Books and Jams Readalong discussion

You made it to the end! Were your initial impressions correct? How did your opinions change throughout the story? Did you end up enjoying this book? What are your final thoughts?

No my initial impressions were not correct. Upon first reading it I was a little worried that I wouldn't make it through the book. About a 1/4 way through I feel in love with Lillian, her humor, and just out look at life moved me. I wanted to cry for her but also life at her sense of humor and making it through the trying times in her life.
The book also made me think about my life and what is important to me. And also that we do need to get out and take a walk and notice our world around us away from all the crime and electronics and just enjoy life and what is out there.
I am giving it a 4.5 star and only because of the slow start or it would be a 5 star read

I gave this book 4 stars. I found it to be a bit slow but was so beautifully written that it compensated for the lack of something that I just can't put my finger on. I found it inspiring how Lillian made friends with everyone she encountered. It just goes to show that if we only take to the time to ask people their name, what a difference we can make in peoples lives. Sometimes our lives are so rushed that we miss so many opportunities. I appreciated Lillian's leisure approach to a simple shopping errand at a small store before her appearance at the New Years Eve party. One of my eye-opening moments is the following paragraph regarding the birth of her son.

She writes: "But the other thing I felt--that no one had ever told me I might--was that as much as I loved him, I could never be totally sure that I wanted him around forever. I did not know if my life was categorically "better" for having him here." (Page 163)

When I read that, my mouth dropped. I felt it was the most honest observation I've ever heard/read about anyone becoming a parent. It moved me.

I'm so glad you guys liked this book! I remember it was one of the Book of the Month options and it just didn't stand out to me at the time...and I was right. But that's part of what I love about talking with you all here and on youtube. I heard different people who like different things than I do and WHY. I can totally appreciate your thoughts on this book that for me was a total dud! haha. Thanks for pressing on and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

I just finished the book. It felt like more of a chore to read it than something I could relax and enjoy.

Debbi wrote: "I just finished the book. It felt like more of a chore to read it than something I could relax and enjoy."

Good job pressing through to the end!