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To leave a comment click on the title of this post "My Life Book Club - Discussion #1". Once the post opens, scroll to the bottom of the page to the comments section. Click on "Post a Comment" and you are ready to go. You can choose to identify yourself or not. It is up to you. If you see a post you would like to reply to, just post another comment and reference a fellow reader's post.
So let's begin. Tell me your first impressions of the book. I will post a discussion every few days, and see where it leads. Thanks for participating. (Remember the authors could be listening...read more here.)
4 comments:
I thought it would be fitting if I went first.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a second read for me, but it was just as wonderful as the first time. I really enjoy Tee. She is witty and I could relate to her feeling of betrayal when the company she poured so much into let her go. I am sure I would feel the same way in her position. I found her relationship with Gerald odd. (I am sure we will have an entire post about that subject.) However, I found it hard to wrap my head around someone that seemed so logical making the decision to be with Gerald. Anywho, not to lose focus, I normally enjoy this type of book and enjoy entering the lives of others. (The reason I watch Y&R as well.)
I absolutely enjoyed this novel about a procrastinator like Tee. I felt her pain about losing her job...her only job. I found myself laughing out loud from the very beginning. I am still laughing about her shredding the fern. LOL
It was well written and realistic. Sure, Tee could have handle some things better or sooner (the demand letters), but it all felt so real and right for her. All of the characters were well developed. Her mother was just…there are no words. Ron was a sweetheart and was he really that much younger than her? :) She acted like he and Baby Son-in-Law were the same age. I am happy they worked something out in the end.
I was confused as well about her relationship with Gerald. I was shocked that he had been divorced for two years and said nothing. But hey what do you expect.
This was a great book for the club. There is so much to discuss.
One thing I would like to suggest for discussion – When Olivia died, how did you feel about her not receiving anything from Olivia in the company (without considering what we found out towards the end)?
Okay I must first state that I have a personal bias to the works of the authors. I have been drawn to their novels since Marcus walked through the doors of Houston Intercontinental Airport looking sexier than sin--Ooops sorry that novel had a title, hmmm Marcus & Marcus (:-0 JK). Anyway this is a second reading of this novel for me. The first time I read it I was also laughing out loud. The second time I read it...I was still laughing out loud. I loved the overall tone of the novel and Tee's narration of the events in her life.
Tee could have been anyone of us and she had become so comfortable in living her "predictable, stable" life that the sudden loss of her livelihood (job) was overwhelming. Denial, anger, feelings of betrayl were understood and prevalent in the beginning. But it was good to see her accept this "tragedy" and mature and take ownership of her life again.
I loved Baby Son-in-Law (J.J.) he was sooo sweet and caring. Its obvious that the man who was an instrumental figure in his upbringing would have the same qualities (Ron). Ron was fine! If Stella can get her groove back why can't Thomasina "Tee?" As for Tee and Gerald's relationship, I think it was uncomplicated and suitable for her way of life. I think she didn't want to alter herself to accommodate another man nor did she want to demand from him with the off chance of him leaving her as her husband had. Who knows.
Again this is a novel I can read again and again and continue to react as I initially did--ROTFL! There were so many things throughout the novel that we can discuss individually over the next two weeks from the death of Olivia (a true friend), RON, franchising of company and their ousting her, her ex-husband (love her recollection of their relationship), RON, the Live Five, meeting Gerald's wife (ex-wife), the traffic jam, RON,her parents (hilarious--who can't love a mother like that!), Thanksgiving at the newlyweds, RON, etc.
I did initially think it was "foul" of Olivia to have not left her a financial interest in the company she helped establish. But grateful in the end.
Sorry, been waiting to discuss this and glad you selected this book as our "first"
Okay today I was instructed to discuss Ron. I know that when I was in the process of rereading this novel for the book club, I was overly anxious to get to more RON!!! So to discuss Ron it is only natural that we start from the beginning--the Hotel Room!
From the start Ron has been the ultimate gentleman. If there is a thing called the "Perfect Man" that is Ron. What woman would NOT be attracted to a sexy, confident, strong, compassionate, sexy, supportive, patient, attentive, sexy, humble man!! Aaaahhhhh....
Okay, although he awakens with the most exquisite, mind altering experience on his mind, Tee is freaked out because of her "juvenile behavior." But I loved how he (comfortable in his own skin :-0) reassures her and quietly walks away. I think most brothers would have been devasted or trippin for being dismissed in such a fashion...but not our RON.
Then they meet again on Thanksgiving Day w/the newlyweds. Ron, always exuding confidence, just comes on the scene and tries not to make Tee uncomfortable (she does that for herself becomes Ron moves her in an almost "high-schooler" way that unnerves her). I love when he tries to start over by saying "Hi the names Ron." :-)
The ultimate "superhero" thing was when he PIMPed Tee's ride with no strings attached. I believe Ron is the man Tee needed in her life but she had to get her life together for herself before she could appreciate the fact that she deserved to be loved, be the center of a man's attention (Gerald--Loser), and have her needs met. I loved how Ron (and her girlfriend) encouraged her to persue her organization entrepeneuralship (is that a word?). He wouldn't let her get sidetracked and offered to help if and when she needed but at the same time giving her the space and time to do it for herself.
I loved when Ron candidly talked discussed his feelings for her (in her kitchen) not beating around the bush about what he wants with her despite her hang-up about age...still don't think he was no more than 6-8yrs younger!? He brought out the fun and comfortable side of Tee. Especially since she has been a "grownup" since she was 19yrs old. She needed Ron to remind her that she is a beautiful woman!
Goshdarnitdoohickey! Ron was "greatness"
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