Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

This topic is open for discussion of The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. Be prepared for SPOILERS.

Synopsis:
When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils...Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.

Don't forget! Answer some or all of the DQs, or volunteer to write a section and Bank Voting Power Points!

Proposed Reading Schedule:

	 Reading
Date	 Section	Starts with…			PPDQs*
Nov. 22	 001-056 	Part One			Lisa Kay
Nov. 23	 056-119	IV In spite of Yarvil…		Lisa Kay	
Nov. 24	 119-175 	III Andrew, Fats and… 		Lisa Kay
Nov. 25	 176-233	Part Two 			Lisa Kay	
Nov. 26	 233-287	IX “And where are you…” 	Lisa Kay	
Nov. 27	 288-344	VI Things denied...	 	Lisa Kay	
Nov. 28	 344-401	III Andrew had spent…		
Nov. 29	 403-458	Part Five		
Nov. 30	 458-503	XII Halfway down his packet...
		
*PPDQs = Person Posting Discussion Questions

Lisa Kay
Lisarenee
Barb
Sashana?
Taly
Danielle
Mary
Cathie
Sharon
Rebecca?
Laura
Cassie
Lauren

List of Characters - from Shelfari.com - mostly. ☺


• Alex: A social worker.
• Alison Jenkins: Journalist at the Yarvil and District Gazette.
• Andrew "Arf" Price: Ruth and Simon's rebellious son. Fats' friend.
• Anne-Marie: Krystal Weedon's older sister, who was adopted by distant relatives. Krystal imagines she has a better life.
• Aubrey Fawley: Pagford's representative in Yarvil; his father bought a Pagford landmark property (Sweetlove House) in the 1950s. He sold land to Yarvil Council, commonly knows as "the Fields" - a buttress against an encroaching city - where Barry Fairbrother was born.
• Barry Fairbrother: A man who grew up in the Fields housing estate but became a successful banker and well-liked councilman for Pagford Parish. Dies from an aneurysm at the beginning of the book. The story is about how he influences everyone in Pagford.
• Betty Rossiter: One of the older council members.
• Bhai Kanhaiya: The Sikh practitioner of equal mercy; his model facilitates Parminder Jawanda's feelings of guilt for the ill-treatment of her youngest daughter Sukhvinder.
• Catherine Weedon: Krystal's grandmother (she calls her "Nana Cath"); Terri's mother; lives on Hope Street.
• Carly: Samantha's clerk at her bra store.
• Cheryl Tully: Terri Weedon's sister, the mother of Krystal's Tully cousins. A resident of the Fields who is frequently feuding with Terri Wheedon.
• Colin "Cubby" Wall: Stuart's (Fats') father. Husband of Tessa. Deputy headmaster of Winterdown Comprehensive. Old friend of Barry Fairbrother; Mary called him and his wife to the hospital the night Barry died.
• Dane Tully: A troubled student; lives in the Fields. Krystal's cousin.
• Danielle Fowler: Terri's sister.
• Declan Fairbrother: Barry and Mary's youngest child.
• Dr. Crawford: Dr. Jawanda's fellow medical professional at the local GP surgery.
• Dr. Parminder Jawanda: One of the Councillors; the community's general practitioner. Barry's political ally. Opponent of Howard Mollison, who calls her "Bend-Your-Ear."
• Dr. Vikram Jawanda: A cardiac surgeon; Parminder Jawanda's husband.
• Fergus Fairbrother: Barry Fairbrother's eldest son
• Fiona Shawcross: The headmistress of Andrew Price's school.
• Gaia Bawden: Kay's daughter, ripped away from Hackney London by her mother. The girl Andrew Price has a crush on.
• Gavin Hughes: Miles' salaried partner at the solicitor's (Edward Collins & Co. in Pagford); Kay's reason to move to Pagford. Best friend of Barry Fairbrother. Mostly a spineless character.
