Books and Jams Readalong discussion

I am just going to divide this book in half for the discussions. I think it will be a pretty quick read. A few things to reflect on before jumping into the rest of the book -

Why do you think the mother went away?
What characters do you like/dislike?
What stands out to you about Sal and her story about Phoebe?
How do you like the writing style?
Are you enjoying this book?

Oh yeah - one more question - Who do you think the "lunatic" is that showed up a few times at Phoebe's house?


I am really enjoying this book. I like that we are getting a bit of back and forth between Sal and her grandparent's road trip and then her story of moving to Ohio and all that happens there. My gut says Sal's mom left because of mental illness, maybe depression? I'm not sure why she ended up in Littleston, Iowa though. That seems a bit random. I hope we do find that out. Interesting how Phoebe's experience is now paralleling Sal's a bit with her mom leaving as well. I think the "lunatic" is maybe a child Mrs. Winterbottom had before getting married? Not too sure about that. He is young-ish right? Or if he's older, maybe he's an old love? I love the messages that keep showing up at Phoebe's house. I am pretty sure it's the "lunatic" who is leaving them.

Something else I'm loving is Gramps and Grandma and their interactions with each other and how they respond to Sal. I love how invested they are in her story. I love the spur of the moment stops along their trip. I laughed when Gramps went to help the damsel in distress looking into her car engine and he just made a mess of everything and then walked away. Ha! I just love that part of the story.

Can't wait to hear what you guys think of this one. I'm glad I am finally reading it!

I am really enjoying the story so far. It makes me sad to think that Sal's mother didn't think she was enough, although I think there are many women out there that are stay at home moms that don't feel they are enough. I think Phooebe's story seems to be Sal's story. I guess I could be wrong. I so far like all the characters. When Sal is discussing Prudence and Phoebe and how they didn't seem to notice there mother was upset and she did, I wonder if this had to do with how her mom would seem sad sometimes and maybe Sal feels she didn't pay enough attention to her mother.
I am up in the air on what really happened to Sal's mom, as I read on I look forward to finding out. It was so sad that she lost the baby and then hemorrhaged to the point of getting a hysterectomy. I feel this pushed her over the edge to the point she felt she was not worthy enough for her husband.
So far I like the authors writing style and how she is telling a story inside a story.

I am loving this so far! I have NO idea who the lunatic is. But I do thing both girls' mom's left due to lost identity and/or mental illness. It makes me so unbelievably sad bc I've been there as a stay at home. I too love Gramps and Gram and how they are so carefree. I'm looking forward to getting some answers in the 2nd half.

I just finished the book and absolutely loved it! I forgot to check in at the halfway point so I won't leave any spoilers here. I'll post my overall thoughts in the other thread.

I am enjoying the book quite a bit! I like the two stories intertwining with each other and I am quite intrigued by all the mysteries.

I think Sal's mother probably left due to depression. Sal has mentioned that her mother was pregnant and since she has no siblings, I am guessing the baby did not survive and her mother is grieving. I have a feeling that Sal's mother may no longer be alive and that is why she cannot come home.

I also think the lunatic may be a child that Mrs. Winterbottom had before she was married. I am not sure if he is the one leaving the messages. I really don't know what to think about those.

I am looking forward to reading more and finding out what is going on!

I am so glad that I picked this book to read. I read the first half yesterday and I love it. My favorite characters are Sal and her grandparents. I had to laugh out loud when they stopped at the Wisconsin Dells and Grandma disappeared. "Huzza, Huzza." The part about them wading in the Missouri was funny until Grandma got bit by the snake.

I, also, think Sal's mom was depressed and probably is now deceased. I really dislike how Mrs. Winterbottom's family treat her. I don't blame her for taking off.

I don't know what to think about the young man who keeps turning up. I hope to find out about that today when I continue on with the book.

Thanks, Krista, for picking this book for us to read. I would never have picked it up other wise.