Jan Shapin, Novelist and Playwright

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A SNUG LIFE SOMEWHERE

 Here's what some reading groups have said about A Snug Life Somewhere:

  • The members have been singing your praises. Your visit made the book more understandable and enjoyable. Thanks so much for coming. 

         Peggy Roever, Library Director,

           Ashaway (RI) Library

 

·         Thank You.  Everyone really enjoyed the discussion and meeting you.  Our best book club meeting yet!

 

            Karen A. Taylor, Library Director

            East Greenwich (RI) Free Library

 

·         I was going through chemo and couldn't concentrate on anything.  But I opened your book and read it straight through! It was so wonderful I chose it for our reading group.

 

            Linda Low, Washington DC

 

·         I liked the book so much I wanted to see it in the book discussion group.

 

            Judy Bell, Library Director

            Jamestown Philomenian Library (RI)

 

Consider A Snug Life Somewhere for YOUR reading group.

 

 

Step One:  Read Chapter One by clicking on the "Snug Life Sample" tab.

 

Step Two:  Still interested? Order it through your local library, bookstore or online.  Or contact the author for a discounted sample copy.

 

Step Three:  Want enough copies for your whole reading group? 

 

The East Providence RI library has A Snug Life Somewhere as part of its "Books in a Bag" service allowing you to check out up to 12 copies for 6 weeks for your reading group.  

 

Contact: Joyce May (jmay @eplib.org) or www.eastprovidencelibrary.org/bookclubbag.html

 

Step Four:  Want the author to join your discussion?  Just ask.

 

 If you are within two hours of Newport RI  I can be there in person.  If you are farther away, we will make every effort to work something out. 

 

Contact:  jshapin.writer@verizon.net   

 

Suggested Discussion Questions

 

  1. The narrator is telling a story, at least in part, to understand the choices she made as a young woman.  Did she find an answer?  What do you think explains the choices she made?

 

  1. Is there a turning point, where the main character takes control of events?  Or does the balance gradually shift between Penny Joe’s reacting and taking action?

 

  1. Why did Penny Joe go to Mexico?  What about the other places she sets off for?  Was her motivation the same, in each case, or different?

 

  1. Were Penny Joe’s actions a result of nature or nurture?  Did circumstances drive her decisions or her temperament?

 

  1. In what ways does Penny Joe remind you of young women today?  In what ways is she different?

 

  1. In the end, Penny Joe says she’s had a blessed life.  Do you agree?

 

  1. Of the many characters Penny Joe encountered, which came alive for you?  Which less so?

 

  1. Was there enough historical background to fit the story or too much?  What historical aspects of the story do you want to know more about?

 

  1. Did the ending “work” for you?  What about the interlude in Mexico?  Her time in Washington and Baltimore?

 

  1. Would you recommend the novel to a friend?  Why or why not?

 

 

 

 

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