Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

This is the August Monthly Group Read discussion for The Dog Stars by Peter Heller to satisfy prompt #35 A book with a constellation on the cover or in the title. In honor of the Perseid Meteor Shower which is typically from mid-July to around mid-August. It peaked August 11-13 in 2021 and is expected to peak August 11-12 in 2022!

Erica is the "marvelous manager" who volunteered to lead the discussion this month!

Every person reads at a different pace, so please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot-related surprises. This allows others to decide whether this information might reveal surprising information they have not yet read.

It can also be helpful to other readers if you post the location within the book noting your progress (chapter and/or page number) with the spoiler. That way, if someone else has read that far they can go ahead and open the spoiler, but if not, they'll know to skip it for now and return later...

TO ADD SPOILER TAGS:
Use this for spoilers, just remove the spaces:
< spoiler > write your spoiler here and close with < / spoiler >

Posts here should only be contributions to discussion about this book.

Hey all, so I’m going to start off with the basic questions of who is reading this and why?

I’ve signed up to lead this to push myself to read out of my norm a bit. I read enough of the description to see that it’s a “Castaway� story and I thought why not. I have completed this prompt already which is fine because I have about 5 prompts left.

Hi Erica, I listened to the book while on a recent road trip. I was struggling with this prompt so I was glad to see this was our choice. I haven’t seen the book described as a cast away story but why not?

Oh, well that’s what I took away from the goodreads blurb but that doesn’t mean that was written. 🤣

I understand that sentiment. I’m interested in everyone’s take away after they finish the book. I guess cast away could definitely be one way of looking at the book. Cast away stories are all about survival so that definitely works here.

I am reading this book simply because it is the group pick. I have started the first few pages and as of right now, I am not too into it. I truly hope it gets better.

Katrina wrote: "I am reading this book simply because it is the group pick. I have started the first few pages and as of right now, I am not too into it. I truly hope it gets better."

Whew! I was a bit worried it was just going to be me reading this during the month. Thank you so much Sherri who was participating. I hosted a book club once on goodreads and nobody showed up it was minorly awkward.

I started last night and just finished. It’s been on my shelf for years, so this was a good push to read it. When I realized it is a post-pandemic novel (not a spoiler, the blurb puts this front and center), I had second thoughts, but I did enjoy it. The writing style isn’t my usual jam, but it fit with the character. I’ll be happy to talk more about the plot and stuff once people are ready!

I actually was SUPER excited to read this, and found a copy at the local library booksale last weekend. I have a few others I need to get finished before I start, but I'm really excited to read this.

I’m reading this book just to join the group read. I have never read this author.
Not thrilled on the post-pandemic theme, but will give it a try.

Hello. I am reading this to satisfy the prompt, although I did have other options I decided that since this was available on Overdrive and it was the book of the month I would use it. I didn't really know what to expect, I guess I didn't read the blurp or forgot already by the time I started reading. To me this book kind of comes off as Cli-fi with also the post-pandemic theme. It is definitely a survivalist story and I have just started to kind of get into it. I just read the sad part but, I wasn't all that surprised by it so it was ok. (Book Two - Chapter One). So far it hasn't really gone anywhere but, it just hinted at it so we'll see.

I'm reading (well, listening) to it just for the group read as I liked the title. I know nothing about it, other than what I just read above, and am going to start it tonight. I don't plan to use it for any prompts.

Sorry I've been so slow to post new questions.

Chapter 1:

1. Is an airport the best place to survive the apocalypse? Why or why not?
2. First impressions? (ie: characters, scenery, writing style)
3. Hig returns to his home to collect his poetry books only. What one thing would you risk your life to go back for? Could you limit it to one thing?
4. Do you accept that Hig who knows how to hunt would embrace using corpses to feed his dog?
5. Would your dog be enough/excusable to treat human corpses as meat?

Edit: I've corrected the ordering of my questions.

1. Is an airport the best place to survive the apocalypse? Why or why not?
I think it would be a brilliant place to camp out. Lots of open space to see predators, lots of parts and machinery which may be useful, many supplies available. And if you happen to be a pilot, and there happens to be a plane, all the better.

2. First impressions? (ie: characters, scenery, writing style)
Hig returns to his home to collect his poetry books only. What one thing would you risk your life to go back for? Could you limit it to one thing?
Probably any food supplies. But books would be a close second, although I don't know which ones I would choose to take with me. I'd need a wagon at least.

