Family Tree Answers

I feel bad doing this book tour and not answering the questions. So here are my answers...

1. In the book, many secrets had been kept. What kind of an impact did these secrets have on the characters once they were revealed? Actually I think many of the characters were able to face their own flaws better once the secrets were all out in the open.

2. How would you feel if your child looked like he/she was from a race neither you or your partner showed evidence of? Would you worry about your child's future? I don't think I would worry about the child so much. Nowadays, families come in all shapes and sizes and I don't think anyone from this generation going forward cares all that much about background.

3. When Hugh discovers that Lizzie is a different race than him he questions the paternity of the child. He doesn't understand why Dana is so upset that he wants to prove he is the father. Do you feel that the faith and trust you have in your partner should be enough in this situation? Would you need to prove to other people and to yourself that you were correct? This was the part of the story that bothered me the most. I was so angry at Hugh for his accusations. I think your trust in your partner SHOULD be enough to not question their faithfulness. On the other hand, I WOULD want to know where the genes came from and would probably insist on doing the background research. But I like to think that I would not suspect my partner of anything unseemly.

Book Tour #4 Questions

Okay, these are all the questions I got this time around. If you read it and didn't send me a question, that's okay. You can still answer these on your blog. Everyone who answers, please comment this entry and let everyone know that you answered the Q's.

1. In the book, many secrets had been kept. What kind of an impact did these secrets have on the characters once they were revealed?

2. How would you feel if your child looked like he/she was from a race neither you or your partner showed evidence of? Would you worry about your child's future?

3. When Hugh discovers that Lizzie is a different race than him he questions the paternity of the child. He doesn't understand why Dana is so upset that he wants to prove he is the father. Do you feel that the faith and trust you have in your partner should be enough in this situation? Would you need to prove to other people and to yourself that you were correct?

Extended Book Tour

Book Tour #4 has been extended for another week to give others a chance to get their questions in since I only have my question and one other one (thanks, Jen!). So anyone who is reading/thinking of reading Family Tree, please get me your question by NEXT Friday. Thanks!

Question due Friday

Book Tour #4 is ending soon. Don't forget to send me your question this week!

Book Tour #4 Reminder

Book: Family Tree
Author: Barbara Delinsky

Question Due: September 14th

All Questions Listed: September 15th/16th

Post Date: September 21st

How the book tour works:

(1) leave a comment or send me an email (angelleg453@yahoo.com) saying that you're interested in participating.

(2) I will keep adding to this list of participants so people will know who is participating and where to go to read other reviews on "post day" (September 21st). You can add yourself to the list up until September 14th.

(3) read Family Tree by September 14th (about 4 weeks from Tour #3's post date).

(4) create a single question that would kick off a discussion (in other words, any question that leads to more than a "yes" or "no" answer where someone can express their opinion) and email it to me on September 14th (or any time beforehand).

(5) on September 15th/16th, I will post the list of possible questions. Everyone will choose 3 questions off the list and answer them in a blog entry (if we only have 3 participants, we'll all be answering the same questions. If there are more questions, we'll have more variation on the blog entries because people will choose to answer different questions).

(6) on September 21st, everyone will post their entry. I will post my answers too and a reminder that it's post day so people can go around and read the entries and comment (start a discussion back and forth in the comments section).

I want you all to know that I have already read this book, but I wanted to share it with all of you because it was SO good. It really lends itself to a good discussion so I can't wait to hear and answer your questions about it. Please consider participating, this book is very good.

Harry Potter Answers - POST DAY

1. J.K. Rowling demonstrates an impressive ability to integrate symbolism throughout her books. Even in her epilogue, James and Albus Severus, Potter's children, continue the teasing/taunting relationship that is indicative of the people for whom they were named. Therefore, in keeping with the theme of symbolism, if you were a character in Harry Potter, what animal would be your patronus and why? This is a tough one. Right now my patronus would be a female kangaroo because I have my baby in my pouch often now. :) (Hey, they said your patronus could change with the circumstances of your life.)

