Last month, I had the great fortune to speak to a book club in Costa Rica about my novel, Chasing Sylvia Beach. I am so honored when people read (and like) my book. It’s fun to hear their thoughts about it and answer questions.
When I published CSB, I focused on the themes of the book as a way to spread the word. I always want to know what’s going on underneath.
Discussing the themes with the Costa Rica group was even more special. Sylvia Beach was an American who moved to Paris and refused to leave when the Nazi Occupation happened. I was obsessed with her in part because to live in another country is not easy. It’s a big choice and one that affects one’s life dramatically.
We talked about being an expat, and I was able to hear about why and how these book group members had moved to CR. What values were they honoring? What was important to them? What did it take for them to live in another country.
This conversation was rich, enlivening and fun. It was a great example of my belief that books are conversation starters. We can go beneath the surface of plot and story to delve into things that affect our own lives and move us.
I hope the books you read and the conversations you have about them touch you in a meaningful way. If your book group reads historical fiction, give Chasing Sylvia Beach a read and invite me to join the discussion.
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