Audra’s Comments (group member since Dec 28, 2013)

Audra’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

18. Hannah has made a promise that she will find out what happened to Lydia. Do you think she feels guilty for not speaking up about what she saw the night Lydia disappeared?
Yes, I think she feels guilty but is also searching for a way to be close to her sister again.

19. In Chapter 5 when the police stop to update the Lees, James seems embarrassed when Officer Fiske mentions Lydia's lack of friends, and Marilyn just talks about Lydia's school work and intelligence. Do you think this foreshadows something, or is this just fitting in with the theme of the book? Do you think the police are looking into Lydia's parents as suspects? Does their suspicion have merit?
No, I don't think they are considering her parents. That doesn't go with their theory of her having no friends and possibly committing suicide. I think both parents are struggling to understand who their daughter truly was and they each have their own reaction, which is very true of grief.

20. Marilyn finds Lydia's hidden contraband. Do you think Lydia was really using these items, or were they placed there to gain attention?
I'm thinking that she actually used them. We know she smelled of cigarettes and that she hung out with Jack. There has to be something about her that is "normal."

21. There seems to be some familial violence like Hannah being under the table when her parents are fighting and James slapping Nath when he asks about astronauts. Do you think this has always been this way, or only during stressful times like Lydia's death and Marilyn leaving? Do you think the violence plays a part in Lydia's death?
Maybe I'm naive to think that the previous violence does not play into her death. I think both parents are struggling to have control of their relationship with each other and tend to lose control, but I don't think they have it in them to murder their own daughter. But I could be wrong.

22. Even Marilyn, who was studying to be a doctor thinks of a "man" when she hears the word doctor? I work in the ER as a nurse. The male nurses are still mistaken for doctors and our female doctors are mistaken for nurses. Is anyone else guilty of thinking this way?
I think we all do at sometime or another. I'm a teacher, usually people assume we are all women and the principals are all men. There are assumed roles in our culture, and this is just an example of one.

23. Marilyn finds out she's pregnant with Hannah so she gives up on her schooling again. Do you think Marilyn resents Hannah because of this? Do you think this is why Hannah seems to be ignored by the rest of the family?
She doesn't seem resentful, she almost seems relieved. I'm thinking that Hannah is a reminder of what happened when their mother left and since she wasn't alive during the time she was out of the loop of the true dynamics of her family.

24. During the scene where Nath pushes Lydia into the lake she seems to accept death and let herself drown. What do you think of this scene? Was she unhappy back at this point in her life?
I'm not sure. The author has a way of drawing out a scene that takes only the matter of seconds in real life. I'm not sure if she was unhappy or just knew that it would be a fight she couldn't win since she didn't know how to swim. Still need to think on that one.

9. Nathan has decided not to let anyone know about his suspicions about Jack. Has your opinion about Jack or his possible role in Lydia’s disappearance and death changed after Nathan confronted him and/or after he overheard the exchange between Jack and the police?
Still the same. I think had something to do with it, but no sure what his role is yet.

10. James begins a new kind of relationship with his research assistant, Louisa Chen. What role, if any, do you think his daughter’s death/ funeral play in his moving toward this change? Do your opinions of James (as a dad, husband, character) change as a result of their relationship?
I'm not so sure that this is the first time. But in times of grief people do things that they can't truly explain. I think he wanted to be close to someone and it was evident that his wife wasn't needing the same thing during her grief. Is it right? Of course not. Just trying to think through what he was going through at the time.

11. In the flashback to 1965 in chapter 4, we see some of the various pressures that Marilyn feels on her life and her decisions. Are there any areas in your own life where you feel competing pressures or expectations that influence your decisions?
Oh, sure. Who doesn't? In my family it's the norm to marry and have children young. At 27, I'm not married yet and feel the pressure from my mom to do so so I can have babies. I want that for myself, but not as pressed as she is for it to be right now. There have been many others in the past in terms of who to date, schooling, etc.

12. When Jack and Nathan are at the pool, Nathan is teased by his peers. Jack remembers his own experiences with teasing. What did you think of the way that Jack handled the situation at the pool? How did Jack’s expectations for Nathan and Nathan's behavior contribute to the situation and how it went? Why doesn’t he tell Marilyn what happened?
I'm still not sure what happened in the pool. At first I thought Jack was trying to be the nice kid. But afterwards, with his speechlessness I'm not so sure. I'm sure they didn't tell Marilyn because he didn't want to explain how he once felt too.

