For Fiction Lovers

Welcome to the Sept group read, Dragon House. John Shors will be checking in and is kind enough to answer any questions.

I have selected a few questions from the back of the book to start off with. Don't feel like you have to answer all or any of the questions and ask as many as you want!

1. What did you enjoy most about the novel?

2.Which character did you like most?

3. Do you think John Shors tried to draw comparisons between the Vietnam War and Iraq War?

4. What did you think of Loc? Why do you think the author chose to make him a former street child?

5.Could you tell John Shors had traveled extensively in Vietnam? Do you think it's important for writers to visit the places they bring to life?

6. What do you think dragons symbolize in the story?

7. Did you enjoy Minh's character more when he was silent or when he spoke?

8. Would you read a sequel to Dragon House?

9. What do you enjoy most about John Shors's writing style?

1. What did you enjoy most about the novel? The life that he brings to the characters.

2.Which character did you like most? That's a tough choice but I think it would be either Tam or Minh.

3. Do you think John Shors tried to draw comparisons between the Vietnam War and Iraq War? I think that there are comparisons that can be made between any two wars.

4. What did you think of Loc? Why do you think the author chose to make him a former street child? Loc  turned out to be  what the street made him - the abused who becomes the abuser. His character emphasizes the importance of getting help and an education for the street children.

5.Could you tell John Shors had traveled extensively in Vietnam? Do you think it's important for writers to visit the places they bring to life? yes. I think that you have to have visited the place to soak up the essence of the landscape and the people.

6. What do you think dragons symbolize in the story? They are good omens and protection. I think that's why he also selected Dragon House for the title. It is protection for the street children.

7. Did you enjoy Minh's character more when he was silent or when he spoke? both- When he was silent it served as his self preservation and when being a selective mute no longer served as his shield of protection, it became necessary for Minh to begin speaking again.

8. Would you read a sequel to Dragon House? Yes.

9. What do you enjoy most about John Shors' writing style? The life that he brings to the characters and the landscape.

Kathie

1. What did you enjoy most about the novel? I loved the setting. Despite the poverty, it was very colorful.

2.Which character did you like most? Mai was my favorite. She was compassionate, loyal, and street wise.

3. Do you think John Shors tried to draw comparisons between the Vietnam War and Iraq War? I read the end of the book where JS said he didn't set out to draw comparisons, but I think it's only natural to compare the two. The setting and Noah's recent experiences calls to mind both wars.

4. What did you think of Loc? Why do you think the author chose to make him a former street child? I looked forward to reading about Loc. Not because of the cruel things he did, but the way JS wrote about him when he was under a cloud of opium and how his clarity was compromised when making decisions. Like Kathie said, making him a former street child you understand his hostility and how the cycle repeats itself.

5.Could you tell John Shors had traveled extensively in Vietnam? Do you think it's important for writers to visit the places they bring to life? I had read about JS's travels and when an author has experienced a place, they can bring the reader that much closer.

6. What do you think dragons symbolize in the story? dragons are the heroes and protectors like the Dragon House is a safe place for children.

7. Did you enjoy Minh's character more when he was silent or when he spoke? I liked Minh's character in both instances. There was a need for him to be silent as well as when he did start talking.

8. Would you read a sequel to Dragon House? yes. I liked the character of Sahn and how he developed through the story. I thought he was going to be a bad guy, but in reality he had his own flaws to keep secret.

9. What do you enjoy most about John Shors's writing style? I loved his wonderful descprition of setting. This is what I also liked so much about Beneath a Marble Sky.

1. What did you enjoy most about the novel? Loved the 'redemption' of Noah..

2.Which character did you like most? Loved all the characters....but my favorite were Mai and Mihn

3. Do you think John Shors tried to draw comparisons between the Vietnam War and Iraq War? Either by design or accident ....the comparisons were there.

4. What did you think of Loc? He was a great 'evil' man....but I even sort of felt sorry for him...as he was a product of his enviornment....Why do you think the author chose to make him a former street child? It showed what the children were escaping from becoming....

5.Could you tell John Shors had traveled extensively in Vietnam? Do you think it's important for writers to visit the places they bring to life? Yes could tell he had traveled extensively....much detail of landscapes and people.

6. What do you think dragons symbolize in the story? Heros and Hope....and protection...

7. Did you enjoy Minh's character more when he was silent or when he spoke? I loved it when he spoke....could see why he didn't...but loved the hope he gave Mai....

8. Would you read a sequel to Dragon House? YES!!

9. What do you enjoy most about John Shors's writing style? Atttention to detail....character development..