1. Were you satisfied with the book's ending?
2. Who was your favorite character and why?
3. Would you read this book again? Why or why not?
4. Do you have any final thoughts on this book?
5. And, most importantly, are you up for movie night at the end of the month to have fun and watch the movie version of Breathing Lessons?
Request: When you reference something in the book, please let us know where it is so we can all read along. Include the chapter number, page number, and the paragraph number. Like this: (C3, P245, G3) Thanks!
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7 comments:
1. NO. I was not. But (to be general enough to avoid spoilers) I suppose I should be used to it by now with Tyler's novels...they're so darn "real life." I had read this book back in 1993 and thankfully had forgotten enough to really enjoy reading it, but I admit I was hoping for a different ending...all the way until the end.
2. Favorite? I liked parts of each character. And greatly disliked some. Favorite was probably Serena and then Fiona. Serena had a sobering realistic view of life and love, yet still felt things deeply and enjoyed herself. Fiona had the guts to walk away, twice. And she really loved her kid.
3. Yes, obviously I like to read Tyler, and more than once!
4. I really liked the scene that began on page 327, and it got me wondering what items would be given back to me in Heaven. What is in MY gunnysack?
5. Yes, I'm up for movie night. Let me know if you're in!!!
1. I was not satisfied with the book's ending because there was no closure. Though maybe that is cyclical with this family. Between the crib and the soapbox "fibs," Maggie's naivete and idealism ruined the reality of a situations.
2. I actually am not a fan of Maggie's. I think is she were a real person, I would be annoyed by her. Maybe that is because she is global and I am analytical! ;) I need structure and organization... though I wouldn't say I like Ira either even though he is the analytic of the two. I suppose I liked Daisy the best. She seemed like a good balance between the two.
3. Probably not. ONE day in the life of the Moran's was enough for me! I am exhausted!
4. Final thoughts... I hope Ira works on his relationship skills more. I fear he might lose Maggie in the end if he doesn't. That one nursing home guy came really close to stealing her once! ;)
5. I might have to set that up with my Tahlequah friends... It would be neat to see this day reinacted!
THE END! On to Revolutionary Road...
RISSALEE: I was surprised when I hit the ending because I was expecting something different, as well. It seemed to come quickly. No resolution (which I think is what I was hoping for!)
fth: to read Tyler, you'll have to get used to "no closure." but i think that adds to the "reality" of her work...too often (and sadly) in real life there is no closure, or nothing truly as satisfying as the resolution we hope for. PS: I really dig "the ants" thing you mentioned. Wow.
I found this book and the characters a little depressing. They look at life as though the cup is half empty. Living an “ordinary life” (as Daisy phrased it) does not condemn one to a lifetime of boredom. While most of us will never attain fame or notoriety, we have a choice to make a positive and meaningful impact on our families and other people we come in contact with each and everyday.
Maggie is a great example of that through her work with the elderly, a group which is mostly forgotten by society and sometimes their own families.
It makes me sad when people reach the end of their lives full of regret for the choices they have made. We only get one life, and we need to make conscious choices that will fill our life with purpose and meaning. While large beautiful peacocks can only strut about on the ground, the little sparrows and plain crows can soar!
Tyler gets credit from me for including such clear thoughts and feelings about life that we’ve all had, and for her thorough and complete description of the ordinary, and sometimes mundane lives that we lead. The ending, while not the one I would have chosen, was true to life. Sometimes, there just isn’t a happy ending. Things don’t work out, and life goes on as usual.
Susan: Thanks for joining the club and reading along with us---and thanks for your insightful comments too. I really appreciated your thoughts on the overall theme of the book. I especially like the way you worded this summary: "Tyler gets credit from me for including such clear thoughts and feelings about life that we’ve all had, and for her thorough and complete description of the ordinary, and sometimes mundane lives that we lead. The ending, while not the one I would have chosen, was true to life. Sometimes, there just isn’t a happy ending. Things don’t work out, and life goes on as usual." WOW!
Rissalee... I like the way you set up posts for Revolutionary Road by chapters. For me, that will make it easier to remember more parts of the book.
Everyone has had really thoughtful comments on the book, and I look forward to continuing. The books you've chosen sound really interesting. Thanks.
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