Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. This series is a guaranteed laugh for me. It's just the thing to relax with at the end of a day or a week. I scoop up the next one as soon as it's on store shelves.

I'd like to think that Dex actually felt pain at losing Emma, but I'm afraid at this point my opinion of his character is that he's too shallow to let it bother him much. I'm really hoping these 2 are "redeemed" in the upcoming sections.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

I seem to be in accord with everyone else, in so far as saying that as things stand right now, I just don't care for these characters. At least not wholly. If I had to choose, I'd say I prefer Em, but only because Dex is so narcissistic and shallow. I enjoy the few places where we actually see Dex and Emma together. However, these moments are so little, and all the space in between them is so utterly...boring, rubbish, mind-numbing. I'm sorry it just drove me bonkers. Emma was so negative, she couldn't stop putting herself down, she has no faith in herself, and she's so snarky to Dex. Dex? Oy! He's self-centered, egotistical, and shallow. However, the two of them together is a bit redeeming. She makes him strive to be a better man, he makes her lighten up and enjoy life more and just like where she is at the moment. I won't give up. I'll hold out hope that I'll see the 2 of them written together more often.

Having reached the end of part 2, I found myself torn between Rose and Cassandra. I wasn't sure if I felt more like Rose and I just wanted "it" to happen already so it (I) could be done and now the outcome. Or if I wanted to be like Cassandra and just enjoy the anticipation. Regardless, I had to anticipate so I didn't jump ahead. Though I don't know if I enjoyed it so much as endured it. :) I don't know why they all let the father treat them all so miserably. I personally would have had to smack him at least once during all of this. I think especially if I was Topaz. You don't get to go out of town, or into London, and snap at me when I ask questions. And yes, I'm thankful everyday I wasn't born in another time era, as it might have been very detrimental to my well-being. Rose and Simon? I never really believed they were in love. I was wondering if it was lack of writing skills on the author's part that was making them come across as unrealistic or unbelievable in their relationship. This, of course, wasn't making any sense as the rest of the writing seemed marvelous to me. I'm loving the story and the way it's told. I realized, with the Simon and Cassandra kiss, that the not believable part was intentional. I am very anxious to jump into the last part and finish this story off. I can't wait to see what will happen with everyone!

I can't really say I've formed an opinion on the characters yet. I have ideas, but... I agree with wanting to smack the dad and tell him to take care of his family though. I'm very interested to see where the story will take this family, especially because the synopsis talks about Cassandra finding love for the first time. I'm wondering if it's Stephen or if it's possibly Neil. ? I'm anxious to read part 2 to see.

There are so many stories about soldiers out there, but it's very rare to find ones about the people of war: those left behind and those who are caught in the middle. I think Sarah Blake has done a wonderful job of presenting those people, and making them real and believable. I think Will did what many soldiers do, put his affairs in order, just in case. In war, you just never know. Though I was very upset with him in regards to his comments about life meaning something now. Even if he had survived, he was never going to return home to Emma. That made me hate him a little, because he was going to abandon her and break his promise, without dieing. When he died, all I could think was how ironically cruel it was. Like Frances screaming or Iris wanting to scream at the movie, I wanted to scream, "NO! Not that like. That's just too much." But as Iris realized with the movie, you're just a spectator/reader. You can't stop these things from happening, you just have to ride out the story. As for Frankie's accounts and recordings on the trains, as usual I am in complete dumbfounded silence when I read or watch the atrocities that occurred in WWII. I am in awe of the people who survived all the cruelty. I don't really know why Blake chose to write this section/these events such as she did. I also can't seem to conjure up any speculations on how these events will impact the future for those back in Franklin. However, I know I am most anxious to find out, and I am once again thankful that I was unable to get the book from the library sooner. I am able to jump from one section to the next rapidly. I think this is one story I would've gone just a little insane trying not to read too far ahead.