4. What do you think Bellatrix Lestrange's relationship was with Voldemort? I do not think Voldemort thought of her in any way other than an especially powerful minion. He took advantage of the fact that she had feelings for him. He was able to give her certain jobs because of her certain loyalty, but I think he knew she was crazy and was always a little careful not to let her in too far.

6. Do you think Dumbledore should have revealed all of the facts to Harry earlier? If so, at what point was he ready to hear everything? Even after reading all of the books, I still find myself irritated that Dumbledore waited so long to tell Harry everything (first the Horcruxes, then the Deathly Hallows). I think after hearing the prophecy would have been a good time to reveal the whole story. Harry had already faced Voldemort and several times by then. He may have been able to do more about finding the Horcruxes at Hogwarts while he was still there.

So far only Kelly in NC had posted her answers. C'mon ladies. Leave me a comment here whenyou have posted and I will link to your post.

Book Tour #3 Questions (Harry Potter)

I am posting these now so I don't forget. Ladies please post your answers sometime this week on your own blog. We will all run around next weekend and check out the answers!

1. J.K. Rowling demonstrates an impressive ability to integrate symbolism throughout her books. Even in her epilogue, James and Albus Severus, Potter's children, continue the teasing/taunting relationship that is indicative of the people for whom they were named. Therefore, in keeping with the theme of symbolism, if you were a character in Harry Potter, what animal would be your patronus and why?

2. In the most recent book, Harry discovers the weaknesses or faults of his role model Dumbledore. In one of the previous books, he discovered the faults of his father. Describe a time when either you discovered that one of your adult role models wasn't perfect or when your child discovered that you had weaknesses too.

3. If faced with certain death, would you walk into the situation to save the ones you love - knowing there was no time for goodbyes?

4. What do you think Bellatrix Lestrange's relationship was with Voldemort?

5. Harry named his son after Snape. Do you think Harry should have forgiven Snape after all he had done? Do you think it was appropriate to name his child after Snape?

6. Do you think Dumbledore should have revealed all of the facts to Harry earlier? If so, at what point was he ready to hear everything?

7. I can’t help but look at everything through Mother’s Eyes. I was so moved by Molly Weasley’s jumping in to fight Bellatrix to defend her daughter. I think that sort of action just comes naturally to mothers. Is there something you have done that you attribute to the “Mother Instinct”?

Harry Potter question

Who else read it? C'mon, email me a question! Mom, Christine, (I know Laurie is out of town or else she would do it). I will get Mike to submit a question this time too. Due on Friday!

Book Tour #3

Book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Author: J.K. Rowling

Question Due: August 10th

All Questions Listed: August 11th/12th (assuming I am not in the hospital having a baby)

Post Date: August 17th (my due date!)


How the book tour works:

(1) leave a comment or send me an email (angelleg453@yahoo.com) saying that you're interested in participating.

(2) I will keep adding to this list of participants so people will know who is participating and where to go to read other reviews on "post day" (August 17th). You can add yourself to the list up until August 10th.

(3) read harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by August 10th (about 3 weeks from the book's release).

(4) create a single question that would kick off a discussion (in other words, any question that leads to more than a "yes" or "no" answer where someone can express their opinion) and email it to me on August 10th (or any time beforehand).

(5) on August 11th/12th, I will post the list of possible questions. Everyone will choose 3 questions off the list and answer them in a blog entry (if we only have 3 participants, we'll all be answering the same questions. If there are more questions, we'll have more variation on the blog entries because people will choose to answer different questions).

(6) on August 17th, everyone will post their entry. I will post my answers too and a reminder that it's post day so people can go around and read the entries and comment (start a discussion back and forth in the comments section).

Just FYI

I am planning on Book Tour #3 being Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I haven't set dates yet but I am guessing we only need like 3 or so weeks to read it because I am sure everyone will be DYING to finish it quickly. I myself will probably finish it by the end of that weekend (July 22nd) so it will not interfere with birthing babies in the slightest.

Hey, I just remembered I was reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when Leah was just 2 months and I read obsessively while she sat in her swing A LOT (sorry, baby). Good thing I read so fast, she was not confined there for long.

Anyway, I guesstimate a question due date of August 10th.

