For May's Book Club, we read the book Guts by Raina Telgemeier. Nicole, Natalie, and Julianna were present. We used questions from the Scholastic Discussion Guide to begin our conversation. They are as follows:
1. A lot of the story of Guts happens inside Raina’s mind—describing what she’s thinking and what she’s not saying. How do you get a peek inside Raina’s thoughts? How does she learn to say things out loud?
2. Some people hold their breath when they get anxious or angry and don’t notice it until they feel out of breath. Others clench their hands into fists when they are upset, or tap their toes when they’re nervous. How do your feelings affect the ways you move and feel in your own body?
3. In Guts, Raina’s fears tend to build on each other—if something bad happens once, she’s scared it will happen again and does everything she can to avoid
recreating the same sequence of events. Why does she think that avoiding things will stop her anxieties? Does it help? What makes her realize that it isn’t working or worth what she’s giving up?
4. Throughout Guts, Raina tries new foods—some that she likes and others that she finds gross. What are some foods that you love to eat? Are there any that you
dislike? Were you ever surprised to enjoy something you thought you wouldn’t like?
5. Deep breathing and feeling rooted to the ground help Raina when she feels anxious. Do you have any favorite techniques for calming yourself down? Have you ever shared them with your friends to see if your method might help those around you?
6. Sometimes talking about your fears and anxieties can be intimidating and scary, even if it’s to a trusted adult or your best friend. How did Raina overcome her reluctance to tell others about her situation?
7. Mr. Abrams tells Raina to try to be nice to Michelle because “everyone is fighting a hard battle.” What do you think this means? Have you ever found it difficult to get along with someone? How does Raina come to understand Michelle and settle their differences?
8. Raina doesn’t tell her friends about going to therapy until almost the end of Guts, but when she does, she realizes that she’s not alone in seeking help to make her feel better mentally and physically. Why do you think she felt like she had to keep it a secret? How do you handle the fear of what other people will think about you? How have you decided to be brave and honest about something others may think is weird or a weakness?
Rating: on a scale of 1—5 (1 is the lowest; 5 is the highest), what do you rate this book?
4.5
4.75
4.75
For June's Book Club, we will be reading:
Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor by Ally Carter
All April has to do is find the clues her mother left inside the massive mansion. But Winterborne House is hiding more than one secret, so April and her friends are going to have to work together to unravel the riddle of a missing heir, a creepy legend, and a mysterious key before the only home they've ever known is lost to them forever." —Summary
We will be meeting on Wednesday, June 16 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside on the Swinburne Street side. In the case of inclement weather, Book Club may be moved indoors. Participants will be notified by noon, the day of, if the location changes.
To register, visit the circulation desk or email Miss Colleen at jamlibyouth@gmail.com
Be sure to stop by the library to pick up your copy!
