SCPL Online NonFiction Book Club discussion

Thank you for joining in the discussion this month! I hope you have enjoyed reading this memoir and that it’s been an entertaining read but has also given you cause for reflection, if not on your own life, then on the life of someone you know.

I will leave you with this quote from Mara, discussing her goals for writing this book, “I think growing up is about figuring out which experiences are universal, and which are yours alone. (I suppose my book is about both of those things.) I think most people feel out of place at some point; we are all together in feeling alone. My goal is always to make people feel welcomed and included whenever they spend time with me or read my writing.”

Do you think that Mara has accomplished this goal through her book?

Yes, I think she has accomplished this goal. I liked that she exposed her vulnerability and uncertainty.

It is actually funny, I was talking with some older adults about the Jane Austen book Persuasion. They didn't believe that young women today got "angsty" about if a boy likes them or not, or who should make a move and signals etc. Well, here is Mara, uncertain about boys and relationships. I wish I could show this book to that group and say see! I think we all get nervous and uncertain, even us confident, brash, technologically inclined millennials.

Hi Lillian - those are some great points! Mara certainly owns up to her vulnerability and uncertainty - as you said, and her confidence is inspiring!

That's a very interesting view of today's young women! I'm pretty confident that, in some respects, girls' responses to boys' attentions (or lack thereof!) haven't changed too much since the time of Jane Austen. There are different ways to communicate and vent frustrations but overall, feelings remain the same!
~Marcella