Synopsis:



BOOK CLUB FORMAT

• All welcome - jump in anytime!
• Books chosen at beginning of the year. 2010 Reading list.
• Helpful suggestions on where to find the book, are encouraged.
• One month to read the book.
• Discussion welcome throughout the month (in this thread) but please prefix your post with a *warning* if you want to discuss anything that might expose the plot to other members.
• The last week of each month: Discussion questions posted for reply. Whoever chose that book for the month, is responsible for posting questions.

I've finished it and absolutely loved it!

What a great read so thank you whoever suggested it!

Can't wait to hear what others thought about it.

Too quick YvetteE, does that indicate just how good it was - couldn't put it down.

My copy just came up at the library - reserved it a few weeks ago - perfect timing. Will go pick it up this afternoon, though I still have one I need to finish first.

Looking forward to getting stuck into this one.

Jo

Off to the library to pick up my copy this afternoon Looks good!

I have this one sitting on the bookshelf. Was going to finish "The Girl who Played with Fire" before reading it, but might just have to bump it up the queue.

Mine just arrived from Book Depository (Gosh, I'm so addicted to that website!) but I'm half way through Nine Dragons so will HAVE to finish that first

I'm looking forward to reading it, sounds very good!

Kate

Started this one yesterday and so far I love it. Good choice!!

J-Lo

Just finished it. Great read!

Some of my opinions...
His writing is just exceptional. So well written. I especially love reading the dialogue. He seems to capture the quick wit, yet teenage-ness of the conversations between Charlie and Jeffrey. And the characters are easy to like, and I felt I really got to know them.

I thought it interesting the book was called Jasper Jones, because really he is quite in the peripheral most of the time. Is it because he is more the catalyst for Charlie growing and maturing?

BTW, I loved the character Jeffrey. I was SO nervous for him in the cricket, I could barely stop myself from skipping ahead to see what was going to happen. I couldn't really warm to Eliza though. And Charlie's mother. Interesting? Not sure about her role in it all...?

It's all still swirling around in my head at the moment. Love to hear what others thought.

Kate

I'm going to read his first novel Rhubarb now!

I'm about half way through. Have 3 books on the go at the moment, so I'm getting through it fairly slowly.

GREAT book so far. Silvey has a way of developing the characters so well doesn't he.

I'm desperate to know what really happened to the girl now ...

Hi All,

finished this one on the train on the way to work this morning - nearly missed my stop trying to get the last pages read.

I LOVED it, I totally agree with Kate about the relationship between Charlie and Jefferey - and Silvey writes dialogue so well, I felt like I was sitting next to these two crazy teenage boys listening to their rantings. I'm still pondering the spider hat vs p*nis fingures debate. I also loved the blossoming of new teenage love between Charlie and Eliza on the hill during the cricket match - took me back to those angst-filled years.

I must admit I did predict a lot of what happened in the end in terms of Mad Jack Lionel, Laura's father, and Charlie's mum, but that didn't really matter. I felt that these story lines were just a background for the development of relationships between the characters.

The only criticism I'd have is I occasionally found Silvey overly descriptive (thought there weren't too many of these times) particularly in the very beginning.

Overall a joy to read. Looking forward to some questions.

Jo

Just wondering if anyone is organsing questions for this book. If not I might try to find some.

Doesn't seem like there will be much discussion this month.

I am happy to discuss, the only thing is I often have a completely numb brain and my observations are generally not very insightful!

Well, just did a quick google search from some discussion questions, so I'll post them below.

Do you think that Charlie did the right thing in helping Jasper?
Why do you think Charlie agreed to become an accomplice?
What do you think the novel says about Australia in the middle of the Twentieth century?
Which of the characters do you think is the most courageous?
Discuss the role of the ‘Boo Radley’ character in the children’s collective imagination.
What impact do you think the discovery of his mother’s transgression had on Charlie?
Do you think that the novel accurately captures the experience of adolescence, if so, in what ways?
Would you choose the spider hat or p*nis fingers?

There's quite a few, so don't feel the need to answer all of them if you don't have time or inclination.

Anyway, I though I'd put down a few of my thoughts now.

1) Do you think that Charlie did the right thing in helping Jasper?

