Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

I'm looking forward to discussing Into the Free by Julie Cantrell this month!

Goodreads Summary: Just a girl. The only one strong enough to break the cycle.

In Depression-era Mississippi, Millie Reynolds longs to escape the madness that marks her world. With an abusive father and a “nothing mama,” she struggles to find a place where she really belongs.
For answers, Millie turns to the Gypsies who caravan through town each spring. The travelers lead Millie to a key which unlocks generations of shocking family secrets. When tragedy strikes, the mysterious contents of the box give Millie the tools she needs to break her family’s longstanding cycle of madness and abuse.

Through it all, Millie experiences the thrill of first love while fighting to trust the God she believes has abandoned her. With the power of forgiveness, can Millie finally make her way into the free?

***Remember, this is a discussion for those that have read the book, so spoilers are most likely going to be present :)

I found these discussion questions from Julie Cantrell's website, and I though they'd be interesting for discussion or just to read over and ponder in your head--

1. This story ends when Millie is seventeen years old. What do you predict will happen to Millie?

2. Who is your favorite character in this story? Why? Who is your least favorite character? Why?

3. What is your favorite scene? What scene made you react with the strongest emotions (good or bad)? What scene would you change, and how?

4. Do you think Millie would have left with the rodeo even if Bump hadn’t been with her? Do you think Millie will go to Colorado with Bump or stay with the Cauy Tucker group and compete with Firefly?

5. What do you think will happen to Bill and Diana Miller? Camille?

6. What could Millie’s mother, Marie, have done differently to create a better life for herself and Millie?

7. What do you think of the symbolism with the mother dog and her pups? Do you know of any women who are willing to sacrifice their own children’s safety in order to survive? As a woman, what do you think of Marie? Millie? And Millie’s grandmother, Sarah? Do you see a pattern to the mothering styles of Sarah and Marie? Do you think Millie, if given the chance, will break that pattern?

8. What do you think of the scene in the baptismal pool?

9. How do you like the traveler woman, Babushka? And what do you think about her noticing the shift in Millie from yellow to red?

10. What role do you think Mabel ends up playing in Millie’s life?

Also, if anyone is interested, here is the link to Julie's website with some more in-depth questions.

http://juliecantrell.wordpress.com/re...

1. Because there is a sequel to this book, I can't say what I think happens to Millie, because I know. I do highly recommend reading the next book, which is, When Mountains Move.

2. I don't really have a favorite character, but Sloth really stood out to me. He doesn't have a lot to say but what he says is profound.

I'll answer more questions in another post.

I found the scene with the mother dog & her pups to be especially shocking. At first I didn't really understand just what happened.

I didn't think I would like this book, but when I started reading, I could not put it down. I wonder if she will be able to put what happened in the steeple behind her. Guess I'll have to read When Mountains Move.

Just finished the book. I agree that the description of the mother dog was a bit disarming, but saw the symbolism of how Millie was being suffocated by the needs of her mother. I am so glad that Millie was able to finally find the inner strength that was always within her. Plan to read the sequel.

I enjoyed this book very much and am looking forward to reading the sequel.

There are so many wonderful characters in this book, it'd be hard to choose. I love the depth of the characters, really each and every one.

Hi Y'all -- This is Julie Cantrell, author of Into the Free and When Mountains Move. Someone pointed out to me today that your group had selected my debut novel as your bookclub read. I just thought I'd swing by and send you all a very sincere THANK YOU. I'm honored to see you discussing this story, and I'm happy to answer any questions or respond to any comments if you're interested in knowing more. Happy Reading! julie

Hi Julie!! Thanks for joining us.

I do have a question, since it was brought up by a few people. What inspired the part of the story about the dog and her pups.

Julie, thank you so much for joining us! We're honored that you stopped by! :)

For me, the opening scene with the mama dog & her pups packed such an emotional punch. It made me sit up & pay attention - I realized immediately that this was no tra-la-la story, but rather something that was going to grab me tight & not let go.

I count a book as a favorite when I am still thinking about it days (and weeks) later, even if my feelings are conflicted. That's a sign of a good read for me!

I also loved how it was written in first person and was really surprised at how well the present tense flowed - to be honest, I didn't even realize it was present tense until 60% into the book - I was that engrossed in the writing.

One of my favorite scenes was when Millie went with Bump to visit his family. It was eye-opening for her in that she had never been around a family like that.

