Schlafly Global Book Discussion Group discussion

Hi all,

Travis will out of town during this month's discussion, so I'll be filling in for the Global Book Club's first meeting of 2020. Our selection for January is the post-apocalyptic social satire Severance, by Chinese-American author Ling Ma. The novel won a lot of acclaim upon its release in 2018, and I think it'll inspire a lot of discussion.

Feel free to share your thoughts here as we go, and I look forward to meeting in person on the 23rd!

I finished it in December and really enjoyed it.

Listening to chapter 5. I found resources from bookrags, http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-se... and Wikipedia , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severan... most helpful. I am thankful Shen Fever is a fictional illness. It’s victoms come to such a disturbing end.

Shen Fever in this story, Coronavirus (also originating in China) on tonite's news......hmmm. Seems like some of the books we read predict our future (present?).

Currently at the end of chapter 8. Of the two books I am reading through the 2 Schlafly Library book clubs, I like Severance best. (Sorry Zack! I still love you!) I am having an easier time following the plot in this selection. I can’t recall if i agreed to bring snacks this month. I think Jasmine tea, fortune cookies, and egg rolls would have been a great choice! Although when they get cold, egg rolls are not as tasty. I got a kick out of Candace burning fake money to buy gifts to send to her loved ones in the afterlife. Such a sweet gesture.

Lucy wrote: "Shen Fever in this story, Coronavirus (also originating in China) on tonite's news......hmmm. Seems like some of the books we read predict our future (present?)."

Life imitates art imitates life imitates art...

Readridinghood wrote: "Currently at the end of chapter 8. Of the two books I am reading through the 2 Schlafly Library book clubs, I like Severance best. (Sorry Zack! I still love you!) I am having an easier time followi..."

That's okay, Donna, I like this better than Good Omens too 😂

I don’t think I like it better than Good Omens but I do think I mostly like it. And I KNOW that I HATE Bob.

Me too’

Who’s turn is it for snacks?

I’m not sure what the snack situation is for this group, actually. Does anyone know if there’s a 2020 schedule? If not we can do signups tomorrow.

I think we didn’t do one yet since we haven’t met since Nov. I can bring snacks Thursday and let’s make one then post on goodreads.

Finished the bk this a.m., can't wait to hear from everyone all the ways it's wonderful. Sorry, just don't see that -- unless being a paean to [high-end] consumerism (pages of lists of STUFF to buy!! and places to buy it), millennials' self-obsession, and casual attitude toward 'hooking up' makes it deserve the accolades on the back cover. I guess I missed the satire and took it all at face value.

And I DEFINITELY don't like it better than Good Omens.
Anne, I totally agree about the loathesome Bob!

I feel a “I hate Bob support group farming! Jonathan is no catch either, but he is better than Bob .

For those who are interested, here are my discussion questions for Severance:

1. Did you read this novel as satire, or did you take it at face value? How do its themes and messages differ depending on how you read it?

2. What did you think of Candace as a character? What are her defining traits? Is she sympathetic or relatable? Is she supposed to be?

3. Did you think the apocalyptic elements blended well with the more mundane, “real-life” parts? If not, which mode did you like better? What would this novel be like if Ling Ma had stuck to one or the other?

4. What is the significance of the fevered’s behavior? How are they different from other zombies you’ve read? What is the link between nostalgia and Shen fever?

5. What did you make of Candace’s parents and other family? In what ways does her story echo or diverge from other immigrant narratives you’ve read?

6. What role does Jonathan play in the novel? Is their relationship a meaningful one? Is he a sympathetic character?

7. What does “Severance” have to say about modern work culture, consumerism, capitalism, etc.? How does Candace’s work life tie in to the larger events of the novel?

8. What did you make of Bob and the other survivors? Are their motives clear or understandable? What future do you think is in store for them, or for Candace?

9. What, in your opinion, is the significance of the title “Severance”?

10. Did this novel remind you of any others you’ve read? Would you read another work by Ling Ma?

See everyone tonight, weather allowing!

Hi all,

As you might have noticed, the weather is getting pretty nasty. I’m going to be at the library tonight regardless, so I’m still up to host a discussion with whoever wants to come. If you’d rather not brave the elements, I’ll try not to take it too personally.

I’ll be there!

It was great to see so many people turn out last night in spite of yucky weather (again!). Also nice to see new faces -- welcome Ryan and Kathy! Thanks, Zack, for a stimulating discussion.

Lucy wrote: "It was great to see so many people turn out last night in spite of yucky weather (again!). Also nice to see new faces -- welcome Ryan and Kathy! Thanks, Zack, for a stimulating discussion."

I agree--it was a great discussion, and I and loved meeting/re-meeting those I don't usually see. Hopefully I'll get another chance to sit in soon.

I didn't come out because of the weather! I'm glad many others did :)

Lucy (and everyone!), thank you for the warm welcome. Special thanks to Vera for inviting me to my first Schlafly book club!

Kathy wrote: "Lucy (and everyone!), thank you for the warm welcome. Special thanks to Vera for inviting me to my first Schlafly book club!"

It was great having you, Kathy! We'd love to see you at the Blender Book Club if you're ever so inclined, too.