I apologize for being so delayed in responding to the posts. I had to wait for my library to get the book in. However, the timing works out because I can catch up on parts 1 and 2 and be just in time for parts 3. The bonus is that I won't have to wait as long in between readings, which I think will be a good thing since this story has really grabbed my attention. My reaction to the no letter's being sent was very similiar to the characters. However, I know what it's like to go for an extended period of time without hearing from your spouse, and yet you know they're over there, they're in danger, and all you can tell yourself is that no news is good news. Because bad news used to come through the mail back in those days too. (telegrams). My first impression of the 3 women did not hold even through just this first part. I immediately liked Frances, I felt an older woman's compassion and indulgence with Emma, and I didn't think I'd care for Iris at all. However, before the end of part 1, I felt so much for all of them. I found myself enthralled with Iris' romance with Harry, and sympathy for the fumbling we all feel at the start of a new romance. I understood Frances' compassion, yet thrill for the soldiers and what they faced. It's so hard to be proud of what they're doing, because people are dieing, and yet you are so proud of them, because they face that every day. As for Emma, oh there I felt so much. I've been in her shoes. You feel anger, frustration, and fear, but yet you know that all you can do is smile, say okay, and hope like heck that they come home to you alive. Overall, I'm very invested in the story already. I don't know exactly what it is about Sarah Blake's writing the draws me in so inexplicably, but it does. There are times that sentence structure just comes across as so disjointed that I have to re-read sections. Yet, that doesn't seem to stop me. I actually had to tell myself a couple of times to slow down, because I was just wanting to know more, but I didn't want to accidentally miss anything either. I'm anxious to read Winter 1941.

I'm really hoping my library hurries up and gets the book to me so I can keep up with the reading schedule. But if they don't (I had to request a hold on it), I will catch up. Reading lately? I read a lot, so: "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" "Sarah's Key" "The Ten-Year Nap" and more.

I thought both aspects were wonderfully done. I liked seeing a hint of where they all "ended up" in the future. Marcus with Julia (though "She's gone now and I'm an old man."), etc. I know my daughter (10) and my son (13) both expressed an interest in reading the book. I'll be interested to see what they think when they do. I thought the time travel was written into the story well. Otherwise, Sal would've been dead, and how tragically different all of their lives would have been. I also think as a YA author this is something that resonate with younger readers. Be careful of your actions, because you can't time travel and fix it all later. I mean, weren't there times in your life that you might wish to go back and do it differently? Or fix a wrong you committed?

Unfortunately, or fortunately, I never had a friend that we just grew apart. I was a military brat and moved too frequently for the friendships to fade without the reason of distance being the key. I do believe that author is leaving us clues. I think that Marcus is the one leaving the notes. I think his discussions with Miranda are a large clue. I also believe it's how he knows so much about what is going on now, and what will happen to them all in the near future. He was there. His actions with Sal even have something to do with it all. I think the punching of Sal will become something of a chicken and the egg theory, such as you usually see when "discussing" time travel. Which came first? Did his punch cause the actions or was his time travel somehow responsible for the punch so that certain events were in action? I'm thrilled with the quick reading, the characters themselves, and the whole story in general. I had to force myself to stop reading and type this response before I jump into the rest of the book. As in going to go finish it right now.

I read "Are you there God it's me Margaret" when I was younger. I've recently read The Hunger Games Trilogy and The Book Thief. I thoroughly enjoyed both and highly recommend them. I agree that it's nice to have a shorter/easier-to-read book for the month sometimes.

Part of me feels for the family and the other part is screaming "How can one family be so dysfunctional and no one see it?". I find myself most irritated by the mother. Is she really so self-absorbed that she can't see how she damages her family? Or how her neediness, bias towards one child, is negatively impacting both of her children? I agree with the description of the father being, and wanting to be, blind to the problems in his family. I too wonder just what is "wrong" with Joseph. I wonder how Rose will ever survive this family. And yes I definitely wanted to keep reading when I got the Part 3 division page. But I forced myself to set it down. I wonder how long that will last?