13. In the summer of 1965, Marilyn leaves her family for a period of time. What did you think of that decision and how she did it? Did it change your thoughts about her as a mother, a wife, a character?
It's obvious she felt trapped. But the fact that she planned it out and stocked up the food for them really makes me wonder what kind of person she truly is. How could she not see that it is possible to have both? Or maybe during that time it still wasn't possible.

14. Marilyn finds her mother’s old cookbook with advice about being a good housewife. What do you think they’d each say about being stay-at-home mothers? Do you think one is happier or more satisfied?
I think the comments noted were forced ones. Her finding things that justified how she should feel in hopes that she could convince herself of it.

15. Already, the novel says a lot about how people are influenced by their parents. How did your parents influence your childhood and teenage years? Do you think they understood their influence (and the limits of their influence) on you?
Of course people are influenced by their parents. I was lucky with my parents. They were always around, at every event, and had high expectations of what I was to be then and in the future.

16. What do you think of the author’s use of flashbacks in this novel? Do you like this strategy? Does it work well here?
I like the use of flashbacks. It helps to build to storyline. The reader starts to put things together and after another chapter another piece gets put in place. Gradually, things are starting to make more sense as we understand the characters better.

1. Do you like the book so far? Why did you decide to read it? Is this a genre you normally read?
I am enjoying this book. It is a genre that I real often. Something intriguing about a story that unravels like I have a feeling this one will. I had seen it on reviews but moved it up my list when I saw it was a read for this group.

2. Lydia dies May 3rd, 1977 (first lines of the book so this isn't a spoiler) and Lydia's parents met in September 1957. What differences and similarities do you see in regards to race and gender relations between these two time frames in the book (or in history, if you looked it up)? What part does it play in the Lee family dynamics?
I'm sure they would view the difference in the 20 years as great. Being as they were judged so much I'm sure they did not want the same for their daughter. Maybe that and the mother's relationship with her mother changed how they parented their daughter.

3. What do you think of Lydia's mother, Marilyn's description of her first born daughter's first steps and the line "...Lydia, still small enough to cradle, had secrets" ? How is Lydia different than her siblings?
I thought the wording of it was strange. But I know that it is not unusual to worry that you child takes their first step, says their first word, etc. when you aren't around or watching.

4. How does your high school experience compare with Lydia's? Why do you think Lydia doesn't have any "real" friends? What other things do you think Lydia is letting her parents believe are true to meet her parents' expectations?
I think that we obviously still have a lot to learn about Lydia and her true life. Mine would have been much different. I had many friends that I hung out with. It does make you wonder what people are actually hiding and if you truly know them.

4. Why do you think Lydia's siblings, Nath and Hannah, do not tell their parents about Lydia's friendship with Jack? Do you think Jack is involved in Lydia's disappearance and/or death?
I think that they didn't want their parents to think that they had missed something about their daughter or that they were bad parents. I'm not sure yet if he is involved.

5. Who do you think Hannah saw/heard on Wednesday at 2AM? Lydia

6. What do you think of Lydia's body being found at a lake when Lydia could not swim?
Well it makes sense that either she killed herself. Or that someone knew she couldn't and took her out there. Makes me wonder if maybe she could have been pregnant and it was trying to be hidden. There has to be a connection made with the entirety of Chapter 2 and her death, maybe it is that both her and her mother had forbidden loves and pregnancies.

7. What do you think of the first lines of Chapter 2, "How did it begin? Like everything: with mothers and fathers... Because more than anything, her mother had wanted to stand out; because more than anything, her father wanted to blend in. Because those things had been impossible" ? Where are you on the personality spectrum of wanting to stand out versus wanting to blend in?
I think I'm more of one to want to blend in. I don't like being the center of attention.

8. What do you think of Marilyn and James' courtship and marriage? What do you think happened in 1966 that made Marilyn disappear for a few days and do you think it is related to Lydia's disappearance and death?
I'm sure their relationship was pretty typical of an interracial marriage at that time. I'm not sure what Marilyn disappeared for but it definitely will be a big part of the storyline and possibly her daughter's death. They make a big deal about how Lydia is so much different than her siblings. Maybe she is a child out of an affair from one of her parents that occurred during the time Marilyn disappeared.

