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• I don't know the dates but I asked a question about books set in Canada a while back and got these responses: "The Birth House" by Ami McKay, Cape Random, Waiting for Time, Crow Lake. (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 05:37:42 01/04/12 Wed
  • Thanks, Mary. I remember "Cape Random" and "Crow Lake" .... don't recall when they were discussed. I've been scouring the archives, emails, computer files, etc. We have an impressive list! (NT) -- PeggyB, 06:53:18 01/04/12 Wed
    • Just re-searched my email using a different search term and found more books. Still lacking for 2007. (NT) -- PeggyB (), 07:35:18 01/04/12 Wed
  • 'Waiting for Time' and 'The Birth House' were suggestions for discussion that didn't happen. (NT) -- Densie, 09:07:05 01/04/12 Wed
• We also read 'The Granny' and 'The Chisellers' by O'Carroll and all 4 books of the Twilight series, plus 'The Host'. I checked my personal library shelves and didn't see anything else that I've purchased for book discussions but maybe had library copies of a few. I participated in almost every discussion and nothing else is ringing a bell! (NT) -- Denise, 09:04:33 01/04/12 Wed
  • We didn't do 'Twilight' on this board, did we? Did you all maybe read them on the SAD board? (NT) -- celtgirl (), 09:08:27 01/04/12 Wed
    • Yes, the Twilight series, Host, and the Harry Potter discussions, I believe, were all on the SAD board. I have been debating whether to include them in the chronicle (perhaps with a footnote?). (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:10:57 01/04/12 Wed
      • It wasn't called the SAD board, I don't remember what it was called, but I think it's worth noting those books as part of our group discussions. (NT) -- Denise, 09:13:32 01/04/12 Wed
        • It started as the Twilight Board, but the name was changed to reflect the broader discussions that go beyond Meyers' books. (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:15:13 01/04/12 Wed
          • Sallie didn't know what she was starting when she asked for a board on which to discuss Twilight! (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:46:12 01/04/12 Wed
      • This could explain the 2007 gap, the Twilight board was created in May 2007; we discussed Breaking Dawn in 2008, so perhaps 2007 was largely the Twilight series. (NT) -- PeggyB, 12:04:27 01/04/12 Wed
        • I seem to recall some overlap between the two boards, but then due to the difficulty of keeping both discussions running simultaneously, I think we stuck with the Twilight series. (NT) -- Denise, 15:35:28 01/04/12 Wed
          • OK, then I may have them all. I know there was a marathon of all of the HP books prior to the release of the final book, but not sure I should include it. We have an awesome list as it is! (NT) -- PeggyB, 15:55:20 01/04/12 Wed
  • Do you know in what year(s) Granny and Chisellers were discussed? (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:14:17 01/04/12 Wed
    • They were read following 'The Mammy', taking about a week for each book. (NT) -- Denise, 09:22:10 01/04/12 Wed
• Before heading to Ireland we re-read EU and Mermaid, having read them each once before, I think. Maybe EU twice before (first time, then again before the release of Mermaid)? (NT) -- Denise, 09:11:33 01/04/12 Wed
  • I think you're right- I think we've done EU three times, and 'Mermaid' twice. (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:25:10 01/04/12 Wed
    • Yeah, I'm sure that's right. (NT) -- Denise, 09:55:26 01/04/12 Wed
      • We did 'Mermaid' in 2007 when it came out. (NT) -- celtgirl, 10:03:28 01/04/12 Wed
        • So 2006 - EU. 2007 - EU, then Mermaid, 2009 EU and Mermaid again before Ireland. Get that, Peggy??? (NT) -- Denise, 10:10:23 01/04/12 Wed
        • That's right, that is why we did EU again in 2007. Thanks! (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:11:51 01/04/12 Wed
• We've read all the Lymond books, the first two Niccolos and 'The Children's Book' by A.S. Byatt. We also did 'Mists of Avalon' some time back. (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:22:26 01/04/12 Wed
  • Scroll to the bottom and you'll see what Peggy has compiled so far. Other than my suggestions above, I can't think of anything else but maybe you can. (NT) -- Denise, 09:43:47 01/04/12 Wed
    • No, I have editing brain right now, which means my grey matter feels like it's the consistency of overcooked oats. I doubt I can think of anything you ladies haven't already come up with. (NT) -- celtgirl (), 10:04:46 01/04/12 Wed
• Did we ever discuss Wuthering Heights??? I thought we had, but perhaps not. (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:48:28 01/04/12 Wed
  • You know that rings a bell for me too, Peggy. Did we mention dicussing it, but then didn't maybe? (NT) -- celtgirl, 10:51:35 01/04/12 Wed
    • Wish I had kept better records, once I returned to work in 2008 all bets were off. (NT) -- PeggyB, 11:01:39 01/04/12 Wed
  • No, I don't think so. I think you might have posted a few comments of your own, answered by Cindy and maybe someone else, but I'm rather sure we didn't have a formal discussion of WH (I didn't participate in one, and I've been involved in almost all discussions). (NT) -- Denise, 11:16:50 01/04/12 Wed
• THANKS ALL! I think we have completed the list, very impressive and diverse! (NT) -- PeggyB, 20:20:17 01/04/12 Wed
  • Thanks so much, Peggy - that's quite a list! It's nice to see all the ground we've covered over the years. (NT) -- E, 14:31:47 01/05/12 Thu

