Book Club Questions for Not My Kind of Mennonite
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1. Identity & Belonging:
How does the author’s experience of being “between worlds” shape their understanding of identity? Between worlds refers to having to leave her Old Colony Mennonite life and trying to come back to research and meet family. Which moments in the book best illustrate the struggle or strength that comes from not fully fitting into one cultural group? 2. Tradition vs. Change: In what ways does the book portray Old Colony Mennonite traditions as both grounding and limiting? Did any specific tradition or expectation surprise you? 3. Family & Generational Stories: How do family history and generational expectations influence the author’s journey? What parallels do you see between the author’s story and broader immigrant experiences? 4. Power, Patriarchy & Community Norms: What insights does the book offer about authority and gender roles within Old Colony Mennonite communities? How did these norms shape the author’s choices and worldview? |
5. Resilience & Personal Growth:
Which parts of the author’s journey stood out as turning points? How did resilience show up in subtle or unexpected ways?
6. Bridging Cultures:
How does the book challenge or expand your own assumptions about Mennonite culture? What conversations does it open about cultural preservation, adaptation, and storytelling?
7. Romanticizing the Mennonite Life:
After reading Not my Kind of Mennonite and reflecting on your perceptions of Mennonites can you now understand how marketing and media play a role in the public perception of this closed community?
Which parts of the author’s journey stood out as turning points? How did resilience show up in subtle or unexpected ways?
6. Bridging Cultures:
How does the book challenge or expand your own assumptions about Mennonite culture? What conversations does it open about cultural preservation, adaptation, and storytelling?
7. Romanticizing the Mennonite Life:
After reading Not my Kind of Mennonite and reflecting on your perceptions of Mennonites can you now understand how marketing and media play a role in the public perception of this closed community?
Book Club Questions for The Silenced Path
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1. Voice & Silencing:
How does the book explore the idea of being silenced—by family, institutions, or circumstance? Are there any other moments of silence in the book that the author may have used to help determine the title choice? 2. Institutional Power: What does the story reveal about the role of the Edgar Occupational Centre and similar institutions? How did institutional power shape the characters’ lives and futures? 3. Survival & Strength: Which parts of the protagonist’s journey demonstrate resilience? How does the book balance hardship with hope or moments of connection? 4. Memory & Storytelling: How does the act of sharing personal history help to make sense of trauma? What role does storytelling play in acknowledging, healing, or transforming past experiences? |
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5. Friendship & Human Connection:
How do the relationships in the book—whether supportive or harmful—shape the protagonist’s path? Which relationships stood out to you most?
6. Generational Harm & Healing:
How does the book address the ripple effects of trauma across generations? What insights does it
offer about what healing can look like for individuals and communities?
How do the relationships in the book—whether supportive or harmful—shape the protagonist’s path? Which relationships stood out to you most?
6. Generational Harm & Healing:
How does the book address the ripple effects of trauma across generations? What insights does it
offer about what healing can look like for individuals and communities?
Maria is pleased to attend book clubs in southern Ontario in person, and she is also available to join groups anywhere in the world via Zoom or Teams. Because the book addresses difficult themes—including abuse, neglect, and incest—discussion and reflection are important for processing the material. Speaking together about these issues helps deepen understanding of the topics, their impacts, and the broader context of generational trauma and PTSD.
How can you support a self-published author in your community?
You can start by asking your local library to order their book and consider hosting an author talk. Encourage your local service clubs or book groups to invite the author for a discussion or review session. Writing a thoughtful review and sharing it on social media, Goodreads, or Amazon is another meaningful way to help. Most importantly, word of mouth—sharing your impressions with friends, family, and community members—goes a long way in helping an author’s work reach new readers and stay visible.
How can you support a self-published author in your community?
You can start by asking your local library to order their book and consider hosting an author talk. Encourage your local service clubs or book groups to invite the author for a discussion or review session. Writing a thoughtful review and sharing it on social media, Goodreads, or Amazon is another meaningful way to help. Most importantly, word of mouth—sharing your impressions with friends, family, and community members—goes a long way in helping an author’s work reach new readers and stay visible.