Try these suggestions to spice up your book club event:
Snack Options:
Serve your book clubbers the same delectable treats enjoyed in Crack Dwellers:
- Nachos (make Crystal's own version, p. 34), Strongbow hard cider and Red Bull Energy Drink. P.S. Some readers have asked if Crystal uses fresh jalapenos for her nachos, and the answer is yes, but be careful because fresh jalapenos tend to be much hotter than canned! Also, Crystal likes her nachos to be colorful, so she recommends using a mixture of yellow, blue, red and green corn chips.
- Vegan donuts, Cakebread Merlot and St. Supery Chardonnay
Note: In San Diego, vegan donuts can be purchased at Whole Foods Market (in Crystal’s Hillcrest neighborhood, 711 University Avenue), People’s (4765 Voltaire Street in Ocean Beach) or Rancho's Natural Food Market (3918 30th Street in North Park). Strongbow hard cider is usually available at Beverages and More.
Discussion Questions:
- Through the course of the story, what does Crystal learn about friendship between women? Who are her most influential teachers in that regard? Describe the qualities that are most important to you in your women friends.
- What was your reaction to Crystal's mother's departure after Crystal's graduation from high school (pp. 12-14)? Compare Crystal's mother to Lois' mother. Is Crystal a good mother to herself? Are you a good mother to yourself?
- Is everyone a Crack Dweller in some way? Have you ever felt like one? If so, when?
“I have just completed Crack Dwellers for the second time. This is a great story that will grab your attention from the first few pages. The title of the book took on much greater meaning for me the second time around. It would be hard to find a woman who cannot relate to one of the characters in this story. Those of us who have lived with "size" issues all our life can definitely relate to the walls Crystal builds around herself to survive in the world around her, and will be inspired as she reaches out of her comfort zone to develop meaningful relationships. This should be required reading for men and women of all ages! I loved this book, Leslie, and your courage to write it!”
— Lanita Varshell, Owner A Gentle Way Yoga & Joyful Movement Center