Random Reads discussion

Discuss part five here!

When this section began, I was not feeling the romantic relationship between Jude and Willem. The two had been friends for so many years, and to have Willem suddenly want to kiss Jude seemed out of place and forced into the story. As things progressed, I could admit that they did have a wonderful and complex relationship, but there were plenty of times when I wondered if Willem had made a mistake. It's funny...there were times that I found myself thinking that Willem needs to back off and give Jude some space, but honestly, how do you do that for someone that you care about.

I felt the same about Willem and Jude! Even though we knew that they were really close and had a special bond, I didn’t see it as romantic love at all. So I was a bit caught off guard. But as the section progressed I grew to understand it. I loved how this section showed how vulnerable you are in relationships, how that person sees the best and worst of you. I really felt for Jude here, because it was so hard for him to let those barriers fall because of his past. I also felt bad for Willem at times, because he just wants Jude to be ok and to love himself the way he does. The ending of this section kind of went how I thought it would, and I’m pissed. I really didn’t want it to happen, but of course it did.

I finished the end of this section last night and just had to close the book and walk away. I agree Vicky; it went how I thought it would go but I was more emotional than I thought I’d be. When I think of Jude, I picture a little boy who just wants to run and be loved and this constant assault to his two desires is devastating.

I enjoyed their relationship and had the same thoughts as both do you. I admired their fortitude through Jude’s illness and the author’s descriptions on how this impacted the core characters was what kept me going through this section.

I hope to finish this book this week! It’s been a journey so far!

I was expecting this section to be different with its title. I wasn't expecting these details. I have to agree that Jude and Willem is more of a bond than romance. Seeing their bond was great, very realistic. Glad that Jude did breakdown and let that hidden part of himself be known. I've been on this road and it took me over 20 years to speak up of something, even though the one person that really needs to know about it sadly never will, because there's a strong doubt of being believed, maybe someday though. But when I finally let it out to one person the feeling of relief was different but will never go away. After almost 40 years there are times that I myself still say "I can't" so I totally feel with Jude. Glad that Jude finally did take care of his legs and was not even expecting the ending of this section.

Jennifer- I wasn’t expecting it either, though yes their connection was great to see. I was so glad when Jude finally told Willem about his past. I can’t imagine carrying that around for so long without talking about it. And as a side note, I’m glad that for you personally you have been able to talk to someone about difficult things from your past. I bet it was hard to come out with, and I truly hope it has helped you ❤️