Fall Pick: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

[Kathy]

The Fall pick is by Alan Bradley and is a mystery, which I thought would be good for a near-Halloween discussion. We will be joined by Melissa Esposito of craftgasm to talk about the book on October 25th. The live event page on the L.W.A site is here, where you can also chat with us.

Until then, we can use this thread to talk about any parts of the book we want, including recommendations for similar stories!

[Bardbooks]

My copy just arrived in today's mail. :)

[Bardbooks]

Just finished the book, wondering if anyone else is interested in chatting? Without spoilers ;)

[Kathy]

Ha, I'm still waiting on my hold to get through at my library!

Barbara wrote: "Just finished the book, wondering if anyone else is interested in chatting? Without spoilers ;)"

[Bardbooks]

Well, there's plenty of time, since the live event isn't for two months yet. Hope the library calls you soon!

Kathy wrote: "Ha, I'm still waiting on my hold to get through at my library!

Barbara wrote: "Just finished the book, wondering if anyone else is interested in chatting? Without spoilers ;)""

[April]

I got my copy from Amazon two weeks ago. I didn't want to miss out on this one!

[Bardbooks]

Ahayman wrote: "I got my copy from Amazon two weeks ago. I didn't want to miss out on this one!"

I've been pleasantly surprised by the characters, who grew on me as each chapter unfolded. It's a bit like meeting a girl from school and visiting her at home, seeing bits and pieces of all the family through the lens of childhood ... though this sleuth isn't at all like the girls I remember from grade school.

[Kathy]

Book Club is meeting this Sunday. Event page: http://letterwriters.org/bookclub.html

Here are some questions we are going to discuss when we meet-up. Consider them and join in with your thoughts here or on the live chat on Sunday.

1) What was your favorite scene from the book?

2)Flavia has an immediate and visceral reaction to the Chemistry book that started her passion. Have you ever had such an experience with a book?

3) Flavia seems to take the place of the typical old lady (aka Miss Marple / Jessica Fletcher) who snoops around the village to get clues. How do you feel about this age swap for this type of genre mystery?

4) How did you feel about Flavia’s reaction to a person dying in her garden?

5) Did you find the characters believable? Were there any characters you found too flat or unrealistic?

6) How do you feel about the home they lived in - Buckshaw? Did you find it a good backdrop or that it acted more of a character itself?

7) The book takes a turn toward the end of the book with the kidnapping of Flavia. Did you find this to be a surprise in the plot? How were you expecting for Flavia to work her way out of the situation?

Please add your own questions and thoughts!

[Bardbooks]

I'd better read the book again :)

[Bardbooks]

Say, the website places the date as Sunday, Oct. 24. The 24th is Saturday ;) Sunday, for sure?

[Kathy]

The discussion is Sunday the 25th. I wasn't able to find anywhere it said the 24th, so let me know where that mistake is so I can fix it!

Barbara wrote: "Say, the website places the date as Sunday, Oct. 24. The 24th is Saturday ;) Sunday, for sure?"

[Bardbooks]

I saw it when I clicked on the hyperlink shared above, in message 8. Posting a screenshot for you :)

[Kathy]

Thanks! I'll get that corrected. You rock.

Barbara wrote: "I saw it when I clicked on the hyperlink shared above, in message 8. Posting a screenshot for you :)"

[Kathy]

Martin,

Never too late to start a god book! I'm glad you liked the story and got into the series.

Martin wrote: "I know I'm late but it took me a while to find the German edition of this book and to get it.

And then I fell in love with Flavia and ordered more books of this series.

Thanks LWA for pointing ..."