Mystic Chords Discussion Questions

1. Did you like the book?  If you have read other books on the Civil War, how does it compare? If not, has the book increased your interest in the topic?

2. What facts about Minnesota, that introduced in this book, did you find surprising? 

3. Do you think the way they portrayed life in Minnesota at that time was accurate in the book

4. The book was written in a style similar to the writing during the time period.  Did you enjoy the style of writing, why or why not?

5. What were some of the misunderstandings and injustices that resulted from the clash of the two cultures, settlers and Native Americans?

6. What were the events leading up to the Indian uprising?  Could the government or Indian agent taken steps to prevent it?

7. What were some of the hardships that the immigrants ran into during their pioneering in Minnesota? 

8. What were some of the good things about Minnesota that brought pioneers to settle here?

9. What parts of their heritage and family did they bring with them? Do you think it helped them survive?  What were some other things that helped in their survival? 10.  Do you think the trial and execution of the Sioux warriors at Mankato was fair and just?