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• I'll start with Flights of Angels by Cindy Brandner. I'd also like to include #3 in the Niccolo series - Race of Scorpions by Dorothy Dunnett. Another I think might be interesting for a shorter discussion would be The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It's got some interesting aspects to discuss, but not too detailed for a shorter discussion. A book that was on our radar in the past and I'd still like to read is These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner. It's setting (Arizona Territory) and story of a strong woman sound interesting to me (although I have not read it yet). (NT) -- Lil, 11:13:23 12/29/11 Thu
  • I like the idea of Angels, Scorpians, and Hunger Games (especially as I haven't read Hunger Games and it is coming out as a movie). I have been kind of interested in introducing more of the group to the Kushiel series, but looks like we may easily have a full plate! (NT) -- PeggyB, 18:45:46 12/29/11 Thu
• Oh goodness, I have quite the list! 'Angels', and 'Race of Scorpions' are no brainers. Sarah Dunant's 'In the Company of the Courtesan' (by same author as 'Birth of Venus' and very good, I recall, and not too long) and Cindy and I discussed reading 'Dr. Zhivago' - of particular interest since we know some of her next book takes place in Russia. Two books I haven't read yet but am I'm interested in reading are 'The Paris Wife' by Paula McLain about Ernest Hemingway and his wife during the time they lived in Paris, and 'The Reliable Wife' by Robert Goolrick, a historical thriller. There's more, but that's a start! (NT) -- Denise, 11:41:30 12/29/11 Thu
  • BTW, there are discussion questions available for 'The Paris Wife', 'The Reliable Wife' and 'In the Company of the Courtesan' (Dr. Zhivago too) if we want to make life easier :) (NT) -- Denise, 12:45:35 12/29/11 Thu
• I'd love to see us do 'The Orphan Tales: In the Night Garden' by Catherynne Valente. Her prose is so different and beautiful and the premise is quite wonderful, it's a modern re-telling of the 'Arabian Nights'. She's in my top five writers of all time now. I will echo Denise's suggestion of 'Dr. Zhivago' though it's a biggish novel that would require time, so maybe we need to wait on that one. (NT) -- celtgirl (), 12:56:33 12/29/11 Thu
• Goodreads best fiction for this year was 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth. Similar to Hunger Games? Not sure, but might be worth a look. (NT) -- Denise, 19:11:22 12/29/11 Thu
• 'Angels' and 'Orphan Tales' for sure. Am finishing up 'The Silence of Trees' and finding it absorbing and interesting. It's not long, so it might be a good one to use as a 'filler.' Will let you know more about it when I'm done. Guess, in the future, I won't be able to participate after mid-November. I should have known this before starting to take part in the last book discussion, sorry. New year's resolution is to be a more regular participant in the discussions! (NT) -- E, 12:24:02 12/30/11 Fri
• I would personally like to start reading at least one "classic" each year. I haven't read any Jane Austen and need to remedy that. Any interest in adding an Austen book into the list for 2012? (NT) -- PeggyB, 16:32:38 12/30/11 Fri
  • I think Dr. Zhivago would be considered a classic *g*. Austen would be good too. I haven't actually read many, just familiar with her work through the many movie versions. (NT) -- Denise, 19:15:44 12/30/11 Fri
    • Zhivago might be a little daunting for some folks. Not wanting to discourage anyone, just thought it was worth mentioning. There are a number of other Russian novels out there that might be interesting. Nicholas and Alexandra, Madonnas of Leningrad come to mind. Maybe Requiem for a Lost Empire, have been interested in that one for some time but never read it. (NT) -- E, 08:34:12 01/02/12 Mon
      • I haven't read Dr. Zhivago, but I can imagine the plethora of foreign names alone would be intimidating. (NT) -- Denise, 16:25:06 01/02/12 Mon
        • It's probably not any worse than Anna Karenina, but it might be enough to put some people off. (NT) -- E, 16:35:27 01/02/12 Mon
          • Well, hopefully people won't have too much trouble with the Russian names in my books- as I used them as they would in Russia. (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:44:19 01/02/12 Mon
            • I'm sure all your characters will become part of our vocabulary, Cindy! I was referring to some/most of those older novels originally written in Russian which seem to have casts of thousands. (NT) -- E, 06:49:02 01/03/12 Tue
              • Oh, I know. I think because I took Russian Lit. in college, I don't find it too bad, but I certainly understand what you are saying. We had to address each other by our Russian names, which was hard at first, but it was a brilliant stroke on the teacher's part, because the naming in the books became much easier. I've read Zhivago, but now I have the latest translation by Pevear/Volokhonsky and it's a very lucid translation, easier than the older ones to understand and really bringing the beauty of the book up to the surface. (NT) -- celtgirl (), 07:05:41 01/03/12 Tue
                • I guess making sure we all had the same translation would complicate matters considerably! I know the copy of 'Dr Zhivago' I own is very old, and at the moment, I can't say who translated it. (NT) -- Denise, 09:41:32 01/03/12 Tue
                  • Trying to think if I've ever read anything translated, especially from Russian. I have had intentions of reading Hugo (particularly after my last trip to France), but haven't followed through. I did "recently" read the new Beowulf (Seamus Heaney). (NT) -- PeggyB, 11:33:12 01/03/12 Tue
                • I did a little reading about Dr. Zhivago, as I've never read it, and it seems the translations can be a challenge. So finding a better one would be good if we choose it. I'll be sure to note this translation on the list of choices for voting. :-) (NT) -- Lil, 14:33:59 01/03/12 Tue
• I was just reviewing the archives and reminded of a book I recommended last year:

  Under Heaven by Canadian author Guy Gavriel Kay. It is a historical (or perhaps alternate historical) novel set in ancient China. (NT) -- PeggyB, 18:06:40 01/03/12 Tue

  • Under Heaven is meaty enough for discussion, and has a spiritual angle that I think would appeal to the group. If not this year, perhaps next. (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:17:52 01/04/12 Wed
• When is "Angels" projected to be out? Personally, I would like to reread the previous books in anticipation. (NT) -- PeggyB, 18:40:14 01/03/12 Tue
  • I think Cindy has said March 17th will be the publication date. (NT) -- Denise, 20:21:30 01/03/12 Tue
    • That's right. Time's a wastin' (NT) -- PeggyB, 20:46:01 01/03/12 Tue
• I'm wanting to read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and Divergent (recommended above). I've read Hunger Games and These is my words - both are very good and I'd be happy to re-read with a group! (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 05:40:56 01/04/12 Wed

