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Tall Story Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

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Tall Story by Candy Gourlay

Tall Story

by Candy Gourlay
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  • First Published:
  • Feb 8, 2011, 304 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Feb 2012, 304 pages
  • Reviewed by BookBrowse Book Reviewed by:
    Tamara Ellis Smith
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Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Who is Candy Gourlay? and our BookBrowse Review of Tall Story.


Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

  1. Tall Story alternates between the voices of Bernardo, who lives in the Philippines, and his half sister, Andi, who has only ever lived in England. How is Andi's voice different from Bernardo's?


  2. It is clear from the beginning that both characters have very strong desires. What does Andi really, really want? What does Bernardo really really want? How does the story show what they want?


  3. Though they are brother and sister, Bernardo and Andi have grown up in two very different cultures. Culture refers to taste, style, manner and beliefs. Discuss some of the cultural differences between Bernardo and Andi.


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  1. How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
  2. What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
  3. Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?


Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Yearling. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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Beyond the Book:
  Who is Candy Gourlay?

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