Author Eugenie Laverne Mitchell's Corner discussion

The thread is all about "Philanthropic Ways"

Hello everyone - I hope you are all having a great day/evening. Please see the reading plan that we will, hopefully, be following throughout March.

Happy reading


“Philanthropic Ways” - Reading Plan

March 1 – 7 – Part I and Part II
March 7 and 8 – Discussion on Parts I and II
March 8 – 14 – Part III and Part IV
March 14 and 15 Discussion on Parts III and IV
March 15 – 21 – Part V and Part VI
March 21 and 22 – Discussion on Parts V and VI
March 22 – 28 – Part VII and Epilogue
From March 28 onwards – discussion

Please remember to behave courteously during discussions and to demonstrate mutual respect one to another despite any differences of opinion that may arise. It is desirable that a cordial and friendly atmosphere be maintained within this group – thank you.

After reading the novel members are welcome to post reviews on Goodreads and on Amazon, and to vote on Listopia. Of course, there is no obligation to, but should you do so it would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance to those who take part in this group reading. I hope you will enjoy reading my work.
May God bless you all :-]

Thank you. This schedule looks very doable, for all parties, I'd imagine. And if someone does fall behind, this isn't school. Catching up shouldn't be a problem.

By the way, I try to review everything that I read,(even short stories,) and so you can look forward to one from me.

Thank you so much Justin. You're an Angel - hope you have a great day :-]

Ah, thank you for your kindness! Today's been an all right day.:)

:-]

Dustin wrote: "Thank you. This schedule looks very doable, for all parties, I'd imagine. And if someone does fall behind, this isn't school. Catching up shouldn't be a problem.

By the way, I try to review everyt..."

I’m so happy that you’ve joined and will be reading this story, Dustin. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Angel wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Thank you. This schedule looks very doable, for all parties, I'd imagine. And if someone does fall behind, this isn't school. Catching up shouldn't be a problem.

By the way, I try t..."

:-]

Angel wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Thank you. This schedule looks very doable, for all parties, I'd imagine. And if someone does fall behind, this isn't school. Catching up shouldn't be a problem.

By the way, I try t..."

Well, you know, after your beautiful review, there was no way I would miss it. I'm definitely looking forward to jumping in, engaging in meaningful discussion, etc...

I hope it's okay that I get some discussion going. Also, will you be dividing each section of the book into numerous threads (might be easier to navigate that way,) or is it all taking place in this one?


Anyway, the opening paragraph flows smoothly, and I think it really lays down the foundation of what's to come:

The people called them "Gods Three Little Angels" and they looked and sang as though they had wings and a halo. But at times when they were not gracing the alter at church on Sundays or at some other gospel concert or church event, the three friends were normal playmates- novice inquisitors who relished discovering the ways of the world through adventure, and often their behavior could be more likened to that of mischievous minxes.

It says a lot about childhood, too, don't you think? It's very reminiscent of innocence and finding one's unique self in the world. Those are my impressions.
There seems to be a lot conveyed in this paragraph alone, which is impressive. Additionally, there's the innate closeness of the girls, and possible foreshadowing.

What does everyone else think? How did you interpret the passage?

I couldn’t agree more with you, Dustin! In spite of their impish personalities, I could visualize the three girls singing beautifully—harmonizing and bringing joy to their audience. There is that sense of peace and innocence but also a feeling that it won’t last very long....

Whenever I'm reading or watching something where things seem to be going extraordinarily well, it's usually an indication that things cannot last. The calm before the storm, you know?

I could also clearly visualize them singing, harmonizing, and astounding their audiences.

I’m floored by Avarel and her treatment of Simon!

(I’m not sure how this works...if I can reveal things or if I should add spoiler alerts. I definitely don’t want to give anything away).

Please use spoiler tags, everyone. If anyone needs help doing that, I'm happy to help.☺

How far are you, Angel? I think you're ahead of me.

