Final Discussion Post - Shatter Me

So, a week was skipped. I hope all of you enjoyed the rest of the book though!

Let's talk Shatter Me!

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Discussion Questions:

* Let's talk character development! How do you feel like Warner, Juliette and Adam have grown over the course of the book?

* We've met new characters. Give us your first impressions of Kenji, Winston and Castle.

* What are your thoughts on the ending? Ready for the next book?

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My Thoughts:

Ah, this book! I have to say that my favorite part about the character growth is that it's only skimming the surface in this book. Juliette is finally starting to realize that she's strong. Adam is showing his true colors as an all out hero, and our darling villain Warner has a soft side. Well, not quite soft. But definitely filled with obsession. Finding out that he was also able to touch Juliette totally blew my mind the first time I read this book! This time around, it still hit home hard.

I LOVE Kenji, and I promise you that he only gets better. There's a lot of half truths flying around between the characters, but Kenji at least (so far) has had decent intentions. I love his snarky attitude, his carefree and cocky persona. He's hilarious. Is he actually on Adam's side? Should we trust him? Well, that remains to be seen. The fact is that he's a nice addition. Winston and Castle are a little more on the outskirts when it comes to me trusting them completely. They seem to have only good intentions in mind. At least, for the moment, our characters are safe.

THE ENDING! What do you think guys? I feel like this is one of the few books where the ending is relatively happy, yet satisfying. It's not quite a cliffhanger. It is, in the sense that it leaves you wanting to find out what happens next. It's not, in the sense that we don't have to worry about the well being of our poor characters hanging in the balance. I'm curious, how many of you think you'll go out and try the next book?

Discussion Post #2 - Shatter Me

Hello lovely bookworms! If you're keeping up with the reading schedule, you've probably hit a pretty evil cliffhanger at this point. (*cackles madly*) I'd love to say that was an accident, but it wasn't. I love keeping you on your toes!

Let's talk Shatter Me!

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Discussion Questions:

* Now that you've witnessed what Juliette can actually do, what are your thoughts on her character?

* There's a discussion of Juliette's past life in these chapters. Specifically of the crime she committed to end up incarcerated. How do you feel that this experience has shaped her?

* In these chapters we get to learn much more about Warner. His personality is starting to come through. What do you think of his character? Do you believe he is at all redeemable?

* Adam and Juliette interact more in these chapters. Their relationship is starting to shift. Where do you feel like it will go?

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My Thoughts:

So Juliette's big secrets finally come out in these chapters! I remember, during the first read through, that I was stunned. Sure, it's alluded to that Juliette can't touch other human beings. The measure of what she can do though, is so much larger than that. I was both amazed and appalled at her powers. Poor girl, there's so much for her to deal with. I feel like it puts her current personality well into perspective. She must be reserved because otherwise she puts others at risk.

Finding out what happened to Juliette as a younger girl also puts her personality into perspective. I remember tearing up at the mention of her mistake. It just shows how kind a person she is, and yet how much her curse hampers her. It's heartbreaking. Still, I feel like there's this iron strength inside her now that is just waiting to break out. Juliette may look like a shrinking violet, but she's definitely not.

Which brings me to Warner, because with him I truly believe that what you see is what you get. There's not heart in that chest. Warner may have once been a kinder person, but situations have turned him to ice. The cold, calculating way that he assesses people. The way that he figures out the optimum way to cause them pain. It's brutal. His fascination with Juliette might have made him human to me, if it wasn't for the fact that he wants to use her for his own devices.

Then there's Adam. Sweet, sad, lost Adam. I kind of love the fact that he's in the background during this part of the book. Juliette and her struggle take center stage, but at least we found out that he's not all bad. I have a feeling he'll be extremely important later on. For now, we'll leave him to watch over her while she sleeps. Read on, my friends. Read on!

Discussion Post #1 - Shatter Me

I have finally sat down at a computer, and so I can make this post pretty! I have to say, posting from my phone isn't as bad as I thought it would be. If you see an oddly edited post, it probably came from my phone.

Let's talk Shatter Me.

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Discussion Questions:

*Juliette's isolation creates a very interesting narration style. What do you think of the writing so far?

