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The Bitter End Birding Society
A forbidden romance, a fractured family, and one woman's journey to piece it all together
Hometown hero Ana Leigh Watkins ventures to Bitter End, Tennessee, to help her great-aunt prepare for retirement. A town called Bitter End seems an ironic place for Ana to refresh her weary spirit, but she's desperate for respite from the attention and unwarranted admiration of her community. While on a hike in Roan Mountain, a ragtag group of amateur bird-watchers takes her under their wing--a little against her will. However, she quickly warms to these genuine souls seeking solace in the great outdoors.
But when Ana's adventures in Bitter End lead her to a severed branch of her family tree--one that involves the forbidden love between a moonshiner's daughter and a preacher's son--what began as a getaway to help her great-aunt becomes a transformative journey that binds together two women who, though they live on the same street, have been estranged for sixty years.
An immersive faith-based novel of finding belonging, reconciliation, and new beginnings for fans of southern fiction. This narrative of friendship and community makes for a perfect book club selection.
These discussion questions were provided by the publisher, Baker Publishing Group.
Book club questions for The Bitter End Birding Society by Amanda Cox
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
Ana has a difficult time receiving praise regarding her actions on the day the gunman came to her school. Have you ever struggled to receive a compliment? Why do you think that receiving praise can sometimes be as uncomfortable as receiving criticism?
Ana came to Bitter End searching for rest and family connection, but nothing about her summer seems to go to plan. What are some of the lessons Ana learned during her time in Bitter End? How do you think these lessons will serve her going forward?
Viola struggles to forge her own path in life as she wrestles with her feelings for Trilby. Do you think she made good choices in life? What might she have done differently? Did you ever struggle with establishing your own identity when you first left home?
Birdwatching is a recurring motif throughout the novel. What do you think birds and birdwatching symbolize for the characters?
How did your perception of certain characters change over the course of the novel, especially Sam, Trilby, Wayne, and Cora? Were there any moments that made you reevaluate your understanding of them?
Several characters carry guilt, regret, or a longing for reconciliation. Do you think is harder to forgive yourself or someone else? Why?
Were there any moments in the book that made you stop and reflect on your own story, your roots, or your relationships? If you feel comfortable, share one.
The Bitter End Birding Society Book Club Questions PDF
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