Join us to discuss 142 Ostriches by April Davila. Please include your email address when registering so that we can email you the Zoom link prior to the book discussion. The e-book and audiobook are available online (for residents) via our Hoopla service.
About This Book
Set against the unexpected splendor of an ostrich ranch in the California desert, April Dávila’s beautifully written debut conjures an absorbing and compelling heroine in a story of courage, family and forgiveness.
When Tallulah Jones was thirteen, her grandmother plucked her from the dank Oakland apartment she shared with her unreliable mom and brought her to the family ostrich ranch in the Mojave Desert. After eleven years caring for the curious, graceful birds, Tallulah accepts a job in Montana and prepares to leave home. But when Grandma Helen dies under strange circumstances, Tallulah inherits everything—just days before the birds inexplicably stop laying eggs.
Guarding the secret of the suddenly barren birds, Tallulah endeavors to force through a sale of the ranch, a task that is complicated by the arrival of her extended family. Their designs on the property, and deeply rooted dysfunction, threaten Tallulah’s ambitions and eventually her life. With no options left, Tallulah must pull her head out of the sand and face the fifty-year legacy of a family in turmoil: the reality of her grandmother's death, her mother's alcoholism, her uncle's covetous anger, and the 142 ostriches whose lives are in her hands.
Discussion Questions
- Consider the men in this story. What role do they play in a family that is predominantly female? Are they, as Grandma Helen suggests, untrustworthy? Do you agree with Annie’s assertion that we all need partners in life?
- How has substance abuse affected each generation of the Jones family? Why do you think Aunt Christine has not turned to alcohol or drugs? What role, if any, do you think Aunt Christine’s faith plays in her choices?
- Aunt Christine suggests that the birds have stopped laying eggs because they miss Grandma Helen. Given the fact that there is nothing physically wrong with the ostriches, do you believe that their temporary barrenness is due to emotional upset? If so, what helps them deal with their grief and begin producing eggs again?
- Is Tallulah an honest person? Honest with herself? Honest with others? After being arrested, Tallulah resolves to face her problems head on, yet she struggles to be forthright in all of her interactions. What do you make of her tendency to hide from reality? Is it something you can relae to in your own life?
- One of the main themes of the story is motherhood. Consider how Tallulah’s mom, Aunt Christine, and Grandma Helen differ in their mothering styles. What is your opinion of Grandma Helen’s assertion that you don’t have to be close to someone to love them?
- The judge at Tallulah’s arraignment is easily convinced that she is an upstanding citizen. Why does this come as such a surprise to Tallulah? Is Tallulah a good person?
- In what ways does the desert define Sombra? How is Sombra like other small towns? In what ways is it different? In what ways does the desert environment determine the outcome of this story?
- How would the story change if it were set on a different type of ranch? A cattle ranch? Chickens?
- How would the story be different if it were told from Uncle Steve’s perspective? What about Aunt Christine’s perspective? What if Matt were our narrator?
- What is the difference between faith and trust in this story? How would Aunt Christine answer this question? Or Tallulah? How does Laura’s whiskey glass theory distinguish between faith and trust? Is her theory useful?
Questions from: https://aprildavila.com/speaking