• Guru Nanak: A Sikh leader.
• Howard Mollison: Sixty-four years old. Obese owner of the delicatessen in Pagford and member of the council. Married to Shirley. Miles' father. Nemesis to Barry and all his followers; he calls them "The Obstreperous Faction."
• J.K. Rowling: Author, popularly known for her Harry Potter series.
• Jaswant Jawanda: One of three kids in the Jawanda family.
• Julia Fawley: Volunteers at the hospital, Aubrey's wife.
• Kay Bawden: Gaia's mother; a social worker. Moved to Pagford for Gavin.
• Kevin Cooper: A classmate of Andrew's.
• Krystal Weedon: A high school student from the Fields housing estate from a very troubled home. Member of the rowing team.
• Lauren: A girl on the rowing team.
• Leanne Carter: A friend of Krystal's
• Lexie Mollison: Miles Mollison's daughter.
• Libby Mollison: Miles' daughter.
• Lisa: Gavin's ex-girlfriend.
• Marco de Luca: A friend of Gaia's in London.
• Mark Richards: A high school student.
• Mary Fairbrother: Barry's wife and mother of their four children
• Mary Fearweather: Barry's wife.
• Mattie Knox: An overwhelmed social worker.
• Maureen Lowe: Howard Mollison's business partner at the deli; he calls her "Mo." (62, widow of Howard's original partner. Stooped posture.)
• Melly: Patricia Mollison's partner.
• Miles Mollison: Howard's son. Is a lawyer (equity partner at Edward Collins & Co.) and wants to get the vacant council seat. Married to Samantha.
• Mr. Meacher: The woodwork teacher at the school.
• Mrs. Catherine Weedon: Krystal's great-grandmother.
• Nate Shawcross: Knows Collin has OCD disorder.
• Niamh Fairbrother: One of Barry's twin daughters. (Other twin is Siobhan.)
• Nikki: Krystal's friend.
• Obbo: A drug dealer and skeeze who lives in the Fields.
• Patricia Mollison: Miles' sister; Howard's daughter; lives in London.
• Paul Price: Ruth and Andrew's youngest son.
• Pikey Pritchard: A dodgy gentleman from the Fields housing estate, who is known to repair motors.
• Rajpal Jawanda: One of three kids in the Jawanda family.
• Ritchie Adams: Father of two of Terri Weedon's children.
• Ritchie Adams: Killed a man. Responsible for Mary-Anne and Liam being taken away from Terri.
• Rob Calder: A high school student.
• Robbie Weedon: Terri's young (toddler?) son, mostly taken care of by Krystal.
• Ruth Price: Simon's wife and a nurse at the local hospital. Makes friends with Shirley Mollison and excuses her husband's behavior.
• Samantha Mollison: Miles' wife. Hates his parents and owns a bra store.
• Shane Tully: One of the Weedon family's cousins.
• Shirley Mollison: Howard's wife and keeper of the city council website. Miles' mother. Dislikes her daughter-in-law, Samantha.
• Shona: Legal secretary to both Miles & Gavin at Edwards Collins and Co. in Pagford. Twenty-eight, single.
• Simon Price: Paranoid and abusive husband and father, attempts to win council seat. Often involved in shady dealings, works at Harcourt-Walsh printworks.
• Siobhan Fairbrother: One of Barry's twin daughters. (Other twin is Niamh.)
• Skye Kirby: A local low-level drug dealer.
• Stuart "Fats" Wall: Andrew's friend and classmate and often up to something. Colin and Tessa's adopted son.
• Sukhvinder Kaur Jawanda: One of three kids in the Jawanda family, close friend to Gaia, and tormented by Fats.
• Terri Weedon: A drug addict from the Fields; Krystal's and Robbie's mother. She also had to give up two other children in her youth.
• Tessa Wall: Cubby's (Colin's) wife; head of guidance at the school.
• Una: A social worker.

