Meet Kirsten - Book Discussion
- Admin
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
Hi everyone! I hope you all were able to read Meet Kirsten so we can discuss it. Sorry I was a few days late! If you don't have copies of these books going forward at home, you can check to see if a local library has them, and if no libraries have them, you can make an account at the Library of Congress's Internet Archive and check them out there.
Meet Kirsten, the first book in Kirsten's series, follows Kirsten as she travels from Sweden to America. She takes a journey to her new home in Minnesota, becoming closer to her family, and dealing with loss along the way. But she know's she's doing it for a better life...
When I was rereading this book, several things came to mind about the themes within, and both their historical context and what it means to be a girl in 2025. I don't want these posts to be too long, so I'll list my thoughts, and let you discuss these topics as well in the comments!
Kirsten is experiencing a new country for the first time, and can only travel by boat. What do you think is different for immigrants now?
There are two things that are different, one positive and one negative. It's positive that most immigrants don't have to travel by boat anymore. But it takes a lot longer to immigrate now due to wait times and restrictions, as well as anti-immigrant stigma.
Kirsten travels to America to help her uncle and for a better life. Why do you think so many people want to come to our country?
For that exact reason - for a better life. Some people are escaping conflicts, human rights violations, and other things - while other people just want to be here in this country.
When Kirsten sees the fancy dresses in America, she tells her mom, "I wish we could wear such pretty dresses." Her mom responds with "We don't need to be ashamed." Why do you think she said that?
In a unfamiliar culture, or when people are different overall, it's easy to want to assimilate. After all, people don't want to be seen as "different", or be teased or bullied for it. But Kirsten's mother is proud of her heritage, and doesn't want Kirsten to forget where she came from.
On the way to Minnesota, Kirsten's best friend Marta dies because she got sick. How do you think Kirsten deals with her grief?
Losing Marta is just one more loss in Kirsten's life. She lost her home country as she moves to America, she lost the language she knows, the culture she knows, and now, has lost her best friend. But she sees it also as the start of a new life. A new country, new friends, and a chance to start over.
Next week, we will be reading Kirsten Learns A Lesson!
Mahadev Book has truly changed the way I connect with stories like Kirsten’s. While reading about her journey, it reminded me how platforms like Mahadev Book help people explore such meaningful and nostalgic content. The emotional depth and historical setting of Kirsten’s story is something that resonates deeply, and Mahadev Book offers a great space to engage with similar heartfelt experiences. It’s more than just reading—it’s about discovering and living the character's world through a fresh perspective. If you loved this discussion, Mahadev Book might just be your next favorite stop.
What an inspiring read! Kirsten's journey and the themes explored in this book discussion truly highlight the power of confidence, identity, and self-expression. As someone who works as a lingerie photographer, I deeply resonate with how storytelling—whether through words or images—can empower individuals, especially women, to embrace their authentic selves.
Photography, like literature, has the ability to celebrate vulnerability and strength in equal measure. As a lingerie photographer, I strive to capture that same energy—grace, elegance, and bold confidence—in every frame. Kirsten’s story is a beautiful reminder of how creative expression in any form can be a healing and empowering force.
Looking forward to more discussions like this
I love these book discussions! I can't wait until we talk about Felicity.
To the people who don't think Ben was a slave aka "indentured servant", I need to address some things on that day....
I remember feeling traumatized by the scene in which Kirsten's first friend Marta died from cholera. It was a very sad scene! sad😥 For children who lost a friend in childhood, they could relate to Kirsten. I did some research on cholera. I personally have never heard of anyone in the United States today suffering from this disease. Nowadays, the disease is prevalent in such places, like Nigeria, India, and Zambia. Cholera can occur if you drink contaminated water. It is a bacterial infection of the intestines. About 3 to 5 million people have it every year.
Kirsten mourned Marta's death. She previously told Marta that they should both look at the Sun when they are apart and say a…
Are you also going to talk about the Best Friends books, History Mysteries, Historical Character, Girl of the Year, Contemporary/World By Us, and Girls of Many Lands books. I just ordered the Girls of Many Lands books and have started rereading the Historical Character Central Series and Mysteries and History Mysteries for probably the FIFTH TIME!!! I wish they would come up with new ones in the mysteries! :( As for people being judged for being different, some have even been offed for it! Even in massively! :(