.Virtual Book Club

Summer of Salt

by Katrina Leno

From the author's website: 

Magic passed down through generations. An island where strange things happen. One summer that will become legend.

Practical Magic meets Nova Ren Suma’s Imaginary Girls and Laura Ruby’s Bone Gap in this lush, atmospheric novel by acclaimed author Katrina Leno.

Georgina Fernweh waits impatiently for the tingle of magic in her fingers—magic that has touched every woman in her family. But with her eighteenth birthday looming at the end of this summer, Georgina fears her gift will never come.

Over the course of her last summer on the island—a summer of storms, falling in love, and the mystery behind one rare three-hundred-year-old bird—Georgina will learn the truth about magic, in all its many forms..

*** WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD! ***

Each week, VBC discusses sections of the book together. Below is a collection of weekly discussion questions posed by VBC leadership and members. Be aware that these likely include spoilers, so please do not scroll further if you have not read the book.

Discussion Questions: 

• How does the setting of By-the-Sea impact the story?
• Did the magical elements connect you more to the story or take you out of the narrative? Discuss.
• Annabella is a main character in the story, despite never saying a word. What does she represent to various other characters?
• Friendship, sisterhood, and trust are central to this story. How do we see those concepts reflected in this story?
• How important is the romance aspect of this story?
• What does it mean to find your magic?
• What happens next? Where are Georgie and Mary now? Will the birding season continue next year?