I love this book, too! It's so intimate. I feel like I've been offered a view of a different world and I'm grateful for the insights.
Mama Jennie is such a hero!
Crabs in a basket...I found myself thinking about Harrison Bergeron, and how societies impose diminished expectations in many different ways.
I am looking forward to discussing the point of intimacy in Evan and Mama Jennie's relationship. Specifically my choice to use much more dialogue as the device to create that intimacy. And having the story told in first-person narrative also contributes. Also, I've had many interesting comments about getting to eavesdrop on conversations that readers would not have heard otherwise in their daily lives.