Vonnie Winslow Crist 

Discussion Questions

 Owl Light by Vonnie Winslow Crist

Owl Light is a collection of science-fiction, dark fantasy, and ghost stories. Below are a question for each story, plus a few extra discussion questions. Vonnie loves to hear from her readers, enjoys appearing at sf/f cons, writers' conferences, school author and/or illustrator visits, and Skyping with book clubs. Contact her for more info:vonniewinslowcrist@vonniewinslowcrist.com

1- In “The Clockwork Owl,” Mr. Hopewell says he has traveled back in time. Do you believe time travel is possible? If so, would you want to travel back in time? If yes, to when and where?

2- In “Pawprints of the Margay,” Alazne is willing to sacrifice much in order to protect her people. Do you think her choice made a difference? If another anthropologist arrives, do you think the Kemen will choose to trade their carvings again?

3- Are Darleen's actions in “Bad Moon Rising,” excusable? Is vigilante justice ever acceptable, or should the authorities be the only ones to judge and punish violent criminals?

4- “Gabeta,” is filled with folklore and beliefs of past generations. Do you believe in superstitions and folklore? What are some folk sayings and beliefs you've heard?

5- In “Gifts in the Dark,” Grace and Mari celebrate the Night of the Dead much like some people celebrate the Day of the Dead. Does your family have any holiday rituals? Does your family honor dead loved ones in a special way?

6- In “The Burryman,” rich members of the town pay to remove their names from the lottery. Is it fair that only the poorer young men can have their names chosen? Would you risk being given to the sea for a chance to win a large sum of money?

7- In “By the Sea,” Dusana is unhappy about being different. Do you ever feel different from the people around you? Does it make you unhappy? Do you have compassion for those who are physically different?

8- To protect the towns on his side of the river, Seamus refuses to allow evil creatures to cross a bridge in “The Monks' Fosterling.” Have you ever stood up to someone who threatened you or others? What happened?

9- In “Feathers,” Thorn was willing to sacrifice his own life for the woman he loved. Is there anyone who'd you be willing to give your life for? Is there someone you think might give their life to protect you?

10- Revenge is the focus of “Henkie's Fiddle.” Does Henkie have a right to be so vengeful? Have you ever sought revenge on someone you believe wronged you? Did you feel better or worse afterward?

11- In “On a Midwinter's Eve,” do you think Call-yak laid a trap for Brock, or did Brock just stumble on the Daughter of Winter? Do you think Brock ever ate meat again? Do you think he ever saw Call-yak again?

12- In “Bells,” the ghosts of Christmases past share the holiday with the living. Have you ever been some place where there seemed to ghosts present? Were you frightened, curious, or comforted by their presence?

13-Were there any poems in Owl Light that you identified with? Why?

14-What role do owls, darkness, and night play in these stories?

15- Do you believe in fairies, angels, or ghosts? Why or wy not? How do you decide what is real? If you believe, have you had any expeiences with them?