Ghost Story - Discussion Post #2 & #3

Sorry for the delay on this everyone! Does anyone else think that this book was a slow burn? Now I'm totally invested, but while I was sick it was hard to get settled. Enough about me though, let's discuss!

This time around, we're discussing PART II and the first 2 parts of PART III of this book.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

* Now that we have more background information on our characters, what do you see as the purpose of The Chowder Society?

* What do you think of Don Wanderly, our new addition?

* Things are getting darker in Millburn. What's been the most chilling part of this novel for you?

* Do you think that any of the characters have changed? Is there anyone that you think is now showing their true colors? Do you have a new favorite?

* What do you think the inevitable end of this story will be?

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MODERATOR THOUGHTS

So, let me say that the more we learn about our characters the darker this book gets. At first I wasn't sure why this was even called Ghost Story. I kept thinking that Peter Straub was holding out on us. Now? Well, I stand corrected. He was building things up, and it's been well worth the wait. I ramble though. The purpose of The Chowder Society, in my eyes, is to try to stay sane. These poor men. These poor, guilty and troubled men. They're banded together because they are the only ones that believe one another.

As for Don Wanderly, I'm not sure how I feel about him at this point. It's clear that he was the missing piece of the puzzle. He arrived, and suddenly things hit a downward spiral into madness. I think Don isn't even sure how he feels about himself. He knows that something mysterious happened to him, he knows that the paranormal has the ability to exist, I think he just isn't sure how he feels about all of that. How do you admit that to yourself?

Which brings me to the most chilling part of this whole novel, and that's the fact that this darkness is still unnamed. We're getting closer to the truth. Slowly things are being explained, and it's obvious that this same darkness has been in Millburn before. Still, it's hidden behind this sheet of the unknown. People have died, violence has happened, but I feel like there's a greater threat lurking in the shadows still!

I think Lewis, is probably the character that's changed the most. I know that he was always pegged as a "ladies man", but now we're finding out that he did it more for company than anything else. Now, as things get creepier, he's becoming less outgoing and more introspective. He's actually become the most interesting character to me because of that fact. We're discovering so much about his past!

So what's the ending going to be? I wish I knew. Yet, I don't. I can't wait to find out though!

Ghost Story - Discussion Post #1

Sorry for the delay on this everyone! Does anyone else think that this book was a slow burn? Now I'm totally invested, but while I was sick it was hard to get settled. Enough about me though, let's discuss!

This time around, we're discussing PART I of this book.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

* What are your initial impressions of the characters in Ghost Story? Specifically, our Chowder Society?

* Do you have a character who stands out to you more than the others? One you connect with?

* Why do you think the Chowder Society exists as it does?

* What's one question that you still have at this point?

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MODERATOR THOUGHTS

So, as I stated above, this book was a slow burn for me. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the Chowder Society. I think I took a quick glance at this old men who puttered around in their finery, and felt like I wasn't going to be able to connect with them. However, the second the first ghost story was told, I was smitten. What dark secrets were these men hiding? What caused them to be so terrified and frail? I had to find out.

In terms of a favorite character, I think Ricky probably fits the bill. He's just so eager for things to be still, and happy. He's still deeply in love with his wife, even though he knows she might stray. I think what really endears me to him though is how critical he is of himself. Ricky knows that he isn't perfect. He knows he's flawed, and he knows his friends are flawed. But he accepts it, and he does the best he can with what he has.

Which brings me to why the Chowder Society exists in the first place. All these men are obviously drawn together by something dark in their past, but more than that I think that they're drawn together by the fact that they understand one another at the deepest level. Their meetings have become cannon. They know one another's secrets, and quirks, and still are friends. What better place to share what ails you most, than with people who seem to understand you?

The one question I still have at the end of Part I is why Wanderly died in the first place. I know that's obvious, but come on. Mysterious circumstances, anyone? I hope I find out before the end.

October Reading Breakdown - Ghost Story by Peter Straub

Discussion Weekend of 10/9 - Prologue through end of Part I

Discussion Weekend of 10/16 - Part II

Discussion Weekend of 10/23 - Section I and II of Part III

Discussion Weekend of 10/31 - Remainder of Part III + Epilogue


As a reminder, it's perfectly fine to read ahead. We all know that happens with particularly good books :). Just make sure that you come to discussions prepared to leave the spoilers behind.

Also, all discussions are open all month long! So even if you're behind, feel free to come and comment whenever you're ready. We'll be here to banter with you.