*How do you feel about Juliette as a character?

* She alludes to a past life full of pain and loss. What do you believe Juliette's dark secret is?

*Adam has just made his appearance and we already know he lied. Where do you think his character is going?

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My Thoughts:

Okay, so I know that many of you have already finished this book. I don't blame you. It's pretty amazing. Still, do your best to stick to the discussion questions, okay? :) Thanks in advance.

It's been about two years since I last read this book, and the narration style still jarred me at the very beginning. Being in Juliette's head is really odd. Her strikethroughs, as she changes her mind constantly, the way that she talks to herself and then to us as readers, it's kind of confusing at first. The more I read though, the more I felt like it was a perfect way for her to communicate. Her mind is jumbled, and it shows.

I love Juliette as a character. She's withdrawn right now, of course. Lack of human contact has made her the type of character who can be a little prickly. Still, I see this light inside her. I see this person who, because of what she has inside of her, has been made out to be evil. Juliette isn't evil though. I just know it. And it makes me want to follow her until I find out for sure. Which, as the next question asks, brings me to her dark secret. I've read this before so I know what it is, but I love that it isn't mentioned outright.

Oh, Adam. My darling Adam. This guy took Juliette's heart, gave it some hope, and then dashed it straight into pieces. Part of me believes that he's not actually bad. That he's actually hiding something important. Still, at this point in the book I can't help but have some malice towards him. Poor Juliette.

Discussion Post #1 - We Have Always Lived In The Castle

Hope that the first few days of October have been treating you right! I love this time of year, if for no other reason than the cheery atmosphere that it breeds :). Of course, there's also the completely opposite opportunity to get lost in something atmospheric for a different reason. Welcome to your first discussion post of the month!

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Discussion Questions:

* After re-reading the opening lines below, share your opinion. Did they succeed at drawing you in?

My name is Mary Katherine Blackwood. I am eighteen years old, and I live with my sister Constance. I have often thought that with any luck at all, I could have been born a werewolf, because the two middle fingers on both my hands are the same length, but I have had to be content with what I had. I dislike washing myself, and dogs, and noise. I like my sister Constance, and Richard Plantagenet, and Amanita phalloides, the death-cup mushroom. Everyone else in our family is dead.

* Merricat is what is known as an unreliable narrator. How much of what she says do you think is true? Do you trust her story?

* What do you think of Constance, Charles, and Uncle Julian? Do you think they are reliable narrators?

* Despite the townspeople who hate them, these characters are living a rather idyllic life so far. Does the opinion of the townspeople affect your outlook on these characters?

* Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived In The Castle was first published in 1962. This means it is termed a classic, and has the writing style to match. What's your opinion on the way this book is written? Are you enjoying it?

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My Thoughts:

So first off, I loved these opening lines. Obviously, since I made them a discussion question. They instantly show us what kind of person Merricat is, and that she might not always be the easiest narrator to follow. She's definitely an unreliable narrator. There's this aura of uncertainty, mystery, and a bit of insanity that seem to follow her around. I've noticed more than once that she takes pleasure in things that make other people squirm, and it makes me wonder how much of what she's telling us is true. 

In terms of the other characters, Constance seems a bit flighty to me. Like maybe she's not quite all there. She definitely loves Merricat though. Uncle Julian, because of his earlier internal injuries, is a little tough to stomach sometimes. The way he incessantly mutters about the event, repeating himself over and over, gets rough to follow. However he's also the only person who might actually be able to tell us the truth! If, that is, we can pull it out of the rambling. Charles? I'm not sure about yet. He seems to have ulterior motives for visiting and, although I don't know what they are yet, I don't forsee the being good.

I think the townspeople are an important part of this story, especially those from the rich families who actually take the time to visit with the Blackwoods. It's interesting how they shun the family now, as if they know there's something vile brewing beneath the surface despite the idyllic outside. I'm honestly intrigued! I'm wondering if it will be one of them who finds out the truth.

It's true that this writing took me a few pages to sink into, but I feel like it really builds the atmosphere around Merricat's story. It's dark, but funny at times, and full of this tension that tells me something big is coming. If it weren't for Uncle Julian, whom I am learning to deal with better, I think I'd have fallen in love long ago.

