistake of a lifetime? And what about her big break as Jesse Chapman’s ‘Zero bullshit tolerance’ editor – will she finally stop selling herself short and step up to the challenge?

As always, any/all questions are welcome. We want to know what you have to say!