Reader's Ink discussion

What were your thoughts about Linnie?

Her past? (such with family, mother, sister, etc..)

Her life in the State School? ( her friends, coping at the school, the dangers, etc...)

Her relationship with Buddy?

Her decisions as a mother?

Linnie chose to go to Martha's house because of the Lighthouse Man.
What is the symbolism of the Lighthouse Man?

I thought Linnie was a tad idealized--whether she had a disability or not, she could've been portrayed as more complex--or even flawed, as characters have flaws--than she was.

Her life in the state school was very tragic. However, the biggest tragedy--to me--was the loss of her baby girl. Instead, Simon focused on Linnie's pining for Buddy. What a missed opportunity on Simon's part! As a mommy, I cannot imagine the pain of giving up the baby you so wanted to keep. That would've been a fantastic opportunity for the reader to really connect wiht Linnie. I mean, obviously she's capable of love and attachment, because she loves Buddy so much, right? So why no longing for her baby?