3. Do you accept that Hig who knows how to hunt would embrace using corpses to feed his dog?
I have a hard time imagining getting to that point, but it has been nine years and I suppose some things become less disturbing. Yet he obviously values human life as he is helping the Mennonites.

4. Would your dog be enough/excusable to treat human corpses as meat?
I'm not a dog person so probably wouldn't have one anyway. But it is rather disgusting to think about.

Chapter 1:

1. Is an airport the best place to survive the apocalypse? Why or why not?
I live a couple of miles from a major airport. It would be a great place. The infrastructure and backup systems would help survival.

2. First impressions? (ie: characters, scenery, writing style) Not a normal writing style that I read, but it all went together well. It was a guy's POV...

3. Hig returns to his home to collect his poetry books only. What one thing would you risk your life to go back for? Could you limit it to one thing?
If, like Hig, I had food ...Books!!! Actually my husband would grab the books for me, because he knows I would drive him crazy without them.

4. Do you accept that Hig who knows how to hunt would embrace using corpses to feed his dog?
5. Would your dog be enough/excusable to treat human corpses as meat?
I think this is a situation that you don't know what you would do until this was happening to you. Right now my answer is no to the above questions, but Walmart is open five blocks away.

Chapter 1:

1. Is an airport the best place to survive the apocalypse? Why or why not? It is for Hig. His plane is there & it needs to be protected. Hig has converted the hanger to fit his needs. Houses are hard to protect & hard to see from in all directions. Hig lives his life outdoors so his indoor requirements are few. He needs to be where there is some safety & he feels comfortable.
2. First impressions? (ie: characters, scenery, writing style) I listened on audible so I don't know about writing style. I saw a few reviews where people didn't like the writing style. I think the location is perfect. To survive the apocalypse you need whatever resources are still available. The wilderness has that without the population cities would have. The scenery was important because Hig had lived in the area pre virius. He knew the area well. The characters that survived had pre virius survival skills. They were living off the land or knew how to. A lot had military or law enforcement training. Hig is prone to day dreaming especially during critical moments. I don't know if he was like that before the apocalypse or slipping into the past came with the disaster for him. Others didn't daydream. They were focused.
3. Hig returns to his home to collect his poetry books only. What one thing would you risk your life to go back for? Could you limit it to one thing? This is an example of Hig making bad decisions which he did a lot. I think the bad decisions were part of his daydreaming. Nothing. There is nothing you can go back for. He almost lost his plane on that trip.
4. Do you accept that Hig who knows how to hunt would embrace using corpses to feed his dog? I wondered how you would handle the dog cannibalism. This is great. You just jumped right in. No trying to approach slowly. I couldn't understand what was happening at first when he said he let Jasper feed. It took me a bit to accept it. I'm with you that Hig could have given some of his food to the dog. That being said if there is a limited amount of protein which there was Hig had to feed Jasper without endangering his & Bangley's food supply. Bangley would not understand sharing limited food supplies with a dog. Also did anyone notice that none of the other survivors had pets? Pets were probably eaten years ago.
5. Would your dog be enough/excusable to treat human corpses as meat? I'm going to walk on the dark side here. What is your vision of the apocalypse? My vision is society is gone. No laws. If humanity is present it is on shakey ground. You are surviving the best you know how. All resources are gone or going. There is probably cannibalism going on all around them the book doesn't talk about it. I was surprised Hig of all the characters could do this. I couldn't do it at that point but the morals I have while sitting on my sofa now with a full belly & knowing where my meal & the dogs meal is coming from could fly out the window when the end of the world hits.

The writing style or voice did seem very � male? Casual, incomplete, more like thinking or talking than writing. It bothered me for the first chapter or two, but eventually I got used to it. It had the effect of making the narration much more intimate I think, like you are experiencing Hig’s life more directly.

I got the impression it was more of a small craft airstrip than an airport. That made it ideal, very few buildings to use as cover if sneaking up, lots of storage space in the hangar.

Chapter 1:

1. Is an airport the best place to survive the apocalypse? Why or why not?

I guess it would depend on the type of airport. I think the rural airport setting here works because it would be in a place that is less traveled and not many travelers would know about it. It would also have a lot of lands to start gardens or keep livestock. I would also think the structures there would be built to last.


