Questions for Discussion for MARIACHI MEDDLER
1/ Andy’s mariachi world lends itself to jealousies and passions. How might this be different if Andy were a classical or jazz musician instead? What if he were an artist, a dancer, or an actor?
2/ When it comes to physical attraction, we often have to battle our desires in order to act reasonably and responsibly. Where does Andy first go wrong? What else might he have suggested to Rolando during their first scene together? Imagine yourself in a similar situation. How might you have reacted and why?
3/ The job of a fiction writer is to place a protagonist in a tree, throw rocks, and then throw a lot more rocks. What is Andy’s worst problem? Does it stem from a personal flaw he should be able to overcome or is he the victim of bad luck and terrible timing?
4/ Andy makes decisions based on flawed perceptions of reality, leading him to endless trouble. Even when he receives sound advice, he doesn’t take it. In what ways might he echo our own misconceptions and consequent actions?
5/ Andy’s brother Joey comes to the rescue on several occasions. What does this suggest about Andy’s upbringing? How might his background explain his reluctance to commit to any of the women in his life?
6/ This novel falls under the label of “soft-boiled” and “accidental sleuth.” What do you like about this style of mystery? What are some similar novels that you have enjoyed and why?
7/ At the end of this first novel, Andy learns facts he would rather not know. What will he be obligated to do next? What will he need to do to recover from his losses? What would you like him to do?
8/ Andy tries to be a knight in shining armor, but he misses his mark, especially by failing Yiolanda at a crucial juncture. In what ways is he a parable for today’s world? Are men still expected to “save” women? Are they allowed to? Why should they try?
9/ Deep connections among the characters in the novel help Andy and also hinder him. What are the main factors governing his loyalties? What price must he pay for them? What would you do if you were betrayed in a similar fashion?
10/ Andy makes lots of bad decisions, yet his heart is mostly in the right place. In what ways do you find yourself sympathizing with him? In what ways might you sympathize with other characters in the novel?
11/ Without a car or a Smart Phone, Andy is living in an outdated world. In what ways does this protect him? In what ways does it make his life nearly impossible? How has your acceptance of or resistance to modernization governed your own actions? What have been the results?
12/ Since they are forced to spend long hours working together, Andy knows his fellow mariachi players inside and out. They know one another’s thinking and can anticipate one another’s behaviors. In many ways they are closer than family members. Have you been in similar situations? What are the benefits of such close connections? What are unavoidable problems?
13/ Despite the fact that the novel is a murder mystery, there are lighter moments. Which did you appreciate the most? What is the role of humor in the genre of mysteries or thrillers?
1/ Andy’s mariachi world lends itself to jealousies and passions. How might this be different if Andy were a classical or jazz musician instead? What if he were an artist, a dancer, or an actor?
2/ When it comes to physical attraction, we often have to battle our desires in order to act reasonably and responsibly. Where does Andy first go wrong? What else might he have suggested to Rolando during their first scene together? Imagine yourself in a similar situation. How might you have reacted and why?
3/ The job of a fiction writer is to place a protagonist in a tree, throw rocks, and then throw a lot more rocks. What is Andy’s worst problem? Does it stem from a personal flaw he should be able to overcome or is he the victim of bad luck and terrible timing?
4/ Andy makes decisions based on flawed perceptions of reality, leading him to endless trouble. Even when he receives sound advice, he doesn’t take it. In what ways might he echo our own misconceptions and consequent actions?
5/ Andy’s brother Joey comes to the rescue on several occasions. What does this suggest about Andy’s upbringing? How might his background explain his reluctance to commit to any of the women in his life?
6/ This novel falls under the label of “soft-boiled” and “accidental sleuth.” What do you like about this style of mystery? What are some similar novels that you have enjoyed and why?
7/ At the end of this first novel, Andy learns facts he would rather not know. What will he be obligated to do next? What will he need to do to recover from his losses? What would you like him to do?
8/ Andy tries to be a knight in shining armor, but he misses his mark, especially by failing Yiolanda at a crucial juncture. In what ways is he a parable for today’s world? Are men still expected to “save” women? Are they allowed to? Why should they try?
9/ Deep connections among the characters in the novel help Andy and also hinder him. What are the main factors governing his loyalties? What price must he pay for them? What would you do if you were betrayed in a similar fashion?
10/ Andy makes lots of bad decisions, yet his heart is mostly in the right place. In what ways do you find yourself sympathizing with him? In what ways might you sympathize with other characters in the novel?
11/ Without a car or a Smart Phone, Andy is living in an outdated world. In what ways does this protect him? In what ways does it make his life nearly impossible? How has your acceptance of or resistance to modernization governed your own actions? What have been the results?
12/ Since they are forced to spend long hours working together, Andy knows his fellow mariachi players inside and out. They know one another’s thinking and can anticipate one another’s behaviors. In many ways they are closer than family members. Have you been in similar situations? What are the benefits of such close connections? What are unavoidable problems?
13/ Despite the fact that the novel is a murder mystery, there are lighter moments. Which did you appreciate the most? What is the role of humor in the genre of mysteries or thrillers?