Discussion Questions Day 1 Chapter i-2

Q1) How do feel about the opening commentary ?
It's very direct. Almost feel a little like its too close and personal, so obviously the author has done a great done with sharing the father's point of view.

Q2) What is your first impression ? Do you like the alternating view points or do you find them irritating ?
I love the alternating points of view. Some of the best books I've ever read do the alternating chapters that eventually piece together, and I hope this one is just as good. Reminds me of the style of The Husband's Secret, which was a book of the month last year.

Q3) What did you make of Paul's behaviour ? Why did he go into the alley ?
I'm not sure what to make of Paul's behavior. Obviously, judging by Claire's reaction, it wasn't something that was normal for him. But he was stressed out about something. I'm needing to read more to find out what is really going on with that part of the story line and why Claire had to have an ankle bracelet!

Q4) What is your impression of Claire and her general attitude ?
Definitely emotional disturbed. I find Lydia's attitude more bothersome though.

Q5) What do you think of Lydia 's reaction to the news about Paul ?
I was set aback at first. But then realized there is obviously a connection between the two women. Something bad had to happen between them. (This was confirmed when I read the jacket of the book.)

Q6) The book's synopsis tells us the connection between Claire and Lydia. Do you think you would have made the connection from these initial introductions ?
No, I would not have made the connections if I wouldn't have read the jacket of the book. I'm interested to see how the recently disappeared teenager plays into this.

Q7) Do you like any of the characters we have met so far ?
I appreciate the straight forwardness of them all. I think we won't really get to know them until they come face to face with their past.

When will the next month's read be posted. Trying to stay ahead so I can get to the library before they start! Thanks.

1. Why did you decide to join this read? What are your initial impressions of the book? I have seen this book on many book lists, including the best books of the spring according to The Book Whisperer. I wasn't really digging the first couple chapters, but now I'm hooked!

2. Did Mare read too much into Shade's letter or do you think he is part of the 'terrorist' group? I think that the reading into the letter was a little cheesy and expected, but yes, I do think he is a part of the terrorist group. I think this only because the main character has to have some connection to the group for it to truly have an impact on the book.

3. Will we see Kilorn again? Will he be part of a (usual YA) love triangle in this book do you think? Yes, we will see him. I think that he will be the one that ultimately rescues Mare. I totally agree that there will be a love triangle. Hunger Games keeps popping up in my head as I read this.

4. The Silver's powers seem so varied. If you had the choice, which would you rather have? I love the different powers, reminds me of my favorite X-Men! Haha. I love the greenery powers, but I know that is not the strength that they will be looking for to marry into the kingdom.

5. How did Mare get this sudden power? Did Cal accidentally pass some power on to her? Does it only come out if she is in danger? I have no idea how she gets this sudden power. Maybe it has something do with reaching 18? They ship the reds off to war so they don't know about their powers maybe, I know it's a long shot. Perhaps it does only come out in danger, but then why didn't it come out at the end of chapter 7? I'm not much of a fantasy reader so I'm really baffled at this point.

6. Did you like that Cal got her this job or should he have just left her alone? I think that is the only thing that would allow them to connect, so I am okay with him getting her the job. It may be what this family needs after the incident with stealing.

12. What do you think happened to Dieter, Sayid and the clarinet? Do you think the clarinet committed suicide or did the same fate befall her?
I think that they were picked off by the prophet (or his people). I hope they are able to come back to the symphony, but my prediction is that they will return with the brand of sorts on their faces. I think that the clarinet did commit suicide as she didn't seem to have much connection to the other two.

13. I think it's shocking that in the course of a day the Symphony managed to lose 5 people in 3 separate events. What do you think is the cause? I don't think they'd always be this disorganized.
It is obvious that they aren't this disorganized by the amount of shock and panic that arises when so many people go missing. It definitely has to be because of the prophet.