2. First impressions? (ie: characters, scenery, writing style)

I am finding the writing style pretty dry. Therefore, is has been hard for me to engage in the text. I am hoping it gets better soon or I might have to DNF.

3. Hig returns to his home to collect his poetry books only. What one thing would you risk your life to go back for? Could you limit it to one thing?

I think I would go back for my journals/writing. These would be important because they are my intellectual property. They are from me and would give generations a view of what once was.

4. Do you accept that Hig who knows how to hunt would embrace using corpses to feed his dog?

I would worry that the dog would gain a taste for human flesh. This might ignite his primal nature and can cause the dog to turn on you.

5. Would your dog be enough/excusable to treat human corpses as meat?

I guess it would depend on if I had to kill the people or they were just dead. I don't think I would kill people just to feed the dog but if they were just casualties of defense; why waste the meat.

1. Is an airport the best place to survive the apocalypse? Why or why not?
I think in this case it worked out good for them. It sounds like one of those rural/private ones with houses around it and nature, with good sight lines to see others approaching.

2. First impressions? (ie: characters, scenery, writing style)
I recently read another book that had the same style so this didn't throw me that much. It's kind of like listening to someone read you their journal.

3. Hig returns to his home to collect his poetry books only. What one thing would you risk your life to go back for? Could you limit it to one thing?

I don't really remember this. But, as for me I don't know maybe just important documents and maybe some photos, if I had forgotten them. I think since there are many abandoned places finding things like books around might not be that hard. While food goes bad and gets scarce these other items may still be around. Although...He did mention at one point how they had used anything they could find as kindling for fire so, possibly not.

4. Do you accept that Hig who knows how to hunt would embrace using corpses to feed his dog?
I too, like Sherri, took a second to understand what he was saying, when they first mention this. I don't know if he explicitly fed his dog this because how often did they actually kill someone? It wasn't an everyday thing, and with no way to keep the meat it would have to be eaten quickly. So, I'm thinking he did in fact share some of his food as well.

5. Would your dog be enough/excusable to treat human corpses as meat?
They have been surviving for a very long time and I think that after such a time things like this not only become more bearable but even necessary. Right now, no I would not do this. Had I been surviving for ten years maybe, there's really no way to honestly answer this because we are not faced with it in real life. And actually while I found it heartwarming that he even had a dog it was also surprising since all the rest have probably been eaten.

Chapter 1:

1. Is an airport the best place to survive the apocalypse? Why or why not? It's not where I would pick. I get that it's wide open but I think I'd prefer to be snugged up somewhere, with trees overhead and, ideally, a mountain or cliff or something at my back. It also seems to me that an airport could attract people. It's a known place with tools, fuel and transport. It would be a target in and of itself and would mainly be useful to a pilot as a place to live and defend.
2. First impressions? (ie: characters, scenery, writing style) I found it immediately engaging. Since I read The Stand by Stephen King years ago, I've liked postapocalyptic fiction and look for it. Hig is a nice guy, his partner not so much but the characters are well drawn and believable. I loved that he had a dog and prefer to think that in a postapocalyptic world not so many people would be trying to kill each other.
3. Hig returns to his home to collect his poetry books only. What one thing would you risk your life to go back for? Could you limit it to one thing? My Kindle, if there were a way to charge it and if I had a decent amount of books and movies downloaded to it. I think most things would be obtainable elsewhere.
4. Do you accept that Hig who knows how to hunt would embrace using corpses to feed his dog? This went right over my head in the book but sure, dogs aren't vegetarians. I'd probably call my dog off, but whatever. I guess I'm not going to tell someone at that point in world history how to run things.

5. Would your dog be enough/excusable to treat human corpses as meat? Corpses are going to be a problem. Something is going to eat them and the sooner, the better. I sincerely hope I never get to the point where I would have to think about resorting to cannibalism, but this airport seems to be close enough to hunting that it wouldn't be a problem.

Chapter 1:

1. Is an airport the best place to survive the apocalypse? Why or why not?
Seems to me that this would only really work if you could pilot or were in partnership with a pilot. Though they probably do have separate electrical systems from whatever city. I would rather be on an acreage.

