You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

One of the group reads for February is A Day Like This by Kelley McNeil. Please discuss the book in this thread.

Janice will be leading the discussion.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. Have read the book before or during February 2024.
2. Discussed it in this thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favorite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread. Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.
3. Report that you have read AND discussed the book in the reporting thread (include a brief summary of what you thought of the book).

A note on discussion: Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favorite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc.

In addition to this, the group reads are meant to be a "read along" so it is preferable that you discuss the book as you read rather than wait until you've finished the book.

And finally, discussion is not about just listing your thoughts. Please interact with the other group members, comment on their thoughts, and if they comment on yours, respond to them. This is what makes a good book discussion!

You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread.

Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.

General Rules:
1. Please mark your spoilers with the spoiler tags along with mentioning what stage of the book you are at so other's don't get a nasty shock. Chapter numbers/titles are generally best as they are the same across all formats and editions. See our spoiler policy
2. The book may be combined with the Year Long Challenge, Topplers, and Monthly Challenges.

Happy reading!

I need to finish my current read, and I think I'll be ready to start this by the end of the week.

I opened this today and read the first three chapters.

It has a nice setup so far. (view spoiler)[ I thought the description around the day was great foreshadowing. Very specific details that I’m assuming she will be gaslit about later. (hide spoiler)]

This will be my coffee book so I don’t blow through the book. Think it will be a quick read.

I'll need one more day to finish my current read and then I'll start.

Through chapter 5

(view spoiler)[ what is going on?!?!
Annie wakes up in the hospital and is told she has no daughter, no house and divorced. Talk about a shock to the system.

So now I’m trying to figure out do we have an unreliable narrator or a victim of a very cruel manipulation.

Also in this day of social media, could you disappear a whole life?

I’m definitely intrigued but will have to wait and see. (hide spoiler)]

I have also read the first four chapters. (view spoiler)[ I read lots of books including thrillers, suspense and horror. One of my biggest phobias has always been the abduction of my child and now my grandchild. I say this because I cannot imagine the horror of waking up in the hospital and being told a child I remembered in such detail doesn’t exist. Poor Annie! So, far, I find the writing to be well done and I feel well connected to the setting. Where is Hannah? Was she abducted. Is this a great plot of gaslighting? I am simultaneously reading and listening to this story. I think the reader is doing a great job of drawing me in to the emotions of the story. (hide spoiler)]

Sharon wrote: "I have also read the first four chapters. [spoilers removed]"


I was curious how this would be on audio. I agree with your spoiler.

I am through chapter 10

The writing is holding up and I can feel the emotions of the characters.

I’m changing my mind about (view spoiler)[ the gaslighting. I think there is something else going on here but I don’t know what. Graham ( her husband) doesn’t seem nefarious to me. He doesn’t seem to want to deal with this so I’m not feeling like this is some big plot against her.

So now I’m leaning towards parallel lives maybe?

The logical side of my brain is frustrated lol. (hide spoiler)]

I'm starting the book this afternoon - on Audio. I bought the Whispersync deal, so have the kindle to fall back on.

I read to the end of Chapter 10. I think this is going to be a fast read. I like that kind of pacing, where you're pulling in quickly and the story takes off.

(view spoiler)[ I can't imagine the hell that Anne must feel remembering a total different life than anyone else. Or does she? Will we find out this whole thing has been contrived and Hannah does exist?

I was a little uneasy when the psychiatrist talked about memory, and how this can (and does happen). The brain is so interesting in what it can do.

I'm curious how this story will turn out. (hide spoiler)]

A couple of additional thoughts after Chapter 10. (view spoiler)[ Would she know the pediatrician's phone number by heart to phone from the hospital?

