In and Out of Step discussion

I found this issue in the novel interesting. I'd love to discuss it with others. Once a heart has been hurt, it is not an easy matter to recover let alone risk being hurt again. Add to that the complexity of different career paths and different life objecties. The big 20th century theme has been 'love finds a way', but in the real world that often isn't the case. I get the doubt and second guessing that a character / characters go through.

I did too. Is love enough to recover from hurt? Perhpas but a lot of baggage comes with attempting to build a new relationhip.

I really liked the way this novel explored the complexity of love and the hold a first love keeps on the older person's heart. Do we ever forget our first love?

I think first love is so intense that it is never forgotten. It's hold on us is also amazingly strong as seen in the plot action of 'In and Out of Step'.

I liked the way Knight explored the impact of first love on both the male and female characters in that story line. How awful that the unthinking mistakes of adolescents can have such long term effects! I thought the novel's front cover design question: Will the past continue to choreograph Cassie's present? really focused my understanding of what was being explored. I was torn between the love interests. Was anyone else?

From a guy's persepctive, you'd be wary once you'd been really hurt. It would definitely colour how you viewed later relationships.

Yes, I was torn. It seemed sort've unfair that mistakes made in youthful ignorance could put at risk a relationship with the peson you loved. Adolesents make heaps of mistakes and learn from them. That's how they become better men.

I found it hard to decide who was best for Cassie or indeed if she was ready for a relationship.

Cool ending!

Yes, I can see where you are coming from. Jake is almost the 'romance hero' - sexy, desired by other women, his heart belongs to Cassie, but in his youthful self-centredness, he lacks fidelity. That's an issue of our time, don't you think? There are so many movies out that that value the lothario and playing around.

I didn't find it hard to decide. I was worried about Vince though when he appeared on the scene.

Overall, I was glad Cassie got past her fear of being seriously hurt again and that she learnt to trust. I have friends who haven't been able to do that. Can you see my new topic post?

Cassie was definitely ready for a relationship - it isn't just a need for emotional support. She is guarded though as many women theses days are after having been 'hurt' in that way. Very understandable that she would be so cautious. Real life is like that unlike many 'stories' about it.

Yes, I was a bit worried when Vincent arrived on the scene too - didn't you just love the way Knight showed the lack of chemistry between them.

Elly, I note you had lodged another discussion topic. I'll go there now.