Read More, Relax More discussion

Some thoughts to get us started.
How do you like the author's writing style?
How do you feel about the initial characters?
After reading the first five chapters, what do you think of the book so far?

I really like some of the descriptive phrases the author uses like "patchwork heart". I feel like Adele and David obviously share some dark secret that even they don't want to discuss. Hearing Adele's inner thought that maybe they want to kill each other is a reflection their related turmoil. However, I can relate to Adele when she thinks of life not being all of what they hoped, despite trying. Adele's hopelessness feels like it's going to be an important part of her character. I also feel that Adele is extremely driven and determined as she says she will never fall out of love with her husband.

Louise and Sophie are discussing that when the guy in the bar said "No dull life talk" that was his first tell that he was married. I feel that the author has some negative feelings towards marriage and it's reflected in her writing. Louise is a single mom in London, and part-time secretary for a psychiatrist looking for Mr. Right, but settling for being on her own. I can't relate to Louise as much in the book as I have never been in a similar situation. I feel that Louise's friend Sophie is a bit too comical as she quickly brushes off any of Louise's feelings that seem apparent to us. This is also because Sophie seems to condone affairs.

I really feel a bit sad for Louise as she is so envious of Adele (a beautiful woman who's husband is out kissing other women) and how she describes how terrified of her life she was until she kissed the man in the bar. I feel like this is playing into Louise being a weaker character, but really hope to see her develop into something else.

As we go back to Adele she's describing how she mentally catalogs their new environment for her comfort and that is a familiar thing I think most people do. I'm not sure why the author feels the need to add this in the book, but maybe it's more of an obsessive behavior she's trying to focus on? Adele relies on her beauty and takes no shame and actually enjoys it, but she takes pride in her beauty and works hard to keep it. It seems as she says she wants to be the good wife, but I wonder why is she having to try so hard? Also, what the heck is in the garden? And...if whatever they hid in the garden is from their past, why did they have to pick up their lives and move?

So far, I'd say the book is going well. I obviously want to keep reading because I have way more questions I want answered after only a few chapters.

This is going to def be revealing secrets as we read along...

I really want to know what happened to this "beautiful couple!" I can't help for feel bad for the wife! (for right now anyways)

The start of the book has a sort of eerie vibe to Gone Girl. I really want to know what is going on with Adele and David. Seems Adele is just as twisted and complicated as David is.

Dying to know what is happening now. The author hooked me with the first 10 pages.