2. First impressions? (ie: characters, scenery, writing style)
I'm struggling to get into this. It's hit or miss for me when using lots of page breaks if it will push the pace or just make it to easy to put the book down. I'm waiting for a plot and struggling to like/connect with Hig. The author is writing in a more philosophical way to me and that's not my happy place.

3. Hig returns to his home to collect his poetry books only. What one thing would you risk your life to go back for? Could you limit it to one thing?
Well I would need sweaters and bug spray, but photos and music would be so important for mental health. Definitely would not be going back for just one thing.

4. Do you accept that Hig who knows how to hunt would embrace using corpses to feed his dog?
Hig so far has set himself as a resourceful person and not explained enough about why animals have gone extinct for me to go along with 'meat is meat'.

5. Would your dog be enough/excusable to treat human corpses as meat?
Probably not because I would worry about what eating human would do to the dog physically and psychologically.

Sherri wrote: "Chapter 1:

1. Is an airport the best place to survive the apocalypse? Why or why not? It is for Hig. His plane is there & it needs to be protected. Hig has converted the hanger to fit his needs. H..."

I had to read over the end of the chapter to make sure I read it correctly that he couldn't shoot people to save his own life but was fine to butcher up corpses for his dog to eat. I also have read Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors, which was referenced, and it irked me to use this true story to world build instead of actually writing it out.

JessicaMHR wrote: "1. Is an airport the best place to survive the apocalypse? Why or why not?
I think in this case it worked out good for them. It sounds like one of those rural/private ones with houses around it and..."

Hig loving his dog and going out of his way to change the plane around for his comfort thus treating him like a human made feeding him humans that much more upsetting to me.

My takeaway from this book so far (about half way) is that I would hope to die in the initial calamity because I would be a terrible survivalist.

Teri wrote: "My takeaway from this book so far (about half way) is that I would hope to die in the initial calamity because I would be a terrible survivalist."

Haha I realized this in chapter one while dealing with an itchy mosquito bite that I would not last a day in the wilderness.

Teri wrote: "My takeaway from this book so far (about half way) is that I would hope to die in the initial calamity because I would be a terrible survivalist."

I agree. I think it would be worst to survive and need to deal with taking care of your children. My DD couldn’t deal with the electricity out during a hurricane, so no way for good! As she says, "There are worst things in life than dying."

I finished it last night. I'm glad I listened to it (audiobook) but it is just a 3 star read for me. I couldn't quite get over the grimness of the beginning, even though I understood it. I usually like dystopian books, so it isn't that. So it was good, but not great.

So next set of questions.

Chapter 2-6/end of book 1:

1. Is Bangley a better survivalist than Hig?

2. We get more about Hig's wife through the memory of her death. Did this make Hig a more sympathetic character to you?

3. Was it smart for Hig to avoid killing the men at the coke truck?

4. Just for fun, Coke or Pepsi?

5. Has Hig made it 9 years of surviving by luck?

6. With all of Hig's family gone now will Hig give up?

Teri wrote: "I finished it last night. I'm glad I listened to it (audiobook) but it is just a 3 star read for me. I couldn't quite get over the grimness of the beginning, even though I understood it. I usually ..."

Well I'm getting lapped on the reading progress front. I will do my best to pick up the pace but I am struggling with this book. It's doubtful that it will achieve higher than 2 stars from me unless things change soon.

Just starting this today- only about 20 pages in so far. I don't think this is what I was expecting from this book, but I'm going to give it a shot.

I'm reading this because I picked up a copy of this book years ago and then never felt motivated to read it. I used to work at a library bookstore, so any time a book looked remotely interesting I'd buy it for $1. Wound up with a very large collection of books I might read some day, but never seem to get to. Hopefully this being the book pick of the month will mean I finally actually finish it.

1. Is Bangley a better survivalist than Hig? They're both still alive so I wouldn't say one is better than the other.

2. We get more about Hig's wife through the memory of her death. Did this make Hig a more sympathetic character to you? I think the dog made Hig a more sympathetic character. The death of Hig's wife tells us a lot about the pandemic, though.

3. Was it smart for Hig to avoid killing the men at the coke truck? Maybe not, but it was what he could live with.

4. Just for fun, Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi!

5. Has Hig made it 9 years of surviving by luck? No way. He's got all those hunting skills, and Jasper is a great early warning system.

