12. Omar writes that, although it may sound contradictory, he “believe[s] the only way to save the jungle is bringing people from all over the world to see it” (page 36). What threats does the jungle face? Why does Omar think that showing the jungle to outsiders may encourage more conservation? What do you think? How would you go about raising awareness for the need to conserve the jungle?
13. After Lily has lived in Ayachero for six months, Dona Antonia gives her a bowl of embers, explaining that it is “the fire of the hearth. The jenecheru. It’s something offered to a new family member” (pages 228-29). What prompts Dona Antonia to give this gift to Lily when she does? Describe Dona Antonia’s treatment of Lily when the two women first meet. What reasons does Dona Antonia have for being distrustful of Lily? Did you think that Dona Antonia’s treatment of Lily was fair? Why or why not?
14. When Omar first attempts to appeal to Splitfoot, the chief of the Tatinga tribe, using their shared history, Splitfoot dismisses him, saying, “That was before you became a white man, as far as I can tell” (page 275). Explain Splitfoot’s statement. Why does he view Omar’s time outside of the jungle negatively? What are some of the views that Splitfoot and the rest of his tribe hold? How do the Ayachero villagers view them?
Enhance Your Book Club
1. One of the items that Lily carries in the backpack that she takes everywhere is a worn-out copy of Charlotte’s Web that she stole from her last group home. She says, “I had no explanation for why this little pig’s life saved by the efforts of the spider who really loved him tore my guts out. I only knew that the story had gotten to me . . . but also gave me hope that I could—someday—overcome my wordless sorrow” (page 12). If you haven’t read Charlotte’s Web, do so and discuss it with your book club. Why do you think the book resonated with Lily? Are there any books from your childhood that have stuck with you? If so, tell your book club about them and consider having a childhood classic themed book club meeting.
2. While waiting for Omar in the jungle heat, Lily “thought of the parts of America I missed: Dairy Queen, the movies, candy bars, Cheerios, malls, scented soap, libraries, fall leaves, snow; things Omar had never seen, had no interest in seeing” (page 2). Have you ever been far away from your native home? Did you miss anything specific? If you haven’t, are there particular parts of your home that you love and think you would be nostalgic for? What are they? Share some of your favorite things about your birthplace with your book club. What is it about these things that you love?
3. When Lily visits the Frannies, FrannyB offers Lily her copies of books by Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë. FrannyB explains that “A’s a big fan of that Victorian stuff . . . she’s a bit of a romantic, so . . .” (page 173). Why do you think FrannyA took those particular books with her? If you were moving to a distant location and could only take three or four books, what would you take with you and why?
4. To learn more about Erica Ferencik, request that she visit your book club, read about her other writings, and more, visit her official site at EricaFerencik.com.
More from the Author
The River at Night
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ERICA FERENCIK is a graduate of the MFA program in creative writing at Boston University. Her work has appeared in Salon and the Boston Globe, as well as on National Public Radio. Erica’s first book, The River at Night, was an Indie Next pick. Find out more on her website, EricaFerencik.com, and follow her on Twitter @EricaFerencik.
FOR MORE ON THIS AUTHOR:
Authors.SimonandSchuster.com/Erica-Ferencik
SimonandSchuster.com
ScoutPressBooks.com
@ScoutPressBooks
@GalleryBooks
ALSO BY ERICA FERENCIK
The River at Night
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Scout Press
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This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2019 by Erica Renée Ferencik
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address Scout Press Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.
First Scout Press hardcover edition May 2019
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Interior design by Michelle Marchese
Jacket design by Laywan Kwan
Front cover photograph by Pete Oxford/Minden Pictures/Getty Images
Author photograph by Kate Hannon
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Ferencik, Erica, author.
Title: Into the jungle / Erica Ferencik.
Description: First Scout Press hardcover edition. | New York : Scout Press, 2019.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018047677 | ISBN 9781501168925 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781501168949 (trade paper) | ISBN 9781501168932 (ebook)
Subjects: | GSAFD: Suspense fiction.
Classification: LCC PS3606.E68 I58 2019 | DDC 813/.6—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018047677
ISBN 978-1-5011-6892-5
ISBN 978-1-5011-6893-2 (ebook)
Into the Jungle Page 31