REWRITING MARGUERITE

ISBN: 978-0-578-94873-7

Marguerite, an octogenarian known by her readers and friends as MJ Burdick, encounters more than writer’s block in 2015 when she attempts to write her latest Minnesota-based mystery. A freakish bike accident, the latest defining moment, has claimed not only the life of her husband, Harry, but also her creative spirit. Supported from afar by a quirky writing group, she ventures alone to the tropical island of Maui to retap her creative source. Using a seventy-five-year-old gift from her mother to revisit her past, MJ attempts to revive her writer’s soul by reflecting on the joys, strengths, sorrows, and shadows of her Minnesota upbringing. Her journey inward is nurtured by the Sato family, local Maui residents whose elder is a World War II Nisei veteran with a Minnesota connection.

BOOK GROUPS:  The questions below can be used to jumpstart discussions.

If you are interested in inviting Jackie for a reading or book group discussion, please contact her at jaclynnherron@yahoo.com. 

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1. Although Marguerite did not become a published author until retirement, journaling was a lifelong practice. How was her love of storytelling rooted and nurtured? How did she use writing as a vehicle for self-understanding? What practices have you cultivated as opportunities for self-awareness?
2. Marguerite narrated her story. How did her narrative style illustrate a subtle shift from a logical/analytical approach to a more creative one? How was she able to tap her creative side? Do you feel you are dominantly right brained or left brained? How do you achieve balance?
3. During her memoir writing, Marguerite reflected on the defining moments of a long, full life. How did her life experiences shape her development and outlook? Which of Marguerite’s defining moments, if any, resonated with you and how? What have been the critical defining moments of your life, and how have these times influenced you?
4. Marguerite was well loved by her parents and grandparents. Before their deaths, how did Mama, Papa, and Grampa impact Marguerite’s understanding of the world? Describe Nana’s character and her influence on Marguerite. Which character in the book did you find most relatable and why?
5. Shortly after meeting Harry, Marguerite developed an immediate, strong attraction to him. Which of his characteristics drew her to him and why? How did their personalities differ? Would you describe them as a good match? What characteristics do you seek in a good match?
6. The deaths of Raymond, Grampa, Mama, Papa, Nana, Emma, and Harry figured significantly into Marguerite’s life. Compounded grief tested her resilience. How did each loss impact Marguerite? How did she cope with the unexpected tragedy of losing a child? Have loss and grief tested your resilience? If so, how?
7. The Write Women, although physically separated from Marguerite for most of the story, still played valuable roles in Marguerite’s life. How would you describe their relationships? Do you have similar friendships? Explain.
8. Although Marguerite did not consider herself religious, through her narrative she provided glimpses into her spirituality. What life events influenced her religious upbringing and her spiritual development? Did you find her uniqueness understandable? Relatable?
9. The Sato family expanded Marguerite’s understanding of racism and its lingering effects. What people/events have expanded your understanding of racism? How has racism influenced your life?
10. Marguerite described her unspoken pain as a crusted-over scab that never fully healed at the source. What was the origination of the wound and did you empathize with her initial treatment of it? What was the takeaway from her experience? Discuss the impact of concealed emotions.