Kilbourn Public Library Book Club

The Kilbourn Public Library Book Discussion Group is reading Whistling in the Dark by Lesley Kagen for June.  Funny, wise and uplifting, Whistling in the Dark is the story of two tough and endearing little girls...and of a time not so long ago, when life was not as innocent as it appeared. 

Sally O'Malley made a promise to her daddy before he died.   She swore she'd look after her sister, Troo.  Keep her safe.  But like her Granny always said--actions speak louder than words.  Sally would have to agree with her.  Because during the summer of 1959, the girl's mother is hospitalized, their stepfather has abandoned them for a six pack, and their big sister, Nell, who was left strict instructions to take care of the girls, is too busy making out with her boyfriend to notice that her charges are on the loose.  And so is a murderer and a molester.

Highly imaginative Sally is pretty sure of two things.  Who the killer is.  And that she's next on his list.  If nobody will believe her, she has no choice but to protect herself and Troo as best she can, relying on her own courage and the kindness of her neighbors.

Sally and Troo experienced a deep sense of abandonment after the death of their Daddy.  They manifested that sense of loss differently.  How do you think the loss of a parent at any early stage of a child's life affects their emotional growth?

After her husband's death, Mother decided the only way to put food on the table was to marry Hall, a man she had little or no feelings for.  What would you do if you found yourself in her position?

Fear is the main theme of the book.  Fear of our feelings.  Fear of what other people think.  Fear of the unknown.  What are you afraid of?

Let us know what you think of Whistling in the Dark.