Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B. Ross, July 23, 2013

Loved it.  This described what many of the book club members stated as we went around the room sharing our opinion of a like or didn't like the book club selection this month.  Someone said they "didn't expect it to be so good.  It was a light read, and want to know more."  Another person said "it was a fun read."  Another member was reading it where other people were and she was laughing out loud, so she had to explain why! Another person said "perfect summer read, kind of like a Fannie Flagg book."  Someone did say they thought that it was a "little over the top stereo-type," and another said Miss Julia didn't speak her mind enough with Ledbetter."

Reading Guide Q1  Miss Julia remarks to Deputy Bates, "Don't you know it's always the wife's fault if a man strays? There's always something the wife's doing, or not doing, that pushes a man over the brink. That's just the way it is."  We discussed this comment and some stated it is society prejudice.  "They all knew about it but her."  "Her remark reflected her fear, she knew these people."  "She seemed self-confident."  "If you say it first, it won't have a hurt to it."

Q2  How well does Miss Julia know herself? Is she a reliable narrator?  We wondered what time period this book was representing.  There were mention of cell phones in it.  We noted it was written in '99.  Miss Julia was married 44 years.   "Story line good, author did a good job with the narrative.  Sure of herself, with a good idea of right and wrong.  Was not self-confident during her marriage."

Q3  What does Julia learn about her late husband as a result of his death? "Were her friends really friends or were some there for financial standing?  They never did tell her.  Lillian was her best friend; she spoke her mind, too."

Discussed the kidnapping incident "She let him (Little Lloyd) go with Vern, and that seemed out of character.  She was starting to be concerned, but knew that immediately all her problems will be solved.  'I don't have any right to him, he does' is what she thought.  She didn't have any experience with kids.  He was a man and had authority.  She remembered the muffler of Vern's car, so thought that Hazel was with Vern when she left so was safe."  Miss Julia really did like Little Lloyd and wanted to watch him grow up.

We had quite a discussion about how religion played a part in Miss Julia's life.  We felt she was looking for counsel, honesty, strength and guidance.  Instead she was set up with Dr. Fowler, psychiatrist.  Pastors Vern and Ledbetter were both out to get money from the women.

We felt that Little Lloyd was a very smart young man.  He knew that crumbled Winn-Dixie bag was important.  He left it behind when Vern took him.  He knew Vern wasn't good.  We wondered if Vern really did do something to Wesley Lloyd; did he have something to do with his death?

Great story and we all decided it would be a great movie, even picking out the actress.  Some are ready to read the next books in the series.

A group shot with our special librarian Deb, who helped guide us in these recent years.  She will be missed.