7. McCarthyism plays a massive role in this novel. Do you think McCarthyism made romantic and friendly relationships difficult? Why or why not? If so, what were the complications and the consequences of having a relationship? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
Link in comments to a PBS American Experience page on Joseph McCarthy and McCarthyism
6. “Maxine‘s bravery in the square, as well as now, with the major, astonished Hazel. She wished she were that brash. But she wouldn‘t dare question an authority figure. Always the understudy, in life as well as in art.” How does Hazel transform throughout the novel, and does the word “understudy,” which she considers to have negative connotations, change in meaning as well? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
5. How do Hazel and Maxine subvert or conform to 1950s expectations and gender roles? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
4. What did you think of Charlie and his desire to join the FBI? How do you think his relationship with his father shaped his ambitions? Were you rooting for him and Hazel? Why or why not? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
3. When Maxine flubs her lines on opening night, her career doesn‘t suffer, but Hazel‘s does. Why do you think that is? How would you have reacted in Hazel‘s situation? Do you think she has a right to be bitter about the success of Wartime Sonata‘s revival, or should she be grateful? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
2. If Maxine had not made the tragic choice she did, do you think she and Hazel would have renewed their friendship? If you were in Hazel‘s shoes, would you forgive Maxine? Why or why not? ~ from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
1. I enjoy Davis's works because she focuses each story on a landmark in New York City. For this novel, we visit the Hotel Chelsea.
Have you visited the Hotel Chelsea? Do you want to visit after reading this book?
Links in comments to an interview in which Davis details her reasons to feature the Hotel Chelsea, as well as the history of the hotel from the hotel's website. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
pickWe follow the friendship of Hazel and Maxine. They met on a USO tour at the end of WWII. The core of the story takes place during the McCarthy witch-hunt of communists in the entertainment industry. I listened to this on audio and I didn‘t care for the narrator for Maxine, even though I really liked the character. I enjoyed the story overall even if it got a little cheesy at times. But didn‘t really love the end. Read for #literarycrew
pickThis book took me some time to get through because, life. It is a good examination of what it means to be a viral sensation and the positives and negatives that come with it.
pickI inhaled this on audio! I wasn‘t expecting to get it so fast for June‘s #literarycrew but here we are. I loved it. Please note I am a total grudge holder just like Hazel! It‘s a ♋️ 🦀thing. Also my vendetta against rabbits continues. I planted 2 cucumbers in my garden instead of my raised beds and I thought one had succumbed to cooler than usual temps BUT NO, it‘s the goddamn rabbits. This was was so healthy and alive this morning 🤬🤬🤬
