false 0 19 19 true 6453985 read 0 true 2370423 currently-reading 0 true 2370422 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/21591423 Big Stone Gap (Big Stone Gap, Book 1) by Adriana Trigiani
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/30220-hindsight Patrice made a comment in the Q&A with Jennifer Weiner group:

Jennifer,

Would you say Cannie regrets having written her novel? She seems grateful for the financial success, yet dreads the impact of the content on her daughter. Also, the book served her well on a therapeutic level, releasing the cumulative pain and resentment.

Have you ever looked back at one of your novels and wished you would have omitted or added something?

Many thanks for sharing your perspective and experiences this past week. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/28223-jane-smiley-review-and-who-can-save-us-now Patrice made a comment in the Q&A with Jennifer Weiner group:

Jennifer,

Cannie's career as a science fiction novelist seemed a good fit for her. It's always good to see strong, capable women!

Hmm, how might Cannie's career evolve in a future work?

Do you read much Science Fiction? ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/4289.Q_A_with_Jennifer_Weiner Patrice joined the Q&A with Jennifer Weiner group. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/28632-structure-and-development Patrice made a comment in the Q&A with Jennifer Weiner group:

Fascinating. The extra work of pulling Joy's content together and checking it no doubt helped with the unity and consistency of her voice.

As a side note, have you ever been surprised by turns a particular work takes? For example, have the endings that you envisioned for your novels ever developed a different than anticipated outcome? ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/28880-favorite-scenes Patrice made a comment in the Q&A with Jennifer Weiner group:

One of my favorite scenes takes place at the spa when Cannie is preparing to ask her sister to be their surrogate.

It's half derailed seduction and half I Love Lucy zany, underpined with an endearing sincerity.

I love Elle's response! I also really liked the way her character had matured and developed, even the whole philosophy of Be-ism. She's busy, centered, still fun.

The mother was also wonderful as a counterpoint of balance, sage wisdom/life experience and humor in this scene. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/28506-certain-girls-and-jewish-traditions Patrice made a comment in the Q&A with Jennifer Weiner group:

Penny,

One of the things I enjoyed most about Certain Girls was the theme of growth and change, maturation, personal responsibility. The framework of Joy's bat mitzvah provides an effective vehicle to explore both her coming of age and her mother's.

Cannie wrote her novel when she was angry and didn't think about the repercussions she might face when her daughter learned about the book. This is so human! I've got a high school reunion coming up this summer and although I won't be attending, the event has prompted a lot of memories that I'd suppressed!

I love learning about cultural practices that I'm not familiar with or sharing different perspectives. I'm always amazed at the similarities.

I hope your friends get a chance to experience Cannie's life!

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/21668959 Brave Dames and Wimpettes: What Women Are Really Doing on Page and Screen (Library of Contemporary Thought) by Susan Isaacs
Great reminder of how what we read/watch reflects, shapes, impacts our perspective of the world. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/21591583 Water for Elephants (Paperback) by Sara Gruen
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/21591526 Everything Changes (Paperback) by Jonathan Tropper
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