Book Club Questions for Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance
1. Do you think the book is a convincing portrayal of someone with dyslexia?
2. Maggsie has had problems with alcohol, she's been to prison, comes from a poor background, has dyslexia … but the book is uplifting rather than bleak. What methods does the author use to achieve this?
3. What does Maggsie's relationship with Audrey the cat tell us about her character?
4. When Maggsie was a child her headmaster told her she would never amount to anything. It was almost a curse. Who in the book do you feel undoes this 'curse'?
5. Do you think it's possible for a few words (good or bad) from someone in authority to change your life?
6. Maggsie tries many methods of anger control. Which was the most effective?
7. What role does T.J. play in the book?
2. Maggsie has had problems with alcohol, she's been to prison, comes from a poor background, has dyslexia … but the book is uplifting rather than bleak. What methods does the author use to achieve this?
3. What does Maggsie's relationship with Audrey the cat tell us about her character?
4. When Maggsie was a child her headmaster told her she would never amount to anything. It was almost a curse. Who in the book do you feel undoes this 'curse'?
5. Do you think it's possible for a few words (good or bad) from someone in authority to change your life?
6. Maggsie tries many methods of anger control. Which was the most effective?
7. What role does T.J. play in the book?
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Dear SeyiApologies for not finding your lovely comments/answers sooner. It sounds like you really engaged with 'Maggsie' and I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
All the best, Frances
Hi Frances. I am a huge fan of your books. I work with special needs children, so I have come across many `Elvira`s` and `Maggsie`s`
Both books deserve a sequel! (No pressure!!)
I have been reading your books to my students and they love them. They can all identify with them.
Some of my students have learnt to enjoy books, because they have been introduced to your writing. Thank you.
Hi Janice, Thank you for such lovely feedback on 'Elvira' and 'Maggsie' - the sort of thing all authors dream of reading! Might I quote your words some time in the future on Twitter? I'm so glad your students get a lot out of the books too. I work with adults with learning differences so 'Maggsie' in particular, is based on my own experience.
Alas, no sequel but I have finished a third novel which I am hoping will be published.
Thanks so much for taking the trouble to comment Janice.
All the best, Frances
Hi Frances,Thank you for your lovely comments. Of course, you can quote my words on Twitter. Really excited to hear you have finished a third novel. All the best. Janice.
Thank you so much for writing this book, it is simply genius and most definitely my favourite book ever!
I have not even finished it yet (chapter 20) but I am in love.
Thank you for these interactive book club questions, I'm pleased to have come across them.
1.) Yes I do believe the book portrays someone with dyslexia in believable way despite the fact that I do not have dyslexia myself.
2.) Frances Maynard cleverly uses humour and wit to uplift readers.
Also, Maggsie dips in and out of soliloquies inviting readers into her thoughts and feelings, this makes for an intimate reading experience.
3.) Maggsie appears to want to prove herself responsible and her relationship with Audrey the cat is an opportunity for her to do just that. She displays consistent care and thought for Audrey which reveals her loving nature and desire to be loved.
4.) TBC
5.) I believe that the words spoken into or over your life by people in authority can shape and influence your decision making and subsequently the course of your life, for better and for worse.
6.) TBC- Presently, Snappy the crocodile does not seem to be working well enough!
7.) TBC- So far TJ is a colleague, a companion and student, both in his English classes and with Maggsie, this further reveals Maggsie's desire to feel purposeful. She achieves this by correcting and teaching TJ.