Reservoir Bitches Discussion Questions & July Book Poll
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Finally!
This is the first book that we’ve read so far for our book club that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found positive elements in the other three books, but this is one that was right up my alley with its raw grit and dark humor. I guess fourth time’s a charm.
The stories in this collection were not only about survival, but women’s fierceness and resiliency in a world where they must survive rather than thrive. I loved every minute of this crazy ride.
If you are craving more
Click the link for reviews, critiques, and interviews with the author and the translators.
The translators have mentioned in interviews that music plays a significant role in the book, and throughout their time translating it, they listened closely to the songs referenced therein.
Here is a Spotify playlist, which includes the songs mentioned in the stories, for your listening pleasure.
If you haven’t read the book or need a refresher
For a detailed review of Reservoir Bitches, including themes and excerpts from the book, check out this short article.
• You can respond to as few or as many of the questions as you’d like
• Please number your responses
• Be sure to share your responses by Wednesday the 25th so I can include them in the podcast at the end of the month!
1. This book deals with the lives of women in Mexico and explores themes of survival, violence, and agency in challenging circumstances. What preconceived notions or ideas do you have about these topics in a global context?
2. The author, Dahlia de la Cerda, is known for her unflinching portrayal of difficult realities. In literature or media, how do you feel about stories that tackle very dark or graphic subject matter? What do you think is the purpose of such storytelling?
3. The concept of "femicide" (the gender-related killing of women and girls) is a central backdrop to many of the stories. What do you know or how do you feel about the issue of violence against women in different parts of the world?
4. The book gives voice to women who are often marginalized or silenced. Why do you think it's important for literature to tell the stories of people from diverse and often challenging backgrounds?
5. The author has said that her book is about how "everyone is both a victim and a perpetrator at the same time." What does this statement make you consider about human nature and morality, even without knowing the specific stories?
6. Take 17 minutes out of your day and watch this TED talk. It’s an oldie but goodie and still very relevant. I have recently seen a lot of discourse on social media around this topic of victim blaming and the need to reframe how we talk about violence against women. I’m curious to know your thoughts. In the video, the speaker asks us to consider various questions. I have summarized two of those questions here to respond to as you like:
• How are various institutions in our society (religious belief systems/sports culture/pornography culture/the family structure/economics) contributing to creating abusive men?
• How can we change the socialization of boys and the definitions of manhood that lead to men abusing women and children?
In honor of Independence Day in my home country, I’d like to read a book from an author from the good ol’ U S of A for July. As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, I am particularly interested in reading more Indigenous authors as their stories are often left out of mainstream narratives. With that in mind, I have chosen the following books for you to consider (click on the letters for summaries):