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• 1. Yes, I definitely think that amount was perfect, more is too much and as you know it's hard to keep our numbers steady. So I think the less pressure we have to move onto the next book, the better. 2. I think it works well both ways, I don't know about the rest of you, but I have a hard time coming up with questions sometimes. 3. I think that works well. I will say if you are planning on doing 'Angels' it may need about six weeks, rather than a month as it's going to fall somewhere in the 700 page range. It's slightly smaller than 'Mermaid' but not by much. (NT) -- celtgirl, 11:18:14 12/27/11 Tue
  • I think 6 weeks is a fair amount of time. If we have one or two at that "length" then have others that are shorter, we should be okay. (NT) -- Lil, 11:22:38 12/28/11 Wed
    • I was really (really!!) hoping to do two Niccolo books this year, so maybe three longer discussions could be considered????? (NT) -- Denise, 11:32:49 12/28/11 Wed
      • BTW- I want to be clear that there is no expectation on my part of people here wanting to discuss my new book. I know some would like to, but if it doesn't get the needed votes etc. to be one of the picks then I am fine with that. (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:11:18 12/28/11 Wed
        • Don't be ridiculous *g* - of course we'll want to discuss 'Angels'! (NT) -- Denise, 16:59:50 12/28/11 Wed
        • I agree with Denise - its a given! Now its just trying find the right time to fit it in the year. Want to make sure everyone has a copy before we get started. :-) (NT) -- Lil, 18:54:44 12/28/11 Wed
        • Of course we will do Angels!!!! Can't wait! (NT) -- PeggyB, 22:18:35 12/28/11 Wed
      • I understand the desire to do two Niccolo books, but from a coordinators POV it's a lot to do. Honestly having people commit to chapters and discussion for 6 weeks is a lot. (NT) -- Lil, 14:05:58 12/28/11 Wed
        • I want to clarify that if we do one Niccolo book and Angels that would be acceptable, but throwing a third long book that would require the detail DD requires would be asking a lot of our small group. (NT) -- Lil, 14:25:02 12/28/11 Wed
          • I can see your point, it was just me being selfish and wanting the help of the group to muddle through DD's detailed writing! I should convince myself to read the books on my own to the end, and then enjoy the discussions here when they happen. That's what I did with Lymond, I can do it again! (NT) -- Denise, 17:02:36 12/28/11 Wed
            • I did the same with Lymond, but I do value the input of this group when it comes to the nuances of DD. I know I miss a lot! :-) And btw, not selfish at all. :-) (NT) -- Lil, 18:53:11 12/28/11 Wed
• My big regret is not being able to keep up with the group. 2011 was a heck of a year, and I didn't get nearly as much reading done as I would have liked. (NT) -- PeggyB, 12:30:20 12/27/11 Tue
  • I think many of us had challenges that we faced in 2011 and sometimes prioritizing reading is a problem. That's why I wanted some input on how we go forward in 2012. This BDB is ours as a group and it won't function if we make it difficult for people to be involved. So maybe we do more books with outside questions? Shorten the amount of time on some? Read less books? Its really up to us to decide. So think about the questions and let me know what you think. We'll figure it out and there should be no regrets on anyone's part. Life happens, right? :-) (NT) -- Lil, 11:27:13 12/28/11 Wed
• 1. Number of books seemed good to me. 2. Thank-you for taking charge of the 'open' discussions, and using outside questions is no problem as far as I'm concerned (easier is good, and I also have problems coming up with questions). 3. Length works too, and with some of the books as shorter discussions it left more 'free' time for personal reading which was nice. (NT) -- Denise, 13:48:27 12/27/11 Tue
  • I like the idea of more "free" time for personal reading. Maybe doing more with outside questions (they usually average about 10 -15 questions) will shorten the discussion time on some of the books. Of course, this approach allows for spoilers and assumes that people will read the book before the discussion. (NT) -- Lil, 11:30:04 12/28/11 Wed
• I haven't participated but I do want to try in 2012! I wound up reading some of the books you discussed months later and went back to read what you all thought, how lame am I?! As the latecomer, I don't have anything to suggest about changes, I'll go along with the other folks opinions. (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 08:04:04 12/28/11 Wed
  • Hi Mary! going back and reading what we said is not lame at all. It's part of the dynamic of being online. :-) We will be very happy to have you next year. Feel free to join in as you can. I'll be requesting book recommendations soon, so if you have any books you like to recommend keep a list handy. :-) (NT) -- Lil, 11:21:17 12/28/11 Wed
    • After I finished Room finally, I jumped over here and was thinking about posting a question but figured it would be lost at the bottom of the page... What is the "protocol" for that kind of follow-up question? I didn't want to start a new post since you were doing a new book. I was thinking about putting it on the Pub but inside the message so it wouldn't take up space... (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 06:38:19 12/29/11 Thu
      • I don't think we have a protocol *g*, but you could leave a message on the current thread (maybe bold the beginning to highlight that it belongs to previous book discussion) and make a post in the pub that the question has been posted on the BDB. I think that should work. (NT) -- Denise, 09:53:03 12/29/11 Thu
      • No protocol - just give us a heads up if you've posted on something that we've moved on from. Just hijack us! We don't mind! :-) (NT) -- Lil, 10:56:44 12/29/11 Thu
  • It would be wonderful if you joined our discussions! We could certainly use more participants and the new viewpoints they bring. (NT) -- Denise, 19:14:24 12/28/11 Wed
• 1. I'll go along with others. 2. I like the idea of open with questions when possible. 3. I'll go with others on this. 4. :) just a question... I sometimes have time to start reading and participate but then at times life happens and I'm unable to either partially or fully participate in the discussions. At one point I know that wasn't welcomed but am wondering if that could be revisited and perhaps I, or anyone, could join or leave at anytime? Just a thought. (NT) -- Tracy, 20:03:47 12/28/11 Wed
  • I don't remember when casual visits were unwelcome - really? We've had ladies visit the BDB throughout the year and I'm sure those of us who regularly participate would love to have new people bring their point of view to a discussion, even it means an occassional visit. I've participated in all the discussions of 2011, but not full-time as I've been travelling and out of touch often. Join the discussions when you can, I'm sure that's fine. (NT) -- Denise, 20:25:28 12/28/11 Wed
    • Ditto what Denise said. People come and go all the time in the discussions (raising my hand in the back corner). I know, especially the Nicollo books, I started with great intentions but life got in the way of finishing. (NT) -- PeggyB, 22:22:05 12/28/11 Wed
  • Tracy - I am sorry you felt that your coming and going in a discussion was frowned upon and I hope I never gave that impression. I have always tried encourage as many people to be involved. I think there were times when, in our original detailed format, that we'd start strong and then by the end those people who were writing out their summaries and questions were sort of talking to themselves as people fell out of the discussion. That can be discouraging when you are doing the summaries, but I think that's the negative aspect of those detailed summaries. You (and anyone else) are welcome to join in as you can. We love to have more people share their thoughts on the books. :-) (NT) -- Lil, 08:39:32 12/29/11 Thu
    • OK! :) (NT) -- Tracy, 13:20:14 12/29/11 Thu
• It was a good year for book discussions! I apologize for not being able to take part in each one, though. The plan is to do a better job in 2012! I think everybody should feel welcome and free to take part in any portion of any discussion. Everybody's time is so limited these days, and I certainly don't mind if someone must drop out. Lord knows I've had to more than once. Nalana, thank you so much for all you do to keep us on track! (NT) -- E, 12:28:08 12/30/11 Fri

