YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

Mara Dyer believes life can't get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed.
There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.
She's wrong.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #1) by Michelle Hodkin will be our first GBR for October 2015.

Please read at your own pace, and hide any spoilers ☺ You are welcome to join at any time during the month ☺

Happy Reading Everybody!

Pre-Reading Questions -

Anybody got any thoughts on this one before we start?

Has anyone read anything similar to this before?

Anybody read anything else by this author previously?

I havent joined a groupread before and i dont really understand how this goes can you please help me?

Going to try this one again, lol!

Tala wrote: "I havent joined a groupread before and i dont really understand how this goes can you please help me?"

Basically we all read the book and comment on any thoughts we might have whilst we're reading, using spoiler tags for spoilers like <.spoiler.> without the dots ☺ This thread might help - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

My book is in at the library, but it may be a few days before I can pick it up...

It's sort of weird till now. (view spoiler)[What's the deal with Mara and Noah's powers, if that's what you call them? Is it supernatural? (hide spoiler)]

How the heck did she manage to kill a room full of insects/animals without even wanting to?

I don't like Noah.(view spoiler)[He's just an obnoxious, gorgeous, rich guy. I get that he wants to help Mara, but come on. He can't just fork over money like that. Plus, he takes the spotlight of Jamie, who I guess is just a supporting character. Again, Jamie was just expelled for no clear reason and Mara didn't even really care about that. Even though he was expelled as a consequence of defending her (hide spoiler)]

Okay so I definitely anticipated more fear from reading this then there was so far. Nothing actually scary has happened yet, just sad things. I don't mind Mara as a character even if so far she's a little boring.

Chapter 9: I don't really have a good indication of chapters so I'm going to go on the few I seem to find. (view spoiler)[ I still like Mara. She's a bit like me so she's relatable. I like her brothers, and even her mother even though she's kind of a helicopter parent right now. I hope she stays friends with dreadlocks guy. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11: (view spoiler)[ I HATE animal abusers!!! Stupid red neck b*st*rd (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[ Oooh, I'm betting she got a superpower!!! lol (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

End: (view spoiler)[ OMG this story took some very surprising twists towards the end. I'm not sure I'm invested in the love interest part, but everything else, YES!!! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Wow, Bookbuyer, you just flew through it.

I just started really. I can't really figure out what is going on. It seems that Mara must (view spoiler)[ see ghosts. Did the ouija board open the door for her to interact with ghosts? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9
I am enjoying the book so far.

(view spoiler)[Is it really just PTSD that Mara is experiencing? How come she saw Jude at school? And then the news came out that they couldn't find his body. That is quite freaky (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 14
(view spoiler)[Noah's quite stalkerish and Mara's trying not to fall for his charms but she's obviously failing.
Noah has so much confidence hah

Did the dog owner's death have anything to do with Mara? Just because she THOUGHT of how he died? That's really creepy (hide spoiler)]

Marla wrote: "Wow, Bookbuyer, you just flew through it.

I just started really. I can't really figure out what is going on. It seems that Mara must [spoilers removed]"

It was a good book. It was a bit slow at first and I wasn't sure I'd be able to continue since it was scaring me but it ended up being fine. :)

Hope you enjoy! ^-^

Chapter 22
(view spoiler)[it's definitely creeping me out that Mara can't remember doing things. Is she possessed by something? (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 28
(view spoiler)[Interesting to learn more about Noah. What a rich boy
Mara's attitude towards him was rude since the beginning but he still likes her. I don't get it. I don't like Mara. (hide spoiler)]

Christina wrote: "Chapter 9
I am enjoying the book so far.

[spoilers removed]"

I kind of still don't know what's going on. I'm a little intrigued, but also not impressed with (view spoiler)[ the cliche first awkward day at school, the run in with the school witch who is, of course, dating the big hunk, and trading quips with the gorgeous boy at school. I don't like the way she gets along with her mother and to be honest, I don't like her mother much either. I do like her brothers and father.

It's not a bad or slow, but I'm not hooked, at least not yet. (hide spoiler)]

Bookbuyer wrote: " Marla wrote: "Wow, Bookbuyer, you just flew through it.

I just started really. I can't really figure out what is going on. It seems that Mara must [spoilers removed]"

It was a good book. It was ..."

The ouija board scene did freak me out a little.

I had 3 questions for you:

1) If something tragic happened to you, would you want to stay where you live or move away?

2) Do you believe in ghosts/spirits?

3) Have you ever played with a ouija board?

