The Final Discussion

Oops! It's almost the end of the month, and I've been a very bad discussion leader. I totally never got around to posting the final questions for the group. I was going to do that today, but then a thought occured to me. "Wait a minute," I thought, "this book club is for all of us. So, instead of posting guiding questions, why not end our discussion of Devil in the White City with an open-ended question. This way, everyone can talk about whatever their hearts desire." So, here it is ... What were your opinions of the book?

And, so we begin our discussion ...

Welcome to the Ravenous Readers discussion of Devil in the White City! As mentioned in the previous post, this week we discuss the first portion of the book, pages 1 – 127. (If you are able, please answer the questions below no later than May 20; after that date, we begin our discussion of the second portion of the book.) This first series of questions examines your early impressions of the book and centers on two foundational elements: the book’s most powerful figures (Burham & Holmes) and the Chicago World's Fair of 1893.

Question #1: Time to Fess Up ...

Most book club votes are not unanimous. Some people want to read the book. Others only read the book because they have to ... the majority voted for it, but they weren't part of the majority. Okay, so, tell the truth—did you actually want to read this book? If so, what was the appeal? If not, please let us know why.

Question #2: Why a Book about the World’s Fair???

What are your early impressions of the book’s setting— World's Fair of 1893? The book’s author, Erik Larson, goes to great lengths to explain why the World’s Fair was so important during that time. He mentions how well Paris performed at the previous expedition, and he describes the battled that ensued in America’s bid for the fair. (Washington wanted it because it was the seat of the country’s government; New York wanted it because it already had everything else.) Many important events happened in 1893. Do you think the World’s Fair setting added or detracted from the storyline? Is there a different historical event that would have captured this plot equally as well?

Question #3: Who are These Guys?

Architect Daniel Burnham and serial killer Henry H. Holmes are the book’s two most powerful characters. After reading the opening chapters of the book, what are/were your first impressions of these two men?

Discussion: Devil in The White City

It's time! As planned, our discussion of Devil in The White City begins today. Well, kind of ... Actually, I've decided to divide the discussion in three parts.

Let's discuss the first portion of the book, pages 1 - 127, from May 14 - 20. On Sunday, May 14, Mother's Day, I'll post the first discussion primer. We'll have the entire week to discuss it.

Accordingly, we will discuss the second portion of the book (pages 128 - 157) from May 21 - 27 and the third portion (pages 158 - 390 as well as overall impressions) from the 28th until the end of the month. Why would divide the book as such? Weeeelllll ... I have a sneaky suspicion that not everyone has finished the book; I don't want to let any plot spoilers slip out. ;) Enjoy the additonal days of reading and let's gather round again on Sunday. Have a great weekend!!

Welcome, Kelli!

So I have been meaning to do this for days, so please forgive my lateness!

We have a new member of the RR and her name is Kelli. She's gonna look familiar to you because she is a frequent poster of comments here and since she has been such a good participant, I thought it was only fair to make her and official contributor. You know, since the perks are so great. ;) Kelli chases after seven, count 'em, seven toddlers - including her own gorgeous daughter - in her own child care center and still finds time to post on her own blog where she runs weekly movie trivia (which is, incidentally, brutally hard but so fun). Awesome.

Welcome, Kelli!