2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Sam and Robin have some time alone together in that hotel room and things get tense. Sam still isn’t sure he can trust Robin and Robin knows it. However, after they get to talking, it becomes clear that the two have common experiences from their childhood. Which of Sam’s insights might be the most helpful for Robin? Did they find a good place in their relationship or will Sam always be a bit wary of Robin? Did he learn anything new that was helpful?

I think Sam learned that he and Robin actually have some things in common with both of them having parents with drinking problems. I think Sam now realizes that Robin is serious about Jules and will go out of his way not to hurt him.

Sam was more understanding after this conversation, but I don't think that he trusts Robin until the very last moments before the wedding when Robin literally climbed through a wall to get to Jules. It takes a lot for Sam to trust because of his own issues.

I'm between Robin (real person) and Lauren. I feel like Sam was leaning toward trusting Robin (fictional person) after this conversation, but he was going to test him a little more. By the end, Sam was convinced that Robin and Jules were good for each other.

Sam changed a lot in this book.

Sam clearly wasn’t trusting Robin, a lot of it based on his own history with an alcoholic parent. He’s also very protective of Jules. I loved the honesty of their discussion though, even if it was hard on both of them. But it was Sam’s recommendation that Robin share with Jules the abuse he experienced as a child at the hands of this mother that offered the best insight. It wasn’t just that experience but the underlying reasons why he was afraid to tell him.

Who knew Sam was so insightful?

Yeah who knew? Sam surprised me, in a good way, in this story.

Me, too!

Jonetta wrote: "Who knew Sam was so insightful?"

On the surface, it seems that Sam's sensitivity is out of place, but thinking about his relationship with his family, he has always been more insightful than meets the eye.

That’s a great point! He also had a wonderful surrogate father and family.

Sam's history and first-hand knowledge of his mother's alcoholism fuels his distrust of Robin. He knows what it is to live with an alcoholic and understands that they often slip back into old patterns. I love Sam's protectiveness of Jules - what a friend! - and I liked the scene between Sam & Robin as they both laid their cards on the table. I also agree that it took Robin clawing himself out of that bathroom to get to Jules to finally vanquish the last of Sam's concern.