6. With all of Hig's family gone now will Hig give up? I've finished, so I'll sit this one out :)

Chapter 2-6/end of book 1:

1. Is Bangley a better survivalist than Hig? Hig knows how to survive & has the skills but Bangley is a better survivalist. Bangley is focused on surivival & everything he does is geared toward living. Hig daydreams, is hesitant to kill people, goes out of his way to meet & help people. Hig has empathy.

2. We get more about Hig's wife through the memory of her death. Did this make Hig a more sympathetic character to you? Not really. All the survivors had memories of lost ones. Hig was easier to be sympathic toward because he helped his neighbors & took good care of Jasper.

3. Was it smart for Hig to avoid killing the men at the coke truck? No it wasn't . It bought trouble.

4. Just for fun, Coke or Pepsi? Coke

5. Has Hig made it 9 years of surviving by luck? No. After 9 years his luck would have run out. I noticed everyone Hig met in the book was not alone. There was always a group of 2 or more. It was when you were alone your chances of survival dropped.

6. With all of Hig's family gone now will Hig give up? Hig's family had been gone since early in the pandemic. (view spoiler)[ Hig mourned Jasper but he didn't give up. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2-6/end of book 1:

1. Is Bangley a better survivalist than Hig?
At this point I say yes because he has the kill or be killed mentality.

2. We get more about Hig's wife through the memory of her death. Did this make Hig a more sympathetic character to you?
I too thought this did more for the post apocalyptic setting than for filling in Hig's character. Jasper is the reason I made it through this first section without a plot.

3. Was it smart for Hig to avoid killing the men at the coke truck?
No, he lost his supply and left people to come back and hunt him.

4. Just for fun, Coke or Pepsi?
Coke out of habit, but I don't really care.

5. Has Hig made it 9 years of surviving by luck?
It seems like it, definitely if you go by Bangley's comments.

6. With all of Hig's family gone now will Hig give up?
Probably although there's still a lot of book left, so I'll be wrong.

Answers to Chapter 2-6/end of book 1:

1. Is Bangley a better survivalist than Hig? Probably. He's tougher than Hig and much less sentimental.

2. We get more about Hig's wife through the memory of her death. Did this make Hig a more sympathetic character to you? Definitely. It helps us better understand all of them who went through such a terrible pandemic. They have to have hardened to survive, but they've all gone through a tremendous amount of loss.

3. Was it smart for Hig to avoid killing the men at the coke truck? Probably not. He apparently isn't as committed to the "kill everyone you see" concept without Bangley around.

4. Just for fun, Coke or Pepsi? Dr Pepper, the true soda.

5. Has Hig made it 9 years of surviving by luck? It might be luck that he survived the pandemic, but it isn't luck (or at least isn't mostly luck) that he has survived so long. Unless you consider Bangley his luck.

6. With all of Hig's family gone now will Hig give up? I would guess not, since he didn't give in when his wife died. He's apparently made of sterner stuff, but he's going to be really miserable for awhile. And probably a lot less safe.

Chapter 2-6/end of book 1:

1. Is Bangley a better survivalist than Hig?Yes, I think so. Bangley has the mentality of a survivalist. Hig has the knowledge for fishing and hunting to survive, but I don’t believe he has a deep survivalist instinct.

2. We get more about Hig's wife through the memory of her death. Did this make Hig a more sympathetic character to you? Not to me. His interaction with his dog told me more about him as a human.

3. Was it smart for Hig to avoid killing the men at the coke truck? No, not in a world where it’s kill or be killed.

4. Just for fun, Coke or Pepsi? Coke, regular - not diet or Coke zero:)

5. Has Hig made it 9 years of surviving by luck? No, his ability to hunt and fish, and teaming up with Bangley is more than luck.

6. With all of Hig's family gone now will Hig give up? Pass on this one.....

1. Is an airport the best place to survive the apocalypse? Why or why not?
I mean, it didn’t seem like a bad place. Airports will tend to have a lot of open land and good watch points for it, so that’s good. The access to an airplane doesn’t hurt either.

2. First impressions? (ie: characters, scenery, writing style)
I remember feeling a little reminded of writing from Priansi oddly enough. haha.

3. Hig returns to his home to collect his poetry books only. What one thing would you risk your life to go back for? Could you limit it to one thing?
My cats. 100%.