14. What do you think about Authur's book? Any thoughts on Victoria (The V in Dear V.)? Arthur seems to bounce between a lot of marriages. Is your opinion of him changing as the book progresses?
I don't quite understand the purpose for the book with letters. It seems like everything in them had to do with things already known by the public during the time of its release. I'm not sure about Victoria, other than just a little friend he had as a child. I think he is getting more cynical and less humble as he was in his old age. He seems to fall in and out of love with younger women so quickly. Definitely living he Hollywood lifestyle.

15. We've learned more about Jeevans life now. What do you think of his life so far? Do you think he's still alive in the present day of the book?
I have enjoyed hearing his insight to the time before, during, and after the Georgia Flu. I feel bad for him wanting to be responsible for his brother, but his brother knowing very frankly that it wouldn't be possible. I hope that he is alive in the present day!

16. What do you think the airline t scar means?
This book isn't really sticking with me like others do while I read. Wasn't the museum they keep referring to inside the airport? So perhaps its the people that are in that area that are marking with the scar. Which hopefully is a red flag to them since that is where they are headed.

7. This is only the second novel I have read that takes place (partially) in Canada, but I didn't really learn anything new about Canadian life. Well, except that apparently U.S. residents don't know much about Canadian geography! Have you been to Canada? Does anything from the parts of the story set there remind you of Canada?
I'm one of the clueless US residents! Never been to Canada, but currently vacationing 40 miles south of the border.

8. It was interesting seeing the process of how Miranda wrote the graphic novel, Station Eleven. Do you read graphic novels? Are there any great ones you would recommend?
I have read a few graphic novels. Still wading through The Walking Dead, but there are a lot of graphic novels for young adults and kids. I enjoyed Roller Girl and March: One and Two graphic novels.

9. After learning about the plot of the Station Eleven graphic novels and after Miranda says that she and Elizabeth sitting on the floor of her study are in Station Eleven, why do you think this book is called Station Eleven?
I'm not sure on this one, I usually don't read into meanings very deeply. And I've been sleepy while reading so that doesn't help.

10. It was interesting reading about Arthur Leander's past, but he's been dead for 20 years -- Why the recap on his history? What role do you think his life story will have in the rest of this novel?
I think that the people in his life will be what is important in the rest of the novel. Perhaps Miranda will show up again. There was someone asking about the Station Eleven books, so I know we will see more of that.

11. Do you agree with the Symphony's policy of not interfering in town policies, or do you think they should take a stand for what is right when they see an injustice being done?
That's a tough one. We all would want to do the right thing, but then safety becomes involved. In a place that no longer has structure there is not a common structure or belief system. Telling someone they are wrong could result in violence right away since now it seems to be a survival of the fittest situation.

1. What made you choose to join this BOM read? Were you planning on reading the book before it was chosen?
I had been hearing this book recommended by many different people. When it showed up as the BOM it got bumped to the top of my list!

2. How have past flu scares affected your life? H1N1 Flu Virus, Bird Flu, Ebola, etc? (link)
Fortunately, not many past flu scares have affected my life. The Ebola virus carried a mighty scare for me when it made it to the United States, as one of our high school biology reads was The Hot Zone.

3. What did you think of the list of "no mores" in Chapter 6? Were there ones you didn't expect or don't believe would be true of a flu pandemic?
I thought that the list of "no mores" was very diverse and relatable. It was powerful to point at the really mundane things that no one would think about being no more. I had to giggle when it talked about no more social media and pictures of lunches. We share everything. It was important to point out that the instantaneous luxuries of life were now over.

4. What are your thoughts on Kirsten and the travelling Symphony? Is it a good use of people's skills or should they be working on something more practical?
The idea of a traveling symphony during a time such as that seems kind of silly at first. But I think that it could also be thought as noble for wanting to entertain others. Our society needs entertainment all the time so the traveler probably make people feel like life is "normal" again.

5. The prophet seemed very creepy. Why do you think so many people stayed in town? Was it just fear of setting out on their own or something worse?
I'm not quite sure yet. As with any prophet, the element of guilt and fear are instilled into their people. I think many are afraid of the unknown as it is and the words from the prophet solidify that. I imagine that there is something worse out there.

6. Predictions for the rest of the book?
Although Arthur died in the very first chapter, he is still very present due to Kristin's almost obsession. I think that we will find out more about him throughout the course of the book. I'm hoping that by the end of this book there is a plan put in place to help get civilization back to what it once was.

