Dark Sky at Dawn: A Prepared Book Club Discussion

Author, L.C. Lewis prepared these book club discussion questions for her book, Dark Sky at Dawn:

1. In the prologue, Jonathan Pearson the First reveals that he has caused "bad magic" to fall upon two lodges. Have difficult family problems or responsibilities ever fallen upon you? How have you coped?

2. In addition to the bulk of his grandfather's estate, Jed Pearson inherits a troubled legacy. What burdens did this legacy inflict on him? What advice would you have given him to help him deal with these problems?

3. Jed Pearson loves Philadelphia because it inspires him. What city or place inspires you and why?

4. Compare Jed's feelings regarding the Founding Fathers and the Constitution to the patriotism of American citizens today. Which circumstances plaguing the US in 1810-1812 have a counterpart in our day? In your opinion, how do (or did) these elements affect each periods' citizenry?

5. Describe Hannah Stansbury, including her gifts and personality, and explain your feelings regarding her reaction to the challenges with which she is confronted. Would you describe her as weak or strong, and why? Why do you think we struggle to identify and trust the talents and answers we are given?

6. Identify a character whose motivation and struggles remind you of yourself or someone in your circle of friends and family. What elements of this character seem familiar and why?

7. Dark Sky at Dawn attempts to illustrate the struggles of individuals balancing intense personal concerns against their civic duties and responsibilities. What civic or political concerns are creating the greatest impact on your family today? How do they affect you?

8. Consider Jerome's story. What injustices have impacted your life and how have you survived and triumphed over them?

9. How would you characterize Beatrice and Myrna? Their meddling creates a chain of events that alters Hannah's future. Are there circumstances under which you could see yourself acting similarly? Under what conditions?

10. What similarities exist between the British's effort to weaken our nation in 1810-1812 and the tools employed by our enemies today? Consider 9-11.

11. As you read about the riot in Baltimore what side did you sympathize with and why? Is there ever a time when the rights of a free press should limited? When derogatory opinions about the government or military should be limited?

12. Anticipating that he would die in battle, Dudley Snowden wrote a final letter to his wife. To whom would you want to express your final thoughts and what would you say or request?

13. Describe Myrna's spiritual struggles and denials. Have you ever had a similar spiritual struggle? How did you find peace?
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TRIVIA:

1. How many men signed the Declaration of Independence?
a) 13 b) 50 c) 56 d) 100

2. Which two presidents died on the same day historic day, July 4th, 1826, exactly fifty years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence?
a) George Washington and John Adams b) Thomas Jefferson and John Adams
c) Thomas Jefferson and James Madison d) James Madison and James Monroe

3. Which President served as a general in the War of 1812, commanding American forces in the Battle of New Orleans?
a) Andrew Jackson b) James Monroe c) James Madison d) John Quincy Adams

4. Which president defended the mutineers on the slave ship Amistad before the US Supreme Court?
a) Martin Van Buren b) John Quincy Adams c) James Monroe d) John Tyler

5. Which president has the sole distinction of being elected unanimously by the electoral college?
a) George Washington b) Thomas Jefferson c) Abraham Lincoln d) Franklin D. Roosevelt

6) What danger did President Washington warn against in his farewell address?
a) Taxation without representation b) Westward expansion c) Maintaining a standing military d) Permanent alliances with foreign governments

7) Which president wrote his own edited version of the bible?
a) Thomas Jefferson b) Franklin Pierce c) Calvin Coolidge d) Jimmy Carter

8) He commanded the victorious American forces at Yorktown.
a) Andrew Jackson b) Lafayette c) George Washington d) Ulysses S. Grant

9) Who was the father of the US Constitution?
a) Alexander Hamilton b) Patrick Henry c) James Madison d) Benjamin Franklin

10) The source of the phrase, "Government of the people, by the people, for the people" is:
a) The Bill of Rights b) Gettysburg Address c) The Declaration of Independence
d)U.S. Constitution

1)c 2)b 3)a 4)b 5)a 6)d 7)a 8)c 9)c 10)b