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• 1. I think Ruth meant that she knew Henry had been changed and wasn't her original Henry, but that she was alright with that. I think Tess always knew there was something different about him too. 2. Bill seemed to know all along that Henry wasn't his true son, and after he caught a glimpse of Aniday on the lawn, that was it for him. I think it drove him a little mad. It seemed as as the Gustav/Henry almost suited Ruth better than her natural son did. (NT) -- cg, 14:51:05 12/20/11 Tue
  • And that s/b 'as if the Gustav/Henry'. Yeesh. (NT) -- cg, 16:11:16 12/20/11 Tue
  • I agree with you on this. She seems to be very pleased with the child she's given and accepts him for all of his special talents, that maybe she wasn't seeing in the original Henry. (NT) -- Lil, 16:33:01 12/20/11 Tue
  • Ruth is being a mom, even if she might think Henry isn't her own, she is still playing the role of mother and taking care of a what she feels is a child deserving of love and attention. (NT) -- Denise, 18:35:41 12/20/11 Tue
    • If she always knew though, and she says she did, why did it not bother her the way it did Henry's father? To me it seems she was alright with the change. (NT) -- cg, 18:58:10 12/20/11 Tue
      • It doesn't make a lot of sense, does it? I don't recall if I thought she was simple, but she does move on rather easily, doesn't she? (NT) -- Denise, 21:55:36 12/20/11 Tue
• 3. I believed Speck left because the changeling world was coming apart and she wanted a new start elsewhere, it was, I think for her, simply time to go. I believed she left the map so that Aniday could follow her if he wanted to. Or he could try to steal back his life as Henry, she was giving him a choice by leaving without him. I do think that Aniday found her. (NT) -- cg, 14:54:07 12/20/11 Tue
  • I do agree that Speck was leaving a trail for Aniday to follow, if he so chose, and yes, he finds her. I needed that happy thought at the end of the book :) (NT) -- Denise, 18:41:45 12/20/11 Tue
• 4. Yes, I think it's a fairy tale for adults- it certainly had that dark feel to it. I'm not sure there's a moral, or if there is my head can't suss it out right now. Maybe it's that life itself is a stolen moment, and so we need to live it as best we can. They are both stolen children in the end. Henry is forever haunted by the fact that he took Aniday's rightful life, and Aniday is haunted by the life he never had a chance to live. We are all stolen children in the end, I think, stolen in a variety of ways, by time and circumstance, by the choices we make and the things we do which go against our own nature, wants and desires, and be the things and people we lose along the way. We steal our own child from within ourselves and call it being an adult. (NT) -- cg, 15:32:12 12/20/11 Tue
  • That s/b 'by the things we lose'. I need to log back in so I can edit once again. (NT) -- cg, 15:33:24 12/20/11 Tue
• . For all your hard work with this book and all the other throughout the year. I didn't take part all that much this year, but I certainly enjoyed participating when I could and at least I got my book finished finally. (NT) -- cg, 16:13:51 12/20/11 Tue
  • I had a Thank you, Nalana! in front of that post above. Not sure where it went to. Maybe the fairies thieved it. (NT) -- cg, 16:15:03 12/20/11 Tue
    • You are welcome! I hope you'll be able to be involved more next year...maybe your book can be on our list for 2012? :-) (NT) -- Lil, 16:27:42 12/20/11 Tue
      • Absolutely, if everyone is interested in discussing it. :) (NT) -- cg, 16:53:45 12/20/11 Tue
        • Well, duh, of course we will! :-) What's an estimated release date?? (NT) -- Lil, 17:38:34 12/20/11 Tue
          • March 17th- we gave ourselves plenty of room with time, for any snafus that might crop up. I talked to the remaining two editors and Gavin about the cover and deadlines, so it should all come together in mid-January and then we start the process with the printers. Mind you, I still have to write the back cover blurb....sigh, my least favourite thing in the whole process. (NT) -- cg, 18:08:42 12/20/11 Tue
            • Yeahhhhhh! A fitting celebration for St. Paddy's Day! (NT) -- Denise, 18:32:38 12/20/11 Tue
            • I remember you saying that....CRS setting in. Lol! (NT) -- Lil, 20:04:35 12/20/11 Tue
    • Yes, absolutely Thank you, Nalana - superb job again. I've already started a list of books I'd like to discuss next year *g*. (NT) -- Denise, 18:44:41 12/20/11 Tue
      • Thank you, Denise!! I'm going to address next years list starting next week. (NT) -- Lil, 20:05:56 12/20/11 Tue
  •   I was just coming to thank Nalana for all of her hard work on this board again this year, thank you so much!!! (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:08:23 12/21/11 Wed
• 3. I think there is a sense of hope for the future when it comes to Speck. Specifically when she leaves the map in plain sight, but doesn't hand it over to Aniday. I think she hopes he'll find it and come find her, but only if he's looking beyond his own place in time/space. I think he finds her and they somehow live a happy life with each other. (NT) -- Lil, 16:31:03 12/20/11 Tue
• 2. In addition to knowing Henry wasn't his true son, I think he realized that Henry wasn't even attached to him - they weren't just "not related", the new Henry was cut from a different cloth than the blue collar Bill Day. I think that disturbed him daily and then seeing Aniday threw him right over the edge. (NT) -- Lil, 16:35:51 12/20/11 Tue
  • How strange and sad for Henry's dad to know he no longer has a son of his blood but this stranger in his place. (NT) -- Denise, 18:38:47 12/20/11 Tue
  • I agree there really was no "connection" between "new" Henry and his "dad." (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:09:49 12/21/11 Wed
• Cindy recommended this book to me when I asked about changelings. As everyone knows, I am adopted, my parents never had any children of their own. My mom and I were very close, dad always seemed somehow separate from the rest of the family. I don't know if it would have been different if he had "natural" children, or if that was just his nature. I know he loved me, but we never had a close relationship. My mom tried to support my interests, like Henry's mom did with his music, but my dad didn't get involved. Perhaps that is one reason this book really stuck with me and I wanted to share it with the rest of the group. (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:15:30 12/21/11 Wed
  • It was a great recommendation by both you and Cindy. I really enjoyed it and will recommend it to others. (NT) -- Lil, 14:26:30 12/21/11 Wed

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• 1. I really believed the symphony was his way of trying to make amends and give voice to the changelings and the changeling experience. I think Henry had an unfinished symphony inside of him from when he was Gustav, essentially the music was trapped, and the changeling experience and all the transformations allowed him to give release to that music. (NT) -- cg, 11:28:00 12/17/11 Sat
• I think both Henry and Aniday are trying to make sense of the lives that they've had, forced from childhood by the changelings and living something other than what would have been. Music for Henry and written words for Aniday are a source of comfort and form of expression, and through these means they can find solace, and yes, redemption. (NT) -- Denise, 09:40:24 12/19/11 Mon

Borrowed this picture from http://kateey.deviantart.com/

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• 1. I really enjoyed the way this book was written in how the story timelines related to each other. Seeing the capture/loss of little Oscar from both sides was one scene that stands out to me. 2. Okay, this part in the book - the watches all being a different time - creeped me out. I couldn't understand why this would be. Does anyone have a thought on this? I think both Henry and Aniday have difficulty with the concept of time and its passage because their experience as changelings. I think being in place where time seems to pass differently gives you a different perspective and really makes understanding where you are in the 'present' or how much time has passed a challenge. (NT) -- Lil, 22:12:30 12/15/11 Thu
  • I agree, Nalana. Also, for Aniday time has slowed down from when he was human, for Henry it has speeded up considerably now that he is human once again, and you could argue he never really existed in what we would consider normal human time anyway, as he was an idiot-savant. I always think of time as inconstant in most fairy tales anyway, like it's fractured and so you can't move back and forth through it in a straight line, therefore it can't be the same for any two beings. In a way it's not the same for any of us living in this world anyway. (NT) -- cg, 07:35:28 12/16/11 Fri
• 2. The synchronizing of the watches. Thought about it a lot, the only explanation I can think of is perhaps it was proximity to where the changling tribe was living, could there be some strange time vortex around them? (NT) -- PeggyB, 08:10:14 12/16/11 Fri
• #2. I really thought it was just a metaphor for how meaningless time would be if you lived forever. (NT) -- cg, 09:24:48 12/16/11 Fri
  • That's a great insight. I missed it, I think, because I was so caught up in the story and wondering what was going to happen with Oscar. (NT) -- Lil, 09:00:42 12/17/11 Sat

