Books and Jams Readalong discussion

Here we go!

What did you think of the beginning of this book?
Did you have expectations going into it?
Did the writing draw you right in or did it take a minute?
What is your initial impression of the characters?
Any quotes stand out to you as you read?

Other thoughts welcome as well! :)

I am really enjoying this book! Started Thursday night and am 66% through. I am the same age as Kate and Peter; their milestones are set in the same time frame for my own.

I have not read any of the author's other books, so I had no expectations. I am finding it very readable. The time jumps make sense.

I can sympathize with Peter. My mom had an undiagnosed/untreated/"don't say it out loud" mental illness while we were growing up. There were many days when she was sleeping, or 'crabby' (as we thought). The tiptoeing around the house and walking on eggshells is very familiar. However, I have no idea if any of my friends noticed. I went to a Catholic school in a very working class neighbourhood. Everyone's parents had something going on that we didn't notice until high school or later.

Ugh! I was almost done writing my comment and then it just disappeared! I guess I wrote too much! Haha
Anyway, this book totally grabbed me. I do have This author’s other book Fever about Typhoid Mary, which I’m really looking forward to now that I’m reading this one
No expectations other than I’ve read a lot of great reviews for this book. Not that that means anything! Haha
My heart just breaks for all of the characters in this book. I had a couple family members that suffered with mental illness and i know how devastating it can be, even without the horrible tragedy that happened in this book. I just love both Peter and Kate and hope things will at least work out somewhat happily for them.
Another great pick, Krista! Thanks!

I felt drawn in right away. This author really makes the characters come alive and feel real.

I was drawn into the story immediately. The author writes very well in my opinion. I listened to her being interviewed for bookreporter.com where she spoke about this book and it helped give me some more insight into the story and how she came up with the plot and characters.
Anne is not a likable character. I have to keep reminding myself that she is suffering from a mental illness. At this point I'm not a fan of Lena either and the way she treats Kate.

Just finished this first part tonight. Loving this book so far, even though I'm feeling so heartbroken for Peter. I'm frustrated with Anne of course, but understand her mental illness drives her decisions and there's a lot going on there. I'm most infuriated with Brian. I had high hopes that he was a good guy, but couldn't believe he just took off to North or South Carolina and left Peter. I get that he was dealing with a lot too and was probably just exhausted by it all, but good grief. I was so mad at him.

Loved the relationship blooming between Peter and Kate. Looking forward to seeing what happens when/if they reconnect.

Definitely eager to keep going tomorrow! Hoping to finish by this weekend.

I finally got my copy from the library the other day and just finished up the first 6 chapters. I'll be honest, I really didn't have any expectations going in. I read the synopsis but it really didn't give away much.

I'm enjoying it though, I'm already thinking ahead trying to figure out what might be coming next. Peter seems like such a strong person and caring. George has done more for him in a few paragraphs than his own Dad up to this point.

Anne definitely has some mental issues that I hope doesn't carry over to Peter at some point.

Mary Beth Keane has a writing style that I really enjoy. I think this is an uncomfortable book to read when it is talking about Anne and her fits of rage.

I believe Lena slapped Kate just because she was frustrated with Anne and she took her feelings out on Kate without thinking.

I feel sorry for Peter. His dad only thinks about himself.

The only character I really like a lot is good old Uncle George. It was so nice of him to try to make the apartment more homey for Peter. I actually smiled to myself when Peter opened the cabinet to reveal George had bought real plates for them to eat on.

This was a great pick, Krista. Thanks!