I have the book sitting on my shelf, waiting for me to pick it up to read, and it's due back at the library by Friday, so I really need to get to it SOON. From what I've heard about it, I can't guarantee I'll finish it, but I'll at least give it a shot :)

I have two copies in transit at my library so I should have one shortly. I reserved both a large print and regular to see which would come first. They're coming in at the same time. lol

I got a gift card and used it to buy this book. However, I have company coming for Thanksgiving - on through the week-end - so, I'm not going to be able to start with you ladies.

I currently have it checked out but it's due back next week. Can't renew it because it's so popular!

We actually have TWO library copies in the house right now -- one for me, one for my daughter. Unfortunately, they're both due back on the same day (10/26). We timed that rather poorly LOL

Should we change the start date for this one?

I'd like to join, but haven't gotten my hands on a copy yet. Would you PM me if there is a date change, Lisarenee?

Doubt I will be joining in on this unless I go buy it. I'm 1147 in line at the library :-(

WOW! 1147??? I thought our list was long at 246!

Oh, Jex! I had to check my library, just b/c you did. 287 people in line. Your library has mine beat by miles.

Zanahoria (Taly) wrote: "I'd like to join, but haven't gotten my hands on a copy yet. Would you PM me if there is a date change, Lisarenee?"

Sure Taly. I'm not sure if we'll change it. I was just curious.

Yea. Moved up to 1125. Woot. Also put in for the audiobook version. Only 205th in line for that one.

Whoa! That's some interest it's having. I want to buy it, but it might have to wait. Still trying to get someone from whom to borrow :D

Proposed Reading Schedule, after looking at hardcover copy.

~LK

Oh, goodie. Dates look Ok, I think I can get a copy by then, so sign me up :D

*tilts head* Do the chapters go backwards?

They have six parts with roman numeral divisions among those with occasionally divisions by day of the week intertwined as well.

I will have to return my copy before this starts but would of loved to join

I am picking the audio version at the library today. I don't normally participate in the BOM discussions. I will probably listen to this at my own pace but I will keep an eye on the discussions. I knock books out quickly and once I start it, I'll be done in a few days unless I don't like it.

I was bad and got it on audio also. **sigh** Not willpower yesterday.

Welp it turns out it was the hardcover and it's only got a 15 day check out because of the hold line. I have to decide if I want to read it now or just return it and get in line again.

ETA: I must have clicked on the wrong edition when I put it on hold. Because I see the audio version in my library's catalog and there's no waiting line for it. So I put that on hold.

There are tons of characters in this one. I posted a list in Message 3 .

~ Lisa Kay

Just a reminder to check your virtual library if you have one. Those tend to have a shorter wait time.

I'm in :-). This has been sitting on my shelf since day one when it first came out! Another book club I belong to read it for Oct. but I didn't get to it knowing that 2 other clubs (us included) had it on their Nov lists and a 4th club choose it for their Dec botm. I believe someone's telling me to read this, lol.

I have this on my list to complete the "Decades Challenge". I'm going to join in. This will be my first time following along with the BOM schedule.

Wonderful, Sharon! Welcome to your first.

I can't decide if I am going to read this one or not. I would have to buy it and it's $14.99 for the Kindle edition. I looked at the reviews and I have a feeling I am not going to like this book so I am really hesitate to buy this one if I won't read the whole thing.

Has anyone already read this? If so, what did you think?

Kim, I started this one in order to post questions before Thanksgiving (when I'll have company). It does get better, and I'm getting caught up in the story...but I'm not liking many of the characters.

I have my copy ready to go. Hopefully I will follow the BOM schedule this time - Seraphina is still unfinished, although I'm really enjoying it I got behind..

Wow! Some of you have a long wait for this book! I didn't even inquire at my library because I saw every copy was accounted for and I really wanted to read this with you guys. I went to B&N yesterday and bought it since it was 40% off!! A lot better than when I first went to buy it and it was supposed to be 40 bucks. That's kind of pricey, I think the HP books were cheaper and I had one delivered to my door via owl one time ;)

**hee hee**

I kept hoping this one would find its way to the thrift store shelves, but so far haven't seen it anywhere. So many copies being bought I figured someone would read it then get rid of it.