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• True confession time. The first time I read this book, I initially thought the alternating chapters were the same character in different times, one after returning to the human world, one when he lived with the changeling tribe. I can't recall what made me realize I had misunderstood, but I had to go back and reread the beginning. Curious if anyone else had this problem. (NT) -- PeggyB, 07:03:27 12/10/11 Sat
  • If you look at the chapter title pages you'll see the ones written as Aniday have a little tree symbol at the start. At least my copy of the book has this. I think I caught on to the alternating chapters pretty quickly, but not the tree symbol at first. In one book I recently read, maybe 'Sarah's Key', the author used bold print for chapters written in the voice of a character in the past, and regular print for the present-day character (or vice versa). That looked a bit different but made the intent clear. (NT) -- Denise, 10:29:16 12/10/11 Sat
• I can't really think of an answer to the question but I did note all the paired characters. Maybe the author is stressing the significance of the changeling and human, and keeps driving home the idea of this twosome by presenting other forms of pairs?? (NT) -- Denise, 11:48:50 12/10/11 Sat
• I thought it was a sort of doppelganger thing- two halves in a way of the same whole and neither ever entirely comfortable in the skin they inhabit- with the changelings and the humans that is. (NT) -- celtgirl, 11:50:30 12/10/11 Sat
  • I find the doppelganger concept both intriguing and creepy. Do you watch "Fringe?" (NT) -- PeggyB, 13:08:52 12/10/11 Sat
    • No, but Pat tries to catch it whenever he can. Did they have a doppelganger episode? It kind of creeps me out too, I really don't ever want to run into mine, if she exists out there somewhere. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:39:05 12/10/11 Sat
      • The past couple of seasons have been all about a parallel reality, plenty of doppelgangers. Honestly, I missed so many episodes, I don't really know exactly what's going on. Justin keeps up with it though. (NT) -- PeggyB, 19:10:48 12/10/11 Sat

It appears that fairy women all over Ireland find birth a difficult experience. Many fairy children die before birth and those that do survive are often stunted or deformed creatures. The adult fairies, who are aesthetic beings, are repelled by these infants and have no wish to keep them. They will try to swap them with healthy children who they steal from the mortal world. The wizened, ill tempered creature left in place of the human child is generally known as a changeling and possesses the power to work evil in a household.
Found this picture and story at http://thefae.tumblr.com/

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• Q1. As I mentioned below, I felt that opening quote "warns" the reader that these "fairies" are not the Tinkerbell variety, but much darker. I think is also expresses the Changling Henry's disdain for his "fairy" life. He certainly tries to remember his first life in Germany. (NT) -- PeggyB, 06:24:29 12/07/11 Wed
• I think both Henry and Aniday try to reconnect with their past because it is a part of who they are, and a part that they could have maintained had they not been taken by the changelings. They've both been wronged when children, taken against their will, and are interested to know what could have been. The other changelings don't recommend delving into the past, they think it best to leave it alone, but I think it's quite normal to want to know what your life might have been, or how the changeling has assumed your life. (NT) -- Denise, 10:57:58 12/07/11 Wed
  • Been thinking about this a lot. I have some thoughts....
    --Anniday is the newest changeling, perhaps his thoughts are actually common to all new changelings.
    --The changeling tribe lives close to where Anniday lived his human childhood...that proximity to familiar surroundings likely triggers memories for him.
    --This kind of connection to an earlier life is a common human experience, I've discussed in on the Kitchen board, "you can't go home again" is a common quote (Thomas Wolfe) that refers to the desire to revisit earlier life and the reality that you can't go back. (NT) -- PeggyB, 07:47:06 12/08/11 Thu
    • all really good points, Peggy. I also considered the fact that with so many of them (around a dozen) in the same hidey-hole, that this has been happening in this town/area for a while. There has to be a connection for all of them in some way, although as the world moves on (new buildings, cars, roads, etc) there must be an unfamiliarity that makes it hard to remember their past. As well as the magical aspect of becoming a changeling eliminating some of their memory. There's definitely a strong sense of nostalgia and the need for closure for both Henry and Aniday. (NT) -- Lil, 11:27:39 12/08/11 Thu
• Q1 & 2- I've read this book twice now. The first time was a few years back, shortly after it had come out. It's haunted me both times. I'm glad my children aren't small anymore. :) Anyway, I think being a changeling is a bit like being in purgatory, you're really neither here nor there. I can see why most of them would choose to forget who they were before they became changelings, because that would just be setting yourself up for pain. I did wonder why Henry had such strong connections to his memories of Gustav, as Gustav was an idiot savant. Or maybe this was Gustav's chance to bring his music out of the shadows so to speak. For Aniday, he had been happy in his life as a boy, and they still lived so close to where his actual family was that I would think the very landscape would keep the memories there for him. (NT) -- cg, 12:55:32 12/08/11 Thu