1) If something tragic happened to you, would you want to stay where you live or move away?
I think if it wasn't my fault, I'd want to stay, but if I would be blamed or "that woman..." then I might want a clean start.

2) Do you believe in ghosts/spirits?
I do, and I don't ever want to see them or speak with them, thank you very much.

3) Have you ever played with a ouija board?
No, because of #2. I think ouija boards are like doors and I would never just open my door and let just anyone walk in. (I figure the happy, contented people move on, so that would leave the unhappy, troubled, angry folks lingering...yikes.)

1) If something tragic happened to you, would you want to stay where you live or move away?

I would and I have. When my dad passed away at my old house we moved within the year. Now that my grandpa has passed as well even though it was not at home we are considering moving as well.

2) Do you believe in ghosts/spirits? Yes and no. It's a bit complicated.

3) Have you ever played with a ouija board? Probably not as I already have enough fears and it would seem silly to me. ^_^

Chapter 43
(view spoiler)[strange things just keep happening. What happened with Morales confirmed that Mara just has to think of the way someone dies and they'd die that way!
And her hand healed so quick! (hide spoiler)]

1. I'd probably move but do these people like get up and buy new houses like that?? Or they rent? Houses are expensive! If it's really tragic, it probably wouldn't matter I guess...

2. I'd say no but I think about it sometimes haha

3. Nope never and probably never will!

End of chapter 54.
(view spoiler)[its a wonder Mara didn't kill Noah too along with all the animals in the room! Gee!

Interesting how Noah has visions and is able to heal. Very handy abilities. (hide spoiler)]

Finished
(view spoiler)[Choas at the end especially when her father and Lassiter were shot.. Thankfully Noah was there to help Mara's father heal..
I had a feeling Jude was still alive and he's obviously the one that kidnapped Joseph?? Because he's wearing a Rolex and Noah had a vision of someone with a Rolex (hide spoiler)]

Sorry, I'm so slow. It's interesting, but I've just got so much happening in life right now.

Chapter 30: I know that Mara will get involved (view spoiler)[ with Noah, but I like her resisting. I really liked Noah rescuing Mara from that horrible Anna in the sketch book scene.

I was surprised about Noah's house. Did Noah forget the keys on purpose to show Mara his house to see her reaction?

How did Mabel's owner die? Did Mara interact with his ghost or did she foresee his death? Why are the animals reacting badly to Mara?

I liked her new psychiatrist. I hadn't really noticed that Jude and Clare were only showing up when Mara was really stressed. (hide spoiler)]

I hope to start this soon. It seems like it would be good.

After Chapter 47: I think I HATE (view spoiler)[ Jude. He's definitely a "be careful what you wish for" kind of boyfriend. What a jerk, but he didn't deserve to die.

I was so sad when Jamie left. Mara needs more than just Noah. Though Daniel is a pretty great brother and friend.

So was the Joseph thing a dream? Or did they really have to rescue him? How did Noah know where he was? I think he sees things too, like the episode in the restaurant where he had to leave.

But all the fish in the river were dead? So can Mara kill things? She wanted the alligators to leave them alone.
(hide spoiler)]

Courtney wrote: "I hope to start this soon. It seems like it would be good."

It is a decent read. Even if I finish, I'll come around to chat with you, and Christina and Bookbuyer have been hanging around to discuss with me.

Christina wrote: "Chapter 22
[spoilers removed]"

I am wondering about Mara's (view spoiler)[ state of mind too. I can't decide if these things she remembers really happened or if she's delusional? I would HATE losing my mind, so it's a little distressing for me.

Though it does help that I don't really like Mara or Noah. I don't like Mara's mother either. I think my favorite characters are her 2 brothers, Daniel & Joseph. (hide spoiler)]

Marla wrote: "After Chapter 47: I think I HATE Jude. He's definitely a "be careful what you wish for" kind of boyfriend. What a jerk, but he didn't deserve to die.

I was so sad when Jamie left. Mara needs more..."

WARNING END SPOILER!!!

Yeah I definitely hate Jude (view spoiler)[ have you got the the part where it turns out he's alive!!! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

And she does have the power (view spoiler)[ to kill things I believe it's never really stated out loud, more implied then anything. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Christina wrote: "Chapter 43
strange things just keep happening...."

I can't decide if she's really (view spoiler)[ killing people or just seeing their deaths.

And I forgot about her arm healing so quickly. (hide spoiler)]

Marla wrote: "Christina wrote: "Chapter 22
[spoilers removed]"

I am wondering about Mara's state of mind too. I can't decide if these things she remembers really happened or if she's delusional? I would HATE ..."