Katie wrote: "Wow! Some of you have a long wait for this book! I didn't even inquire at my library because I saw every copy was accounted for and I really wanted to read this with you guys. I went to B&N yesterd..."

For that price, I'd expect some trained birds at the least, lol.

@Lisarenee: I reckon for every book recycler minimalist out there, there are ten anxious book lovers queuing the thrift stores. Finding a used copy would be luck of humongous proportions I imagine.

Not only is this book out of stock in my library but my library belongs to a group of about 20 or so local libraries and it is out of stock or on a waitlist at every single one. I may try to see how much it would cost to purchase this book but the reviews have been very mixed and I don't know if I should spend the money.

I am in for this one!

I'm ready!!!! This will be first read with the group!

I hope you can join us, Rebecca! Welcome Laura & Cassie!!

Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions, Pages 001-056; Part One (Sunday – Olden Days IV)


Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions, Pages 001-056; Part One (Sunday – IV)

1. This is certainly an adult book in language and social commentary. Considering it is written by J.K. Rowling, is it easy for you to make the transition to this, or is the crudity bothering you? Or does it fall away as you get into the story?
2. What is your impression of Barry Fairbrother? His relationship with his wife and kids? What is the significance about the swiftness and lack of warning regarding his death?
3. What do you think of Miles and Samantha’s marriage? Do you think they will join forces for Barry’s council seat? Do you like one more than the other? Do you think Miles is a “mommy’s boy”?
4. What is your impression of Ruth & Simon Price? Simon calls Andrew, his son, “Old Pizza Face.” Nice. Is he a bully?
5. Does Andrew truly hate his father, or is it just teenage angst and rebellion? What do you think of Andrew’s crush on Gaia? His friendship with Fats?
6. Did anything stand out for you with regards to Shirley Mollison, Miles’ mother?
7. How about Gavin Hughes? Is it significant that he doesn’t realize Barry was his best friend until he dies? Will he ever come straight with Kay? Does she deserve better?
8. Did your feelings for Krystal change, the more you learned of her background? Did you feel for her, being wrongly accused of laughing? Were you surprised she was on the rowing team? Do you think she actually cared about Barry Fairbrother, or just disappointed that she won’t be in the paper?
9. Do you think Dr. Parminder Jawanda was having an affair with Barry? Or was it just unrequited love? Or just professional respect and friendship?
10. Whatever was Simon Price buying from that boy? Did I miss something? Do you think Barry was really “trousering bribes from Grays”?
11. Comments on the dispute between Pagford and Yarvil? Or is it too early for you to form an opinion?
12. Do you have a favorite character so far? One – or two – that you dislike?

Okay, tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the U.S. (Happy Turkey Day!)

I'm have company coming and I'm going to be crazy busy. I keep worrying that I'm NOT going to post the first set of DQs on time, so I'm doing it now...post above...so I can worry about something else. ☺

I have the DQs for the first three reading. Does anyone want to November 25, or onward? I don't have a problem doing them; just thought I'd ask.

~ Lisa Kay

I can't wait to participate in this read along :) I have had this one on my shelf since September and needed some motivation to pick it up! Also I haven't participated in a group discussion since probably... oh my... June?? Really looking forward to starting this tomorrow!!

Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions, Pages 056-119; Older Days – IV to Part One (Wednesday – II)

13. Can you understand Howard Mollison’s resentment toward Krylstal Weedon? Do you think he is correct about his belief that “Young” Aubrey wants to right his father’s wrong?

14. What do you think of Kay Bawden’s last thought at the end of Tuesday/Chapter II? Thoughts on her not telling Terri’s drug worker that she had used? How pathetic was her faking a continuing phone conversation with Gavin for her co-workers?