Also, what happened with her cell phone? She says she forgot it at the house because she was in a rush to get Hannah to the doctor. (hide spoiler)]

I have now finished through Chapter 14. The Audible version is very good. The narrator is able to voice the emotions of the characters well. (view spoiler)[ Chapter 14 ends with Annie and her sister having a huge fight over their past. It is quite intense and you can feel the hurt and anger of both of them. How hard it would be to have to live through old hurts and situation again on everyone’s part. I do believe that the therapist and therapy are helping Annie process things bit by bit. Even if Hannah was a yearning or remembered different than reality, it is such a crushing blow. It is after all, a remembered reality of Annie’s. To have all those memories and be told they aren’t true doesn’t make the memories go away. On a lighter note, Annie’s assistant, Piper is a breath of fresh air. She brings relief, optimism and hope to the story. I hope she can also help clear things up for Annie. This is a fast read, but I am making myself slow down because there is a lot to process. I agree with Marnie. Is this about alternate timelines? (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 17

Lilacs (view spoiler)[ They seem to have a mystical quality. She is smelling them in her present day life and I find that interesting. I also have a lilac perfume which made me wonder if the scent is so important to her why Annie doesn’t wear that too. Or candles etc.

The sister dynamic rings so true to me. The fight Sharon talked about was written so well.

I am enjoying this part of the book. Trying to live in a life you don’t recognize. (hide spoiler)]

I read to the end of Chapter 21.

Somewhere around Chapter 16 - (view spoiler)[ I'm beginning to wonder if she isn't in a coma, and living another life in her coma. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 21 - (view spoiler)[I'm beginning to think the coma theory is out, and there's a second dimension overlapping this one. "Fantasy" is listed as one of the genres. So I'm thinking alternate realities and that we're not in Kansas any more.

I've also considered that perhaps Graham and Marcie are playing her like a violin. But how cruel is that. G & M seem to be pretty well acquainted from what Ann remembers. Why is Hunter being kept from Ann? It also strikes me that Marcie arranged for Dr. Hicks.

Pieces are starting to fit together in that Piper has shown Ann her artwork for the upcoming exhibition and they are paintings of Hannah - the ghost girl.

I'm anxious to finish now because I want to know how it ends. (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 27

Piper seems to be the kindest and most open of Annie’s people.

(view spoiler)[ Annie is in London now talking to people who have researched this parallel life phenomenon.

I do like that they call it the “what if” theory because we all know a single decision can change the course of a life. This whole topic I’d fascinating to me. (hide spoiler)]

I agree Janice I’m so curious to see how this ends.

Finished

(view spoiler)[ It all wrapped up in a nice tidy bow. I do enjoy a feel good ending. This was a very fun and thought-provoking read. (hide spoiler)]

I have finished! I didn’t mean to…I was going to parcel it out over the next few days, but I became engrossed and finished it. (view spoiler)[ This book! The scene where Annie said goodbye to Graham had me teared up and resigned. I am not sure I understand all the “science” but I do get the multiple timeline issues. It makes sense in a way that Annie was in a coma, but at the same time, I was interested to see how things went with Jonathan. I was so glad to find out hat his life had turned out as well. The art opening with her series a year after she was reunited with Hannah and Graham, seemed such a poignant way to tie things together. I really enjoyed this book! (hide spoiler)]

I finished as well. It was almost a compulsive read. (view spoiler)[I was disappointed with the ending. I had no idea how it would end, but I wasn't expecting this. I thought that she'd would continue with the life she woke into. The ending also seemed to drag on a bit long. I also felt it got a bit preachy towards the end. Perhaps that was just the narrator and may not have come across that way with the print editions.

This wasn't fantasy. It would have been more along the lines of science fiction, which is what I shelved it as, because it explored the possibilities of parallel realities.

I agree that Piper was the most likeable of the characters.

I noticed that the cover shows Hannah as greyed out, and Annie more tangible.

(hide spoiler)]

I have read up to chapter 7
(view spoiler)[I am reading another book right now with a similar plot, What Alice Forgot. It is different from this book because the main character loses ten years worth of memories. I think this story where the main character has memories that she is told are not real is much more scary! Being told your child does not exist is a mother’s worst nightmare! (hide spoiler)]

Ashley wrote: "I have read up to chapter 7
[spoilers removed]"

I can't imagine the terror she felt when she woke from the accident.

