Cross Creek by M. Rawlings

Summary: 
From Good Reads:
Originally published in 1942, Cross Creek has become a classic in modern American literature. For the millions of readers raised on The Yearling, here is the story of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings's experiences in the remote Florida hamlet of Cross Creek, where she lived for thirteen years. From the daily labors of managing a seventy-two-acre orange grove to bouts with runaway pigs and a succession of unruly farmhands, Rawlings describes her life at the Creek with humor and spirit. Her tireless determination to overcome the challenges of her adopted home in the Florida backcountry, her deep-rooted love of the earth, and her genius for character and description result in a most delightful and heartwarming memoir.

Reviews:
Literary Traveler Blog Article:
http://www.literarytraveler.com/articles/marjorie-kinnan-rawlings-cross-creek/

Author Obituary:
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/0808.html

Rawlings Society: http://rawlingssociety.org/rawlings-bio

Discussion Questions by Heidi and John:

1. Discuss the different relationships Rawlings has at Cross Creek!

2. Which season did you enjoy reading about the most?

3. Do you agree with her concept of the ownership of land?

4. A consistent theme in the book was her struggle to have reliable help. How does she portray the African American community at Cross Creek? Why doesn’t she ever discuss this population in the context of their history and culture?

5. Discuss Rawlings quest for justice during the shooting and what the rest of the community wanted!

6. Who were some of your favorite characters of the memoir?

7. Which foods and recipes would you want to try after reading about them?
8. Discuss her relationship with her natural environment!