SELECTION MEETING
Could this be your next book club selection?
The Whitakers of Sullivan’s Island | By Quinlan Motley

Begin with the public opening, then decide together whether to read the complete novel. Eli arrives with a photograph and a returned letter. Before the family has discussed what this means, an invitation to Thanksgiving has already been offered.

A 15 MINUTE SELECTION MEETING
0 to 2 minutes: Introduce the title and its Southern family story. This meeting is to choose a book, not discuss the full novel.
2 to 7 minutes: Read the two short passages below. Open the public selection for context if useful. This is a sample tasting, not a full reading of the selection.
7 to 12 minutes: Discuss the two questions. Anyone may pass. Keep the conversation about the characters, not personal family disclosures.
12 to 15 minutes: Decide whether to select the novel and which available editions work for the group. Set a later meeting if selected.

PASSAGE 1
Synopsis: Eli brings a photograph and a returned letter to Graham’s office.
Exact Chapter One excerpt: “Eli had given the secretary his name. He had not told her that he thought her employer was his father.”

PASSAGE 2
Synopsis: Graham offers the Thanksgiving invitation before consulting Caroline.
Exact Chapter One excerpt: “Have you told your wife?”

TWO QUESTIONS TO BEGIN
1. What do the photograph and returned letter establish, and what do they still leave uncertain?
2. Graham offers an invitation before consulting Caroline. What responsibilities come with his generosity?

If your group chooses the complete novel, use the existing 12 question guide and 45 minute discussion outline for your later meeting.

Read the opening: https://goodnovels.org/downloads/the-whitakers-of-sullivans-island.pdf
Book and edition information: https://goodnovels.org/books/the-whitakers-of-sullivans-island/
Full discussion guide: https://goodnovels.org/downloads/whitakers-book-club-guide.pdf