2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

We learn that Thea and Liv’s parents weren’t the greatest role models for them with respect to relationships. Their father was a serial cheater with several marriages and their mother made excuses for him until he left them. How were they impacted? Were they being fair in their assessment of their mother or judging her too harshly?

It has to impact the children when a parent doesn't give them any attention. Their father found it easier to walk away than give his daughters time.

Their mother trapped their father by getting pregnant then she was bitter because he resented it. It was a sad home life as essentially, they didn't have an adult to raise them.

I blame their mother for setting Thea up to fail. She told her too many times that she trapped Gavin in the relationship. I blame both of their parents for not parenting at all.

It’s a wonder Thea turned out to be as well adjusted as she is. Her mother’s desire to see her marriage fail as hers had was heartbreaking…just to make herself not be wrong.

It’s sad that Thea and Liv’s father punished them for their mother’s deed. He’s a lousy father and knows it. He may have regrets but he’s done nothing to create relationships with them as adults.

I thought the author did a great job of presenting a dysfunctional family relationship absent physical abuse but severe emotional damage. I do think Thea and Liv judged their mother too harshly as kids rarely know (nor should they) all that goes on in a marriage. They needed to stay out of it. Unfortunately, both women were left feeling like they didn’t deserve to be loved.