2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

We also learn that Penn & Jasper’s mother succumbed to her cancer. Unfortunately, he and his brother aren’t coping well and Jasper has stopped baking. Penn shows no outward signs of any impact while at work and his team members don’t know how to help him. Was this what you expected or were you at first surprised that he and Jasper weren’t bonded in grief?

I was surprised. Penn and Jasper are so close; I expected them to support each other in their grief. It was sad that Penn didn't think he could talk to anyone on the team. I really expected him to lean on Stacey. It makes sense when we find out more later in the story. I guess he was afraid to share his feelings with anyone or he would break down and not be strong for Jasper.

You never know how people will react to the death of a close family member, so I wasn't surprised that Penn and Jasper were not coping well. I was surprised that Penn didn't confide in Stacey because I thought they're friendship was close.

I agree with both Sharon and Robin. There is still some mystery surrounding Penn, so this just showed how much we still don't know about him.

I wasn't surprised but saddened for both Penn and Jasper. I agree with Lynn, I think we have a lot to learn about Penn.

I agree. There is a lot that we don't know about Penn. If Lynn becomes a regular character she will tell us a lot.

I was surprised, really thinking they’d turn to each other. But, after learning more, they’d both been putting up a strong front while their mother was alive. I just felt so sad for both of them.

Penn is such a complex character. Lots more to learn about him and, yes, Sharon, very much hope it’s through Lynne.

This was so sad. Penn was trying to be strong for Jasper and Jasper was emulating his brother.

I am glad that Lynne opened Penn's eyes and he and Jasper were able to grieve together.

For some reason, I thought that Lynne was much older than Penn, but I understood here that they are about the same age.

You know, I went into this story thinking the same. Not sure why I had this impression, maybe it’s because of her maturity.

Jonetta wrote: "You know, I went into this story thinking the same. Not sure why I had this impression, maybe it’s because of her maturity."

Perhaps it was the idea that she was partnered with Doug Johnson when we last saw her and he was older.

Maybe so but I did think she was at least thirty.

Jonetta wrote: "Maybe so but I did think she was at least thirty."

We don't have either of their ages, so maybe they are both around that.