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• I told my children that they have to have this poem read at my funeral, which of course they feel is morbid to speak about, but I'm serious, it's one of my favourite poems ever. (NT) -- cg, 07:51:28 12/02/11 Fri
• Goosebumps. I want to heed his advice (because the world really IS full of weeping, more than any of us can fully understand). Cindy, I don't think it's morbid at all. Funerals should be thought of as life-celebrations, and this poem definitely fits you to a T! (NT) -- E, 08:21:11 12/02/11 Fri
  • Sometimes I think of writing as my way of being 'away with the faeries' because I totally leave this world in a way and inhabit another for a stretch of time. Someday they will just come get me, and I'll be off for good. Hopefully they'll take me to Ireland. :) (NT) -- cg, 08:48:56 12/02/11 Fri
    • <3 (NT) -- E, 10:03:18 12/02/11 Fri
• BTW- the first seven lines of the second verse just give me wonderful shivers, they are pure magic to me. (NT) -- cg, 10:42:05 12/02/11 Fri
• I'm pretty dense when it comes to poetry, but is he saying that children should embrace the "magic" of childhood or faery and not try to grow up so fast because the world is full of sadness? Or is he saying that the world steals the childhood ? Or both? (NT) -- Lil, 09:09:08 12/03/11 Sat
  • I think the human child is all humans, not just those that are chronologically children. Because this is Yeats, I think he's sticking close to the Irish fairy traditions. Even adults at this time believe you could be stolen away by the fairies, not just children. There were places you weren't to be after dark, roads you didn't walk, and you dang sure didn't go near a fairy mound after twilight. Yet, one can be haunted by the beauty of the idea of being lured beyond this world into that. I read a book a few years back called 'The Burning of Bridget Cleary' where a man killed his wife because he believe the fairies had possessed her and left him with only her body- she was just very ill at the time. (NT) -- cg, 20:14:25 12/03/11 Sat
    • That s/b 'believed' up there. Also the older you get the more you come to realize how very full of sadness the world is, so the fairies, from their POV are being merciful in leading this human child away from that world into theirs. Sorry if this isn't terribly smart sounding, I've just come back from a long day of Christmas shopping and a rather foggy, harrowing two hour ride home. (NT) -- cg, 20:17:18 12/03/11 Sat
      • Thanks, Cindy. I get what you are saying. I didn't realize that they thought people of any age could be taken by fairies. Talk about walking around suspicious of everyone! (NT) -- Lil, 14:22:05 12/04/11 Sun
• I think the magic of this poem has been tainted a bit by the version of changelings depicted in the book. Some of them are basically 'nice', but the way the changelings steal children is awful, and their habits less than cute I realize they aren't necessarily supposed to be charming little creatures, but there is a sinister attitude shown in this book that I'm not shaking. Silly? (NT) -- Denise, 12:22:42 12/03/11 Sat
  • They aren't supposed to be charming, and you're not silly. This book actually bothered me so much that I had to get up to get water or something and I literally had to run back to the bedroom, feeling like something was right behind me. It really chilled me. (NT) -- cg, 20:09:53 12/03/11 Sat
• Here's Loreena's musical version of this poem, 'tis purely lovely. (NT) -- cg, 20:48:28 12/03/11 Sat
  • just beautiful! (NT) -- Lil, 14:57:53 12/04/11 Sun
  • Goodness, the music and Loreena's voice is beautiful, but the barking dogs that begin and end the piece make it a bit eerie, like they're coming to get you! (NT) -- Denise, 16:02:59 12/04/11 Sun
    • I thought the same thing - especially after reading this book! (NT) -- Lil, 17:40:09 12/05/11 Mon

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• LOVE that picture!!! (NT) -- PeggyB, 15:50:05 12/04/11 Sun
• Q2. I think the way fairies are represented in this book, is close to what the changelings would have been in traditional lore. They were small, sickly, etc. Often people thought they could tell because of the look in their eyes, that their child had been stolen away and replaced by a changeling. Fairies weren't lovely, ethereal creatures in the old lore, it wasn't until the Victorians came along that they became pretty and beautifully coloured etc. The Victorians felt traditional fairies were too frightening for children, so they changed them into something far lighter and sweeter. Originally that's not how they were perceived. (NT) -- cg, 17:22:40 12/04/11 Sun
  • I would just add to this one, that in the old Irish tales I've read, fairies often were mean and very, very easily offended and taking out their anger on humans in a variety of ways. They were also considered to be very tricky. (NT) -- cg, 17:27:36 12/04/11 Sun
    • Every year we go to the Catskills Irish Arts Week, and there is a storyteller there, Bairbre McCarthy. Her stories of fairies and leprechauns usually have a dark side, although she tries to tone it down for the kids. According to her, these little characters take great pleasure in creating problems for humans. (NT) -- E, 07:09:54 12/05/11 Mon
  • I'm sure I'm only familiar with the Victorian to present-day interpretation of fairies, the Tinkerbell sort. The description of changelings is disturbing, but I guess it makes sense. The changeling was traded for a healthy child, so you wouldn't expect them to be hearty and hale. (NT) -- Denise, 18:20:44 12/04/11 Sun
• Q1. Donohue's fairyland is a very sad sort of place. I don't think there's any part of their world that's better- cold, hungry, dirty, feral and always looking in out of the night and cold to what you long for, but cannot have. Living eternally, but to what end? It's sounds a bit hell-ish to me, actually. (NT) -- cg, 17:24:48 12/04/11 Sun
  • The changelings were only waiting for their chance to become human again, so their lives weren't what they wished for, only what was thrust upon them when abducted and transformed. (NT) -- Denise, 18:24:27 12/04/11 Sun
    • I think it would be like a limbo- never knowing when you might find a body- you could be stuck as a changeling for decades. (NT) -- cg, 18:53:43 12/04/11 Sun
      • It didn't seem the life one would chose, under any circumstances. (NT) -- Denise, 20:18:04 12/04/11 Sun
• Q2-ish. I think this is why the book starts out the way it does "Don't call me a fairy. We don't like to be called fairies anymore. Once upon a time, fairy was a perfectly acceptable catchall for a variety of creatures, but now it has taken on too many associations." The changeling accepts that his kind do not fit the contemporary image of "fairies" but would better be called "hobgoblins." (NT) -- PeggyB, 20:37:11 12/04/11 Sun
• Q1) Dononue's fairy world is not the kind of place I'd like to take up residence. It feels dreary, lonely, and bleak the way he wrote it. He did a good job of making it seem kind of ethereal, but I don't think this is what Yeats' faery world was like. (Q2) In all the old fairy and leprechaun/elf stories, they were not usually sweet, adorable creatures. They caused mischief, and sometimes worse. Maybe Donohue wanted us to see fairies as they were originally meant believed to be? (NT) -- E, 07:06:38 12/05/11 Mon
• That is one gorgeous photograph. (NT) -- E, 09:38:43 12/05/11 Mon

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• I guess I can understand the first question since I have often posted of my love of the movie 'The Shawshank Redemption', where hope and perseverance triumphs over adversity. Where the human spirit can remain intact, if damaged, is intriguing and forces me to think of how I would handle any sort of difficult situation, if forced to do so. I think others might do the same sort of soul-searching, and perhaps hope that they, too, could show an inner strength and resolve. (NT) -- Denise, 13:05:06 11/26/11 Sat
• Just learned that "Room" is the #3 most popular book currently in the King County Library System. (NT) -- PeggyB, 07:57:34 11/29/11 Tue
  • It's been very popular around here too. I originally signed up at the library for the book and was about 400 on the list. I eventually got it at the used book sale where I volunteer. I guess I would have been able to read the library copy since I signed up for it in the spring! (NT) -- Denise, 08:51:09 11/29/11 Tue
• I feel like a slug, being this late in responding. You know, that's a great question. I guess confinement represents something static, while freedom is in constant motion always forward. Even Rip Van Winkle - it's just fascinating to learn about someone being almost suspended in time. Remember that awful case of the daughter (and her children) being entrapped in Austria by her horrid father? I don't know why it's so interesting, but it sure is to me. The part of the book that effected me the most was at the beginning when Ma and Jack were making their plan for escape. I got so nervous for Jack's welfare that I had to put the book down for awhile before summoning up the guts to continue reading. (NT) -- E, 08:17:39 12/02/11 Fri

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• Sounds good to me! I'm only about a quarter of the way into the book, so I need some time too. (NT) -- Denise, 11:58:57 11/26/11 Sat
• I got it from the library and am starting my reread. Sent you an email re discussion, Nalana. I would like to post Yeats' poem before we start, if that's ok. (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:39:10 11/28/11 Mon
  • Got your email and that sounds fine (on the Yeats' poem). I've got to make some time this week to read! :-) (NT) -- Lil, 14:10:30 11/28/11 Mon

