The Book of Lost Friends, Lisa Wingate

 

Characters
1874	1987
Hannie Gossett   Old Missus William Gossett Lavinia “Missy” Lyle   Gossett’s mistress Juneau Jane   Tati – one year from ownership of land from Gossett Jason and John   Mr. Washburn – advised Gossett   Moses- Elam Salter   Gus McKlatchy – white, stowaway on ship, helped Hannie get out of jail   “Lost Friends” – newspaper column	Bendetta “Bennie” Silva “Miss Pooh” – bakes pooperoos for hungry students Classroom Constitution – page 253   Christopher – former fiancé   Aunt Sarge (Donna Alston) Granny T – Cluck and Oink Aunt Dicey   Tobias Gossett – 6 years old   Nathan Gossett – descendent of William Gossett, owns Goswood Grove House Miss Robin – sister, writing book, deceased   Mrs. Gossett – school board   Lakewood Prep Academy – white school in town   Students: LaJuna Shad Michael Lil’ Ray Sabina Gibson Gus and Shad Fisher

 

For Discussion:

NOTE: Page numbers are from paperback edition.

1.       Did you like the format of switching back and forth between the two stories?   Were you more interested in one of the stories over the other?  If so, why do you think so?

2.       Many of the chapters ended with a teaser about what would happen when that part of the story resumed.  Did you think this strategy?

3.       As you were reading, how did you think the two story lines would connect in the end?

4.       What did you think happened to Missy Lavinia and Juneau Jane when they went to visit Mr. Washburn?  How did they end up in the trunks?   What

5.       On page 221, Benny told Nathan, “I’m trying to impress upon my students that everyone has history. Just because we’re not always happy with what’s true doesn’t mean we shouldn’t know about it.”  Would you want to know if there was something unpleasant in your family’s past?

6.       The author hinted that Benny might be related to Mussolini in her family, but this was never resolved.  Did you think that was important or just added to emphasize the statement above?

7.       Eiseley’s story about throwing starfish back into the ocean is mentioned at least twice.  Do you know this story?

8.       Benny stated that, “Every success starts with reading” (page 126).  Do you think this is a bit of an overstatement?  What about the highly successful people who are dyslexic?

9.       How do you think Benny got the students to go along with the Classroom Constitution so quickly?

10.   How did you think the problem with Mrs. Gossett, school board director, the police driving by, and the random phone calls was resolved?  It was never mentioned after page 313 and not at all in the Epilogue set in 1988.

11.   Did you think the revelation of Benny’s baby, born when she was 15 and given away for adoption, added to the story?

12.   In the author’s biography it states that she received the National Civics Award for promoting greater kindness and civility in American Life.  Does this book further that mission?  If so, how?