Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Read With Us: Time to Discuss!


Today is the discussion day for our Read With Us Summer selection, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan KarunatilakaKymCarole, and I are each posting discussion questions on our blogs today, and you are welcome to respond in the comments. I would also encourage you to reply to others' comments if you choose. This is a book discussion, after all, so there are no correct answers or right opinions. I've been looking forward to discussing this book ever since I finished it, and I don't know of a better bunch of people for a book discussion than all of you.

Here's my question: Maali’s character is complex. At the beginning of the novel we’re told: If you had a business card, this is what it would say. Maali Almeida. Photographer. Gambler. Slut. (p. 1). Yet despite his flaws, the Booker judges described him as ‘wonderful company’ and ‘cheerfully unapologetic about what others might see as his failings’. What is it about Maali’s character that makes him so likable?
I think it mainly has to do with his authenticity and unapologetic nature. I have more opinions, but want to give you a chance to express your ideas.
So what do you think? I can't wait to hear your thoughts!
And don't forget we will have an in-person Zoom discussion at 7:00 pm Eastern this evening. You can send me an email (the email address is in the upper right) to RSVP and I will make sure you get an invitation with the Zoom link if you haven't already. I hope to see you there!

3 comments:

  1. I loved him for the same reason -- he is so unapologetically authentic about who he is! And he tells it like it is, which is so needed when dealing with such a complicated situation as the political mess that is the setting of this book.

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  2. I was shocked but I found the first 2 to be great to describe Maali! The story kind of revolves around his gamble to get a photograph and he has 7 moons to figure out how to make it public! I think the last descriptor made me a bit sad the more I thought about it. To me it seemed a very stereotypical idea of what gay men are like. And stereotypes are just never right, or at least that is what I have found. (and that might be the only negative thought I have about the book!)

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  3. I agree with AsKatKnits withe first 2. And I also thought the third was sterotypical throughout the book.

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