Consider the Texas landscape as it is richly described throughout the novel. Do you feel that was some type of justice served or was it not enough? In what ways has Glory begun to heal? When does listening prove powerful and transformative throughout the novel? Why is this? Why does Gloria change her name to Glory? So there’s plenty of racism and sexism in this story that is set in the ’70s. Maybe 50. Karla Sibley’s experience waiting tables at the bar suggests that to speak up against the generational legacy of male entitlement, violence against women and racism “would require courage that we cannot even begin to imagine.” What then is to be done about such oppressive forces? "He must, he knew, never allow it ever again to come between him and Demelza." The courtroom scene with Mary Rose is pretty frustrating and clearly not a fair trial. What are the obstacles to economic power for women in the novel? Dive into them alone or bring them to your next book club meeting. It’s February 1976, and Odessa, Texas, stands on the cusp of the next great oil boom. As Ross ages in the books, his children actually take over as stars of the story. Even though she knows they’ll never sell, Lydia stocks some of her all-time favorite books in her store. Many people in the town have an opinion of Glory—with a majority blaming her for what happened. There has never been a more important time to stay close to others while the country follows social distancing orders during the coronavirus pandemic. She often remarks that she should have done more for Glory. The expectations for women in this small town is that they get married and have children and that’s it. This, her mother has told her, is the only way to get a “louding voice”—the ability to speak for herself and decide her own future. So it seems he proved himself to Valentine, but now there's making up to do with Demelza. Do you think she would have shot Dale if the police and ambulance hadn’t come by? To stay involved all month long, be sure to follow us on Instagram (don't forget to tag your photos with #ReadWithJenna), join our Read With Jenna Facebook group and follow along on Goodreads to continue the conversation about "Valentine.". So Dale eventually gets what’s coming to him when he harasses a waitress and she retaliate by running him over and severally hurting him. The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré is another Read with Jenna book and I loved it! The teenager had been viciously attacked in a nearby oil field—an act of brutality that is tried in the churches and barrooms of Odessa before it can reach a court of law. But Mary Rose is so upset that she can’t see straight and wants to shoot him as revenge for what happened to Glory. But Mary Rose, Ginny and Corrine aspire for more. Lydia Quixano Pérez lives in the Mexican city of Acapulco. An absolute must read. So this one is definitely everywhere. Just so you know, TODAY has a relationship with Book of the Month Club, so we make a share of revenue from purchases on and subscriptions to Book of the Month Club. What does a fuller life look like for her and the other mothers in the novel? How does it affect the characters and their stories? In most cases, the reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. Gloria’s Tío Victor claims that “every story is a war story.” What might he mean? The book series goes on for a much longer time than the TV series does. Instantly transformed into migrants, Lydia and Luca ride la bestia—trains that make their way north toward the United States, which is the only place Javier’s reach doesn’t extend. Do you think it would have made any difference if Glory would have shown up or do you think everyone’s mind was made up? I’m curious what you all thought about it! As a yielding daughter, a subservient wife, and a powerless slave, Adunni is told, by words and deeds, that she is nothing. Book club questions for Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore takes a closer look at key themes and perspectives in this novel. Ginny’s grandmother told her many stories about women who died trying to do all that was expected of them. For more information about Stephanie Larratt you can follow her on Instagram. For those who are from small towns, did you see any similarities between your town and Odessa? She figured she could parachute into Antarctica in the dead of the night, and she’d find three or four men sitting around a fire, filling each other’s heads with bullshit, fighting over who got to hold the fire poker.” This is a great quote—let’s talk about it. The publisher of "Valentine" provided these discussion questions to consider after you've read the book. Consider the Texas landscape as it is richly described throughout the novel. This post contains links to products that I may receive compensation from at no additional cost to you. Also, check out our Read With Jenna page. Do you think that was an oversight? Yet after Elizabeth died the Warleggans moved from Trenwith, so their paths didn't cross. Let’s discuss this. Were you surprised by the verdict? Valentine is a haunting exploration of the intersections of violence and race, class and region in a story that plumbs the depths of darkness and fear, yet offers a window into beauty and hope. One great way to spark conversation and stay connected is by talking about a great book. Mary Rose wrestles with a lot after that fateful day. What’s powerful about the names we use? Though her scars “tether her to a single morning,” what is her relationship to her body as she drives toward her mother in Mexico? Some of the topics of racism and sexism that are covered in Valentine are also featured in American Dirt. NO, I'm not kidding. He didn't die while on his mission and, in fact, he lived a life long enough to see his children grow up. She runs a bookstore. What might Debra Ann mean when she tells Jesse that, “Every book has at least one good thing”? On page 39, Corrine is at the bar and listening to the men complaining. What did you think about Corrine? What do you think was the bigger message the author was trying to say about race, sex and class? Spoilers for Into the Dark: My Valentine