15. To me, Fats is a pretty unlikeable character, but he is certainly smarter and more insightful than Andrew. True? Does he have any redeeming qualities? Comments on his Facebook page? Knowing what we know – that Fats secretly believes he needs Andrew more than Andrew need him – how profound was Tessa’s (Fats’ mother) analogy about Cubby’s loss of Barry comparable to him losing Andrew?

16. Sooooo…whatever are the Mollison’s going to do with Gavin? Is he weak-willed and easily manipulated? Do you think the councillor (book’s spelling) seat will go to a public vote or be co-opted?

17. BOOK QUOTE: I wonder whether Barry knew. Whatever did Tessa do? She also believes that Barry wouldn’t want Colin to take over for him; why not?

18. Krystal sure picked an unfortunate time to spend a couple nights at her friend Nikki’s. Or maybe not, if Kay’s visit is a catalyst for a change to the better. Comments. How do you feel about her taking on the responsibility of Robbie? Will she go all the way with Fats?

19. What is with Shirley Mollison’s obsession with the Queen? Will her friendship with Ruth be tested, considering Simon’s plans to run for Barry’s seat?

Welcome, Lauren!

Next section's DQs posted. I still have a house full of company. I'll talk later.

~LK

Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions, Pages 001-056; Part One (Sunday – IV)

1. This is certainly an adult book in language and social commentary. Considering it is written by J.K. Rowling, is it easy for you to make the transition to this, or is the crudity bothering you? Or does it fall away as you get into the story?
I am trying my best not to prematurely judge the book by the fact that J.K. Rowling is the author. It is a bit difficult to get used to the language, but only because I typically try to stick with the cleaner romances. This book is very British though, so it is likely that it will continue to be a bit overly baudy.

2. What is your impression of Barry Fairbrother? His relationship with his wife and kids? What is the significance about the swiftness and lack of warning regarding his death?
It seems like he wasn't a very good husband. I am not sure about his relationship with his kids. I am wondering exactly what part Barry played in this little tift between the town of Yarvil and the Parish.

3. What do you think of Miles and Samantha’s marriage? Do you think they will join forces for Barry’s council seat? Do you like one more than the other? Do you think Miles is a “mommy’s boy”?
I think that Miles and Samantha have a marriage of convenience more than one of love. I do think that they will join forces to try and get Barry's council seat, but it sounds like they are going to have a run for their money. I don't really know enough about either of them to like them or hate them yet. I do think that Miles is a bit of a "mommy's boy".

4. What is your impression of Ruth & Simon Price? Simon calls Andrew, his son, “Old Pizza Face.” Nice. Is he a bully?
I really dislike Simon. I think he could be an abuser and who calls their child names anyway? Even if the child is a bit rebelious, I can't believe he calls him that.

5. Does Andrew truly hate his father, or is it just teenage angst and rebellion? What do you think of Andrew’s crush on Gaia? His friendship with Fats?
I do think that Andrew hates his father. I think it is more than just teenage angst and rebellion for the above described reasons. I think Andrew's crush on Gaia is interesting and I wonder if it will go anywhere. I don't really know yet what to think of his relationship with Fats. It does sound like they might have quite a bit in common.

6. Did anything stand out for you with regards to Shirley Mollison, Miles’ mother?
She seems like a mean, spiteful woman.

7. How about Gavin Hughes? Is it significant that he doesn’t realize Barry was his best friend until he dies? Will he ever come straight with Kay? Does she deserve better?
As with most of the characters, I feel like I don't have enough to form an opinion about Gavin Hughes. I think it could be very significant that Gavin and Barry were best friends. I hope he comes straight with Kay. I think it is wrong to stay with someone out of obligation or because you feel pity for them.

8. Did your feelings for Krystal change, the more you learned of her background? Did you feel for her, being wrongly accused of laughing? Were you surprised she was on the rowing team? Do you think she actually cared about Barry Fairbrother, or just disappointed that she won’t be in the paper?
I think that there is more than meets the eye with Krystal. I don't feel sorry for her, knowing her background, but I do hope that somewhere down the line in the book, she will change. I think she truly like Barry Fairbrother because Mrs. Wall made a statement about him being the only one who could keep her on the rowing team and get respect from her.

