resources for readers

Looking for Karma at the Eden Cafe > The Importance of Bulldogs >

SPOILER ALERT: Don't read these questions if you haven't finished the books!

---

Reader's Discussion Questions

Looking for Karma at the Eden Cafe

1. The geographic setting for Looking for Karma at the Eden Cafe is Southern Oregon and northernmost California, sometimes referred to as the "State of Jefferson." Although several attempts to establish legal statehood proved futile, some say the State of Jefferson exists as a state of mind. A Jeffersonian has a streak of independence, a distrust of the establishment and a rural and small town outlook on life. To what extent do the characters in the book fit the description of a citizen of Jefferson? How do the characters manifest these characteristics? Are there any characters who aren't Jeffersonians? Why?


2. Karma is a city dweller who comes to live in the small town of Eden, in the shadow of the Siskiyou Mountains. She is new to the experience of walking along a creek or hiking in the forest. How does the landscape play a role in the story? Do you think you are influenced by your geographical setting?


3. Eden, Oregon is just a dot on the map (a dot so small, you'll never find it). In a town with a population of 1,301, everyone knows everyone and everyone's business too. Do you find this aspect of small town life attractive or not? Why?


4. The Eden Cafe shares many qualities with small town cafes everywhere. The menu is familiar and so is the clientele. Regulars swap jokes from table to table and greet newcomers by name. Someone like Riva Fate is behind the counter, dispensing good food and great wisdom. Have you ever patronized a cafe like this or known someone like Riva? Describe the similarities and differences in your experience.


5. Karma is the name of the book's main character. It is also the name of a fundamental tenet of Buddhism - that what happens to us in life is a result of our past actions and choices, and thus we are responsible for our own destiny. In contrast, Riva's last name - Fate - suggests a predetermined destiny with an inevitable (and often fatal) end. What do Riva and Karma believe? Does this belief change in any way as the story progresses? How do their actions either support or contradict their stated belief? What about other characters? What do you think is the significance of the title?


6. Tina Goodrich taunts Karma about a past relationship with Rob, and tries to undermine Riva's fondness for Karma. She also triggers several major events with significant consequences. Do you think Tina is simply a bad person or do you feel some sympathy for her?


7. The supporting cast of characters includes Silent Sam, Claire Aire, Mr. Morel and his son Junior, Lacey and Elmo, little Justin and others. Are the characters believable? Do they remind you of people you've known? How do some of these characters change through the story?


8. Did you "suspend disbelief" and go along with the premise of a ghost? Did you think the ghost was just a figment of Karma's imagination? Or, did you understand it in a different way?

---

Reader's Discussion Questions

The Importance of Bulldogs

1. What is, after all, the importance of bulldogs?


2. For Ruby Dubin, a city dweller, the cabin “nestled comfortably in a stand of pine” is “an idyllic model for a Thomas Kinkade painting.” When she walks with Clarence Oddbody in the woods, Ruby realizes “I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt so healthy and at peace with myself.” Finding solace in natural surroundings is a common theme in fiction, and especially in American fiction. Do you agree with this sentiment? Why or why not?


3. What is the turning point for Ruby? What makes her see things more clearly? What about other characters in the story?


4. The Importance of Bulldogs subplot deals with the issue of marriage equality. The Measure 13 proponent, Mr. Sykes, is contrasted with that of Uncle Mike, who has dedicated himself to the Kids Klub. This is a contemporary social issue. How do you see this issue being resolved in this country?


5. SETII, led by MaryLou Hunter, has a devoted following – the SETII Betties, Barry, Janet, Laura and many others. Do you agree with Barry when he says SETII was “garbage”? Or, is the SETII message is a valid one that is twisted by MaryLou, Devin and Sondra?


6. After MaryLou’s “confession” Ruby decides to call the authorities. Do you think this is the right action? Why or why not?


7. If you were to write a sequel to The Importance of Bulldogs, what would be the outcome for Ruby, Uncle Mike and Barry, the Hunter family and others?