2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This is for discussion of Parts Three and Four.

Part 3: Chapters 13-19
Part 4: Chapters 20-25

Where does the first part of this discussion begin?

Here are all of the threads: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...

This book just get's better and better! I'm finding it very difficult to put down; I haven't read a book like that in a long time.

So, I can't think of any real "discussion questions" for these two parts. I'll just tell you what I thought about these parts and then you can respond or mention your own thing if you'd like. :)

I'm starting to feel bad for Todd. So much is being kept from him (and us!) and it's getting so irritating when people won't tell him about his own life. I'm very glad that Manchee is becoming a friend to Todd now. It was heartbreaking to read when Manchee was hurt and how Todd hoped he would be okay. I think that was a big moment for them, but I am a dog person, so scenes with dogs get to me. ;)

I think back to when Todd was given Manchee. He was so upset that he was given something that he had to take care of. Knowing what I know now, it seems that Cillian and Ben were preparing him for what was to come. Manchee has proved to be QUITE a helper/friend in their journey.

Manchee is also a useful device (to put it that way) to allow us to see what sort of person Todd really is. Even though he never wanted a dog and actually resented being given the responsibility, it's a responsibility he respects, and does not turn his back on. This character trait shines through even when he sometimes comes off as... well, not entirely likeable.

Oh Manchee...I love him. Complete devotional love to his owner. As the plot progressed, I was happy to see their relationship grow. It's because of this section that the first sentence begins to really hit home. It is a great first sentence. This book solidified the importance of dogs in the readers mind. (spoiler alert, huge dog lover here)

Did anyone else notice the discrete sexual content when Viola puts the bandages on Todd?

No... what happens?

I believe it's chapter #13.

...I feel the bandages touch the swollen area...it feels so good...man these are better than mine...

And the overall way he is enjoying how the bandages feel.

I don't know where I had read that there were some hidden sexual depictions in the book.

huh... Interesting. Out of context that is quite easy to see.