Deceptive Calm book title

Use this forum to discuss the August 2024 Book of the Month, "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper.
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Deceptive Calm book title

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To what extent would you say the title for the book Deceptive Calm was fitting? How would you relate the title to the novel itself?
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Sushan Ekanayake
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Post by Sushan Ekanayake »

The title is quite fitting for the novel, as it perfectly encapsulates the underlying tension and conflict within the story. On the surface, the title suggests a sense of tranquility or normalcy, but beneath that calm lies a world of racial tension, personal identity struggles, and societal prejudice.
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Post by Alice Fu »

I believe the title of the book was very fitting. While there is often a sense of calm in the world, there is also often something bubbling deep underneath, and the events of this book perfectly captured this given the topics of social prejudice hanging under the threads of daily life
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Post by Dubem Jecinta »

The title Deceptive Calm is fitting as it mirrors the hidden tensions beneath the surface of the characters’ lives, especially Vanessa’s. The calm exterior masks the intense racial and personal struggles, much like how society may seem peaceful on the outside but seethes with unrest underneath. It encapsulates the dual nature of the characters’ experiences and the turmoil within.
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Post by Martha Lily »

I agree with the other commenters. Vanessa's adult life was built on deception; she changed her race in order to escape the discrimination she faced as a Black woman, yet that life she achieved was also a lie in some ways. I think the title is very fitting.
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Post by Daisy Jewel »

The title suggests that appearances can be misleading, and that tranquility can conceal underlying conflicts, tensions, or secrets. This theme is woven throughout the narrative, as characters navigate complex relationships, hidden truths, and unexpected twists.
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Post by Louange Masiga »

The title of this book fits the story perfectly. From the first page of the novel, we see the calmness of the students, while on the bus interacting with each other, and even making jokes about the KKK with sister Rosalie, only for them to almost get killed in a matter of minutes. The readers didn't see it coming; the students and sister Rosalie didn't either.
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Post by Hay-bee Tosan »

The title is fitting for the novel. It reflects the underlying tension in Vanessa's life and the historical era she lived through. The calm exterior she tries to maintain is often deceptive, hiding the turmoil of her past and the challenges she faces.
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Post by Jasvir grewal »

the title of the is quiet interesting. As it attracts the wide range of audience. Moreover, the book is already have won many hearts for how a person can change him or herself just to prevent racism. Like Vanessa wanted to change herself coz she has tackled so many battles in her life for being a black.
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Post by Elijah Miller »

The title fits perfectly. It fully reflects Vanessa's life; one lived in deception. I couldn't think of a better fitting title than that.
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Post by Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine »

The title was well-chosen for this novel. Not everything is as it seems. There is a lot of deception, and things are not as calm as they appear. Vanessa herself embodies the notion of deceptive calm. It's like the surface of a body of water that is calm on the surface, but hides unsuspected troubles deep inside.
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Post by Qwerty Writes »

I think the title is a reflection of her situation and how she sees herself. It's more like she's deceiving herself more than others and even though it's a lie, she's comfortable living in that lie. That's what makes it peaceful for her. In the beginning that is. So yeah, I think it is fitting.
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Post by Mellisa Hornes »

Very fitting, in my opinion. The title Deceptive Calm fits the overall themes of lies, deception, and mystery of the book. I have zero complaints.
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Post by Esther-David »

I think the title is apt for the book's contents. Vanessa has a hidden identity, and when she achieves her carer goals and is in a relationship with a successful man, everything seems okay on the surface. But underneath, there's a lot of pain, trauma, lies, and mystery hidden in Vanessa's life.

The title is also good because it is easy to remember and hints at the turmoil in the book.
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Post by Hannah Vance 3 »

I don't really think it fits the book honestly.
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