Discuss Every Bone a Prayer by Ashley Blooms

How do you believe the book's setting in Appalachia affected the story? Have you visited or lived in that part of the United States, and if so, what was your experience like?

Sep. 04, 2020
by kimk

Misty's idea of inner names includes memories and sounds, things remembered and lost. What does that mean to you? What do you think of the name your parents gave you?

Sep. 04, 2020
by kimk

Misty encounters several dangers when she takes off her skin. What are they, and how does she eventually overcome them?

Aug. 27, 2020
by rebeccar

What elements of Misty's life do you think increased her sense of loneliness? Did you feel lonely as a child?

Aug. 26, 2020
by Maggie

Do you think that corporal punishment is ever justified for children? Besides the physical pain, what does Misty notice and remember about being whipped with the switch?

Aug. 22, 2020
by joang

How did you feel after reading the introduction? How did knowing the author was an abuse survivor herself influence your reading of the book?

Aug. 17, 2020
by irisf

If you have siblings or cousins, which of those portrayed in the novel are closest to your experiences? Are you close to your family?

Aug. 13, 2020
by PiperUp

Misty can talk to most things, animate and inanimate – a sort of "super power." Would you like to have this ability? If you could choose one super power for yourself, what would it be?

Aug. 13, 2020
by PiperUp

What was your experience with magical realism books before reading this one? Do other books or authors who've written in this style come to mind?

Aug. 13, 2020
by PiperUp

Misty observes that her mom is afraid of Shannon, but Misty doesn’t know why. Do you think this is true? If so, what do you think Beth is afraid of?

Aug. 10, 2020
by ColoradoGirl

How do you feel Misty, Penny and William are each coping with the challenges of their families? Do you think they understand each other?

Aug. 09, 2020
by dianeh

Why do you think Misty decides to tell her mother about Penny kissing the green glass man? Was there another choice she could have made?

Aug. 09, 2020
by MarieA

Throughout the book, Misty and Penny reach out to each other but always seem to miss. What do you think prevents them from supporting or helping one another?

Aug. 09, 2020
by MarieA

Misty thinks her family only notices her when she's sad or hurt. Do you agree with her assessment? Have you ever felt like that? What did you do?

Aug. 08, 2020
by Harley's Mom

Misty contemplates the silences between adults that she doesn't understand. Do you agree with her view? Do you think this feeling is limited to children?

Aug. 08, 2020
by Jessica F

Misty feels like she picks up the emotional slack for Penny's indifference. Do you think Penny was truly that insensitive? Who is the most empathetic person in your family? Do you consider yourself empathetic?

Aug. 08, 2020
by Jessica F

What kind of justice do you think Caroline gets in the end? Is it what she deserved?

Aug. 08, 2020
by Jessica F

How does the environment interact with Misty's emotions? Do you feel like you have a special connection to anything in particular (nature, a specific place, animals, etc.), and if so, why do you think this is?

Aug. 08, 2020
by Jessica F

The author says that one of the driving questions of the book asks how you reconcile with the parts of yourself that you did not actively choose. "What can you do with those pieces?" she asks. How would you respond?

Aug. 08, 2020
by Jessica F

Surviving and Thriving after Trauma

Aug. 05, 2020
by Kate B

Every Bone a Prayer

Discuss Every Bone a Prayer by Ashley Blooms

Overall, what did you think of Every Bone a Prayer? (No spoilers in this thread, please.)

How do you believe the book's setting in Appalachia affected the story? Have you visited or lived in that part of the United States, and if so, what was your experience like?

Misty's idea of inner names includes memories and sounds, things remembered and lost. What does that mean to you? What do you think of the name your parents gave you?

Misty encounters several dangers when she takes off her skin. What are they, and how does she eventually overcome them?

What elements of Misty's life do you think increased her sense of loneliness? Did you feel lonely as a child?

Do you think that corporal punishment is ever justified for children? Besides the physical pain, what does Misty notice and remember about being whipped with the switch?

How did you feel after reading the introduction? How did knowing the author was an abuse survivor herself influence your reading of the book?

If you have siblings or cousins, which of those portrayed in the novel are closest to your experiences? Are you close to your family?

Misty can talk to most things, animate and inanimate – a sort of "super power." Would you like to have this ability? If you could choose one super power for yourself, what would it be?

What was your experience with magical realism books before reading this one? Do other books or authors who've written in this style come to mind?

Misty observes that her mom is afraid of Shannon, but Misty doesn’t know why. Do you think this is true? If so, what do you think Beth is afraid of?

How do you feel Misty, Penny and William are each coping with the challenges of their families? Do you think they understand each other?

Why do you think Misty decides to tell her mother about Penny kissing the green glass man? Was there another choice she could have made?

Throughout the book, Misty and Penny reach out to each other but always seem to miss. What do you think prevents them from supporting or helping one another?

Misty thinks her family only notices her when she's sad or hurt. Do you agree with her assessment? Have you ever felt like that? What did you do?

Misty contemplates the silences between adults that she doesn't understand. Do you agree with her view? Do you think this feeling is limited to children?

Misty feels like she picks up the emotional slack for Penny's indifference. Do you think Penny was truly that insensitive? Who is the most empathetic person in your family? Do you consider yourself empathetic?

What kind of justice do you think Caroline gets in the end? Is it what she deserved?

How does the environment interact with Misty's emotions? Do you feel like you have a special connection to anything in particular (nature, a specific place, animals, etc.), and if so, why do you think this is?

The author says that one of the driving questions of the book asks how you reconcile with the parts of yourself that you did not actively choose. "What can you do with those pieces?" she asks. How would you respond?

Surviving and Thriving after Trauma

Sorry, Every Bone a Prayer by Ashley Blooms is closed for new posts.
Please go to bookbrowse.com/booktalk for a full list of conversations.

Discuss Every Bone a Prayer by Ashley Blooms

Sorry, Every Bone a Prayer by Ashley Blooms is closed for new posts.Please go to bookbrowse.com/booktalk for a full list of conversations.

Sorry, Every Bone a Prayer by Ashley Blooms is closed for new posts.
Please go to bookbrowse.com/booktalk for a full list of conversations.