4. Do you accept that Hig who knows how to hunt would embrace using corpses to feed his dog?
I think it makes sense. You’re trying to save as much for yourself as possible while also feeding the dog. Would I have resorted to as soon as Hig. Probably not.

5. Would your dog be enough/excusable to treat human corpses as meat?
Is it bad to just say yes? Haha. However, would I kill/hunt humans for the purpose of feeding my pet, no. Would I use the body to find them if I came across them already dead, yes. If not my animal, then another one will be eating it anyway.

1. Is Bangley a better survivalist than Hig?
I think they each have their own strengths and those help them help each other.

2. We get more about Hig's wife through the memory of her death. Did this make Hig a more sympathetic character to you?
Not particularly. There were enough other things that made him this one that this didn’t stand out.

3. Was it smart for Hig to avoid killing the men at the coke truck?
Smart? Maybe yes, maybe no. However I would absolutely do the same thing. I fully understand Higs aversion to taking a human life.

4. Just for fun, Coke or Pepsi?
Coke, preferably diet.

5. Has Hig made it 9 years of surviving by luck?
Partly, yes. Haha. He has plenty of skills, but I think there is always a small luck element too.

6. With all of Hig's family gone now will Hig give up?
I don’t think he will, but he is going to try to find something else to live for, and possibly fail.

Book 2

1. Did you find the first chapter, with Hig actively being present to survive, to be suspenseful?
2. Hig visits the Mennonites and actually touches people who are infectious. Do you think he is going to get sick or will he be immune?
3. Did you think Hig was planning on not returning to Bangley?
4. Are you okay with authors not using quotations marks?
5. How receptive do you think Bangley will be to new survivors if they make it back to Erie?
Better yet, will Bangley have survived without Hig?

Book 2

1. Did you find the first chapter, with Hig actively being present to survive, to be suspenseful? Yes.
2. Hig visits the Mennonites and actually touches people who are infectious. Do you think he is going to get sick or will he be immune?
Hig kept a distance when visiting the Mennonites. I thought there was a line & they kept to their sides. Bangley was afraid Hig would bring the blood disease to their home. I didn't think Hig would get sick. If Hig had immunity it was gone because he had the virus years ago & never developed the blood virus.
3. Did you think Hig was planning on not returning to Bangley? I thought Hig would return to Bangley. They both knew chances of survival were better with two.
4. Are you okay with authors not using quotations marks? I listened to an audible book so I missed out on the writing style.
5. How receptive do you think Bangley will be to new survivors if they make it back to Erie? I was wondering that too. I didn't think Bangley would like survivors coming in at all.
Better yet, will Bangley have survived without Hig? (view spoiler)[ No. I'm jumping ahead. When Hig returns with Pops and Cima Bangley is almost dead. Safety is in numbers. (hide spoiler)].

Sherri wrote: "Book 2

1. Did you find the first chapter, with Hig actively being present to survive, to be suspenseful? Yes.
2. Hig visits the Mennonites and actually touches people who are infectious. Do you th..."

I went back and double checked before posting the question, Hig does actually hold a little girl's hand when he visits as well as gets close enough to pass a bucket from a woman.

Thank You for checking. I just couldn’t remember him touching anyone initially but not surprised he did.

Book 2 Responses

1. Did you find the first chapter, with Hig actively being present to survive, to be suspenseful?
Very.

2. Hig visits the Mennonites and actually touches people who are infectious. Do you think he is going to get sick or will he be immune?
I really loved these parts of the story. I found it incredibly moving that he was willing to help these people as much as he could. He must have been pretty sure he wasn't going to catch their disease, but he couldn't be certain. Shows that compassion doesn't need to die in the face of horrible realities.

3. Did you think Hig was planning on not returning to Bangley?
I wasn't really sure what he was going to do. He just needed time to work out his grief and find his humanity again.

4. Are you okay with authors not using quotations marks?
As a general rule, it doesn't bug me as much as it seems to other people. Generally I can figure it out. But on this one I listened to the audiobook so didn't know that was how it had been written. For some reason, it seems like an appropriate style for a dystopian novel.

5. How receptive do you think Bangley will be to new survivors if they make it back to Erie?
I worry that somehow he will manage to kill them before he knows who they are.

Better yet, will Bangley have survived without Hig?
His odds are significantly down. He knew this when Hig left, yet supported his decision. That's a good friend right there.