9. Do you think Dr. Parminder Jawanda was having an affair with Barry? Or was it just unrequited love? Or just professional respect and friendship?
I at first thought they were having an affair, but I am not so sure now. I do think that Parminder had feelings for him that went beyond professional respect.

10. Whatever was Simon Price buying from that boy? Did I miss something? Do you think Barry was really “trousering bribes from Grays”?
I am not sure what he was buying, but I am interested in finding out. I think that the boy would be the one to know if Barry was really wheeling and dealing in bribes. He seems to be in shady business.

11. Comments on the dispute between Pagford and Yarvil? Or is it too early for you to form an opinion?
I think it is interesting and I am surprised that it has gone on for so long. I guess small towns have those types of disputes

12. Do you have a favorite character so far? One – or two – that you dislike?
I don't have a favorite character, but I think I am most interested in finding out more about Andrew. I also want to read more about Tessa. She seems like a very sweet woman.

@ Laura

Glad you're back! ☺

1. Yes, it does seem very British.

2. I'm interested to find out what part Barry played is the town dispute, too.

3. I think M&S certainly have that kind of marriage now.

4. & 5. I'm going to agree with you - totally - on both of these.

6. I'll agree here, too. And what is up with her fascination with the Queen?

7. Yeah, and don't forget the "free" sex. Dweeb.

8. & 9. I'm with you again here, on both of these. I was suspicious, too, of Parminder...but I think she was just "crushing" on her side.

10. True. And I'm very curious.

~Lisa Kay

Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions, Pages 119-175; Wednesday-III to end of Part One

20. Eep! Sukhvinder Jawanda is (view spoiler)[a “cutter.” (hide spoiler)]. From what I’ve read, the reason behind this form of self injury is that it is “an outlet to vent out one's bottled pain.” Can you understand this form of self-abuse? To read more of the why, check out buzzle.com And she’s deduced it is Fats posting on her Facebook page; smart girl, despite her thinking she is not one. Comments.

21. What did you think of Tessa and Dr. Parminder Jawanda’s conversation and Parminder’s breaking down sobbing? What do you suspect is at the root of her unhappiness? Do you think Tessa will believe her about Howard Mollison being a “vile man”? Any comments on her wearing a sari to the funeral?

22. A computer? I wasn’t expecting that to be what Simon brought home! So, this one “fell off a truck” – that was the reason for all the sneaking around and his warning for the kids not to tell? Comments. Simon really is a brute. That whole installation scene got to me. You?

23. What did you think about Mary not wanting Colin at the viewing on the eve of the funeral?

24. How about Gavin and Kay’s fight over the funeral? Then, later, his regret that he hadn’t taken her?

25. What did you think of Krystal’s apology to Sukhvinder? Was it sincere? Was the “insult” really an insult, or a way of bonding with her?

26. So, from what I’m picking up, seems like Gavin’s wife was promiscuous. Right?

27. Comments on the different opinions of Barry’s coffin? Anything else stand out for you about the funeral?

28. Drat! Fats and Krystal went all the way. Comments.

Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions, Pages 001-056; Part One (Sunday – IV)

1. This is certainly an adult book in language and social commentary. Considering it is written by J.K. Rowling, is it easy for you to make the transition to this, or is the crudity bothering you? Or does it fall away as you get into the story?
I entered into the book trying to rid myself of misconceptions. You know, making a mental blak slate. It helped. I recognized some of Rowling's style in it, even through the stark, almost violent way of portraying domesticity. Crudity didn't bother me, just, felt uncomfortable? Like all this set up itches under the surface with ugly. Disquieting :D

2. What is your impression of Barry Fairbrother? His relationship with his wife and kids? What is the significance about the swiftness and lack of warning regarding his death?
Kids seem like normal teens so far, albeit a bit feisty, those twins. I reckon we'll find more to it later. I wondered more about how he felt he had failed his wife. As for the swiftness, no time to tie ends up for him or anyone? And it gave us an interesting perspective on the reactions of a bunch of people.

