Tea and Tales with Cate and Allison discussion

Happy Monday!

Here is today's discussion question:
What makes Mim's voice unique? What do her narrative style and interactions with others tell us about who she is as a person?

One of my favorite things about Mim, which drew me in from the beginning was her unique voice. Mim has this old soul vibe and yet she is such a typical teenager too. Especially with her phrases and sayings. I found myself laughing out loud at some and then my heartstrings tugged at others:

"(Every great character, Iz, be it on page or screen, is multidimensional. The good guys aren't all good, the bad guys aren't all bad, and a character wholly one or the other shouldn't exist at all. Remember this when I describe the antics that follow, for though I am not a villain, I am not immune to villainy)". (pg. 6)

"Now. It would be easy for me to wallow in self-defeat or self-pity or self-doubt or a hundred other selves, but I won't. I'm just going to write. I'm going to write, and that way I'll be okay. " (pg. 64)

"And as simple as it sounds, I think understanding who you are - and who you are not - is the most important thing of all Important Things". (pg. 67)

"There are times when I absolutely, 110 percent, without a doubt, have to laugh at a thing. 'Cause if I don't, that same thing will make me go stark-raving bananas". (pg. 77)

In regards to her interacting with other people. It is clear from the beginning she doesn't want or like to deal with people, in particular her family. This stems from deeper issues we'll discuss later. Even though she embraces the introvert, for some reason she can't help but interact with people throughout her journey to Cleveland, Ohio. This becomes a pivotal key to Mim's story and her journey both physically as she travels across the U.S. as well as her emotional journey towards self discovery and awareness.

Who were some of your favorite and least favorite characters at the beginning of the book?

I have a great love for Arlene. I think she would have been the character I would have been drawn to, if I had been on the Greyhound bus. Almost a fairy Godmother character in my opinion. Mim says it so well, "We've only just met, but things like time hardly matter when dealing with a familiar spirit". (pg. 20)

Don't get me started on Poncho Man...he is a vile character!

Allison posted this discussion question on Instagram. But, we wanted to be able to discuss it in more detail here on Goodreads. Also, don't hesitate to ask and answer your own comments about the first 11 chapters.

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions on the assigned chapters for this week! ~ Catie Xo

Good Morning Everyone! Happy Monday!

Gorgeous weather after a wonderful weekend always makes the start of the work week a little more bearable. :)

I just want to start with saying that when I started reading Mosquitoland I was a little skeptical. I think mostly because I have not read a YA book in quite some time and a few pages in I was thinking to myself, "Oh here we go, teenage angst and drama". That being said, it only took me a few chapters to become completely drawn in to the storyline and especially the character of Mim. I am really enjoying how introspective she is and how introverted she is. I think it is pivotal that the story is being told from Mim's perspective because she is so introverted, and that it puts a very unique touch on the character development of both the other characters and Mim.

I am not always a fan of first person narrative,but I am enjoying it in this book. I like how I feel as if I am travelling along with Mim and watching things unfold as she is. I like how blunt Mim is, and although I am finding her to be somewhat impulsive and self involved, I remind myself that she is a teenager , and this is completely developmentally appropriate. I also appreciate that she is being authentic.

My favourite characters so far would be Arlene and Carl. I think that the storyline with Arlene's nephew is going to come into factor later on in the book. Well I hope it does! I also am very intrigued about Kathy and her role in everything! Of course I was totally revolted by poncho man, and could not believe the scary turn of events with him!

I am very happy to say that the beginning of this book has been very worthwhile and I can't wait to continue reading and discussing, and to see where Mim's journey takes her.

Casey <3

I really like Mim's character. She is very complex - sometimes she comes across as much younger than 16, but often as significantly older. She seems to handle all the bad things that happen to her (Kathy, her mom's illness, poncho man's overwhelming creepiness, etc.) with relative ease and although she cracks occasionally, she is able to gather herself and move on. I especially like her use of war paint, and how invincible it makes her feel.

One aspect that I'm really interested in is her relationship with Isabel, and the aspect of mental illness that is indirectly referenced often. Is her relationship with Isabel one-sided? It never really references any interactions between them, so it seems like writing to Isabel is more a form of journaling than actually sending off the letters to another person. As far as Mim's potential psychosis, I'm very interested to see where the author takes that aspect because it seems like he's building it up for something major to happen.

So far, I am really enjoying this book, and can't wait to read some more today!

What makes Mim's voice unique? What do her narrative style and interactions with others tell us about who she is as a person?

For me, Mim describes it best when she defines herself as an anomaly. She can't be defined as any one thing. She's unique and different and fantastic. I mean, really...she ends all her papers with Boom. That's pretty freaking awesome!

I also love how frank Mim is with people. In the beginning of the book, Mim explains that she's done with lying. She has vowed to be truthful, even if those truths are uncomfortable. Can't wait to see what happens next!