When will the first day's questions be posted? I want to keep reading but make sure I keep the days straight. Thanks!

Wondering about page breakdown as well.

1. This story will be told of from two points of view: Elias and Laia. Whose story do you connect with the most at this point? Do you think the two characters will eventually meet? If so, how do you think it will happen?
I think I am connecting more with Elias. I am always for the character that goes against the grain and a corrupted government. Yes, I think they will meet. My prediction is that somehow they will come across each others path and use each other to get out of their situations. Perhaps fall in love while they are at it too.

2. I always have lots of questions at the beginning of stories….especially in fantasy novels. What are the questions you are most anxious to have answered in this story?
What happened for this government to be so corrupt?
How is it decided that you will be trained for a mask?

3. One of the most powerful scenes from the beginning of the story is when the Mask kills Laia’s grandparents. At first he seems to want to hurt Laia, too, but then he seems shocked or surprised, tells Laia to run and lets her go. Why do you think he did this? Knowing what we know about how soldiers become masks, who do you think the Mask was before?
Perhaps the Mask was Elias in training or another that wanted to get out of his Mask duties and life. Another part wonders if he just likes the thrill of the chase.

4. I was surprised to learn that the Commandant is Elias’ mother. What do you think happened for Elias to hate what his mother believes in so strongly?
Perhaps other people in his family were killed by her orders or the fact that she loves her position and beliefs more than her love for her son.

I went through to tag my book and there are several mistakes in the page listings above. There was one towards the beginning of the list, but more noticeably was that the 30s were listed as 20s in roman numerals. Not sure who can take care of that, but wanted to let you know to lessen any confusion. Can't wait for this read!

17. The horse racing day out was terrible, the staff's reaction was unhelpful, how could Louisa have made the day better?
I think that this was a great teaching lesson for her to realize the planning that needs to go into such an outing for will. In the future she will either need to do some research or call ahead to see the accommodations such an event has for the disabled.

18. Louisa has secrets of her own tied to the castle, the only person that knows is Treena. Do you think that Lousia and Treena should have discussed what happened with their parents?
I don't believe so. It sounds like something that would only hurt her parents and maybe start thinking of her as a victim since she is their little girl. I am glad that her sister knows so that Lou isn't alone completely. /

19. When Will and Louisa are out Will feels upset when people stop and stare. Is it only natural for people to look or should people look the other way and ignore him?
It is hard when you see someone who is different than you. It's that way with people that have an "eccentric" style too. Although it may be shocking at first, people should just treat him like anyone else. Although he can't move on his own, he is fully their mentally and everyone should treat him that way.

20. The birthday party was a great success everyone was happy and relaxed apart from Patrick. What do you think of Partick's reaction to Will's and Lousia's relationship?
I just don't like Patrick. Let's end that relationship already!

21. There was a surprise in the birthday card, a "birthday bonus" what's Will's motive to giving so much money to Louisa?
I'm not exactly sure. Maybe he is trying to get rid of his money before he passes away, since that is still his motive at this time.

11. Finally Will and Lou seem to connect and are getting to know each other. I really like the way the author describes the development of their relationship. Do you like the style so far? What do you think of the way the author describes Will’s and Lou’s life?
I am loving the style of the book! I wasn't so sure of it at first, but I have really grown to like it and find myself wanting to read on before I'm "supposed" to. I like the how we are seeing their relationship change both characters.

12. At the end of chapter 7 we learn why Lou’s contract is only for 6 months and why she is there. Something is going to happen after these six months, what do you think it is going to be? Why would his mother feel the need to hire Lou to babysit Will if she has his promise that he will not harm himself? She doesn’t trust him much and it puts Lou in a difficult position.
I think she was looking for someone with more of an outgoing personality to not only keep Will company, but to perhaps also provide him with a relationship that will help to change his mind. I think Lou may just be able to pull it off.

13. A new POV, Camilla explains why she said yes to Will’s request and explains her feelings. I can understand her reasoning to a certain extent, but I still feel she is a little standoffish explaining all about her garden and her life with her husband. How do you feel about Will’s mother? Do you agree with her decision to help him, or understand why she will help him? I'm still not sure what to think about her. I think she is so far in over her head she doesn't know how to make it work for her son who just doesn't want to live.