I'm undecided on this front, in some ways I think Jasper was right in thinking that he would be instantly accused of the murder and punished so I understand why Charlie did help - I also understand his desire to show loyalty and courage. With hindsight maybe they would both have made different decisions. I think ultimately the decision is best viewed in the light of the characters age, they are teenagers and perhaps not able to see the wider impications of their actions in the case. Even if (a likely possibility) Jasper was instantly accused there would have been a police investigation - probably involving city police - so much of the evidence that later came to light would be discovered. Also Jasper would have been entitled to legal representation which would likely have caused at least enough doubt to disallow a conviction. Jasper assumed he would be accused and that would be that, there was no thought to the actual processes that would have to occur etc.

What do you think the novel says about Australia in the middle of the Twentieth century?

I love books set in Australia, they have a really distinct quality about them (The Dressmaker I would highly recommend) and I got that form Jasper Jones as well. Perhaps because I'm familiar with the surroundings, but I think the authors of Australian fiction are able to capture the settings so vividly. Not only did this novel do that, but it also intertwined many national issues of this point in time, and gave them that small town spin. The attitudes towards the Vietnam War - Charlie's dad's feelings about this, the discrimination faced by Jefferey's family, the feeling that the 'Reds' were coming and were going to take Australian jobs (not too different from the refugee argument of the last few decades). There was that small-mindedness of a country town - a grew up in one so I can say that, I think - I though Silvey depicted these aspects beautifully.

Discuss the role of the ‘Boo Radley’ character in the children’s collective imagination.

I loved this questions when I read it, and being a book club I assume everyone has read To Kill A Mockingbird, but if not Boo Radley was a town recluse that all the kids were petrified of, but used as a dare to prove how tough you were. In the end he turns out to be a harmless, almost pathetic man. The parallel is with Mad Jack Lionel. I think this character is also common of a close community where stories are passed down among kids with each re-telling becoming more exaggerated. Doesn't everyone town have some like that?

Do you think that the novel accurately captures the experience of adolescence, if so, in what ways?

To me yes, the circket match part especially, which showed not only the triumph of the underdog but also the blooming of puppy-eyed adolescent love. I was totally taken back when I read that scene, I could feel that knot of excitement/anticipation in my stomach and could see all those awkward movements - to kiss or not to kiss. How fantastic were the dialogue sections between Jefferey and Charlie - so typical of teenage boys, that use of humour and false threats of physical harm, LOVED IT.

And finally - think I'd have to do with the spider hat and a big bottle of mortein.

Well there some of my thoughts anyway.

Jo

Jo, interesting questions, but yes my brain is numb!

However, just in regards to whether Charlie should have helped Jasper, the one thing I thought of is also the era that this was set - I'm assuming it was the 40s or 50s (or maybe 60s) but for the life of me I can't quite remember! However, if they were talking about Doug Walters debut it was a while ago anyway! I would have thought that back in those days, in a small country town, justice may not have always been all that fair and may have not even followed all the due process. I suspect that an outsider and especially one of mixed blood may not have even made it alive to a trial for the death of a young girl. I think Jasper was fairly spot on with his thinking actually, but why he picked Charlie I still can't fathom. In the end it was probably a good choice though as Charlie was extremely loyal.

I think Charlie agreed to it simply because as a teenager he was looking for acceptance in any form and I guess the adventure of it all appealed to his creative side. I mean if you want to write novels you really have to take some risks and live an interesting life to some extent (at least in a teenagers mind!).

Anyway, that's all from me - need to put the kids to bed but if I get a chance tomorrow I will come back and answer the other questions! Although I think I will choose the penis fingers! Hate hate hate spiders!

Hi Yvette - I think I'll have to disagree with you about the numb brain thing - seems to be working pretty well.

Given the stuff about Vietnam I would assume the story was set in the 70s so I would think the legal system would be fairly fair and transparent at that time - perhaps a little less so than today but not too much.

I agree, Charlie does seem an odd choice for Jasper's accomplice. Why did Jasper ever assume Charlie would even leave his house with him in the middle of the night - let alone help to hide a body. He must have been more cluey about Charlie than even himself.

Totally agree with what you wrote about teenagers looking for acceptance and adventure. The connection between Charlie wanting the write novels and needing to lead an interesting life was a really good point, I hadn't thought of that before.

