J.D. Robb discussion

Our August Book of the Month is We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker. Open discussion begins Aug. 15. We invite everyone to join our discussion.

There are two kinds of families: the ones we are born into and the ones we create.

Walk has never left the coastal California town where he grew up. He may have become the chief of police, but he’s still trying to heal the old wound of having given the testimony that sent his best friend, Vincent King, to prison decades before. Now, thirty years later, Vincent is being released.

Duchess is a thirteen-year-old self-proclaimed outlaw. Her mother, Star, grew up with Walk and Vincent. Walk is in overdrive trying to protect them, but Vincent and Star seem bent on sliding deeper into self-destruction. Star always burned bright, but recently that light has dimmed, leaving Duchess to parent not only her mother but her five-year-old brother. At school the other kids make fun of Duchess―her clothes are torn, her hair a mess. But let them throw their sticks, because she’ll throw stones. Rules are for other people. She’s just trying to survive and keep her family together.

A fortysomething-year-old sheriff and a thirteen-year-old girl may not seem to have a lot in common. But they both have come to expect that people will disappoint you, loved ones will leave you, and if you open your heart it will be broken. So when trouble arrives with Vincent King, Walk and Duchess find they will be unable to do anything but usher it in, arms wide closed.

Chris Whitaker has written an extraordinary novel about people who deserve so much more than life serves them. At times devastating, with flashes of humor and hope throughout, it is ultimately an inspiring tale of how the human spirit prevails and how, in the end, love―in all its different guises―wins.

I'm in!

I'm really looking forward to reading this one!

Finished this one - looking forward to others' thoughts.

Started this last night. Very distinctive writing style.

I agree JoAnn. I didn’t like it at first, but it grew on me. I think it fit the story.

I'd have to agree on the writing style...I found it a bit off-putting at first. You're right though, Cindy, it grew on me! It did fit the story - blunt and unpolished like the characters.

I finished this a couple of days ago - I think it's a story that's going to stay with me. It was a bit of a gut punch...the stories of all of the characters were just so sad. I don't know about the rest of you, but I didn't see that last twist coming.

This is now a spoiler zone. Feel free to openly discuss!

I haven't finished this one yet. I'll return when I do.

I don't think I will have time to start this one until next week. I'll catch up then.

I wrote in my review that this story got me right in the gut, so on that Charlene and I agree!! Yes, there is a lot of sadness but also so much love and loyalty.

The author makes the characters jump off the page, I think that's what makes stories stay with me. They all become so real.

Learning who fathered Duchess and Robin brings the story full-circle, making Vincent's final act all the more poignant.

Duchess watching Robin with Peter and Lucy just about ripped my heart out!

Jo Ann wrote: "I wrote in my review that this story got me right in the gut, so on that Charlene and I agree!! Yes, there is a lot of sadness but also so much love and loyalty.

The author makes the characters j..."

Agree with all your points, JoAnn! Learning that Vincent was the father brought everything together and made sense of what he did at every step, really. Yes, that scene with Duchess watching Robin was really difficult...sad to think that he probably won't remember her very well, but I guess it was the right thing.

I think the thing that really got me was the sense that so many were robbed of happy lives by one really unfortunate incident. None of them really lived after that - they never fulfilled their potential.

Totally agree with you. This was so sad. I had thought at one time that he might be the father but couldn’t figure out how and discarded that theory. When the whole thing comes together, it just added to the tragedy of the story.

I finally finished this one. This is a powerful story, but I didn't love it like most of you. Cindy you are right one event can change people's lives, and that is definitely the theme here.

I couldn't wrap my head around a 15 year old Vincent sentenced to an adult, male prison. As far as I know that doesn't happen in the U.S. even when a juvenile is tried as an adult. Then we have the 30 year sentenced again that wouldn't happen if he were in juvenile detention. If he weren't in the adult prison, he would have counseling to help him transition back into life. I used to substitute teach at a juvenile detention center. Some of the boys and girls were headed to hardcore criminals, but most had potential. Vincent had potential.

I hated that Robin lost his bio sister, although at some point he will get in touch when he gets his inheritance. Regardless of what happened, he deserves to know her. More than any other scene, and there were several, Duchess looking through that window tore me up.

I have the book from the library; should I read it, do you recommend?

Definitely!!

It is so good.

Charlene wrote: "I have the book from the library; should I read it, do you recommend?"

It is a moving story. Personally I found that it is very sad, and it doesn't have to be that sad. After doing a little research, I found that the author is British. My guess is he doesn't know the criminal justice system here.