I didn't really like any of them much but I guess if I had to choose I liked Mara, Jaimie and her brothers. Her father doesn't seem to bad either.

Edit: Oh and (view spoiler)[ I agree that it is confusing what real and what's just in her mind. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Marla wrote: "Christina wrote: "Chapter 43
strange things just keep happening...."

I can't decide if she's really killing people or just seeing their deaths.

And I forgot about her arm healing so quickly. "

As far as I can tell (view spoiler)[ she really is killing people. It's her 'power' and Noah's power is to 'heal' people so that's why her arm healed quickly. ^-^ (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

I just ate some animal crackers and laughed out loud.

Finished: Wow, there were some twists in there. (view spoiler)[ I didn't get that she was actually killing people, with her seeing ghosts, I thought she was just seeing their deaths. Until the fish died, then the insects.

Mara and Noah just glossed over the fact that if she can kill, then she killed the obnoxious Spanish teacher just for harassing her and giving her an F. That seemed more horrific than the animal abuser that threatened her. And poor Rachel.

Cool that Noah can see things and can heal. But I don't think I could love someone who killed people. So will he stay with Mara?

I did NOT expect Jude to be alive! That scum kidnapped Joseph? And he setup the killer. (hide spoiler)]

Bookbuyer wrote: " Marla wrote: "After Chapter 47: I think I HATE Jude. He's definitely a "be careful what you wish for" kind of boyfriend. What a jerk, but he didn't deserve to die.

I was so sad when Jamie left. M..."

Oh, you should change this message, at Chapter 47, you definitely don't know (view spoiler)[ that Jude is still alive and you might ruin it for someone. (hide spoiler)]

Christina wrote: "Finished
Choas at the end.. "

Yes, definitely lucky that Noah (view spoiler)[ could keep her father alive. I guess this will be a good lesson about trying to take justice into your own hand...collateral damage.

I did not even suspect that Jude was alive. Why would he hide? His parents lost both their children.

If Jude took Joseph then he could be a real problem. Maybe he wants one of Mara's siblings, since his sister Claire died. (hide spoiler)]

Bookbuyer wrote: "1) If something tragic happened to you, would you want to stay where you live or move away?

I would and I have. When my dad passed away at my old house we moved within the year. Now that my grandp..."

Sorry to hear about your father, Bookbuyer. I lost my mother when I was in college. It sucked.

Marla wrote: "Bookbuyer wrote: " Marla wrote: "After Chapter 47: I think I HATE Jude. He's definitely a "be careful what you wish for" kind of boyfriend. What a jerk, but he didn't deserve to die.

I was so sad ..."

Ooops. KK. I didn't really have chapters in the version I was writing. >.<

Marla wrote: "Bookbuyer wrote: "1) If something tragic happened to you, would you want to stay where you live or move away?

I would and I have. When my dad passed away at my old house we moved within the year. ..."

Yeah. The really sad thing is that it's been 10 years so I'm starting to forget him now. :( Like just today I forgot he had green eyes! D:

I'm sorry to hear about your mother as well. No matter when you lose a parent it's always difficult. >.<

Bookbuyer wrote: " Marla wrote: "Bookbuyer wrote: "1) If something tragic happened to you, would you want to stay where you live or move away?

I would and I have. When my dad passed away at my old house we moved wi..."

That's so true about losing someone. It's been 30 years since I lost my mom and it still makes me sad. But I quote her all the time, so much that people don't realize that she's gone. And my teenage daughters quote a grandmother that they never met :D

Sorry about your grandfather too. My mom and grandfather were 2 of my very favorite people. But he was 93 and it was time, but my mom left much too young.

My brother has a picture of my mom carrying him as a baby on his nightstand. I think that's so sweet. I think I'm going to look for a picture of her to frame. Time heals but it also dulls our memories.

Marla wrote: "Bookbuyer wrote: " Marla wrote: "Bookbuyer wrote: "1) If something tragic happened to you, would you want to stay where you live or move away?

I would and I have. When my dad passed away at my old..."

We have a few pictures of my dad around the house so I see him most days. My grandfather was sick, kidney disease and we had lost my grandmother 3 years earlier so he wasn't too keen on much treatment to lengthen his life. So I think he's much happier where he is now that he's with her.

I'm glad you're able to keep your mother's spirit alive! :)

My mom and I do this thing where whenever a clock has all three numbers the same, i.e, 1:11, 3:33, 5:55 we say hello to my dad, grandma and grandpa.

Has anyone read The Evolution of Mara Dyer...I'm commenting here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...