Books are my life... discussion

The Gift by Cecelia Ahern

If you could wish for one gift this Christmas, what would it be?

Everyday Lou Suffern battled with the clock. He always had two places to be at the same time. He always had two things to do at once. When asleep he dreamed. In between dreams, he ran through the events of the day while making plans for the next. When at home with his wife and family, his mind was always someplace else.

On his way into work one early winter morning, Lou meets Gabe, a homeless man sitting outside the office building. Intrigued by him and on discovering that he could also be very useful to have around, Lou gets Gabe a job in the post room.

But soon Lou begins to regret helping Gabe. His very presence unsettles Lou and how does Gabe appear to be in two places at the same time?

As Christmas draws closer, Lou starts to understand the value of time. He sees what is truly important in life yet at the same time he learns the harshest lesson of all.

This is a story about people who not unlike parcels, hide secrets. They cover themselves in layers until the right person unwraps them and discovers what's inside.S ometimes you have to be unravelled in order to find out who you really are. For Lou Suffern, that took time.

•♦◙ Monthly Group Read - September ◙♦•


Here are some discussion ideas that you can follow as you read the book. We all what to know what you think of it. Keep us up to date on your thoughts and progress as you read. Ask questions. Discuss with each other.

First impressions
Did you choose to read this book for the monthly grou read? If so what is your first impression? Was if a good start to the book or did it leave you regretting your choice to read it? What caught your attention right away?

The plot
How do you find the plot of the book? Does it move smoothly or do you find yourself lost? Does it keep you reading or is it too slow?

The characters
Who is your fabourite character in the book? Do you fun the characters well developed or would you like to know more about them. Can you relate to any of them?

What you loved
What did you really like about this book?

What you hated
What was something you strongly diliked about this book? How would you have changed it?

The author
Is this the first book by this author that you've read or have you read others written by them? If you have read others is this one as good? Better? Worse? If you're new to this author what do you think of them? Do you like their writing style? Would you read another book by them? Or were you unimpressed?

Other comments
What else would you like to discuss with the group about this book? Do you have questions you'd like answered?

Just started this book last night. Only about 30 pages into it. So far so good.

I am enjoying the book. Easy reading. I had never heard of it before joining this group. Just about half way through.

Is anyone else reading this book?

Heather wrote: "Is anyone else reading this book?"

I hope so !!!

The two main characters are strong, in very different ways. One a type A personality the other, very non-assuming. In my opinion, everyone can relate to each of the two main characters. Still morew to read.

@Heather, It's fine if no one else is reading this book. I had already read Kate Morton's so I picked this one. Wanted to get started in the group right away and I am enjoying a book that I had never heard of. All is good.

Ok - starting to get a bit far-fetched. Don't think I'm going to finish it. Sorry

I am really trying to catch up, but I didn't find the book yet. I will finish it in a few days but still haven't started. But would love to.

Hi all,
I finished today with the book. ^_^
The start especially is very intriguing and I did not dare keep it down till I finished it. Its very well written and the plot is simple but it makes an impression. This aspect I liked because I was bored of reading thrillers and mysteries hence this book was a welcome change.All the major characters are well defined and one can relate to them easily. As if they are people you met at some point in your life or like you know them in reality. By that I mean to say you can relate them to people around you.
I really loved the simple plot which easily involves you as a reader and with an amazing moral,the way story shapes and the end.I was emotional near the end part especially. My favorite character in the book would be Ruth and I would have definitely want to know about Gabe! :)I dont really hate anything about this book but I would have surely loved that Lou wouldnt have died after learning his lesson. That part I would have certainly like to change. He doesnt deserve to die I think.I respect the author's view too.
This was my second book by Cecilia ahern . I have also read 'where the rainbow's end' by her and I liked that one too. Especially the writing style and personally I could relate to the story of 'where raibow's end'. I would definitely like to read novels by Cecelia Ahern. I find them well written and easy reads. Infact looking forward to read - P.s- I love you. ^_^
So I think this book is really a good read. I am happy to read it.
Just I would have loved to know more about Gabe and the pills. Who was Gabe indeed and where did he go? How did he know what was gonna happen to Lou? Yeah I have some questions! ;)

Okay this is my first group read. Please pardon me if I have written anything wrong. All the views are my own. And I would definitely love to read what you all think.
Happy Reading!!
Love,
Aditi

I am still reading it. so far, so good

I have finished the book, and I can tell that is very different from "P.S I love you". that was a very easy book,this one has some depth. It is a simple plot that keeps you interested but I would like to know a little bit more about Gabe, is it his subconscious, or??? All in all not too bad, but not great book for me.