Thanks for posting those Q's J-lo

I think Charlie's decision to help Jasper (once the body was found) was an unconscious one - and yes probably bourne from adolescent inexperience. The decision to follow him though in the beginning, was more of a social need to be accepted. It was such an important beginning to the novel, as it really was the first real insight into this character's development. Jasper is inherently good, as is Charlie. It was natural that the pair were brought together with this secret, almost as natural as their seperation at the end of the novel, in a way.



Yes, I thought this at first too. Jasper must have known about Charlie prior to this happening to have taken such a risk. Or he must have had such a knack of correct judgement? But yeh, I think his trust was more instinctive and impulsive, than carefully thought out.

I loved the authors depiction of the Australian small town, in that era. Kind of reminds me of that movie The Rock, where the American scientist flies out to help on the satellite dish, and the townsfolk treat him as a fascinating show and tell piece. So insulated in their opinions, so small minded in their treatment of outsiders and those who do not fit in.

Charlie's relationship with his Mother was so sad I think there was a point in the novel where he was digging that hole, that he saw a weakness in her, and realised for the first time she was terribly flawed. I think this coincided with the growth of his own strength and independance, in particular with his decisions made about Eliza and Jasper. He began to make his own convictions and stand taller.

Have to go, will be back later with more!

Loved this book so much that I'm going to buy it and read it again!

Anyone else started the next book yet??

Jo

No not yet, wasn't sure if anyone else was keen?

I'll read it you're reading it though J-lo!

Siouxie, yeah seems like our numbers are dwindling hey.

Anyway, I've finished the June book - a quick and pretty easy read so shouldn't take long.

I had quite a strong reaction to this book, but I won't get into that until someone else has read it or at least started.

Ok great

Will pick my copy up from the library this week.

June thread on it's way ...

I'm a bit late as only finished this book on Tuesday but wanted to have a look at what you all wrote. I really enjoyed the book, I was so worried about how this would all turn out eg was Jasper guilty; was it the father but did realise she must have commited suicide.

Do you think that Charlie did the right thing in helping Jasper?
It was set in the late 60's/early 70's so I don't think Jasper would have been given a fair trial, particulary in light of the Ward death in custody case and other incompetent police trials in WA - sorry a bit off topic but WA has an appalling track record and imagine that this would have been in Silveys mind while writing this book. I think with Charlies basic understanding of racial villification he made the right decison.

Why do you think Charlie agreed to become an accomplice?
I can't imagine what would go through someones mind when confronted with the body in the tree and the a request to help sink her but given the circumstances I can see that this would have been his only choice. I thought he portrayed the horror at his actions really well and felt his burden throughout the book.

What do you think the novel says about Australia in the middle of the Twentieth century?
I think it captures Australia, particulary country WA pretty well. While I was not old enough to remember the Vietnam war I do recall refugee kids at our school and a little of the hysteria surrounding Vietnam. Geoffery's treatment at the hands of the cricket players was tragic but typical of team bullying and the hypocrisy with letting Jasper be the star footballer but not accepted was well done. It was interesting that the male neighbours came to Ahn's defence and yet when his wife was accosted in the hall none of the women came to her defence.

I like that he incorparated so many actual events into the novel, the moors murders; Eric Cooke the beaumont children, Doug Walters debut (I remember his late years and retiring). It gave the story alot of authenticity.
Which of the characters do you think is the most courageous?'
Eliza. It would have been so easy for her to come out and tell the truth and yet she stood her ground. Jasper and Charlie acted out of fear, not courage.

Discuss the role of the ‘Boo Radley’ character in the children’s collective imagination. I thought this was so well done. I have so many memories in my childhood of that type of character. I don't think you could write a societal (is that a word) novel without this type of character. I had so many of this growing up: peg legged man kidnapping children on camp; crazy man on the corner, we even moved into a house which all the neighbouring kids had stories of the mad lady .

What impact do you think the discovery of his mother’s transgression had on Charlie? I think he was sad but ultimately redeemed.

Do you think that the novel accurately captures the experience of adolescence, if so, in what ways? Perfectly, the banter between G & C was excellent as was the growing relationship with Eliza.

Would you choose the spider hat or p*nis fingers?
Penis fingers. How funny was this, loved it.

I haven't read This is How but reading the July book so back on track.