14. Well that’s what you get from listening in on private conversations, you find out a whole lot of things you didn’t want to know. Do you agree with Lou’s reasons for walking away from her job?
Yes, I agree with Lou walking away from her job. If it contradicts her morals and beliefs there is no way that she could be expected to stay, especially when she was not told ahead of time. I think I would feel betrayed/tricked if I were Lou too.

15. Lou finally stands up for herself and confronts her sister. Their relationship reminds me a little of my relationship with my sister, thank god we don’t live together anymore. Do you have a sister, if you do, is your relationship like Lou’s and Treena’s or are you the best of friends?
No, I don't have a sister. But I totally side with Lou.

16. They make up and devise a plan to change Will’s mind. I’m not sure that will work, what do you think about their plan? It feels a little naïve to me.
Well, it is a work of fiction so it may just work. I think the development of the relationship between the two main characters may just mean that this plan will be able to be pulled off. Love = Life for Will?

7.After his “friends” leave, Will goes to his room and breaks all of his picture frames. Lou walks into a room filled with glass shards everywhere. Her reaction is to ask Will, “Can that thing get a puncture?” Will is shocked by her reaction and even appears apologetic. Later on in the chapter she also finally calls him out on his rude behavior. After these two incidences Will gradually changes the way he interacts with Lou. Why?
I think he is shocked that finally someone doesn't pity him. His pride has obviously been hurt since the wreck changing his life and the way people treat him as an invalid or someone to tiptoe around makes him even more upset. The fact that Lou gives him a run for his money probably intrigues him as well.

8. Mrs. Traynor never says what she actually is feeling, and no one feels like they can be honest with her, either. She is going to do what she thinks is best for Will regardless of what he wants, too. Do you think her behavior, especially towards Will, contributes to Will’s rude and insolent behavior? Do you think she treated him this way before the accident, too?
I'm not sure that this was how she treated him before the wreck. It almost seems like she doesn't want to get to attached to him, maybe because she thinks that he will be successful in hurting himself, or just doesn't want to accept that her son his now very disabled and not the man he once was. I think her detachment from Will has to affect his behavior somewhat. However, his father acts the same way so maybe this was how they were before. Perhaps they were a family that wasn't speaking to each other and now they are only back together since Will needs 24 hour care.

9. While going with Will to his doctor’s appointment, Lou starts to notice for the first time little things that make a handicapped person’s life more difficult like cracked pavements or cars parked too close together for a wheelchair to get in between them. Has this ever happened to you before? If so, did looking through the eyes of a handicapped person change the way you saw the world afterward?
Yes, I do think about it often when I'm out and about. It is obvious which places think of the handicapped when designing their interior and exterior structure, and which do not.

10. Where do you think the scars on Will’s wrist came from?
Will's mom once mentioned that he has self destructive behavior if you leave him alone too long. I think that Will tried to cut his own wrists and end his life. I'm not sure how he would be able to do that while being so disabled... could it have happened before the wreck?

Warm Desert Winds wrote: "
Comments and Questions May 2
Prologue - 3

1. Did you read the synopsis before closing to read the book? What made you choose to join the read?

Did not! The only thing I know about this book is ..."

I had the vision of Christian Grey as well! Self absorbed business man. I sure hope that wasn't the case.

Prologue - 3

1. Did you read the synopsis before closing to read the book? What made you choose to join the read?
I did read a little of what it was about, but I decided to join in this read because I've heard good reviews about it for quite a while now.

2. What did you think about the Prologue? Did you like the characters you met there?
I was intrigued with the characters in the Prologue and how they would connect with the rest of the story line that I read about before hand. To be honest, I was kind of disgusted with the man being tied to his phone all the time. I'm interested to find out how he changes in the story. The woman, not so sure about her.

3. What do you think about the various interactions with people’s family? The parent’s seem to have a lot of opinions on what their children should be doing.
I feel so sorry for Lou. Her dad is always commenting on her weight and they don't seem to support her. I'm not sure if it is the setting being different and perhaps a different culture within the family, but I have been shocked with how they treat her and expect her to provide the majority of the income for the rest of the family.