3. What do you think of Miles and Samantha’s marriage? Do you think they will join forces for Barry’s council seat? Do you like one more than the other? Do you think Miles is a “mommy’s boy”?
Samantha sounded like a very dissatisfied woman crawling into a bottle. Since we haven't seen more of Myles, it could be her dissatisfaction bleeding through. He sounded more like a "Yes father, sir" to me, with the call.

4. What is your impression of Ruth & Simon Price? Simon calls Andrew, his son, “Old Pizza Face.” Nice. Is he a bully?
Andrew sound like a very, very troubled teenager, full of internalized emotion, like every teenager. On the other hand, Andrew, with his sudden climb to almost violence surprised and scared me. Ruth entered the scene rushing to be with her husband at least a bit, and then to see her in fear. It was shocking, and felt a bit like a punch. Does it make sense? I mean, his annoyance almost looked like parental frustration, but then the name calling cam and I started feeling sick, and then suddenly the charged atmosphere, and presto: violent husband presented without needing to show one punch.

5. Does Andrew truly hate his father, or is it just teenage angst and rebellion? What do you think of Andrew’s crush on Gaia? His friendship with Fats?
Yes, I could see Andrew hating him. I lack the boy perspective, but that sounded pretty much like your run of the mill horny teen to me. Fats sound like a very shrewd, tough skinned kid.


Will do the rest when I come back from work, I'm running behind! ^_-


6. Did anything stand out for you with regards to Shirley Mollison, Miles’ mother?
Ahhh, the witch. As a daughter of a father involved in politics, her portrayal made me chuckle a bit in recognition, specially the part where it is said that she could not separate political with personal. We as a family have had troubles in personal and work related areas caused by people taking their political agendas out of the proper arenas. During one of the roughest spots, a guy from the opposition died from a heart attack, and as much as we admired him, it felt like a relief, specially for my mom (dad has always been the stoic, calm one). The difference is in the thinking sudden death as a proof of being better, and rejoicing in it, but I saw parallels.


7. How about Gavin Hughes? Is it significant that he doesn’t realize Barry was his best friend until he dies? Will he ever come straight with Kay? Does she deserve better?
I don't know whether that was about confusion from grief (the innocent inference) or a show of his self involved mind, so preoccupied with himself he couldn't take hold of the fact that the dead guy that was his alibi was his best friend (the cynic inference, that will probably be the more spot on, given the tone of the novel, lol)
Sigh, Kay feels like a woman looking for a man to fix her life and keep her. Being supported is not the issue, but the part where she moved cities, dragging a child with her, on the hope that the guy she's chasing will take her *shakes head*

8. Did your feelings for Krystal change, the more you learned of her background? Did you feel for her, being wrongly accused of laughing? Were you surprised she was on the rowing team? Do you think she actually cared about Barry Fairbrother, or just disappointed that she won’t be in the paper?
9. Do you think Dr. Parminder Jawanda was having an affair with Barry? Or was it just unrequited love? Or just professional respect and friendship?
10. Whatever was Simon Price buying from that boy? Did I miss something? Do you think Barry was really “trousering bribes from Grays”?
11. Comments on the dispute between Pagford and Yarvil? Or is it too early for you to form an opinion?
12. Do you have a favorite character so far? One – or two – that you dislike?

@ Lisa Kay

6. Yeah, that bit about the Queen was interesting. I know that the British people hold her in high regard, but she seems a bit looney tunes about her.

7.LOL! Thats true, he is such a dweeb.

8 & 9. I hope so because I really want to like Parminder for some reason.

@ Zanahoria

1. Such a good description of how I was feeling too when I first started it. She really does have a violent way of describing domesticity. It seems like every one of these characters has some sort of problem with their spouse in some way.

