Welcome to the first discussion of One Summer by David Baldacci. Wow, I've read one other book by Baldacci (Absolute Truth) and really wasn't prepared for the emotional heart tugging the first part of this book brought. Yeah, I was laying on the couch sobbing my eyes out.
I think the writing style hurries through that sadness, but it's still plain sad! The writing does bug me a bit. I don't know if I just haven't found the right voice in my head to read this or I just don't like the perspective or what. But something bugs me about the writing. Not enough to say, ZOMG I HATE THIS BOOK. But enough for me to hold some reservations.
I feel so bad for the kids. I mean, to have to prepare yourself for your father's death and then BAM, your mother is gone and your dad should be following suit pretty fast. Shipped off to different relatives and then BAM, dad is getting better. I can't even imagine. I have two friends who were orphaned by the by 9th/10th grade. Their mom died from cancer in 1996 and then in 1998 their dad died from cancer. I cannot imagine how difficult it has been for them. They had to uproot and move and were kept together, but still. I cannot imagine.
1. Who do you think is most affected by Lizzie's death? Why?
2. What do you think of Jack's idea to take back his family and then uprooting them to South Carolina?
3. How did you experience the book? Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to
"get into it"? How did you feel reading it—amused, sad, disturbed, confused, bored...?
4. Are the characters convincing? Do they come alive for you? How would you describe them — as sympathetic, likeable, thoughtful, intelligent, innocent, naive, strong or weak? Something else?
5. And in a light-hearted Jezebel attempt, what did you eat or drink while reading the beginning? ;)
The next discussion will be on June 29th and focus on chapter 24-end with whole book stuff throwin in. ;) Thanks for joining!
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