Brantford Public Library's Online Book Club discussion

We are mixing it up with our new March/April pick, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

This heart-wrenching, honest novel explores some serious issues. Some readers have enjoyed going into the book knowing nothing about it. They think that this helped with the impact and message of the book.

What do you think?

Did you go into the book knowing nothing? Or do you wish you had known less/more about it before reading it?

Do you think it matters whether or not a person knows what the book is about before reading it?

I went into this book totally blind. I don't think I even read the inside flap. All I knew was the author normally writes romance for YA - neither of which is my usual choice. However I was intrigued because of the amazing star rating the book had. It seemed guaranteed to please so I was happy to try it.

I think knowing a lot about a book before you go into it can go both ways. It can build false expectations which the book doesn't live up to or you can develop preconceived notions about what you think the book will be like and may end up really disappointed. I always like to know a bit about a book if it is a deeper or more challenging read. I find it helps my comprehension and eases me into the story line a bit better.

I think if you are a person who really doesn't like any sex or swearing or violence in your reading, it is probably best to know what you are getting yourself into beforehand.

I went into this one knowing nothing and I'm glad I did, because I'm not sure that I would have actually picked it up. It was a real page-turner.

I've not heard anything about the book , thank goodness no spoilers here as I'm only on pg. 127 . Enjoying it so far.

I very rarely read a book blind. Mostly I have such a large reading list that I don't want to waste my time on something that may not be of interest. Also, something like this, I need to make sure I'm in a frame of mind to be able to handle the subject matter. I love WWI and WWII novels but they are often difficult to read emotionally, so I like to have an idea of what to expect. I don't read spoiler though, just some reviews and a decent plot summary.