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Maria's Scarf
A beautiful and transformative memoir, Maria's Scarf is the incredible story of a mother's love, a family's unbreakable bond, and a starry-eyed boy who never lost sight of his dreams.
As the fatherless biracial child of a Mexican immigrant, Danny Donnelly was never expected to amount to much. Before the age of nine, his single mother had moved her seven children more than thirty times--from the impoverished streets of South Central Los Angeles to rural Oregon and everywhere in between.
Sometimes there was no home to go to, so they slept in their '62 Chevy; sometimes dinner was a slice of bread; sometimes they showered in a nearby park. Desperate yet ever hopeful, they clung to the only thing they had--each other. Through it all, Danny longed for his father's love and approval, ultimately channeling his pain and transforming himself into Zoro, one of the world's greatest drummers.
Eloquent, hilarious, and remarkably tender, Maria's Scarf: A Memoir of a Mother's Love, a Son's Perseverance, and Dreaming Big, tells the story of a family fighting for survival against almost insurmountable odds. Through laughter, tears, and many misadventures, Zoro touches the heart of every reader--young or old, citizen or immigrant--and speaks to the dreamer in all of us, emboldening everyone to live fantazmical lives.
These discussion questions were provided by the publisher, Blackstone Publishing.
Book club questions for Maria's Scarf by Zoro
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
The title of this book is Maria’s Scarf. What did the scarf symbolize for Zoro?
What prompts Dan Donnelly to change his name to Zoro?
The theme of home is present throughout the book. How is the concept of home experienced by Zoro and by his mother and his siblings?
How does Maria’s experience as an immigrant contribute to her appreciation of life and her approach to living?
Zoro’s life has been deeply affected by his mother’s stories. What stories have been handed down in your family that affect you?
Zoro shares that Maria was helped in many ways by the kindness of strangers and community members. Who is the biggest encourager in your life? What specifically does this person do or say that makes you feel encouraged? How can you, today, encourage others?
Music is a common thread throughout Zoro’s story. What is a common thread in your own life? Do you see significance or value in it?
Zoro surrounded himself with others who shared his passion. Think of his relationship with Lenny Kravitz. Amongst your friends, with whom do you share the same goals and aspirations?
How would you describe Zoro? How would you describe his mother, Maria?
What parts of Maria’s character inspired Zoro? What part of her inspires you?
To whom would you turn if there were no one else?
What was your favorite part of Zoro’s memoir? Did you find it relatable, humorous, moving? Did it change your thinking?
Maria's Scarf Book Club Questions PDF
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