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• Funny, I was watching 'From the Earth to the Moon' on DVD on the weekend, and the last episode watched was about Apollo 13. Instead of portraying a similar viewpoint as the Tom Hanks movie, it looked at the media, how it covered the event and prying interviews with the families. Media can have a huge impact on the perception of events, and how the people involved are held by the public. The intrusiveness of the media can be more than trying for the persons involved and often to a detriment to their well-being. The media didn't do many favours to Ma and Jack and made their recovery more difficult, if I recall correctly. A quiet reintroduction into society would have far more helpful, imo. (NT) -- Denise, 09:27:16 11/21/11 Mon
• I sort of have a negative attitude about the media. I know its their job to get the story, and possibly expose some crime or negative side of something we all think is okay, but there are times when I wish they'd just leave well enough alone. This situation is one of them. Why are they hounding them? No respect for their privacy. That whole "interview" was just awful and her lawyer should never have allowed Ma in that room. She was too fragile. (NT) -- Lil, 07:23:58 11/22/11 Tue
  • Upsetting to read about it. In the modern age, media is both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes it's so intrusive, it makes me physically ill. Other times I find myself wishing the interviewer had asked more pointed questions. In this case, just like Jaci Dugard, they should have stayed off the radar for awhile until they had the time to re-acclimate. (NT) -- E, 10:26:51 11/24/11 Thu
• BTW, I just picked up 'The Stolen Child' from the library and will begin reading soon (I've got another book on the go, at present, but may have to juggle two). I wonder who will participate this time, our numbers have dwindled even more! (NT) -- Denise, 14:02:11 11/22/11 Tue
  • I started it, but had to put it down thanks to life. :-) I haven't a thought about how the discussion will roll out yet, so maybe we'll see if there's any interest at this time of year. It's so hectic! (NT) -- Lil, 19:25:15 11/22/11 Tue
    • I read it last year, and I have a hold on it at the library. I found at least one discussion guide online. When do we start??? (NT) -- PeggyB, 22:04:13 11/22/11 Tue
      • D'oh, I should have checked where the copies were before I placed the hold. Looks like I am getting a copy sent to my primary library from a nearby library, I could have just picked it up there! Now I have to wait, as it is "in transit." (NT) -- PeggyB, 15:07:51 11/23/11 Wed
        • If I can find my copy of 'The Stolen Child' I'll join in for this one. (NT) -- cg, 18:44:51 11/23/11 Wed
          • Count me in also. (NT) -- E, 10:22:07 11/24/11 Thu

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• For Jack, the outside world is a scary place with a lot of unknowns to try to understand. I think the biggest thing for him is having to share Ma with all the other people and her interest in these associations. She's like a traitor to him in some ways, as she tries to adjust and regain the life she once knew. I think Ma has a hard time trying to re-enter society while still maintaining the close relationship with Jack. She fails him a bit, pushes him too far too fast, but adjusts to a better balance with Jack with time. (NT) -- Denise, 09:16:11 11/17/11 Thu
• Poor Jack. He was such a brave little guy, then his reward is being thrust into this strange new world without walls to insulate him. Ma returned to a world she knew existed and was taken from her, but for Jack it must have been like being transported to a different planet. Denise said it well - now Jack has to share Ma with others who are essentially strangers to him. That's asking a lot. (Didn't Jaycee Dugard have 2 children when she was finally returned to her family? Wonder what kind of transition they experienced.) (NT) -- E, 06:19:03 11/18/11 Fri
• Although imagining them trapped in that room and the rape that was occurring to Ma, I found their (re)integration into the world very upsetting. I felt for poor Jack and his mother as they struggled with each of their own challenges. And they both had a hard time dealing with the other's feelings. I felt a real sadness for their mourning. (NT) -- Lil, 17:38:32 11/18/11 Fri
• Such a horribly complicated time for both Jack and Ma. As much as Ma had matured through her captivity, in many ways she was still that college student who had her whole life taken away from her in a moment and now has to try and figure out how to come back to the world when she, and all the people, places and things she knew have changed so much. (NT) -- Carla, 20:36:05 11/18/11 Fri

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• If I were Ma, I'd always ask for books. Do they have a radio? Can't remember. I'd want a radio more than a television. It's harder to say for Jack because he doesn't know what's out there. (NT) -- E, 14:35:09 11/13/11 Sun
• Like Elaine, books would be good or games of some kind, board games maybe, something that will last as a treat. (NT) -- Denise, 19:12:16 11/13/11 Sun
• Ma has kept an emotional distance from Old Nick, and protected Jack from his glare (and possible violence) as much as she could.. She suffered his advances because she had little choice in the matter, if Old Nick hurt her badly it would have affected her care of Jack, and that wasn't something she could risk. We don't know Old Nick's story because the book is Jack's POV and Ma has kept the two separated as much as possible. He doesn't know much more than how long it takes for him to 'get off', and that's probably for the best. (NT) -- Denise, 19:30:11 11/13/11 Sun
  • the couple times we read about Old Nick's visits, I actually got a stomach ache. I'm glad we didn't learn more because that would mean Jack knew more...and his innocence in this situation was a good thing. (NT) -- Lil, 18:11:37 11/14/11 Mon
    • I felt that same sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I found the beginning of the book very difficult to read and almost considered not continuing. Thankfully things improved for all. (NT) -- Denise, 11:38:28 11/15/11 Tue
• I agree with you all above, books definitely. As for Jack, I agree also that he didn't know much about the world, so it would be difficult for him to ask for things he didn't even know existed. I am glad that the author chose not to tell us more about Old Nick, for one thing, I think it made the story scarier because he stays a total stranger to us the whole time, but may be if we had known his life we would have sympathized may be. What he did may not have been as horrifying as it is? I mean, I have a 19 year old college girl who lives on campus, so I do not find anything excusable to this guy, if anything, I tremble even more to think of what can happen so quickly, but if we had known of a terrible past for Old Nick might have given him some excuse for what he had become! (NT) -- IsabelleKiltup (), 04:59:56 11/14/11 Mon
  • I think you're right - not knowing many details about Old Nick definitely makes him scarier. Sometimes it's better to *not* know the whole truth! (NT) -- E, 12:20:40 11/14/11 Mon
    • good point, Elaine & Isabelle! (NT) -- Lil, 18:12:17 11/14/11 Mon
• The relationship between Old Nick and Ma was so sad. She's given up the fight to protect herself and Jack (don't blame her at all, btw). He's playing the typical power and control role, but there was a part of me that wondered why he kept her. Sort of what Isabelle refers to - what's his story? People who kidnap and kill are sick, but kidnap and hold hostage...I don't know which is worse. :-( (NT) -- Lil, 18:16:04 11/14/11 Mon
• I think we probably all agree on books given all of our love of reading! I think Jack loves his books, too, thanks to his Ma. Thinking in the moment, as children often do, though, if I was Jack I'd probably be asking for chocolate :) As to Ma and Old Nick, I think she'd done the fighting thing when first captured and realised that it simply took too much of her mental and physical energy, plus the quicker Old Nick is out of the room, the less chance there is that he will harm Jack physically, emotionally and/or mentally. I thought it was interesting that Ma didn't show even a hint of Stockholm Syndrome, which can occur even in the most horrific of kidnapping situations. I don't think there is any sort of explanation for people like Old Nick, they are simply wired wrong. (NT) -- Carla, 19:33:35 11/14/11 Mon