I am up to chapter 5 now—learning about Avarel Andersen and the things that have happened to her since leaving God’s Three Little Angels.

Great to see that vigorous discussion has began. I will take a back seat in discussions folks, if that is alright and will only "speak" if requested to.

Dustin I think I will take your advice and divide up the sections.

Just a comment that if the discussion is really down to the "nitty gritty" of the plot members may wish to PM one another - just a suggestion. Happy reading.

Angel wrote: "I am up to chapter 5 now—learning about Avarel Andersen and the things that have happened to her since leaving God’s Three Little Angels."

I believe I am at the start of Chapter Three. Avarel's section.

Eugenie wrote: "Great to see that vigorous discussion has began. I will take a back seat in discussions folks, if that is alright and will only "speak" if requested to.

Dustin I think I will take your advice and ..."

Sounds great.👍

I started yesterday (two day behind my personal schedule) but still finished the two first parts and have to admit I was struggling for most of the second part pretty much. I won't add any details yet. I want to read the next two parts before I make up my mind (which should be possible within the next two days)

Yesterday I was several times at a point I wanted to abandon the book but decided to give it another chance in case it was just me and my personal health situation. I'm still not sure but at least I'm willing to give it another chance after reading the first two parts.

@ Dustin & Angel, you voiced interesting points but I decided to wait with my point of view until I'm sure I won't change my mind again.
I'll be back again either tomorrow or for the official discussion round in two days.

@ Eugenie, I'm not sure if you're located in the UK (the setting of the book) or US and wanted to ask about the times - I'm living in Germany and so I'm often pretty early for the US friends and wanted to know if we go with our own time zones for the discussions or if there'll be a common (main) time slot for everyone?

Hi Agnieskzka, please comment on the thread for Parts I and II from here on.

With regards to timing, I think it best to stick to own time zones and use the "Reply" function to respond to a particular comment.

In relation to your reading experience so far I have been made aware by previous readers that the novel is very true to life and therefore tend to evoke certain emotions. Whilst that is great for some people, it might not suit everyone's taste. I do appreciate your feedback and honesty.

May I remind you that you can personally message another member or myself if your comment would amount to a spoiler in order not to affect other members' reading experience. Thanks a lot.

Agnieskzka, I'm sorry that you seem to be struggling (to the point that you considered abandoning it.) However, I'm glad you're sticking with it, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it as the discussion progresses.

Welcome!😊

Agnieszka, I hope you won’t give up on the story. Are you finding the shifting perspectives hard to follow? Just curious as to what, in particular, you find offputting.
I actually love to get all of the perspectives for a fuller sense of how the characters are feeling, both personally and in relation to one another.
I think the characters are genuine and relatable, with flaws, problems and emotional struggles, too.
I hope that you will continue the journey to see what happens to the members of God’s Three Little Angels.

I also appreciate the multiple perspectives, for the reasons you stated.

Sorry guys I was so long off-line unfortunatelly my health came in-between and I wasn't able to think properly the last few days. Now I'm double glad I finished the second part before I had to switch to audiobooks while I couldn't read for five days.

I just wanted to let you know. I hope I'll be able to post my thoughts about the book and your comments later today or tomorrow.

Agnieszka wrote: "Sorry guys I was so long off-line unfortunatelly my health came in-between and I wasn't able to think properly the last few days. Now I'm double glad I finished the second part before I had to swit..."

Sorry to hear you were not well Agnieszka - hope you are feeling better now. Please may I remind you to post your comments on the thread for Parts I and II. I have copied the link below for your convenience:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you get better asap!

Please feel free to share your thoughts at your leisure.😊

Dustin wrote: "I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you get better asap!

Please feel free to share your thoughts at your leisure.😊"

No pressure whatsoever Agnieszka - in your own time :-]

Welcome back, Agnieszka! We’re all looking forward to your input whenever you feel up to it. I hope that you’re feeling much better.