108A TE Fall 2011 discussion

What I most enjoyed about this whole process was the brainstorming we did together to predict things on this book. This was the first time I have participated in a book club, I am still amused how we, as a group, figured this out. At first, it seemed like very crazy guessing, but it turned out to be the written story. Fascinating! I liked the book, and although it seemed that the most logical thing would have been to advise Marcus, in a letter, not to hit Sal instead of having to go back in time to save Sal’s life and his own from being ruined, I can see that Marcus probably would have ignored such an advice.
I loved Julia’s metaphor about the diamond ring and time. Although I understand what it meant, I feels funny thinking that Marcus was crying his own death…I think that if he knew what had just happened as it seemed alluded, he could easily not have hit Sal. Overall, the book was very entertaining, and a good mystery. And I am not done thinking about it….

I didn't think about that, but yes it would make practical sense for Marcus to send himself back in time far enough so that he didn't punch Sal in the first place. The best reason I can think of was that Marcus couldn't perfect time travel and that's why he had to live as the laughing man for such a very long time.

Still more to think about!