Snow+Falling+on+Cedars+5W

Group Members:
Sam Wo Adam S Tanner J Will S **__Facilitator__**
 * Marc B.

**Book Discussion & Agenda**

 * Introduction:** Each member of the group introduces themselves, and one thing they liked most about the book.
 * Clarifying factual questions:

Character/Narration:**
 * Does the narration of this book help to transition the time lapses that Guterson uses?
 * Why doesn't Kabuo's service to the country play any role in his case?
 * After the war, Ishmael is ambivalent about Hatsue. What do his mixed feelings tell us about human nature?
 * Is Kabuo's anxiety over the seven acres of land justified? Can you relate to his pain?
 * Setting:**
 * How do the events during World War II affect the out come of many of the people living on San Piedro?
 * Does the upcoming anniversary of Pearl Harbor have any effect on the case?
 * Would a case such as this be different, say in a more urban setting such as Seattle? How does the small town feel of the story affect the outcome of the trial?
 * Themes:**
 * What are the themes in __Snow Falling on Cedars__?
 * How do the themes relate to the book?
 * Are people too quick to make assumptions about others based on race?
 * Can racial barriers and societal expectations obstruct true love?
 * Symbols:**
 * What is the significance of the snow during the trial? Why did the author include it in the title?
 * What role does love play in the outcome of the book?
 * What are the symbols of racism in this book?
 * Are there any symbols showing racial compromise?
 * Style of Writing:**
 * How does Guterson's style of writing shape the setting for the murder trial?
 * Does this appeal to the reader?
 * What effect on the reader was Guterson trying to attain when Kabuo saved Carl, then had Carl die?
 * Guterson's narration is made up of a constant alternation between past and present. How is this effective in hooking the reader?
 * Secondary Criticism/Commentary:**
 * David Lister, an amazon reviewer, stated that: "I have always believed that one of the true marks of a great novelist is his/her ability to create believable characters of the opposite sex. Many well-respected writers fail at this task. In this novel, David Guterson's portrayal of Hatsue rings as true as any reader could hope for."
 * Do you agree that Guterson was successful in creating Hatsue's character? Were her thoughts and actions believable?
 * Some critical amazon reviewers claim that "Everything in the book is predictable", the novel is "boring and trite" and that the first half of the book is "a true waste of paper" (amazon.com). Do you agree or disagree?


 * Quotes to Note:

Secondary Sources:** http://www.randomhouse.com/vintage/read/snow/ http://www.bookpage.com/9601bp/fiction/snowfallingoncedars.html http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Falling-Cedars-David-Guterson/dp/058241928X/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top