Reading Group Discussion Questions for Maude (1883-1993)


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Book Clubs! Want Mardo's daughters to participate in your discussion of Maude?
To schedule Kay Williams and Jerri Williams Lawrence for your Book Club (by speaker phone), please contact Calliope Press.

Libraries, Schools, Senior Centers, Women's Organizations! Need a multi-media program that puts a human face on history?
Kay and Jerri can bring a Powerpoint program (with photos and video clips) to your group (if you are within an 80-mile radius of Columbus, Ohio or within a 50-mile radius of New York City). Their grandmother Maude lived through half of America's history. The program shows the impact of the changing times on Maude and her family and includes historical tidbits about our country's growing up years; highlights their Dad's writing background (how he had to learn a different style of writing when he began to write books); his experiences touring with Maude at age 91; and his philosophy about the importance of living life to its fullest no matter what one's age. To book a Powerpoint program, contact Calliope Press.

Reading Group Discussion Questions for Maude (1883-1993) - Topics to Consider

We are not given many details of Maude Allen's life before she married. How do you think her childhood might have prepared her for life as an adult? How was she prepared for the 36 years she lived as a widow?
Living for 110 years is an achievement in itself. Do you think the time span during which Maude lived was unique in its advancements and inventions or that any 100-year period would be equally characterized by change?
Was Maude's task of establishing herself as a wife and mother much different from the challenge that faces a young woman today? In what ways was her job easier? In what ways harder?
Since the author is Maude's son, he is not likely to be an objective chronicler of her life. Does his attachment to her add or detract from the story that he tells? How would you describe his writing style?
Do you feel you know who Maude was as an individual? Did you connect with her emotionally? On any other levels?
Does this book make you long for the simplicity of "the good old days" or make you glad you live in the 21st Century? In her life, did Maude embrace modernity or shun innovation?
Examine each of the following topics and evaluate its meaning to Maude and its significance in her life: family, money, nature, humor, religion, community, fate.
On the back cover of the book, Maude is described as "an ordinary woman." Do you consider her to be ordinary?
Do you believe that Maude would think that our culture had advanced during her lifetime, separate from technological modernization?
What type of marriage did Lee Williams and Maude have?