Marnie wrote: "I am through chapter 10

(view spoiler)[I also thought of a parallel life. Annie has such specific memories of her life before the accident it’s like she is in an alternate time line. It doesn’t really seem like a sci-fi book but maybe it is. Then again I was also surprised when Annie and the therapist talked about the house being haunted. I had forgotten about the lady she seen at the beginning of the book. Kind of creepy. I didn’t think it was going to be a creepy sort of book either. (hide spoiler)]

Janice wrote: "I read to the end of Chapter 10.
(view spoiler)[I was also uneasy with the talk about memory and the mind and what it can do. I got thinking about that Chinese philosopher who basically said there is no way of knowing if we actually exist, for all we know we could be a butterfly’s dream. I definitely didn’t think this would be the kind of book to make me question my existence or reality but I’d be lying if I said I’m not kinda creeped out.

I was also wondering how she would know the pediatrician’s phone number by heart. Very strange. I’m confused. (hide spoiler)]

Finished chapter 18
(view spoiler)[I think Marcie and Graham are hiding something. I’m not sure what but something is definitely going on there. (hide spoiler)]

Ashley wrote: "Janice wrote: "I read to the end of Chapter 10.
I was also uneasy with the talk about memory and the mind and what it can do. I got thinking about that Chinese philosopher who basically said there..."

(view spoiler)[With my health issues lately and the way it affected my memory made this section a bit uncomfortable. My son insists he drove me to the hospital in another city in March 2022 for a procedure, and I clearly remember that I flew and my brother picked me up. Regardless who is correct, we're both unnerved by it. I haven't checked my flight records yet.

But there are other times. My mother told me that she had been very upset when I cancelled my enrollment at some school. I didn't even know of the school let alone recall enrolling. I wondered for a long time if she hadn't dreamt it and recalled it as a reality. I also wondered if she wasn't confusing me with my sister who did cancel an enrollment at a nursing college.

Memory is so interesting. (hide spoiler)]

Janice wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Janice wrote: "I read to the end of Chapter 10.
(view spoiler)[ Oh, wow! Yeah, I can definitely see how that part of the book would give you some uneasy feelings. (hide spoiler)]

Hey all, just joining now but I have to admit that I read through this book way too quickly.

I took some notes, so I am going to review it piece by piece based on my notes.

Comments up to chapter 5
(view spoiler)[ When she wakes up in the hospital, she is searching for her daughter. I believe that she believes that she has a daughter, but does she? Also, it's her first instinct, it's almost like something that she feels in her waters so why would she be lying and why does nobody else know about her daughter? (hide spoiler)]

On memory
(view spoiler)[ At this stage, it's difficult to tell whether she has a memory lapse or whether she is being deceived by some very artful people. It reminds me of a book I read once about a spy who undergoes facial reconstruction so that he can't be 'caught' for his crimes. Around chapter 5, when he wakes up after facial reconstruction, he looks different but also, he has different memories but can remember key things about his life: door code, concierge's name, car registration number etc. It's a Jason Bourne-esque style book and this book is giving me similar vibes. So, I am wondering, were drugs injected to alter her memory like in that book? (hide spoiler)]

Marnie wrote: "Through chapter 5"

I agree with you. I was wondering the same thing.

I'm glad you're joining us Grainne. I really felt for her panic and grief at waking up from the accident and hearing (view spoiler)[ that she doesn't have a daughter and being told she never did. (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 10

(view spoiler)[ Her sister and former husband are supportive of her and help her out when she leaves hospital. They've both arranged for her to see a therapist who is helping her to talk through her situation. They are also believable characters and don't seem to be acting underhand. She has wealth which she doesn't seem to know about due to her memory so if they were up to something, they would surely be looking at that aspect of her life rather than recreating/remembering a missing child with a therapist? (hide spoiler)]

Janice wrote: "

It's very really and I do feel for her and her family.

I just finished the book. (view spoiler)[I really enjoyed this book. I liked the ending and I’m glad we got to see how things turned out for Jonathan. I was also really excited that Piper showed up at the end. I was sad she had to leave Piper behind in her other life. This book definitely sent me down a rabbit hole reading about the multiverse and the Mandela Effect and “glitch in the matrix” stories and videos. Really fascinating stuff. It almost makes you wonder if those dreams that seem so real actually may be real in another time. (hide spoiler)]

I'm glad you enjoyed the book Ashley. (view spoiler)[ I really liked Piper, and was glad that she ended up in both realities. (hide spoiler)]

I am using my notes up to chapter 18.

