Out of the Easy
on Goodreads (68,515)
What’s inside...
It's 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan to get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street. Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test. With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.
Age
13-17
Length
348 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Josie Moraine
Charlotte
Jesse Thierry
Patrick Marlowe
Cokie
Willie Woodley
Louise Moraine
Cincinnati
Patrick
Jesse
Discussion points
What challenges does Josie face, and how does she handle them? What can we learn from her resilience?
How do the settings in New Orleans shape the story, and what role does the city play in the characters' lives?
How do relationships in the book impact the choices that characters make? Who influences Josie the most?
What does the title 'Out of the Easy' signify in relation to Josie’s journey? How does it reflect her desires and struggles?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your own thoughts about the book to create an open, communicative environment.
Encourage your child to think about how the characters' decisions and their outcomes could be applied to their own life experiences.
Discuss the historical and cultural setting of the book, and how it differs from today's world, to enhance understanding of the story's context.
Ask your child to point out moments in the book where they felt a strong emotion, and explore what sparked those feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Josie Moraine, demonstrates resilience as she navigates the challenges of growing up in the French Quarter of New Orleans with a neglectful mother. Despite her circumstances, she remains determined to create a better life for herself.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of perseverance and maintaining hope, even when faced with difficult situations. Teaching resilience can help them tackle personal challenges and strive for their goals.
Example Lesson: The importance of education and self-improvement
Explanation: Josie's dream of attending college illustrates her desire for education and self-improvement. This goal drives her throughout the novel, reflecting her ambition to rise above her current situation.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value education as a pathway to personal growth and success. It can inspire them to focus on their studies and pursue their own dreams with dedication.
Example Lesson: Making ethical choices
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Josie is faced with multiple moral dilemmas that test her character and integrity. Her decisions often reflect a strong moral compass, choosing what is right over what is easy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of integrity and making choices that align with their values. This lesson can help them in making ethical decisions in their own lives, even when under pressure.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Josie shows empathy towards others, understanding their struggles and offering help. This characteristic makes her a beloved character among her peers and others around her.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to be empathetic can improve their social interactions and ability to connect with others. It encourages compassion and a deeper understanding of people’s emotions and situations.
Example Lesson: Self-identity and independence
Explanation: As Josie discovers more about her past and confronts the influences of her mother and her environment, she works on forging her own path and identity, separate from the expectations and stigma attached to her background.
Real-World Application: This lesson serves as a reminder for children to explore and affirm their own identities. It encourages them to make independent choices and not be solely defined by their background or other external factors.