The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge discussion

Our August 2019 book is The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. Thank you, Stephanie, for being our discussion leader this month!

I just put it on hold at the library; excited to read this one with you all!

I’m so glad this is the book this month! I just read it and could not stop thinking about it. Such a genuine tale of the things grief puts the heart through.

Hi! I will be leading the discussion this month. Who is excited to read this one? I am!!
I would also like to know if you prefer the literal questions or just randomly talking about the book? Either way we will start posting spoilers by the 18th. (Hopefully everyone can finish it by then!)

I tried to read this book a few years ago and set it aside. It just wasn’t clicking for me at the time. I’ll see if my library has it and give it another go.

I'm eager to read it, but not setting my expectations too high. I've read a bit about the overall theme of the book and I have a much harder time enjoying books when I can't relate to the characters at all. I'm open to it though!

And I think I prefer to discuss topics as I come across them rather than answer specific questions (I blame academia for this, haha).

I’m about halfway through and I’m surprised by the flow and free dialogue style of writing. I haven’t hit a portion that feels like the “magical year” yet.

I’m guessing this was on there because of how famous Joan Didion is, and it was a popular memoir at the time? Definitely an interesting book to read for a Valentine’s Day weekend away?

This news is sudden for me but for the last few weeks I had to fly home to be with my Mom. Her heart is failing. I don’t know how good I can discuss. I haven’t been able to get past the first chapter.
Please be in prayer for me and my family.

Stephanie wrote: "This news is sudden for me but for the last few weeks I had to fly home to be with my Mom. Her heart is failing. I don’t know how good I can discuss. I haven’t been able to get past the first chapt..."

I am sorry to hear your news. Positive thoughts heading your way!

Thinking of you and your mom, Stephanie <3 I'm sure the group can discuss without taking you away from your family. If you need a sub I'm happy to help out.

Stephanie wrote: "This news is sudden for me but for the last few weeks I had to fly home to be with my Mom. Her heart is failing. I don’t know how good I can discuss. I haven’t been able to get past the first chapt..."
I'm sorry to hear about your mother, Stephanie. I hope you get lots of time together in the coming days.

Praying for you and your family!

Yes, thinking of your family! Sending prayers your way.

Sending good thoughts to you and your mum, Stefanie. Take good care of yourself!

Stephanie wrote: "This news is sudden for me but for the last few weeks I had to fly home to be with my Mom. Her heart is failing. I don’t know how good I can discuss. I haven’t been able to get past the first chapt..." So very sorry. I will keep you in my prayers, book friend. Take care.

I started this book with no expectations at all. To my embarrassment, I'll have to admit that I had never even heard of Joan Didion (I blame it on my being from Germany). I liked the book as it gave me a peek into something I, thankfully, have not experienced yet. I wasn't too fond of what felt like name-dropping (Didion mentions a lot of her famous friends throughout the book, very often without it being relevant to the story).

Firstly, thinking of Stephanie, her mum and family at this time. Hoping that you are well. X

Secondly, I loved A Year of Magical Thinking. My father-in-law died suddenly (massive heart attack) two years ago, in very similar circumstances. This book has given me more understanding and compassion for what his wife went through and no doubt, is still going through. I'm toying with the idea of recommending it to her - the beginning is so raw but the reflections on the physical nature of grief I found really enlightening.

I admit I couldn’t read this months selection to completion. I read the first chapter and just cried. Maybe later I will tackle it when it isn’t all so raw. Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers.