WESTERN Book Discussion - Question # 7

One final question about the characters ...

• Are any of the characters in THE OUTCASTS "good people," in your estimation? What qualifies as goodness in the universe of this novel? Which character (if any) do you consider the story's moral center, and why?

Submit your points via the Comments: link.

WESTERN Book Discussion - Question # 6

Who might enjoy this book ...

• To which of your customers, family, friends, or co-workers might you suggest The Outcasts? Why do you think they would enjoy it? 

• Many readers learn about new titles using social media ... how would you promote the book on Twitter or Hootsuite, using less than 140 characters?

Let's talk about the readers' advisory aspect using the COMMENTS: link.

WESTERN Book Discussion - Question # 5

What about the genre itself ...

• How does this book compare with other Westerns that you have read (or seen)? What themes does this novel share with them, and which does it reject or reimagine?

Use the COMMENTS: link to provide your answer.
 

WESTERN Book Discussion - Question # 4

Let's continue with the title ...

• Why do you think this novel is called THE OUTCASTS? Which characters does this phrase describe, and why? What would it take for THE OUTCASTS to be "included," and what would they lose in the process?

Please enter your response using the COMMENTS: link.

WESTERN Book Discussion - Question # 3

What about Nate, the male protagonist ...

• Nate's first encounter with Dr. Tom and Deerling is marked by distrust and disapproval of their questionable methods, but his relationship with both men evolves as they work together. What does Nate learn from these more seasoned rangers, and from being on the job? How would you describe the portrayal of male friendship in this novel?

Use the COMMENTS: link to discuss this point.

WESTERN Book Discussion - Question # 2

Now let's expand the discussion by exploring the character of Lucinda ...

• Lucinda's moral spectrum has many shades of grey. Dr. Tom sums her up with a question: "What makes you think a woman with any decency left would cleave to an evil man like McGill?" Is his assessment of Lucinda fair? Did you find yourself sympathizing with Lucinda or judging her? To what extent should we forgive her capacity for cold self-interest and even brutality?

 Use the COMMENTS: link to continue the discussion.

WESTERN Book Discussion - Question # 1

The Western benchmark selection is THE OUTCASTS by Kathleen Kent, "a taut, thrilling adventure story about buried treasure, a manhunt, and a woman determined to make a new life for herself in the old west."

Let's begin with a bit about the main characters ...

• Most of THE OUTCASTS revolves around the separate journeys that Lucinda and Nate take before their paths cross. Discuss the motivations that initially drive the two protagonists towards their goals?

Post a COMMENT to begin or continue the discussion.