Pat wrote: "I didn't think I would like this book, but when I started reading, I could not put it down. I wonder if she will be able to put what happened in the steeple behind her. Guess I'll have to read When..."

That is definitely my biggest question! I struggled with reading that scene.

Julie, how do you prepare to write such a gut-wrenching scene like that? Did you know that the story was going to progress in that way or were you sort of surprised by that turn of events?

And I know this is so cliche to ask, but how is the writing process for you?

Julie, I read Into the Free quite some time ago, but it's one of those stories that will stick with me, I loved it! I loved the relationship between Millie and Bump.

Hi Ladies, So nice to join your discussion here. Please be patient with me...while I've been a Goodreads "member" for a long time, this is my first time to really interact on this site...so I'm learning as I go.

I'm glad so many of you are enjoying Into the Free, and I greatly appreciate the kind comments.
The questions are wonderful too! I'll try to respond to each of them here.

As for the puppies...well, I actually did experience something like this scene as a child and it has stayed with me my entire life. I also live on a farm and have witnessed rabbits, cats, and chickens kill their own young when stressed. It's a sad part of nature, and one that symbolically portrayed the conflicting and deep issues that were so important between Millie and her mother. Millie's mother loved her, no doubt, but due to her own depression, substance abuse, and abusive situation...she was in "survival" mode. She didn't eat Millie of course...nor did she kill her...but she "abandoned" her 'emotionally' leaving Millie to fend for herself in life. It was all her mother could offer at the time, but it left Millie feeling unwanted and unloved at times. When Millie witnessed the pups being killed by their own mother...she started to realize that mother-child relationships weren't always a positive thing. She's just beginning to realize (at age 9/10 at the beginning of the story) that her family may not be like other families...and that her "normal" may not be so normal after all.

As for the steeple scene...I never knew what would happen throughout the book until I wrote it. I cried as I wrote that scene. And I cried the first time I read it aloud to an audience. It was so painful for me as the author to write Millie into that situation...I wanted so badly to jump in and save her. I didn't want to see her be hurt any more. But I try not to interfere with the story as I write. Many times Millie will do or say something or react in a way that makes me sad or angry or frustrated. I try to let Millie be Millie and never inject "Julie" into that character (or any of the characters). I actually had to go back through the book and include some foreshadowing so readers wouldn't be as surprised as I was when the incident with Bill Miller happened. I think there were many layers to the event in the steeple, and there are some symbolic issues with it happening in the steeple. The church did not offer Millie a safe or true route to God. The people of the church did not love Millie unconditionally nor did they love her as Christ has instructed us to love one another. I am not at all against organized religion or churches or anything like that...not at all. But I know far too many people who have never felt welcome in a church setting and who have taken that rejection as a reason to barricade themselves against God. I wanted to show that even if you don't find God through that typical traditional route...there are other ways to develop your faith. God is always with us...anywhere, everywhere. As one of my friends pointed out...I write for people on the front pews and the barstools. I see no difference between the two and find all souls equal in worth. I believe God does too.

As for my writing process, I am learning as I go. I write without an outline and try to just let the story flow organically on the page for the first draft. This means I have to do a LOT of heavy content editing on the backend, but it's fun to puzzle my way through the story and shape the plot structure, pacing, word count etc. There's SO much work to crafting a novel...more than I ever imagined. But I love the entire process and hope readers enjoy entering Millie's world as much as I do.

Hmm...I think those are the questions you've asked. Please don't hesitate to keep them coming. I love interacting with bookclubs, and while this is my first time to do so on Goodreads...this is FUN!

Cheers,
julie

Thanks for your response Julie.

Julie, thank you so much for answering our questions! That was fascinating!

Was Bump inspired by a real person? Was there real-life inspiration for the relationship between Millie & Bump?

I am about half way through, and enjoying it very much.