Final Discussion Post - The Enchanted

Final discussion post! Whether this was a book you loved, or didn't, I really hope it was at least something outside the box for you. I would have never picked this up if it hadn't been chosen, and I'm thankful that it was.

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Discussion Questions:

Due to the short nature of this book, I'm going to keep the discussions very general, instead of giving you specific questions. This last chapter had a lot of revelations in it. A lot of things were wrapped up, the final pieces of the puzzle put into place. How do you feel about everything that happened? Were you happy with the ending?

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My Thoughts:

I'm honestly kind of at a loss as to what to say at this point. This last chapter left me breathless, and the last pages especially just kind of blew me away. I would never have picked up this book on my own. I don't read a lot of adult fiction, unless it's something specifically suggested to me, or it's horror. So to read this? Something so dreamlike and prosaic? It was a treat. Something outside the box for me. Something new. I loved every little minute of it.

First off, all the emotions flowing through this chapter floored me. I felt sad at the passing of the new female prison guard and of York. Anger at all the things that were going on every day in this prison, on the fringes of public knowledge. The description of the food they were given hit especially hard. I felt pity. Pity for the broken boy and all the other prisoners like him. Then, a bit of glee when he took his vengeance. It was a cold victory, but one nonetheless. No one deserved to die more than Conroy. The best part though? The fact that our Priest and our Lady were able to make a life together. I so hoped for that.

The ending bit at me. I'm a soft-hearted person at the best of times, but watching Arden die just did me in. Despite anything else, our narrator was an honest man. Maybe a little crazy, perhaps a shattered man, but always honest about the way things were for him. I was sad, but also happy that he could be free at last. What can I say? Nothing else, really. This book wasn't perfect, but it was definitely something I'm glad I read.

Final Discussion Post - Side Effects May Vary

Final discussion post of the month! Wow, how time flies. Thanks for a wonderful month of discussions on this book :).

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Discussion Questions:

* A lot happens in these chapters, especially at the beach house. How did you feel about what transpired between Harvey, Alice and her family?

* What do you think of Harvey's transformation in attitude? Does it change the way you feel about Alice at all?

* Here's the one you've been waiting for. The ending: yay, or nay?

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My Thoughts:

Whether you love Alice, or want to throw her out a window, I know that the beach house will prove to be an emotional setting either way. This is a pivotal part of the book. A piece where things are said, and done, that can never be taken back. Hearing Harvey finally admit that there's a huge piece of him trapped with Alice always breaks my heart. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Seeing Alice broken, and hearing Deborah be there for her despite that? Heart shattered. And then the scene with Alice and her parents on the deck. Well, seriously it didn't matter that Alice and I aren't exactly buddies. All of that still got me.

In terms of Harvey's attitude, I'd have to say that's what really struck home. He finally knew how wrapped up in Alice he was, and how easy it was to let her manipulate him. He realized how many times he'd let himself get hurt by her because he cared. I think part of me still wants to be mad at him for completely ignoring her, but the other part totally understands. Harvey did what he had to in order to separate himself from that. He took the space he needed, even if he didn't necessarily want it at first.

So, on to the ending. While I wouldn't say it's my favorite ending of all time, it fits with the story. It was kind of Alice to do something so personal for Harvey. Especially after all the ways that she used him before that. I have to say that I liked this book a little more during this second read through. It's still one that I'm on the fence about, but I think this time I was more willing to try to understand Alice and her motives. I hope you guys enjoyed it too :).

Discussion Post #2 - The Enchanted

Does anyone else feel like this book just keeps getting better? Maybe it's just me, but I'm excited to see what you guys have to say about it this week!

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Discussion Questions:

Due to the short nature of this book, I'm going to keep the discussions very general, instead of giving you specific questions. This week, let's talk atmosphere. What do you think of the overall atmosphere of this book? Is it still keeping you interested? Is there anything that you're eager to find out?

