2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

When Lucy faced Danielle, she recited how the murders of those boys affected so many more people than just their parents and described how her family was changed. Had you given much thought to how tragedies like this affect the futures of those close to the victims? Your thoughts?

I read in one book, that tragedy has a ripple effect like a rock thrown in a lake. It touches the immediately family first, then spreads out to others including the criminals' family, the community, and sometimes the nation.

I always think of John Walsh when tragedies like this happened. He changed careers completely and went on to be a victim's advocate, and his television shows highlight unsolved murders of children.

That one of the was the most moving parts of the book. The other for me was when Lucy visited the park. Life events change us and shape us, no way around that. Tragic events often alter life goals and set people on totally different paths.

That soliloquy by Lucy to Danielle where she recited the impact of Justin’s murder on each member of her family in how it reshaped their futures left me breathless. I’d only really thought about the pain of the loss and how people work through it. I never gave a lot of thought to how it altered their life courses and choices. This was insightful and made the loss, to me, more devastating. I’ll remember this if and when someone in my world experiences this kind of loss.

FYI, Allison Brennan reached out to me this morning after seeing my tweet of the review on my blog. I asked her what questions she would suggest I pose to everyone and this was the only one I hadn’t covered.

That's great! I often wonder how an author would view us dissecting their books. Did you invite her to take a peek at our discussions?

I love when authors respond to posts, emails, etc.

No, I didn’t invite her. I’d need everyone’s permission for that.

Brennan’s really good about that.

No problem for me. I thought anyone could read, they can't post. Are the rules different for this group?

No, but for me to invite her and give her a link would be something I feel I should ask you about first. Nothing stopping her from discovering it on her own.

I suppose only members of this reading group can get in here, or am I mistaken? Maybe only they can't comment...

I like that an established author like Brennan reached out, Jonetta.

I too absorbed Lucy's soliloquy. My evaluation of this book rose the second time I read it (yesterday). I must have read it assuming it was a standalone before. It really does make a different to read series in order. Thanks for organizing that for us, Jonetta. It makes a huge difference!

You’re welcome!

The group is set up so anyone can view the discussions without joining. They just couldn’t comment.