Hi Beth, while I never write about real people in my life, as I went through edits and shaped Bump's character...he was inspired by my sweet cousin and horse trainer, David Carter who operates Double C Ranch in Natchez, MS. You can see some of his horsemanship skills online. He's a saint of a guy and he's very much like Bump. But as for real life inspiration for Millie and Bump? Hmmm...I don't think so. I think Bump's character just developed as all the others did...from me diving head first into Millie's world and allowing myself to enter the universe through her brain. I will say, I WISH I knew the real Bump. (And River! :)

A wonderful thing happened last year. My editor accidentally came across a page in a western magazine with a man selling an old western saddle. The saddle was marked with the name BUMP! And the owner knew a bit about the original cowboy who happened to move cattle across the west (including Colorado) about the same time of WHEN MOUNTAINS MOVE. I wasn't able to purchase the saddle, but it sure made me smile to know there was a real Bump riding those mountains...who knows...maybe there was a real Millie too! The Choctaw have suggested that an ancestor gave me the story. I suppose anything is possible.

I'm enjoying y'all's questions. Keep 'em comin'.
j

I read INTO THE FREE several months ago and was fascinated by the vivid writing. Julie, your imagery and comparisons are phenomenal. While I can't say I enjoyed the book ("enjoyed" seems to be the wrong word, considering the content), I COULD NOT put it down. Its message is so true to life, I think most readers will take something away from the reading experience, on one level or another. And just as someone mentioned above, your words keep speaking to me weeks after reading the book.

I agree about the words continuing to speak. One quote that really stays with me, and I believe it was part of the author notes, is "Choices matter. Every single one of them". That speaks to me on so many levels and I don't think I will ever forget it.

How cool!! Thank you, Julie! What a treat for our members! :)

Thank you, Julie!

I do a lot of reading. I read Into the Free and When Mountains Move several books ago.
I can truly say that I still think of both novels frequently. Julie has a writing style that grabbed ahold of me and won't let go.
She is my newest favorite author.

Thanks Julie! Loved Into the Free and would love to read the sequel :)

Is there a set date when we all come on-line and discuss the book-of-the-month reading, or do we just jump in with comments at any time?

Christy, the discussion started on Oct. 1. The book is announced the month before so that everyone has time to read it that wants to, then when the 1st rolls around, we can jump in to discussing. As far as getting online at the same time to discuss, we don't do that. Just post at your convenience. :)

Julie stopped by on this one to answer questions, so if you have anything you'd like to ask her, feel free! :)

Also in the first post are some discussion questions if you want to share your answers and discuss!

And I love you profile pic, Christy! :)

Finally getting around to answering some of the questions!

1. This story ends when Millie is seventeen years old. What do you predict will happen to Millie?
I'm not good at predicting, so I'm just going to go with what I HOPE happens to Millie in When Mountains Move (which i can't wait to get to!). I hope that Millie finds healing from what Bill Miller did to her, and that she is truthful with Bump about everything in order to start her new life with him. I also hope that she finds her self-worth in God and gains a confidence from her hope in Him.

I also hope that she makes the effort to find Oka, that she finds her :)

2. Who is your favorite character in this story? Why? Who is your least favorite character? Why?

Favorite character...other than Millie, I would say either Bump or Mabel. Mabel really takes Millie under her wing and cares for her when no one else will. Bump is just Bump, and he loves Millie, flaws & all, and is safe and steady.

Least favorite: Bill Miller, for obvious reasons. And I ended up so disappointed in Diana. Way to take Millie in and then proceed to punish her for something that she had no part of. She exemplified for me exactly how not to be in your walk with Christ. Sure, she took Millie in, but she never accepted her or tried to love her. She was more worried about her image than anything else. I've seen that way too often.

Another one would be Millie's father - absolutely no excuse for treating another human being that way, no matter how you were treated before. I struggled with Millie's thoughts about him in the story. I wasn't sure if she empathized with him or was just trying to understand him, maybe it was both. I can't imagine the emotions you'd have to grapple with having a father (and mother!) like Millie had.

3. What is your favorite scene? What scene made you react with the strongest emotions (good or bad)? What scene would you change, and how?

Some of my favorite scenes include when Millie was learning to work with horses. Her joy was palpable & I also liked it because she was spending more time with Bump! And I really liked the Miller's daughter, Camille. She was spunky & could deserve a story all of her own.

Least favorite? Steeple scene all the way. It was painful to read, followed by the scene where Jack beats Millie's mother so badly that she's left in the road for dead (although all of those types of scenes were horrific).

4. Do you think Millie would have left with the rodeo even if Bump hadn’t been with her? Do you think Millie will go to Colorado with Bump or stay with the Cauy Tucker group and compete with Firefly?