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My Thoughts:

I've said it above, but I honestly feel like this book just keeps getting better the more I read. Is it a different style of writing? Yup, definitely. Is it a little vague at times? Yes to that as well. In this case though, I feel like it works well for the story. Not having anything particularly concrete to hold onto adds to the overall atmosphere of this book. It makes it feel almost like you're intruding on a dream, or a nightmare depending on how you swing it. There's something lilting about the way this is written, and it charms me into wanting to read more every single damn time.

I love that this week we were able to learn more about "The Lady" and her past. Her interactions with the aunt, her thoughts on the peaceful setting that is the woods, all of it made me feel like she is someone who I'd like to know. It seems like she might not always enjoy her job, but she does it with a zealous fervor nonetheless. I'm hoping for more about her. I also like that this story hasn't sugarcoated the terrible things that happen in this prison. I can't remember the exact line, but the one about how tv shows and stories make prison out to be one place, when in fact it's something all together different, amazed me. I don't even know what else to say.

I can't put my finger on why, but I like this book. Looking forward to more.

Discussion Post #2 - Side Effects May Vary

Here's hoping that your reading went smoothly this weekend! I know a few of you aren't exactly feeling this book, but I wanted to say that I appreciate the fact that you're participating in the discussion anyway. You are all amazing.

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Discussion Questions:

* Now that you've had some more insight into Alice's disease, and Harvey's reactions, has your opinion of either character changed? 

* As show by the "Then" chapters, Alice always expected the cancer to beat her. Would you say her outlook shaped her actions as a character?

* What are your opinions on Alice's "bucket list" so far?

* Imagine you have the power to change one event in this book. After what you've read, what event would you change? Why?

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My Thoughts:

Thanks for plugging along with me on this read guys! To those of you who are enjoying yourselves, I'm so happy. To those of you who aren't, thanks for joining the conversation anyway. It's nice to see that we can have a vibrant discussion no matter what! 

My opinions on both characters remain solidly the same as before, except for the fact that this is the part of the novel where I stop feeling bad for Harvey and start feeling frustrated. He's an enabler and, while I totally understand that it comes from a good place, it makes me feel like shaking him until he understands. I don't hate Alice. Honestly, I don't. Dealing with cancer is hell, and she has every right to be bitter and angry. What I hate is that she takes it out on those around her. I don't expect her to be a happy, optimistic, flowery kind of girl. I just want her to be a bit nicer, I guess.

I do see why the "Then" chapters are so essential though. As the cancer took over, Alice always expected to loose. She expected to die, and be done with it all. When you're living your who life with no consequences, because you figure you won't be around to deal with it all, finding out you're going to live must be brutal. I can't even imagine trying to go around and pick up the pieces like that. So I do see why her character is the way that she is. It doesn't mean I agree with it though. We've only had a small glimpse into Alice's bucket list, but I can promise you it continues to be just as evil and petty. Vengeance never is a pleasant thing though.

If I could change one event in the book so far? I'd stop Harvey from saying he loved Alice. Honestly. I feel like it would have stopped a lot of what causes him to be so hurt by everything. Poor guy. He's too chivalrous for his own good.

Discussion Post #1 - The Enchanted

I'm hoping some of you out there have started reading this book as well! I picked up it, intending to read only the chapters assigned, and almost wasn't able to put it down. It took all my willpower not to read ahead. I'm anxious to see what all of you think.

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Discussion Questions:

Due to the short nature of this book, I'm going to keep the discussions very general, instead of giving you specific questions. Mostly, I'd like to see what readers of this book think of the writing style so far, and the fact that most of our characters have no actual names. Are you feeling this story so far? Or is it something that's not quite what you were expecting?

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My Thoughts:

To be honest with you, I'm enamored with this book without exactly knowing why. It's something about the descriptive writing I think. About the fact that these characters, who languish away in a hidden prison underground, don't even have the luxury of having names. Other than the prisoner that's in the spotlight right now, of course. At first, I was a little thrown off by the way this is written. The atmosphere of it all soon drew me right down in though and, by the time I realized that these are inmates on death row, I wanted so badly to keep reading.

I'm actually kind of sad this book is so short. So far, it feels like something that I'd want to keep reading. I just hope it continues on that way. I'm anxious to see what's coming next. Wondering if we'll get to know our narrator better, or if he'll always just be a nameless, faceless entity. I'm intrigued.