Oh wow! Where to begin? I've really enjoyed reading the book so far. It's a light read and for me that's uber enjoyable right now. I've had some heavy reading as of late. I'm definitely intrigued in the family dynamics. The mother comes across as depressed, yet possibly manic-depressive. The father is "absent" though physically present. The older brother is...strange, and yes I also thought possibly autistic. I like how the story is being told from the girl's point of view, and how so far that point of view seems fairly realistic as being a young girls. It's often very frustrating to read a "child" and know that a child of that age would never speak/behave that way. So far I think Bender is doing great. I wonder if the dad's detachment isn't also a form of autism. The way his eyes will bounce around the room, and the way he has a hard time being involved with his family. It's sounds a little wacky, but I got such a kick out of the scene where she tells her mom, "I can taste you." Also her trying to scrape off her tongue with a papertowel. It wasn't a hilarious scene, but the strangeness of the whole thing struck me as slightly funny. I mean, how would you react to that whole situation? I'd probably just be sitting there thinking, "You're kidding me. Right?"

i loved the ending. It raised questions, but if you take a minute to reflect you'll see that the answers are there. Plus I felt as if the ending provided a realistic approach to the storylines. Normally, I hate an ending that doesn't outline in detail what happens to every character, but in this case I feel it was an accurate way to end. This wasn't a story that would've tied itself up in a neat little bow, and made to look pretty. I think Ryan following Jay's instrutions began with either the hope that Jay was his dad, or with the realization that he really didn't have much other choice. He's family all thought he was dead. He even raises the question of how cruel it would be to re-enter their lives now. I think he stuck with the choice after Jay didn't show, because he knew this was the path he had to take now. Ryan really was dead. There was no way he could go back. I don't understand what was so unbelievable about Miles and Lydia having sex. They're two people who have "lost" people close to them, they've lived very isolated lives trying to reconnect with those people, they've found another person who is in a similiar situation to theirs, and they're pretty much drunk. That sounds like the ultimate combination for a one-night stand to me. I loved how the book jumped around. I think the "hopscotch" timeline made it a better read. I don't think the story would've been as interesting if it was just all laid out for the reader. It would still be good, but not as intriguing and as thought provoking. I was a little disturbed by Hayden's reasoning behind trying to find people to be with him. He was "saddened" by their loss, but still moved on and tried to do it again, only right this time. If that didn't confirm that Hayden was a sociopath, I don't know what else will? My only question is what happens to Lucy? Ryan we know will be okay. He knows how to acquire the rest of "his" money, he's cleaned it up, etc. Lucy was so young, and she has no clue how to take care of herself. I'd love to know what her outcome was.

I definitely thing George Orson is Hayden. I also don't doubt that Lydia is really some girl's aunt. I mean, he's trying to take Lucy with him out of state, who's to say he hasn't done something like this before. His twin believes him capable of killing, why not human trafficking? Especially if it gives him a better cover story? I mean he's a parent, the girls are going willingly, etc. As I was reading part 2, I kept wondering who exactly Hayden was. I think he might just be Jay. His fascination with having an son was too intense. His comments saying how he's never done that worried me. I think Hayden is possibly quite a few of the people in this story. I'm anxious to find out just exactly how twisted he his, how many lives he's toyed with, and just how many personalities he's taken on.

I agree the characters have me asking a lot of questions right now. I don't think Jay really is Ryan's dad, but I'm interested to see what bad things he's dragged the boy into. With Lucy I keep wondering just how disturbed this George guy is, and how horrible he might turn out to be. Last is the confusion of Miles and Hayden...enough said I think. Mostly I keep trying to figure out just how it is exactly that these characters are tied to one another or will be as the story unfolds. It even hints at it in the synopsis of the story. I haven't quite figured out the thread that does or will connect them. But I'm really interested in finding it out.