I can't imagine how difficult it must be for (view spoiler)[ her sister and her husband to remind her of the past and fill in the gaps in her memory. It must be what having Alzheimer's is like for the family. I found it harrowing when her sister is faced with accusations about their mom and Dad. She accuses her sister of not supporting and helping out with her dad's illness and not coming to see him before he passed away. I was relieved when they forgive each other and agree to continue as sisters. I am glad that they were able to heal and move on. I just do feel sorry for her sister though, because they've already moved on and going back isn't positive for either of them. (hide spoiler)]

On painting
(view spoiler)[ Let's hope that she can remember how to paint and that she can make an earning doing that like she has done before. I think it will also help to bring her some healing. (hide spoiler)]

Janice wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Janice wrote: "I read to the end of Chapter 10.
I was also uneasy with the talk about memory and the mind and what it can do. I got thinking about that Chinese philosopher who basic..."

(view spoiler)[ That must be really unnerving. When someone else remembers something different to me, I just explain to them that we perceive things differently. Two people can have the exact same experience and remember it very differently. Luckily for me, my twin sister has an excellent memory, much better than mine, so if in doubt, I ask her for confirmation, and she usually remembers! My Mom on the other hand, is a completely different story. (hide spoiler)]

I finished the book.

The reporter
(view spoiler)[ I find it intriguing how she meets the reporter, and we see the fledglings of a new life about to begin for her despite her memory loss and her divorce. She has a very determined spirit in her pursuit of the truth of what is happening, and I reckon she would make a good reporter. The universe has aligned with her intentions and even though her daughter is 'still missing' she has reconciled with reality that she is now ready to move forward. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ The writing was on the wall that they were going to separate. It is a lot of strain on a marriage to lose a child. Even when the parties speak about it, it is still difficult for them to reconcile. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I don't really buy into the idea of two (or twenty) different timelines for life. It's a cute fantasy book with time travel featured as MPG. If it hadn't been listed as 'fantasy' I may not have finished it as it was all too disconnected in the beginning. I am glad that I did spot these MPG clues and continued reading. The china cups scene at the 'dual-time line' lady's house was probably my favorite part of the story. I was delighted that she was reunited with her daughter in the end, and I could picture the idyllic swing and the tree in her backyard. (hide spoiler)]

Good comments there Grainne. There was certainly a lot to consider in the story.

Well, you guys have me all curious lol I’m starting it this evening

I hope you enjoy it, Jenn.

Ashley wrote: "I just finished the book. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I agree Ashley, and I am glad that she gets to know Piper and work with her. (hide spoiler)]

Marnie wrote: "Through chapter 27

(view spoiler)[ I found that dialogue really interesting and 'what-if' is probably the right term for it. (hide spoiler)]

This was a solid 4 star read for me. I hope you all are enjoying it. Don't forget to report in the reporting thread when you have finished.

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

I did finish it earlier today, and have been thinking about it ever since.
(view spoiler)[Is it setting up for an abduction, no. Amnesia, Conspiracy, what do you mean I never had a daughter, no. Multiverse, impossible to prove, or disprove. Maybe a coma dream?
So many scenarios to be sifted through and all done so well.
I was both happy and sad at the ending, Hannah was calling for her mom (happy), but it felt like Annie had made a huge step forward in her life in moving towards Jonathan and I was really sad that that didn't get to play through.
(hide spoiler)]
Was a really interesting and thought provoking read, and I have been waffling all day whether to keep it at the initial 4 star, or if it was in fact a 5 . . .

It certainly is thought provoking. I also (view spoiler)[ waivered between the different scenarios it could have been. (hide spoiler)]

Been thinking about it all day, and just changed my stars to 5 lol
Any book that leaves me thinking about it for that long without swearing deserves it lol

That's a great way to determine the book's impact on you, Jenn