Book 2

1. Did you find the first chapter, with Hig actively being present to survive, to be suspenseful?
Yes very.

2. Hig visits the Mennonites and actually touches people who are infectious. Do you think he is going to get sick or will he be immune?
I didn't think he would get sick. I think he need the human contact. It was a risk he was willing to take.

3. Did you think Hig was planning on not returning to Bangley?
I think he was planning on returning, he just doesn't know when. He didn't know what he was going out to look for, so didn't know how long the trip would be. And he wasn't letting Bangley set his timetable.

4. Are you okay with authors not using quotations marks?
I had the audio for this book. It depends on the type of writing style, but normal I prefer them.

5. How receptive do you think Bangley will be to new survivors if they make it back to Erie?
Not very happy to have them, may kill them. It would be someone else using his limited resources and food.
Better yet, will Bangley have survived without Hig?
I was hoping he would, because if not Hig would feel the guilt of not being there.

I have a question that isn’t related to the book but the author. I apologize for jumping the gun. Has anyone read Peter Heller before? Since we have been reading The Dog Stars I see his other books everywhere. I kept thinking I was going to read The River when it came out but never did. I was wondering if others had read his books what did they think?

1. Did you find the first chapter, with Hig actively being present to survive, to be suspenseful?
Yes.

2. Hig visits the Mennonites and actually touches people who are infectious. Do you think he is going to get sick or will he be immune?
Plot wise it doesn't seem likely to me. I'm not sure if he is technically immune, but I just don't see him getting sick with where the story seems like it's headed.

3. Did you think Hig was planning on not returning to Bangley?
Possibly, but maybe not consciously. He may plan to, but not care much if he doesn't.

4. Are you okay with authors not using quotations marks?
Yes, doesn't bother me.

5. How receptive do you think Bangley will be to new survivors if they make it back to Erie? Better yet, will Bangley have survived without Hig?
I'm sure he'll have to warm up to them, but I can see Bangley trusting Hig if he trusts the new survivors. And I think so, but I could see it going either way depending on where the plot takes the story.

Sherri wrote: "I have a question that isn’t related to the book but the author. I apologize for jumping the gun. Has anyone read Peter Heller before? Since we have been reading The Dog Stars I see his other books..."

No, this is my first book by him.

Sherri wrote: "I have a question that isn’t related to the book but the author. I apologize for jumping the gun. Has anyone read Peter Heller before? Since we have been reading The Dog Stars I see his other books..."

Great minds think alike, this was going to be a question in my last set.

Anyway I have not read anything else by Heller, and because this was so philosophic I'm not inclined to read more from Heller.

Book 2

1. Did you find the first chapter, with Hig actively being present to survive, to be suspenseful?

This chapter has been the best part of the book so far because it was suspenseful and Hig gave us consistent information about what was going on.

2. Hig visits the Mennonites and actually touches people who are infectious. Do you think he is going to get sick or will he be immune?

I was confused at why Hig was doing this and wondered if it was self harming because we haven't got enough info to explain the plague. So yes I'm thinking he'll get sick or at least make Bangley sick.

3. Did you think Hig was planning on not returning to Bangley?

I thought for sure Hig was returning.

4. Are you okay with authors not using quotations marks?

I really get annoyed when there aren't quotation marks because I need them to help follow who is speaking. Earlier in the book the author would make Bangley's words be in italics which was okay but for some reason they are just long gone by the time there are two new characters to speak. I kept needing to reread sections to figure out who was talking.

5. How receptive do you think Bangley will be to new survivors if they make it back to Erie? Better yet, will Bangley have survived without Hig?

I think Bangley will be alive and not be up for more survivors.

Book 3

1. Are you a fan of the cliché of distinguishing good from evil by the love of cats or dogs?

2. Was it plausible that Bangley survived both the initial attack and then the attackers coming back for the dead when he was in a more vulnerable state?

3. Did you think it was going to end as positive as it did?

4. What was your overall opinion and rating on the book?

5. Have you noticed a change in your reading experience of dystopians/plague books since the covid pandemic?

6. What other prompts does this book fit and what prompt are you using this for?

I'm keeping this in the Currently Monthly Group Read folder for another week or so to give you-all time to finish your discussion. :)

Thanks so much Lynn.