Book Club Night Kit

In The Shadow Of Eight

Collin Gosselin with Allie Kingsley Baker

Cozy night

Collin Gosselin's memoir looks back at growing up as one of eight kids inside a reality TV machine, and at what it cost him in private. It is a short, candid read that opens up gentle, honest conversation about childhood, family, and being seen.

Soft Lights, Big Family, Bring Your Blanket

Come over for mac and cheese, hot cider, and a gentle talk about In The Shadow Of Eight. Wear something comfortable, we are reading about somebody's childhood and we are going to be kind about it.

Reading level: Easy

Best for: A close, kindhearted club that likes memoirs and does not mind a tender subject handled gently.

Discussion

Warm-up

1.What do you remember about watching (or hearing about) Jon & Kate Plus 8 back then, and how did it feel to pick this book up years later?
2.Before we start, what is one small comfort from your own childhood (a snack, a show, a hiding spot) that still makes you feel safe?

Digging in

1.Growing up as one of eight, Collin is always part of a group. When in your own life have you felt loved but not quite seen as an individual, and what finally helped?
2.This book is full of houses, cameras, and rooms. Which setting or scene gave you the warmest feeling, and which one made you want to put the book down and take a breath?
3.Sibling bonds carry a lot of weight here. Who in your life has been the person who just knew what you were going through without you having to explain it?
4.Reading a memoir by someone whose childhood was filmed can feel oddly intimate. Did any part of it make you want to apologize for having watched, or did it make you feel protective of him instead?

Going deep

1.Collin writes about telling his version of a story that millions of people thought they already knew. What did it stir in you to hear his side, and have you ever carried a story about yourself that other people told wrong?
2.Without giving anything away about where he ends up, what did you find yourself hoping for Collin as you read, and what in the book made you feel that hope was earned?

On the table & to sip

To eat

Big pan of mac and cheese, scooped at the table

The ultimate feed-a-crowd kid food, and a nod to a house where every meal was a group project. Make one tray, let people go back for seconds.

Pennsylvania pot pie (soft noodles, pulled chicken, broth)

A homey Pennsylvania Dutch staple from the family's home state, and exactly the kind of warm bowl you want for a tender read.

Shoofly-style molasses crumb cake or a plate of soft sugar cookies

Another Pennsylvania Dutch classic, sweet and unfussy. Set it out with a stack of small plates and let people graze through the deep questions.

To sip

Thermos of hot cocoa with a bowl of marshmallows (no alcohol)

Non-alcoholic and deliberately childlike, which fits a book about a childhood that did not get to be simple. Let guests build their own mug.

Spiced apple cider, hot, with cinnamon sticks (no alcohol)

Pennsylvania orchard comfort in a mug. Keep a pot warm on the stove and let people refill themselves.

Bourbon in the cider, poured at the counter

A small optional pour for the heavier stretch of conversation. Keep the bottle beside the cider pot so nobody has to ask.