Waking Up in the Land of Glitter
A Crafty Chica Novel
by Kathy Cano-Murillo

List Price: $13.99
Pages: 336
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780446509244
Publisher: Grand Central

Struggling domestic-goddess-in-training Ofy is determined to turn heads at this year's International Craft Olympics. To do that, she'll need the help of her best friend, Star. Considering herself a serious artist, Star is hesitant, but finally agrees to help as a way to end her own creative slump. Truthfully she thinks Ofy is a little loca about the whole craft thing --- and about her idol: Local TV personality, Crafty Chloe. Star doesn't trust the bottle-blonde, even after she becomes part of their crafting team. As the competition heats up, Star will learn Chloe's dirty little secret, why crafting means so much to Ofy, and that beauty, art, and creativity can take many more forms than a canvas hanging in a gallery.

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1. How do you think the title of this book, Waking Up in the Land of Glitter, relates to each character? What is your perception of “the land of glitter?”

2. From her clothes to her music and, more important, her life choices, Star is all over the map. Do you think she is hardwired that way, or is it more because of the way she was raised by her parents? Why do you think she was so flighty and indecisive in the beginning of the book? Or do you think that is an unfair description?

3. What do you think it was that made Star get serious? Do you think she wanted to make up for the mistakes she made at her parents’ expense, or to prove she could be a responsible adult? Do you think she made the changes for other people or for herself?

4. Star found a good friend in Harrison, but for some reason, things didn’t click. Do you think it was because she was still in love with Theo, or because Harrison just wasn’t her type?

5. All of Ofie’s family and friends love her so much that they hide the truth about her lack of talent because they don’t want to hurt her feelings. Do you think this was the correct way to handle the situation? What do you think would have happened to Ofie if they continued the lie? Do you think it is more important to always tell the truth, or to let a person enjoy doing what she loves?

6. What role does crafting play in each woman’s life? Did the experience of knowing and working with one another change their original perception of what crafting is all about? Did their stories change your perception of crafting?

7. Chloe went to many extremes for the sake of her career. Why was it so important to her? Can you think of a time when you almost lost yourself in trying to achieve a goal? When is it time to stop?

8. Do you think being apart from each other helped Star and Theo’s relationship? In what ways? If she had never spray painted his mural in August, do you think they would have ended up engaged by December?

9. Can you identify what each woman subconsciously yearned for in their lives and if they attained it? For example, what void did Gustavo fill in Chloe’s heart? After being so precise and strategic with her decisions, what made her elope with a man she barely knew? Do you think their relationship has a chance to survive?

10. Do you think Chloe deserved what Frances served her, or was Frances being unfair?

11. Did culture play a part in how you perceived these characters? Did their heritage make you feel more connected or less connected?

12. Which character do you feel most in touch with and why? Which one would you like to spend the day with and chat?

13. What is your take on art vs. craft?

14. Have you ever been in a craft group? What were the dynamics between the members?

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