4. What do you think happened with the girl we met in the prologue?
I am assuming that she left Will after the accident.

5. “You were just looking at my photographs. Wondering how awful it must be to live like that and then turn into a cripple.” What are your thoughts on how it must be for him? How would you handle something like that?
He is obviously very bitter about going from an extreme sport enthusiast and entrepreneur to a very disabled man. I am assuming that he is trying to take his own life when he is left unattended for too long. I would be devastated as well, but I sure hope that I wouldn't be so angry and bitter with the life that would still be left within me.


6. Do you think Lou will be able to bring Will out of his grumpiness? If so, how long do you think it will take?
I think Lou is going to have to fight for Will to come out of his very low funk. Somehow her quirky personality will grow on Will, causing him to open up to her. I'm imagining that this ends in a love story for the two main characters. Or perhaps Lou helps bring Will and the Prologue Girl back together.

Chapters 3-7

6) Now that you've read a few chapters, what's your opinion on the writing style? How about the magical realism?
I love the writing style. I am not sure what it is but the story is flowing at a fast pace and I look forward to reading on. I like that the magical realism isn't so completely out there that it is a true fantasy and that it makes the reading experience unique.

7) Wilhelmina says that the reason people won't buy Emilienne's bread is because they feel the death that surrounds her. Any thoughts on this? And how did Wilhelmina know, anyway?
Wilhelmina is obviously a very intuitive person. I think she understand those around her because she is more spiritual and connected through nature with her Native American roots. But I also think that she could tell that people did not think highly of Emilienne because her store was always completely empty.

8) Emilienne and Viviane don't have much of a relationship. Is this still because Emilienne is afraid to love? Is it just me, or does Viviane not seem to care that she and her mother aren't close?
I think that Emilienne is distancing herself from Viviane because she is afraid to love, but also because it was a child she really didn't care to have in the first place (I think). I think Viviane was too wrapped up with her friendship/relationship with Jack to give much care to the relationship with her mom, as well as becoming used to the isolation from her. She may not even notice it since Emilienne has always been that way.

9) What's your opinion on John Griffith and how he treats his family? Do you think he's secretly in love with Emilienne?
This man and his harshness disgusts me. Yes, I think he has fallen for Emilienne, but more lust than love. Dirty old man!

10) The solstice party and the encounter with Jack in the garden had a very surreal quality to it. Do you think there's a deeper connection between what happened and the history of the house (the girl who never ages and her brother who plans extravagant, sensual solstice parties)?
I didn't register what happened between Jack and Viviane to be connected to the house. Just thought it as their way of saying goodbye.

I'm trying to get caught up here!

Prologue – Chapter 2

1. What Significance do you believe the gathering of the birds during Ava’s birth is going to bring to the story?
I'm not exactly sure, but they definitely symbolize something. Perhaps past ancestors, which is something my family has seen with the passing of my grandparents (one dove joining the first dove when my grandma joined my grandfather) and my brother (an eagle that makes eye contact with us!)

2. What are your initial thoughts on Ava’s birth and her “abnormality”?
Reading the summary of the book before reading, I wasn't suprised when she was born with wings. The author did a great job with describing them and pointing out that Ava nor the wings could survive without the other.

3. We haven’t met Ava yet outside of her initial journal entry, but I must say I find her family history quite captivating. What are your thoughts on the magical appearance of Maman Roux?
It took me awhile to understand what was happening with Maman Roux slowly disappearing. I'm wondering if it wasn't the description of someone slowly dying of a broken heart.

4. Emilienne and her siblings are very interesting to me, what are your thoughts on the social commentary about that time, meaning the way people treated others that they considered “weird,” “witchy,” “gay,” or “disabled?” How do you think this will continued to be addressed throughout the novel?
It's always difficult and disturbing to read about how people were treated for being different throughout the course of history. I am hoping that as the book progresses there will be less of the issue, but our society always tends to find ways to label someone in a different way. I imagine since Eva has wings there will be quite a bit that surrounds her.

5. What do you think about the Seattle setting and the mystical story behind the home the Lavender’s have settled into, where do you think the author is going with this?
I love the setting of Seattle as it sets the tone for some dreary moments. The magical aspects of the house makes me think that things will continue to happen there and perhaps the house will remain the commonality in the family.