Let's be honest here

I only got halfway through the book and was not psyched to finish it. I have also heard this from several sources. Do you gals want to call it a day on this round and start fresh after this week? I have too many other interesting reads lined up to spend so much time on something I don't enjoy. If you are mortally offended by this, let me know. :) Otherwise Book Tour #2 has been canceled.

Book Tour reminder...

Only one week left until questions are due. Here are the rules again in case you have forgotten. C'mon ladies, don't forget about me!

Book Tour #2

Book: Three Junes
Author: Julia Glass
Question Due: July 6th
All Questions Listed: July 7th/8th
Post Date: July 13th


How the book tour works:

(1) leave a comment or send me an email (angelleg453@yahoo.com) saying that you're interested in participating.

(2) I will keep adding to this list of participants so people will know who is participating and where to go to read other reviews on "post day" (July 13th). You can add yourself to the list up until July 6th.

(3) read Three Junes by July 6th (about 5 weeks).

(4) create a single question that would kick off a discussion (in other words, any question that leads to more than a "yes" or "no" answer where someone can express their opinion) and email it to me on July 6th (or any time beforehand).

(5) on July 7th/8th, I will post the list of possible questions. Everyone will choose 3 questions off the list and answer them in a blog entry (if we only have 3 participants, we'll all be answering the same questions. If there are more questions, we'll have more variation on the blog entries because people will choose to answer different questions).

(6) on July 13th, everyone will post their entry. I will post my answers too and a reminder that it's post day so people can go around and read the entries and comment (start a discussion back and forth in the comments section).

Crabby Mama's Mama's Responses

At the end of the story, Lily has done everything within her power to seek forgiveness for the way she treated Snow Flower. Share an action or situation that you later regretted and if applicable, how did you make amends for that mistake?

As a young married person I underestimated and disregarded the effect of not including my mother and “natal family” in my everyday life. I later realized the impact my actions had and regretted the hurt feelings they had caused. Luckily I was able to talk about this and express my apologies before it was too late. I’m very thankful that my relationship was salvaged. No one can ever predict when the opportunity for atonement will be taken away from you due to an untimely death – as Lily discovered. I hope I am never faced with that lesson again.

As a mother, I can’t imagine subjecting my child to anything like foot binding for the sake of societal acceptance. Do you think there are any practices in today’s world that might indicate a similar symbol of female status in our society? What are they?

Women are constantly bombarded with images and messages regarding society’s perception of what the perfect female body should be. This push to be thin, beautiful and large breasted has certainly had a huge influence on girls and women everywhere. Although mothers may not be directly involved in the process – as with the foot binding – it is difficult for them to fight and overcome the harm of society’s influence.

My Book Tour Responses

Why was Lily so forgiving of Snow Flower and her betrayal, yet so angry with
her family and Madame Wang? Isn't the betrayal the same? Why are we so
forgiving of friends but not of family members?

It seems like Lily was just going along with Madame Wang and trying to save herself in the beginning of her relationship with Snow Flower. Lily would do anything to make Snow Flower trust her and develop that "old same" relationship to further her own future. I can totally understand how betrayed Snow Flower must have felt when she found out the truth. I personally would have been more angry with Lily at that point. Lily should have had the trust and courage to own up to everything with Snow Flower as soon as their friendship deepened into that "old same" relationship. Snow Flower's mother and Madame Wang were just playing the cards dealt to them as women in that society. I thought the anger was misplaced on Snow Flower's part.

How do you feel about the concept of "old sames" (being in an arranged
friendship)? Were you surprised at the way it turned out for Lily and Snow
Flower? Have you found yourself in a "sisterhood" kind of friendship
throughout your life? How was it able to last through all of the changes you
have gone through in your life?

I have a hard time time with the concept of arranged friendships, only in the sense that they force you into a lifelong commitment as with an arranged marriage. But in any society that values it the way their society did, no one would think twice about it. As for friendships that span many parts of your life, I think in today's world, it gets more and more difficult to hold on to those. People travel and move away from home more often nowadays. Even with all the communications technology, nothing beats actually being present in a friend's life. In spite of all the friendships I have accumulated throughout all of my many stages of life, I don't believe I have that one that has spanned them all. I have drifted in and out of deep relationships at different points with people who are traveling with me. I would love for one or more of those to last and move forward with me into the rest of my life.

