I keep finding myself ending reviews with the words “this would be a really good book club choice”. So I have decided to start a new series of posts about books which are a good starting point for a discussion.
This week I’m going to concentrate on books which raise parenting issues. These books may appeal slightly more to woman who have had children, but I’m sure everyone will enjoy the books and be able to bring their own opinions to the table.
My Sister’s Keeper – Jodi Picoult
Issues Raised
Should another child be brought into the world to save an older sibling’s life? Is the happiness of one child worth sacrificing to improve the life of another? Who has the ownership of a child’s body parts?
Positives
Easy to read, and gripping all the way through.
Negatives
It has been around a while, so many people might have already read it. The film has just been released, so they might have seen that too!
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We Need to Talk about Kevin – Lionel Shriver
Issues Raised
Are children born bad, or is a naughty child a result of poor parenting? Is the parent at fault if a teenager commits a crime? The cause of high school shootings.
Positives
Well written and thought provoking.
Negatives
It is a bit long.
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The Fifth Child – Doris Lessing
Issues Raised
Are children born bad? Is it right to concentrate on the ‘bad’ child at the expense of the other siblings.
Positives
Short book.
Negatives
Slightly dated.
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The Slap – Christos Tsiolkas
Issues Raised
Is slapping ever justifiable? Who is responsible for disciplining a child?
Positives
Gives a male view of the world. Controversial and thought provoking. This will start a debate!
Negatives
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Has not been released in all countries yet.
Is a bit long.
Contains graphic sex and abusive language.
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The Joy Luck Club – Amy Tan
Issues Raised
Difficult mother – daughter relationships. Cultural identity.
Positives
Easy to read.
Negatives
I can’t think of any!
Can you think of any more great books to start a discussion on parenting?
Have you read any of these for a book club? Did they go down well?
Coming soon – The best book club reads … on old age.