In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson



REMINDER!!!

 Hey Ladies,

This is your friendly reminder about the BWBMYKSBC Lecture Series this Sunday, April 15 (it's just that saying "lecture" makes us sound so smart, I can't get over it).  The plan is to meet for some apps and drinks at 4:30pm and then head over to the college around 6:15pm.  I found two places close-by (within a 1/2 mile according to Google Maps) that should work. 

1. Pints - a typical bar that has burgers and fries and $5 Bloody Marys on Sundays
2. Armand's Pizzeria - a family style pizza place with wine and funky martinis

I was hoping the Elmhurst contingent could help out and let us know which one of these would work best!!  Please let me know if you are planning on attending, if you would be joining us beforehand and which restaurant you'd prefer.  I would like to put in a reservation for either place, depending on our numbers, so please RSVP.   If you are planning on meeting us at the lecture, it begins at 7pm and the gentleman running it said to get there about a half hour beforehand.  Look forward to seeing you all on Sunday, you big bunch of smarty pants :)  I put some discussion questions below just in case we want to dabble with the book a little at dinner. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(courtesy of Litlovers.com)

1. William Dodd went to Germany believing that Hitler would have a positive influence on Germany. Why were so many at first enamored of Nazism and willing "to give Hitler everything he wants"?

2. How would you describe German society at the time of the Dodd Family's arrival in Berlin? Talk about the ways in which Germany appeared to be a modern, civilized society...and, of course, the way in which that appearance was at odds with reality.

3. What was it that made Dodd begin to suspect the rumors he had been hearing about Nazi brutality were true?

4. Why did Dodd's—and numerous others'—warnings about Hitler fall on indifferent ears in the US? What was the primary concern of the US in its relationship with Germany? Was the US stance one of purposeful ignorance...or of sheer disbelief?

5. Did America's own anti-semitism play any role in dismissing the growing chorus of concern ?

6. What do you think of William Dodd? What about him do you find admirable? Were you mildly amused or impressed by his sense of frugality?

7. What was Dodd's reputation among the "old hands" at the State Department? What role does class play in how he was viewed by his diplomatic peers?

8. What about Martha? What do you find in her character to admire...or not? Did she purposely allow herself to be blinded by Udet and Rudolf Diels...or was she truly dazzled by their charms? Her promiscuity could have made her a serious liability. Were you surprised that her parents seemed untroubled by her multiple love affairs, or that they didn't try to reign in her behavior?

9. How does Erik Larson portray Hitler in his book? Does he humanize him...or present him as a monster? How does he depict Goebbels and Goering...and other higher-ups in the Nazi party?

10. How does the fact that you know the eventual outcome of Nazi Germany affect the way you experience the book? Does foreknowledge heighten...or lessen the story's suspense. Either way...why?

11. What were events/episodes you find most chilling in Larson's account of the rise of Nazism?

12. What have learned about the period leading up the World War II that you hadn't known? What surprised you? What confirmed things you already knew?

13. Is this a good read? If you've read other books by Larson, how does this compare?