For March's Book Club, we read the book I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day. Julianna and Natalie were present. This is some of what we discussed, with discussion prompts from the author. However, we to veered off from these questions because we got so into talking about specific parts of the book!
After finding the box in the attic, Edie asks her parents, “Why am I Edith?” and “Where did my name come from?” (pg. 49) What is the story behind Edie’s name? By the end of the book, how does she feel about her name?
Why are our individual names important? How do our names connect us to the places and people we come from? What is the story behind your own name?
“The recognition dawns
on me slowly. I do know this landscape. I do know this place.” (pg. 236) What
are some significant locations throughout this story? What are the histories
behind these places? How do these histories impact Edie’s journey? How do these
settings connect Edie to the other characters?
Edie and her family
live in ancestral Suquamish and Duwamish territories (Seattle, Washington). Who
are the Native peoples of the area where you live? Did they sign any treaties?
What happened to them in the past? What are they up to now?
“There are countless
tribal nations throughout this land.” (pg. 187) How many federally recognized
tribes currently exist within the United States of America? Does this number
accurately represent the diversity of Native peoples? Why or why not?
In one of her letters,
Edith Graham writes: “I must admit, I’m homesick. It’s lonely being the only
Indian woman around.” (p. 143) Do other characters feel lonely throughout this
book? Can you identify any patterns or similarities between their moments of
loneliness? Christine Day Discussion Guide HarperStacks.com Guide created by
the author.
In contrast, where are
the moments of joy and triumph? When do the characters feel hopeful? Can you
identify any patterns or similarities between these moments of happiness?
Over the course of this
novel, Edie’s friendships change. Take a moment to reflect on her relationships
with Amelia, Serenity, Libby, and Roger. What is the nature of Edie’s
relationship with each person? How are these characters significant to Edie’s
growth?
Who is Bruno? How does
Bruno’s journey change and evolve alongside Edie’s? Are there any connections
between his story and Edith Graham’s? Are there connections between Bruno and
Edie’s mom?
How does Edie’s
identity as an artist change over the course of the book? What are her main
sources of inspiration? Do you think her artwork is influenced by her identity
as a biracial Native (Duwamish/Suquamish) girl?
What is the Indian
Child Welfare Act of 1978? Why is this piece of legislature so vital to tribal
nations, families, and communities?
Take a moment to
reflect on the prologue and epilogue: “Where are you from?” and “Where are you
going?” What is the significance of these chapter titles? How do they relate to
Edie’s coming-of-age arc?
Why do you think the
author chose the title: I Can Make This Promise? What is the main promise Edie
makes in this story? How does she fulfill this promise in the book? How might
she honor it in the future?
Make your own promise.
Reflect on the people, places, memories, and experiences that are most important
to you. What can you do to fulfill this promise right now? How might you honor
your promise in the future?
Please rate this book between a 1 and a 5, with 1 being one of the worst books you've ever read, 3 being average and 5 being one of the best books you've read!
-4
-4 1/2
For April's Book Club, we will be meeting on Wednesday, April 21 at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. We will be reading Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.
| "After being sold to a cruel couple in New York City, a slave named Isabel spies for the rebels during the Revolutionary War."- summary |
Please be sure to register for Book Club so Miss Colleen can send you the Zoom link on the day of our session!
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