ahead.. My Valentine, Hulu’s latest entry in its Into the Dark horror anthology series tackles the many emotions associated with Valentine’s Day, but its claustrophobic story culminates in a real whopper of an ending. Somewhere it says Ross saw Valentine only once thereafter, briefly, at a funeral. What smaller, daily harms are done with impunity to the women in the novel? Corrine vehemently expresses to Potter how unfulfilling stay-at-home motherhood is for her. Why did her mom Ginny leave the family? While I thought this story was impactful, I personally felt it let out a key voice and that made a difference in how I perceived this story. Watch TODAY All Day! Wetmore beautifully describes the West Texas landscape and offers a message of hope through the voices of five female narrators. We read Glory’s perspective in the first chapter, once in the middle and then at the end. Let’s discuss the ending. If this story was set in the present, do you think much would have changed or would the same attitudes still prevail? How and why does her attitude change? And, unbeknownst to Lydia, he is the jefe of the newest drug cartel that has gruesomely taken over the city. And while there are cracks beginning to show in Acapulco because of the drug cartels, her life is, by and large, fairly comfortable. You can order the book on Amazon here. What are the most effective ways to respond and survive? Jumping from the high dive at the YMCA pool for the first time, Aimee and Debra Ann feel like they “can do anything” and “their faith is rooted in their bodies, the muscle and sinew and bone that holds them together and says move.” How is this different from what is so often expected of the bodies of girls and women? Corrine eventually talks her out of it. In what ways is the bookmobile important, particularly to Debra Ann? Let’s talk about her relationship with Potter. In what ways is a violent, misogynistic man like Dale Strickland entitled and empowered by others, his town and the culture at large? In the end, how Ross responds to the letter that Valentine signs, "Yours filially" is Ross' acknowledgement of their relationship, but since the result is near fatal it comes at the expense of his relationship with Demelza, thus the ensuing estrangement . [is about how Ross tries to make it up to Valentine, or make it up to his own sense of guilt. How is it that her decision — to help and protect an abused girl and later testify in court — is so offensive to many in the town, even the Ladies Guild? Since we've delved into the last books on this thread, In a way, all of the book BELLA (view spoiler)[is about how Ross tries to make it up to Valentine, or make it up to his own sense of guilt. Wetmore's debut novel follows the aftermath of a horrific act of violence: the attack of a 14-year-old girl named Gloria Ramirez. Here are some more recommendations along with links to book club questions. But while misfortunes might muffle her voice for a time, they cannot mute it. Let’s first discuss the title. All Right Reserved. Still, there are some women siding with the men no matter what. In the end, how Ross responds to the letter that Valentine signs, "Yours filially" is Ross' acknowledgement of their relationship, but since the result is near fatal it comes at the expense of his relationship with Demelza, thus the ensuing estrangement . While the town’s men embrace the coming prosperity, its women intimately know and fear the violence that always seems to follow. Why do you think the author didn’t include more of her viewpoint? Jenna Bush Hager also selected this for her April Read with Jenna book club pick. How does such behavior — often dismissed as harmless — reflect and affect larger value systems? When Lydia’s husband’s tell-all profile of Javier is published, none of their lives will ever be the same. Glory and her uncle leave the states to join her mother in Mexico. There will be spoilers so if you haven’t read the story yet, check out my spoiler-free review for more context about the story. Start a conversation about Jenna's April book club pick with these questions. Since we've delved into the last books on this thread, In a way, all of the book BELLA (view spoiler) Throughout the book He walks a fine line between his sense of responsibility toward Valentine and his need to consider Demelza's feelings and apprehensions. Mary Rose and Corrine face the reality that the townspeople might have had a different reaction if Glory was white. For April, Jenna Bush Hager recommended Elizabeth Wetmore's "Valentine" for her Read With Jenna book club. How does Karla respond to them? And when she realizes that she must stand up not only for herself, but for other girls, for the ones who came before her and were lost, and for the next girls, who will inevitably follow; she finds the resolve to speak, however she can—in a whisper, in song, in broken English—until she is heard. What are the significant themes in the story Debra Ann tells Jesse about the old rancher’s wife and her extraordinary garden? There is a lot of opportunity for deep and meaningful discussion after reading this book. Schwab, Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. The BBC show ends in 1799, but the books go on until 1820, when Ross is 60. But instead, Adunni’s father sells her to be the third wife of a local man who is eager for her to bear him a son and heir. (hide spoiler)], "He must, he knew, never allow it ever again to come between him and Demelza.". Which areas do you think she felt like she failed her? Throughout the book He walks a fine line between his sense of responsibility toward Valentine and his need to consider Demelza's feelings and apprehensions. Let’s discuss the scene. When does a failure to listen become harmful? What varying moods … And oftentimes, race was brought into the discussion. But what exactly are they running to? If you'd like me to review your book, contact me! The beginning starts off with Gloria escaping Dale Strickland, who brutally raped and beat her. What might she mean when she emphasizes to them that “stories save lives?”. Did you expect her to return?

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