Pearls: Spirits of the Belleview Biltmore

READING GROUPS/BOOK CLUBS – POTENTIAL TALKING POINTS

for Pearls: Spirits of the Belleview Biltmore

1. How might the world be different today if, as Margaret Plant suggests, women had developed their own version of the “Good Old Boys Network” over time?
2. What are some alternative ideas about what might happen immediately after one passes beyond this life? Do you believe a soul or spirit still exists? If so, do you think the soul can still make choices?
3. What would you do if a child came into your life with a “special gift” like Cody’s?
4. Do you think it’s possible that an old building can hold onto “echoes” of people who once stayed there?
5. Could you/would you incorporate “The Circle” into your own life? How might doing so affect your life and those of other women in your circle?
6. Do you know anyone like William? Why do you think he is continually unsatisfied with his life? Do you think men like William can change?
7. If you knew about a dark family secret, would you share it with your children?
8. Have the lives of women improved since they are no longer automatically expected to marry and raise children? Has their struggle for equality improved society?
9. Despite societal and technological advances of the last 100 years, some things haven’t changed at all – especially when it comes to human emotion. What are some of those things?
10. If you were given the opportunity to revisit a memory of one person who has passed away, who would you choose and what memory/memories would you want to see?