Don't Forget!

For those participating in the book tour, today is post day. Please post your answers on your blog (that's just you Kelly).

Check out my links on the right and click on Kelly in NC to view her answers.

Aussie Foxes Book Tour Responses

As a mother, I can’t imagine subjecting my child to anything like foot
binding for the sake of societal acceptance. Do you think there are any
practices in today’s world that might indicate a similar symbol of female status in our society? What are they?

I am not sure if we have any practices in our society today which force us to subject our children (daughters) to such horrendous pain. However, is life not cruel enough to our children without us inflicting the pain ourselves? Bullying, sports, education, clothes, popularity, disabilities and money are only a few of the things our children will endure in their lifetimes that will cause them pain and cause us pain in return to watch them have to endure these things. I also could not imagine sending my daughter (or son) off to marry into a family and know they would not be treated properly and have to be a slave or be treated cruelly just because she is a female.

Why was Lily so forgiving of Snow Flower and her betrayal, yet so angry with
her family and Madame Wang? Isn't the betrayal the same? Why are we so
forgiving of friends but not of family members?

I think maybe Lily was so forgiving of Snow Flower and not her family as maybe we have more trust and love for our family and therefore we expect more from them? I was shocked that Lily was able to shut out her mother with such ease. But then the more I thought about it, the more I realised that
the relationship between mothers and daughters was completely different than it is now. Girl children were a burden on their families and perhaps since they were not showed love and affection from their families, it was easier to turn their back on the family. The relationship Lily had with Snow Flower was one she never experienced with her family. The love and affection was something Lily had never encountered before and would never encounter again.

How do you feel about the concept of "old sames" (being in an arranged
friendship)? Were you surprised at the way it turned out for Lily and Snow
Flower? Have you found yourself in a "sisterhood" kind of friendship
throughout your life? How was it able to last through all of the changes you
have gone through in your life?

I think the concept of “old sames” could be a beautiful thing. However, as we saw in the book – the girls ended up betraying each other and hurting each other in the worst possible way. I am not sure there is any way for two women to have a friendship and for it not to end in heartache at some point. I am not surprised at the way things turned out between the girls. Their whole friendship was based on lies from the very beginning. Trust is a sacred thing and it is impossible to trust someone completely who has lied to you in the past.

Book Tour #1 Questions

Okay ladies, only four of us finished the book and submitted questions. You can answer as many or as few as you want. My mom does NOT want to have a blog so I will post her answer on my blog when she emails it to me. Here are the questions:

At the end of the story, Lily has done everything within her power to seek forgiveness for the way she treated Snow Flower. Share an action or situation that you later regretted and if applicable, how did you make amends for that mistake?

As a mother, I can’t imagine subjecting my child to anything like foot binding for the sake of societal acceptance. Do you think there are any practices in today’s world that might indicate a similar symbol of female status in our society? What are they?

Why was Lily so forgiving of Snow Flower and her betrayal, yet so angry with her family and Madame Wang? Isn't the betrayal the same? Why are we so forgiving of friends but not of family members?

How do you feel about the concept of "old sames" (being in an arranged friendship)? Were you surprised at the way it turned out for Lily and Snow Flower? Have you found yourself in a "sisterhood" kind of friendship throughout your life? How was it able to last through all of the changes you have gone through in your life?

Please post your answer(s) by June 1st!

Questions for Book Tour due tomorrow

You can either email me or send me a comment on this post with your questions. I am going to post all of the questions in a post this weekend and then we will all post our answers June 1st. Even if you type them up earlier, don't post them until June 1st. So far I only have 4 questions (mine included) so keep 'em coming!

Book Tour reminder

Just a quick reminder that your question for the book tour is due to me by next Friday. You have a week and a half to finish the book, so keep on reading!

On a similar note, any ideas for Book Tour #2? My sister recommends The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. Has anyone else read it/heard about it? I will start researching others too and report back. In the meantime, you do the same. :)