I think she would have left regardless of Bump because she knew she couldn't stay with the Miller given what had just happened. I think she will go with Bump to Colorado.

5. What do you think will happen to Bill and Diana Miller? Camille?

I think a giant bolder will fall...oh, um, I mean...I really have no idea. What I want to happen to Bill I probably shouldn't say. I think if they continue to be false people, then nothing good will happen to them. Hopefully Camille will continue along the path she is going, which seems like a sweet, inquisitive person and things will turn out well for her.

6. What could Millie’s mother, Marie, have done differently to create a better life for herself and Millie?

She could have been more of a mother to Millie. She could have left Jack. She was under a heavy load, no doubt about that, but none of that was Millie's fault and she shouldn't have let it affect her like she did.

I'll answer the rest of the questions soon! :)

Also, this is one of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Maybe God has always been with me. Opening doors, leading me to opportunities, letting me choose my own path, and loving me even when I chose the wrong one. Never giving up on me. Knowing all along that I am on a journey. That I must find my own way to Him. Maybe River was right. Maybe God does still believe in me."

Beautiful.

These are all wonderful reactions to the story. I'm enjoying reading your thoughts about the characters and the scenes and I love seeing the quotes that connected most with you. Thanks again for giving these stories a chance. I'll look forward to sending the winner of the giveaway a signed copy of each book (personalized if you'd like).
Cheers, julie

I've been thinking about my least favorite character and I was just so disappointed in the behavior of so many of them - Millie's grandparents, Diana, Millie's mother. It's interesting to think about circumstances in our lives and how they affect our choices. And then how many people can be affected by those choices. One little choice can harm or help someone else. And one little choice can really mess up our own life. I just loved this book and I think that is why, our choices really do matter, every single one of them.

I haven't read a lot of first-person point of view novels. In fact, this may be my first. Julie did a marvelous job of writing from this tricky perspective.

I agree, Cathy Lynn! I LOVE first-person, and for some reason in CBA, it's not done very often. Usually they use third person, which is fine, but I've always loved first person. I think the novel wouldn't have have quite the impact that it did, so I'm so glad that it was in first-person.

Beth wrote: "I agree, Cathy Lynn! I LOVE first-person, and for some reason in CBA, it's not done very often. Usually they use third person, which is fine, but I've always loved first person. I think the novel w..."

Beth wrote: "I agree, Cathy Lynn! I LOVE first-person, and for some reason in CBA, it's not done very often. Usually they use third person, which is fine, but I've always loved first person. I think the novel w..."

:)

I also love first-person stories. It seems like such a good way to describe the characters' feelings and if I can connect with the feelings, I can more easily connect with the whole story.

Julie does such an incredible job writing in first person. The story flows so smoothly that you almost forget that you are reading. To me it was like Millie was actually talking to me.

Cindi, I agree with you.

Hi Ladies - Thanks for discussing the choice to write in first person. It's what I prefer to read and it was natural for me to write that way. It's not the most common POV, no doubt, and some literary elite insist that third person is the more proper way to tell a story. But for me, I prefer to dive completely into the mind of one character. While it limits the view a bit, it allows us to view the world absolutely as Millie sees it. I think Third Person gives us a more varied insight...meaning more characters...but my nature that insight tends to be more shallow than with the first person POV. I'm glad to see you all enjoyed hearing the story directly from Millie. I hope it helped you feel as if you knew her personally, or perhaps even that you lived that life through her. Again, thanks for reading! j

Hi Guys, I'm swinging back through in light of recent news stories about the Gypsies in Greece who may have been involved in a child abduction. The Roma I've worked with in Louisiana have made it clear to me that many people who now call themselves "Gypsies" are not Romany people at all. The true Roma Travelers originated in India in the 1400s and left that area as mercenary soldiers to fight against Muslim invaders. Over time, they moved across northern Europe and made their way south...often due to exile, slavery, and search of work. Eventually, the clan I'm familiar with, were exiled from Portugal to Brazil and then worked their way up to the southeastern part of the US. Today, thousands of Roma continue to live in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and travel north during the summer, usually to Michigan. There is a band of "New Gypsies" that are being featured in news articles today and they are not linked in any way to the Roma. There are also Irish Travelers who are not linked to the Roma (they are the ones you see on reality shows "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" etc.)
Thanks again for diving into Millie's world. Hope you're all enjoying the story.
j