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• I kind of think she'd have eventually found a way to kill herself. (NT) -- E, 08:15:57 11/11/11 Fri
  • I tend to agree with you Elaine. OD on pain meds would have been easiest. I think Jack gave her a purpose she needed to stay "checked in". (NT) -- Lil, 08:44:31 11/11/11 Fri
    • I agree, Jack made her care about moving forward, even if in this little room, because her life was only part of the equation. (NT) -- Denise, 09:15:09 11/11/11 Fri
• What a picture up there, Nalana! (NT) -- E, 08:17:31 11/11/11 Fri
  • It melts my heart! I couldn't resist. :-) (NT) -- Lil, 08:43:00 11/11/11 Fri
• I think she would have killed herself, as well. She certainly would have had many more of those days where all she could do was lie in bed with the covers over her head. I think her mind and body would have atrophied, as I can't imagine having the mental and physical stamina to keep up the routine she devised with Jack if she'd been on her own. (NT) -- Carla, 19:59:08 11/11/11 Fri

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• That's a question I asked myself the whole time I was reading the book! Honestly don't know how to answer it. It would all depend on my state of mind. When I'm depressed (and I'm sure that would be the case in this situation) I tend to isolate myself and stop talking. But you can't exactly clam up with a curious little child nearby 24/7. Good question. Guess I'd probably end up telling him more, even though I wouldn't want to build up his hopes. (NT) -- Elaine, 08:43:45 11/08/11 Tue
• I think she's been very creative and thoughtful about how to raise Jack. I would probably not been able to refrain from telling Jack about the outside world, and maybe it would have been alright for him to hear about it at an earlier age, he wouldn't have known otherwise though I understand her reasoning. (NT) -- Denise, 19:33:37 11/09/11 Wed
• This is a tough question. I don't think there was any way that Ma could have prepared him for Outside. No matter what she told him. I think hope of escape went away for her for a long time and maybe speaking of something she might never see was hard. I can't even imagine being in her place. I give her a lot of credit for living through that situation and taking care of Jack as well as she did. (NT) -- Lil, 09:31:55 11/10/11 Thu

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• You must mean aside from the freedom to make my own choices. Then probably the sounds and company of other people, or maybe experiencing the change in seasons. (NT) -- Elaine, 18:04:35 11/06/11 Sun
• Everything! Contact with other people especially, and of course, the sounds, sights and smells of the great outdoors. I guess, being a young lady like she is, her friends and family would be foremost in her mind. (NT) -- Denise, 16:39:35 11/07/11 Mon
• I just loved this picture - I think it represents how I'd feel if I was stuck in that situation. Like a small helpless mouse trying to find a way out, knowing what I'm missing, and wondering if I'll ever see it again. I think for Ma, being so young, she's got to miss her parents and her friends & other family most. I'm sure she's missing her future - she was in college with hopes and dreams and they've been taken away at the hands of Old Nick. (NT) -- Lil, 07:17:08 11/08/11 Tue

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• Jack's social skills have been severely stunted. He's had no interaction with anyone other than his mother so he has no idea how to interact with other people, how to play nice, share. He doesn 't know what outside is like, wind in the hair, snowflakes on your nose, sunburnt face, how to experience the wonders of nature. What he has gained is an incredibly strong bond with his mother. She has built a whole world in this little room and he knows no different. Jack hasn't seen the ugly sides of the world, except what he knows of Old Nick, maybe providing a little bright spot to his seclusion. (NT) -- Denise, 20:00:04 11/02/11 Wed
• Just speculating here. Wonder if the fact that Jack's very limited, sheltered life eventually allowed him to do what he did. Iow, since he couldn't fully visualize what to expect when he went Outside, maybe he was better able to focus on his task at hand. I felt so frightened for him, but he didn't really know any better. (NT) -- Elaine, 06:17:51 11/04/11 Fri
• No peer pressure, no greed, gratitude for all he has, an incredible bond with his mother, a strong sense of security . . . all positives gained from his situation. The negatives really only become apparent to HIM when he leaves Room, and based on his desire to go back there at first, it's obvious he was actually very happy there because he has no idea what he was missing. (NT) -- Carla, 20:15:23 11/04/11 Fri
• I was really torn about this question - on one side I think he's got a wonderful relationship with his mother and a great amount of security. But there is so much he doesn't know or experience that helps him grow and mature. there are so many times as a mother that I wish I could protect my children from the ills of the world, but on the other hand there are lessons to learn and growth to be had in those experiences. (NT) -- Lil, 11:59:26 11/06/11 Sun

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• It's one of the most important aspects of the novel, imo. We are limited to seeing only what he sees, to understand only what he can comprehend. We experience his need to create relationships even with inanimate objects because his world is so small. It was a really effective tool, using Jack's voice to tell the story, very clever. If it were told any other way, it would not have had nearly as much impact on me. In fact, it made me feel all the more anxious for his safety! (NT) -- Elaine, 11:10:14 11/01/11 Tue
• What Elaine, said, plus I think it kept it from becoming just a horrifically depressing book. It also really does highlight the fact that people can adapt, thrive and essentially be happy in just about any situation, especially if it's all they know. For Jack, the freedoms and choices of the outside world were overwhelming, while for his mother the limitations of The Room were almost soul-destroying -- and we couldn't have seen that so clearly if the book had been told by the woman, rather than Jack. (NT) -- Carla, 14:14:35 11/01/11 Tue
• I agree with both of you. This approach brings an innocence that needs to be there to give the story authenticity. I'll admit it was a little irritating at first, but once I figured out the point of it, I was lost in the story and his narrative. (NT) -- Lil, 20:17:48 11/01/11 Tue
  • I wasn't so sure about reading a whole book told from his voice, but it worked! His innocence kept the story more positive, with the irrepressable enthusiasm of a youngster. (NT) -- Denise, 21:25:04 11/01/11 Tue
    • I felt the same way initially, Denise. (NT) -- Elaine, 07:18:15 11/03/11 Thu
• Thinking I might try jumping in (not happy with my current read), but this is the queue at the library: 108 holds. That could take a while. Even the book on cd has 21 holds. (NT) -- PeggyB, 11:52:55 11/02/11 Wed