Antigoddess - Final Discussion Post

I know this didn't go up yesterday, and you're probably all waiting anxiously to talk about the ending of this book! My apologies for all the feelings you have wrapped up inside you, my bookish friends. Let me give you a place to talk about them, shall I?

It's that time again, time to finish up our discussion of Antigoddess.

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Discussion Questions:

I know you're so very eager to talk about the ending, so let's gush like crazy! What did you think about the climatic fight between the gods? Was it what you were expecting? Do you feel like Cassandra came into her own? What about Athena? I know you're all hurting too, so go ahead, we'll mourn with you. What do you think about the death of Aiden?

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Don't forget that we love to hear your thoughts, but try to leave spoilers behind if you've read ahead! I, and your fellow book club members, thank you.

This is your last chance to put some questions out to Kendare! They'll be heading over to her this coming Wednesday. Thought of something you want to ask? Put them here. 

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My Thoughts?

I seriously don't even know what to write! I'm pretty sure that my mouth was hanging open for a good majority of the end of the book. First all, I'll admit that I was slightly pissed when Cass and Aiden just decided to take off. My brain refused to wrap itself around the fact that they wouldn't stay and fight. Color me surprised when they came back, and that fight was all sorts of crazy! Poseidon is terrifying, Aphrodite is absolutely insane, and Hera is still just as violent as ever. I was so impressed by the fact that Athena fought so bravely. I love her more than ever.

In my opinion, Cassandra is still holding back. I'll forgive her for it, but it's obvious she has so much power hiding inside her. I swear, I almost wanted to blame her for the fact that our poor Aiden (Apollo) is no longer alive. I feel like she could've fought harder. Is it petty? Probably. I just loved that boy. My thoughts on the matter though? I have a sneaky suspicion he's not really gone. I can't tell you why I think so but... well... I'm overly optimistic anyway.

I loved this book! I can't wait for the next one :).

Antigoddess - Discussion Post #3

See, I told you I'd put this week's post up on time. *pats myself on the back* Hey, I try. I'll grant you the fact that I literally just finished the last chapter for this week, right before I sat down to post this. Still, it's going up!

Let's talk Antigoddess!

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Discussion Questions:

New thoughts on Cassandra and Aiden's relationship? So many feelings going on between the two of them! Am I right?

How are you feeling about the other characters now? Still loving Athena and Odysseus?

We're nearing the end of the book, and that means it's prediction time. Pull your best Cassandra, and give us your glimpse into what might happen at the end!

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Don't forget that we love to hear your thoughts, but try to leave spoilers behind if you've read ahead! I, and your fellow book club members, thank you.

Also don't forget that we're collecting questions for Kendare! Put them here. Trust me, you can even ask her what her favorite snack is if you're curious ;).

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My Thoughts?

So many FEELS! I was kind of bowled over by this set of chapters, and it took all my willpower not to keep reading on to the end. Athena is still, by far, my favorite character. She's so strong, and fierce, and sad. I know I'm answering the questions above out of order, but I don't care! I just want Odysseus to wrap her up in his arms, and for everything else to melt away. It sucks so much that they're stuck in this situation. I don't want her to die. I don't want him to loose her. I want... well hell... I want a happy ending.

As for Cassandra and Aiden, I'm on the fence about how I feel. You'll recall last week I was a little nitpicky about how blase she was about the whole "Hey, I'm a god!" thing. Now? I'm really sad. He isn't a bad guy, and he had to hide a lot to keep her safe, so I don't think he deserves to be written off so easily. It breaks my heart. I sincerely hope that they all make it through this in one piece, and that there are all kinds of lovey kissing scenes! Oh, and random side note? I absolutely loved the Halloween costumes in these chapters. I'd probably be dressed as Jack the Ripper though.

What is coming at the ending, you ask? I have no flipping idea. I hope it's not a huge cliffhanger that keeps from seeing an epic fight between the gods. If the small scuffle and Athena and Apollo had is any indication, there's big things coming around the bend. They are strong, and it doesn't matter that it's being hampered by the fact that they're dying. I've said it before, I'll say it again. I just want happy, lovey dovey kissing scenes. I probably won't get them, but a girl can dream.

