Book Club Kit for No Ordinary Life by Suzanne Redfearn includes book club discussion questions and party menu.
I'm excited to announce that the May pick for the Peanut Blossom Book Club for Recovering Readers is No Ordinary Life by Suzanne Redfearn.
I stumbled across this book while browsing the shelves at Target.
I confess the bright red dress on the cover caught my eye but it was the description of the story that grabbed my attention. Check out all the details below.
Peanut Blossom Book Club
This book was our official May 2016 pick for the Peanut Blossom Book Club.
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What is No Ordinary Life About?
"Faye Martin never expected her husband to abandon her and their three children . . . or that she'd have to struggle every day to make ends meet. So when her four-year-old daughter is discovered through a YouTube video and offered a starring role on a television series, it seems like her prayers have been answered. But when the reality of their new life settles in, Faye realizes that fame and fortune don't come without a price. In a world where everyone is an actor and every move is scrutinized by millions, it's impossible to know whom to trust, and Faye finds herself utterly alone in her struggle to save her family.
Emotionally riveting and insightful, NO ORDINARY LIFE is an unforgettable novel about the preciousness of childhood and the difficult choices a mother needs to make in order to protect this fragile time in her children's lives."
While my own children may not be YouTube stars, the idea that social media fame could lead to family trouble was a riveting plot line summary for me. This is obviously an issue I am deeply concerned about and I'm super curious to see how the story plays out. I thought the tale of a mom protecting her children's childhoods also seemed like an appropriate choice for the month of Mother's Day!
No Ordinary Life Discussion Questions
This month's author Suzanne Redfearn is joining us throughout today's discussion of No Ordinary Life and will stop by for tonight's evening chat.
Welcome, Suzanne!
If you have anything special you'd like to ask her, leave a comment on this thread so she has a dedicated space for keeping track!
Question 1:
What did you think of this month's pick??
It's been no secret I couldn't put it down and blew through it in 24 hours but I'm curious what you thought! Would you have chosen this book on your own?
If you haven't had a chance to read it, you can get more details here:
Question 2:
What did you think about Faye's character?
Were you able to empathize with any of her decisions?
What advice would you have given her at any point in the book?
Question 3:
I was very intrigued by social media's role in Molly's newfound celebrity since she is discovered through a YouTube video that someone else captured and published.
How would you have felt in Faye's shoes if you found out your child's images/video were published without your permission?
Where is your comfort line drawn in sharing those same pictures/videos yourself?
Would a positive outcome like getting an acting offer change your opinion?
Question 4:
Chris and Sean both make bad decisions regarding Molly's welfare for selfish reasons. Do you feel one was more justified than the other?
Question 5:
Molly's celebrity has great impact on her siblings.
How well did Faye balance the attention and needs of all her children? What could she have done better or differently?
Question 6:
The media plays a significant role in the story. How do you feel about how celebrities are pursued?
Do they deserve what they get for signing up for that life or should there be boundaries?
Does your opinion change for those under the age of 18?
Question 7:
The way the laws are currently written, a child star can end up with little to none of the money they earn.
They are required to get fifteen percent of earnings set aside in a trust until they are 18, is that enough?
Should parents/siblings be compensated because the child actor's celebrity affects them as well?
Question 8:
Gabby's mom admits that she sold her daughter for a better life for their family.
Is it ok for a child to sacrifice some or all of their childhood to provide better circumstances for the greater good of the family unit?
Question 9:
Did this book change what you think about adult and/or child celebrities?
Will it change any of your media consumption behaviors? (Magazines, television, books, movies, etc.)
Question 10:
Who is the most famous person you have met or encountered?
How did the experience happen and how do you think each of you felt about it afterwards?
Question 11:
Does it affect your impression of the story to know that much of it is semi biographical based on stories of real child stars?
Check out a jaw dropping list of beloved actresses in the author's acknowledgements at the back of the book.
Question 12:
If No Ordinary Life is turned into a movie, who would you cast for the main roles?
Book Club Party Menu
Since the book takes place in California, keep your book club party menu filled with all kinds of fresh produce.
I swear I've had the best fruit in my life while visiting Disneyland!
My sweet and savory cheddar snack board is perfect for nibbling or you could add one of these other delicious snacks to the menu:
You May Also Enjoy
If you enjoyed this book, you may also enjoy these other book club picks that talk about raising children in challenging circumstances.
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