Hi Ashley! I finally got my copy of the book. Whew it took some doing. I couldn't find it at the library, used book stores, or new book stores. Of course, I live in an area where there are no large book stores (Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc). Finally found it at Target! I'm hoping I can accomplish the first part in 2 days. It should be doable. Other reads this summer: Just finished Still Alice (loved it) On my list: The Search, Nora Roberts Sizzling 16, Janet Evanovich South of Broad The Angel's Game Anna Karenina by Tolstoy The Passage The list goes on too long. I'm an avid reader, and get a little crazy with it in the summer, because I work a lot less in the summer.

I definitely feel that the differing relationships we develop with people throughout our life will be the central topic here. Henry's relationship with his father, the impact that has on his relationship with his son, his relationship with Keiko, how that's different than the relationship he'll have with Ethel, etc. I am trying to keep myself "involved" with the story, but I have to admit I am having a difficult time with this story. I always have a hard time reading this type of historical fiction. I had previously heard about the Japanese "concentration" camps here in the US around the time of WWII. I cringe when I read these stories, or slave stories, or Native American stories. It never fails to amaze me and saddened me how cruel us humans as a species can be. The item? I'm wondering if it'll be her sketchbook. But I'm also wondering what exactly it'll mean for her? Was she shipped out? Did she survive?

At first, I thought there was a conflict with Jacob's actions and an aspect of Jacob's Asperger's. Throughout the story we're shown how Jacob doesn't connect to others, he won't think of others first, he can't put someone else's needs first, he lacks compassion or empathy, etc. Yet there was the incident Emma pointed out to us about Mother's Day. (or was it birthday?) There was also the incident between the two boys when they were younger & Jacob slept outside Theo's door. Maybe this would fall under those same categoriesy as blended interests (following rules/meeting his own needs). Jacob's case study leaves you with lingering questions. Normally I hate that in a story, but this time I loved it because in the criminal world the only people who truly know what happened are: the one who committed the crime, and the victim/witness. Also, the way Jacob states his case study raised questions, for me, if he was truly innocent. He has a very brilliant mind, he will meet his crime scene needs before Theo's needs, he's taken stuff from Theo before to set the scene, etc. My question for Joci Picoult: Why Asperger's? Why this story with Asperger's? Reading list: Finishing reading "Great Expectations" by Dickens, finishing listening to (when I garden) "The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank" by Bombeck, and I will be starting June's Hotel book. I have to admit I'm not thrilled with the selection so I'm procrastinating. Suggestion: "Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral". I thought it was great! I wouldn't say it's a "can't-put-it-down", but I found it to be funny, endearing, and most definitely memorable.

I absolutely despised Henry and his complete lack of feeling for his family. I understand there's the hint that Jacob takes after his father, but yet this disappoints me because earlier in the book the question was raised "Where are all the adult autistics?". Then again, they might have just been institutionalized back in the day. Though I was happy to see how Picoult showed him finally truly understanding just what it took to be Jacob's parent, and that he finally understood all that Emma had given. I am heartbroken for Theo and all that he has had to give up and sacrifice during his short lifetime. Yet, he continues to do so knowing he may very well have to keep doing so well into his future. I am thrilled for Emma and Oliver. I was very happy with Picoult's choice of Oliver for the guy who enters Emma and the boys lives. I've tried to answer, and deleted the answers to, accomodating disabilities versus differences. No matter how I word it, or how hard I try to cover all the possible loopholes the answer eludes me. Where is the line between disability and difference? Is the line moveable according to... what? I make accomodations for my son who is ADHD. Is that a disability or a difference? I believe it's only a difference, but as with Emma I would most certainly use the disability card if I felt it might be to his best interest. Who as a mother wouldn't do the same? I just don't think there's anyway to address the issue without hurting feelings or causing a system that will ultimately only benefit the corrupt not the truly needy. I'm very excited to have the club conclude next week, and see everyone's responses to the ending!!