*swoon*

Antigoddess - Discussion Post #2

So I'm a little behind this weekend. All sorts of things have been happening, all good things, and I just got a little distracted :). I know today is Father's Day and most of you are probably out and about with the awesome men in your lives. Feel free to pop back in and comment any time this week! I promise the next discussion post will go up on Saturday, as scheduled.

Let's start our chat about Antigoddess.

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Discussion Questions:

What are your opinions on Athena and Hermes as main characters? Are they holding your interest?

In these last few chapters, so many things have happened! What do you think about Cassandra's reaction to Aiden's confession? Agree with it? Disagree with it?

Where do you think Kendare Blake is taking us next?

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Don't forget that we love to hear your thoughts, but try to leave spoilers behind if you've read ahead! I, and your fellow book club members, thank you.

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My Thoughts?

This story is all kinds of crazy, but in a good way. I'm loving Athena's fire, and her ability to persevere even when things seem bleak. I'm kind of on the fence about Hermes. He seems like he might be the type of character who changes sides at some point. I know that he and Athena have a "friendship" going on right now, but... well.. I'm not a trusting person when it comes to characters. Lol. I'm always wary.

In terms of Cassandra's reaction to Aiden, it honestly made me laugh. If I were here, and he straight up told me "Hi, I'm a God! And I have been the entire time we've been together!", I think I'd be a little more stressed out. The reason I'm willing to forgive her though is that her visions are getting intense. Maybe she's more open to all the weirdness that has ensued, simply because of that fact. I wouldn't want to be the one with those visions. They are just brutal. I'm wondering how it's going to affect her life coming up.

Which leads me to where I think the story is going. I really feel like there's going to be a much more epic showdown in the chapters to come. I was so excited when Hera appeared, and a little disappointed when she wasn't as bad-ass as I'd hoped. Still, she played it smart. I think she's going to attack with a vengeance once she gets the rest of her group together. I can only hope that Athena and Hermes find their group too. It's going to be amazing!

Antigoddess - Discussion Post #1

Well, you've made it to Friday! Congratulations! 

As I mentioned before, I'm putting this post up now because I'll be busy all weekend :). My brother is on leave from the Army, and so the weekend shall be all about him. Other than obligatory Facebook posts and pictures, I probably won't be online much. So chat away! I'll stop in when I can!

Let's start our chat about Antigoddess.

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Discussion Questions:

Before anything else, I'm curious: is this your first adventure into YA? With all the craziness going around regarding adults reading YA, I thought I'd throw it out there. Are you a YA reader?

How do you feel about the story line so far? Does it catch your interest, or do you feel lost?

Show of hands, who out there loves Greek myths and legends?

What do you think of Kendare Blake's writing style so far?

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Don't forget that we love to hear your thoughts, but try to leave spoilers behind if you've read ahead! I, and your fellow book club members, thank you.

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My Thoughts?

To keep myself from going off on a three page rant about the uninformed piece of junk that calls itself an article going around, I'll simply say this: Read what you want. I personally love YA fiction. It's fun to get lost in, there are amazing stories out there, and a lot of it still resonates with me even now that I'm nearing 30. I don't think you have to be a teen to appreciate it. I just think you have to be willing to open up your mind.

As far as Antigoddess goes, I'll admit that the first time I tried to read this book I was lost in these first few chapters. At the time, I was trying to read this for a review and reading way too quickly. This time I was able to savor the words on the page, and step back to see the whole picture. I'm a fan of Greek myths and legends, so seeing Gods and Goddesses flit around on the page in teenage human form is pretty cool. I sense something big is coming around the bend, and the way that Chapter 5 ended has me wishing I could read on. I'll resist. Or at least I'll try, but man. 

Which means of course that I do like Kendare Blake's writing style! I may be a little biased because I've read other books by her, but I love that she has the power to evoke a picture of the setting in my mind as I read. Her characters always feel solid to me, and this is no exception. If things continue on as they are now, I'll have to give in and read on to the end.