2. I automatically assumed he was having an affair, but now I am not so sure. You have made me think about it a bit more.

4. I wasn't really shocked, but I could see where it could be shocking to some.

Here goes with a first post:

1. This is certainly an adult book in language and social commentary. Considering it is written by J.K. Rowling, is it easy for you to make the transition to this, or is the crudity bothering you? Or does it fall away as you get into the story?
I am liking the transition. It is a little odd that it feels sort of Harry Potter-ish. I think thought that is J.K. Rowling's writing style showing through. It feels like there is a bit of mystery going on here. I think she does an excellent job with the teenagers. I am wondering if she is being more crude to distinguish this book from her other writing.
2. What is your impression of Barry Fairbrother? His relationship with his wife and kids? What is the significance about the swiftness and lack of warning regarding his death?
So far he seems to be everyone's best friend, sorely missed by wife and family and champion of children. I am curious to see if this is reality. Often when someone suddenly dies, first memories are of the best of the person. If she is portraying that, and later more comes about about Barry, I think that would be interesting. If he is just a really great guy, that's great too. Not enough fine characters in contemporary fictions for me.
3. What do you think of Miles and Samantha’s marriage? Do you think they will join forces for Barry’s council seat? Do you like one more than the other? Do you think Miles is a “mommy’s boy”?
I need to know a little more I think. Mostly, I'm seeing Samantha's side so far.
4. What is your impression of Ruth & Simon Price? Simon calls Andrew, his son, “Old Pizza Face.” Nice. Is he a bully?
Simon is a classic bully to me. and Ruth is calssically his victim. I dont' like Simon. I am liking Andrew.

5. Does Andrew truly hate his father, or is it just teenage angst and rebellion? What do you think of Andrew’s crush on Gaia? His friendship with Fats?
For Andrew, I think his father is a dangerous man and his feelings may well go beyond teenage rebellion. Andrew is an example, for me, of how well the authoer writes convincingly about teenagers. I find Andrew's friendships and crushes realistic.
6. Did anything stand out for you with regards to Shirley Mollison, Miles’ mother?
Just that her distaste for her daughter-in-law seems sad to me.
7. How about Gavin Hughes? Is it significant that he doesn’t realize Barry was his best friend until he dies? Will he ever come straight with Kay? Does she deserve better?
I'm finding Gavin very interesting. I do think it shows GAvin's lack of self-awareness that he doesn't realize Barry's importance to him. I'm not sure about him and Kaye. It seems to me that they have a fundamental misunderstanding of each other. I don't think this will end well.
8. Did your feelings for Krystal change, the more you learned of her background? Did you feel for her, being wrongly accused of laughing? Were you surprised she was on the rowing team? Do you think she actually cared about Barry Fairbrother, or just disappointed that she won’t be in the paper?
I think Krystal is sincere. I foudn the laughing incident to be more about the typical ways that adults can easily misunderstand children. I felt that the misunderstanding was a function of her place in society. She is on the outskirts, and thus was misunderstood and accused.
9. Do you think Dr. Parminder Jawanda was having an affair with Barry? Or was it just unrequited love? Or just professional respect and friendship?
I can't figure this out yet. I am thinking affair, but so far, nothing has been written that it couldn't be friendship, colleagues,etc.
10. Whatever was Simon Price buying from that boy? Did I miss something? Do you think Barry was really “trousering bribes from Grays”?
I think we find out later what Simon was buying so I'm going to hold comment. I have read ahead so I'm trying to be careful not to reveal anything.
11. Comments on the dispute between Pagford and Yarvil? Or is it too early for you to form an opinion? I don't know what to think of this yet. I also will say, I'm not sure I am following all the players and what the issues are. This dispute seems muddy to be.
12. Do you have a favorite character so far? One – or two – that you dislike?
Sukhvinder and Andrew are my favorites so far. I don't like Howard and Shirley, Simon, and Fats, or his father Colin. It seems like there are too many characters to me, but I'll see how she uses them.