Read with Sharon - June 2024

All the Glimmering Stars - Mark Sullivan

Three summers ago, we read Mark Sullivan’s The Last Green Valley and loved the book (and him) so much, I couldn’t wait to dive into his latest, All the Glimmering Stars.

Based on the true story of two teens kidnapped by an Africa warlord and brutally forced to become soldiers, All the Glimmering Stars is filled with unimaginable horrors of war but written in a way that doesn’t overly shock. Like The Last Green Valley, Mark has written a heart-breaking story that demonstrates the resilience of two young people who endure the unthinkable, yet survive their ordeal with strength and grace. It’s a story that will stay with you a very long time.

Inside this reader companion guide you’ll find recipes for Fried Sweet Plantains and a Star Cocktail, as well as discussion questions for our book club meeting on Thursday, June 27 at 7 PM Eastern via Zoom when author Mark Sullivan joins us.

Until then, I hope you enjoy All the Glimmering Stars. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

P.S. And please post a photo of yourself reading All the Glimmering Stars on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #ReadWithSharon

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Reviews

Inspired by a true story, two teens kidnapped by an African warlord find salvation through love in a powerful and healing historical novel from the #1 bestselling author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky and The Last Green Valley.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123252117-all-the-glimmering-stars

“All the Glimmering Stars” is an extraordinary story of love and survival own.

https://www.audible.com/blog/mark-sullivan-all-the-glimmering-stars-audio-interview

All the Glimmering Stars - Mark Sullivan

Book Club Questions

THE CHARACTER’S JOURNEY

  1. What did you think of Anthony?
  2. What did you think of Florence?

THE STORY PLOT

  1. The author mixed fact with fiction. What did you learn from reading All the Glimmering Stars?
  2. In the story, Anthony and Florence used lessons learned in their upbringings to help guide them. Was there a time when you did did the same thing?
  3. Had you heard of the Lord’s Resistance Army?

THE ENDING

  1. Did it work for you? What would you have changed?
  2. What do you think is the author’s message to readers of All the Glimmering Stars?
  3. What did you take away from the book?
  4. Are you left with any questions?

SYMBOLISM AND FORESHADOWING

  1. Did you notice any symbolism?
  2. What foreshadowing did you notice? 

THE WRITING

  1. Use one adjective to describe the writing itself.
  2. What would you change if you could rewrite All the Glimmering Stars?

DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC

  1. What did you love most about the book?
  2. Did the book change any views/opinions that you have?

All the Glimmering Stars - Mark Sullivan