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This is a discussion topic for the August 2024 Book of the Month, "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper.

What was your favorite scene in "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper? Share why this scene was your favorite.

One of my favorite scenes in the book is when the two friends are in the library and the librarian has helped them research information on the demographics of the itinerant Spanish speaking workers they were trying to help. I knew after that scene that the girls were going to be awesome grassroots activists and reporters. I love how they both got jobs in television because the stations needed to hire females to meet federal hiring guidelines.

when they become rights advocates and influential reporters

To be honest, I am not sure what exactly my favourite scene would be. I enjoyed the friendship between Trisha and Vanessa, particularly because Trisha was always supportive of Vanessa. Based on this, I guess my favourite scenes would be where Trisha expresses her support of Vanessa, no matter what her decisions are.

I like the scenes when Sister Rosalie makes her students recite history quotes. When the mood hits Sister Rosalie, they will go into a history lesson! It was beneficial to all the students for their futures. She was thought of as "crazy." In my opinion, Sister Rosalie was very "smart."

I loved Sister Rosalie! She took every opportunity to give a life-learning lesson—any of those times. When the school bus came to pick up students at the beginning of the book, she climbed on board and went straight into teacher mode. It all seems so natural like it was part of her personality. She showed so much love for her little ones!

My favorite scene was when Vanessa tries on the dresses for Sister Rosalie. It was so touching to see the authentic and deep love for Vanessa she had. When she presented Vanessa with the hairpin, I couldn't stop crying. She was truly an amazing mother to her. She taught Vanessa the love and strength she desperately needed to make it in a terribly cruel and deceptive world.

I had several favorite scenes, but I think the most descriptive one was when Trisha saved Vanessa and the baby from drowning.

My favorite scene was by far the interactions between Barry and Vanessa. It was sweet and romantic and showed me pure love without it being too dramatic.

It's hard to pick a specific favourite scene from this book, as every part stands out. If I had to choose, it would be the part where Sister Rosalie made the student recite a history quote. That part simply stood out to me.

One of my favorite scenes was when Vanessa tried on dresses for Sister Rosalie. The love Sister Rosalie had for Vanessa felt so genuine and heartfelt. When she gave Vanessa the hairpin, it brought me to tears. In that moment, it was clear how much she truly cared for Vanessa—almost like a mother. She imparted the love and strength that Vanessa desperately needed to survive in such a harsh and deceitful world.

I also loved the moments when Sister Rosalie had her students recite historical quotes. Whenever the mood struck, she would dive into impromptu history lessons. These lessons were not only valuable for their education but also for shaping their futures. Though some may have thought Sister Rosalie was "crazy," I believe she was incredibly wise.

I loved the friendship between Vanessa and Trisha throughout the whole story but my favorite scene would have to be when Trisha was saving Vanessa and the baby from drowning. I was holding my breath for the whole scene.

I loved the scene where Vanessa gets to see Barry's house for the first time. To think she had never in her life seen a home! I know she had been in Trisha's once, but her getting to be at Barry's and take her first bath was wonderful.

My favorite scene depicts Sister Rosalie with Vanessa, an orphan who has come to occupy the role of a daughter in Sister Rosalie’s life. In this poignant moment, Sister Rosalie’s gesture of giving Vanessa a golden hairpin—a cherished gift from her own mother—serves as a powerful symbol of deep, maternal affection. This act reflects a love that only a mother can offer her biological children. Although allowing Vanessa to wear sleeveless attire and makeup for a prom date might seem unconventional for a nun, it underscores Sister Rosalie’s commitment to fulfilling a nurturing role in Vanessa’s life. By making such allowances, Sister Rosalie transcends traditional expectations, showing her devotion and care. Her influence extends beyond that of a mother to encompass roles such as father, teacher, and moral guide, all while managing the responsibilities of a sister in the convent. Her efforts helped to ease the insecurities of Vanessa and the other orphans, providing them with a sense of security and belonging. Vanessa’s remarkable resilience is undoubtedly linked to the bravery and genuine care with which Sister Rosalie raised her, demonstrating the ultimate impact of her loving guidance.

I'm struggling with the word "favorite" for this thread. The scene that got to me the most and stick with me through the entire book was how a white child couldn't be treated at a black hospital and visa versa. Although I have learned a lot about segregation and racism, I don't think I understood the gravity of humans letting other humans die because of the "color" of the hospital.

As far as the scene/scenes that I could chuckle at and enjoyed reading was anytime Sister Rosalie was the lead of the scene. I absolutely loved her character! She is the type of person I would love to have a a friend in life. She's real, genuine, firm when needed but a heart of gold, passionate and intelligent.