I'm embarrassed to say that I lack self-control when it comes to books and I read to the end within a week of starting the book. I behaved by reading section 1-3 to catch up, then when I started on section 4-6 to keep up "with the class" I couldn't stop. I finished the book on my second sitting. I found the case studies absolutely thrilling. Of course my degree in Sociology/Criminology may play a factor there. I've always been fascinated by how an "everyday" person could turn "psychotic". I think that's also a point Picoult may be trying to bring across. A killer could be a normal person that others who know them would never suspect. Maybe she's trying to set up the possibility of Jacob being the murderer? He's not a person most people would believe did it. Or maybe because everyone's thinking he's capable of doing it, maybe she's trying to tell us it's someone else? I absolutely adore Emma's thoughts on motherhood. As a mom I have definitely had moments where I questioned if I was good enough, doing enough, or a complete failure and my kids would wind up being some psychotic twisted individual. However, I long ago had to tell myself that I was normal, and it would be me, not my kids, who ended up crazy if I kept questioning everything those "abnormal" moms were saying. I am sympathetic to Jacob, but like Emma, there are just too many times I have had to question whether or not he could really have done it. I was still furious at Rich for his interrogation techniques, but not because of sympathy for Jacob. I was angry because I know somehow it's going to come back to bite him. I was also angry on behave of Emma, because he flirted with her, & I was hoping for the two of them. However, seeing his interactions with the boys on more than one occassion I've come to the conclusion he just won't do. I question Jacob's intentions in cleaning up the crime scene. The conflict I have with this will be a scene spoiler so I'll wait until the third discussion. I love how easy-going Oliver is with the boys and how seamlessly he is blending into the family. As someone who was a single mom, I know how important it is to like someone who is good with your kids. I mean you can date and like a lot of guys, but you won't be able to truly love someone who can't interact with your kids. As I said before, Rich has shown he's not even comfortable interacting with Theo, let alone Jacob. At this point, I was pretty sure I knew the ending and the possible reasons for Jacob doing what he did. Which is why I had, just had to ead to the end. However, I just wasn't able to see how she could possible write it that way. Which goes back to my saying that I definitely have a conflict with the ending, Jacob's part in it, & how she chose to close the story. Well, most of how she chose to close the story.

First, I'd like to apologize for the delay in answering the questions. I joined on the Monday that question 1 was posted, so I started a bit behind. I'm caught up now. (blushing). I'm actually at the end. I couldn't wait to finish reading either. My only experience with autism is my nephew was diagnosed with Asperger's, however they've since re-evaluated that diagnosis. Also, my neighbor has a son who is almost 2 and is already showing since of being on the spectrum. That was definitely a fact in the back of my head as I "pictured" the fits, and the difficulties in coping with a child with such special needs. Last I have a son who is ADHD. As Picoult says in her book, a "genuine" diagnosis. I'm able to understand some aspects of trying to reach a child who just doesn't understand, and trying to educate others who just refuse to believe you. I felt so much sympathy towards Theo and his strong desire to have a normal home. I have watched my older son go through many of the same feelings when coping with his brother & how much time it truly takes from the parent. It's just too hard to explain to a child that there is no "normal". Normal is relative to the person defining it. They just want happy, peaceful, or even just not chaotic. However, I did not like Theo stealing. I didn't understand why that step beyond the B&E was necessary, except maybe for the story line. I absolutely loved Emma's take on being supermom or trying to be what everyone else defines as normal. I love her little lists throughout the books talking about things she learned, lessons she's taken, etc. I also enjoyed Jacob's view on Asperger's. It was helpful to read it as though he's a different "human" than we are. That he feels as if he's alien to people. I know my son suffers with the same issues. That no matter how hard he tries, while he may be able to blend to some extent, he'll always be different, and he'll always have to work harder than everyone else to do what they do as habit, or naturally (without thought and effort). I'm very excited to see what question is posting for section 2, and to read more comments from other readers.

Any comfortable chair. It can be either the overstuffed chair in the living room, a chair on my back deck, or my hanging chair on the front porch. Of course, this time of year, it's preferable to be outside.