Thoughts on and Discussing "Orange Mint and Honey: A Novel"

[Bloomin’Chick (Jo) aka The Eclectic Spoonie]

I apologize for being a tad behind schedule with posting some questions for discussion here! Things have been a whirl wind of hectic as of late.

First off, for those reading (or who've read) Orange Mint and Honey, feel free to leave your thoughts and impressions in this thread.

Here are some questions to get us talking:

~Forgiveness is a central theme in this novel. Why is it such a difficult thing to do? Is forgiving about the person who wronged you or is it about you? What do you think (author) Carleen's perspective is on forgiveness?

~Do you feel more sympathetic towards Shay or Nona? Why? Can you empathize with either of them?

~At what point in your own life did you move from the cusp of womanhood and begin to grow up & embrace your future as an adult?

~Do you feel Nona deserved Shay's unrelenting punishment?

~Why did Shay admire Nina Simone so much?

~Have you had a close friendship shift and change dramatically over time as Shay and Stephanie's did? Why do you think this happens?

~Shay tries so hard to not be like her mother yet as the novel ends, they become more similar. Has that happened with you? Is it inevitable that we all become like our mothers regardless of how good or bad our relationships are with them?