Christopher, Lucy - Stolen: A Letter to My Captor "Revisit"- Start Date November 8, 2014

[Laura]

Nancy, I am glad that you enjoyed the BOM. I think that is what I love most about the group. I have participated in all but about ten since I joined last year. I plan on participating in every single one this year if possible.

[Courtney]

Questions and Comments for the Sixth Section by Mary:

1) Were you surprised at the depth of Ty's feelings for Gemma, that he would give her up to potentially save her life? What did you think of the ring he gave her?
I wasn’t surprised at all that he tried what he could to save her. The ring... I wonder if it was to be a wedding ring??

2) Did you expect Ty to go with Gemma on the plane? Do you think Gemma realized the consequences at the time of grabbing onto his hand?
I guess the point is that Gemma didn’t realize the consequences until afterwards.

3) "And it's hard to hate someone once you understand them." Do you think the author's intent was to make the reader experience Stockholm syndrome, in a way? Gemma seems adamant that she doesn't have it, but is she in denial? Or is it just more complicated than that?
Don’t know. I definitely wanted Gemma to be with Ty even though I knew it was wrong. So I would say if the author’s intent was for the reader to experience Stockholm syndrome she succeeded. It took me a few hours after I finished the book to realize that I liked the ending. I wanted them to be together, but she couldn’t have ended the book with them together. What Ty did was wrong, and even though Gemma has us seeing good in Ty, the planning involved in taking her show that he does have another side.

4) What are your own feelings about Ty?
Very mixed. He had a rough upbringing which led to a lot of his bad decisions. He is capable of loving, but he is obviously pretty messed up.

5) Do you think Ty lied about Gemma's mother and father wanting to move? And Gemma's friends? Was it all manipulation?
Don’t know. But there will always be things about your parents and your friends that aren’t pretty. But that is real life. I guess it just didn’t manipulate me & I didn’t really think badly of them (except Josh).

6) What do you think of Gemma's decision to tell the truth in court? Do you think she chose wisely? Do you think she ever truly considered giving an alternate story on what happened with Ty? Why/why not?
I think Gemma did the right thing. It didn’t seem like she had given much thought to doing otherwise, she had an idea, but not too in depth.

7) What would Ty's reaction to this letter be?
Hmmm. I am sure he would want her to rescue him. But she gives some reason to believe she will be waiting for him, so I imagine that will have him thinking about her while he is in prison & hoping that they will be together when they get out.


8) What's next? Will Ty get a shorter sentence because of Gemma's testimony? Will he try to see Gemma when he's out of prison? Where would you have the story go?
I am not sure he will get a shorter sentence. He still committed a serious crime. I am sure he will try to Gemma when he gets out. As for Gemma, I have the impression that she has closed the door on this chapter of her life. As I said before while reading the book I did want her to be with Ty, but after I finished the book and gave it some serious thought, the ending was perfect.

9) What did you think of the book overall? How did you rate it? Any thoughts not covered in the DQs?
I loved this book. I read it cover to cover in one day, I couldn’t put it down. I just joined the book club & this is my first BOM with you guys.

[Mary]

Nancy & Courtney: so glad you guys joined us for your first BOM! And I'm so happy you liked the book!

I've loved reading your responses, seeing how everyone has different opinions on certain parts of the story. Courtney, I agree with you: it took a little while for me to come to the conclusion that I liked the ending, too.

[Jex]

Questions and comments for section 5 by Lisarenee 1 So it seems like Ty really did a lot of planning for living out in the middle of nowhere. The creepy crawlies were used to make antivenom. Interesting that this guy with little to no education seems pretty intelligent. His spelling, however, is quite atrocious. Makes you wonder what he could have been with the proper upbringing and education. Any thoughts on this?
He had the idea to make antivenom... He doesn't necessarily know how to make antivenom. He's pretty smart to try building a tolerance for it though.

2. What did you make of his nightmare? Definitely sounds like the guy could use some counseling. Seems his being taken was quite traumatic. Too bad he doesn't realize he did the exact same thing to Gemma.
Sounds like a lot of things in his life were traumatic.

3. "Creatures aren't so dangerous when you understand them." Do you think knowing what makes Ty tick makes him appear less dangerous?
Yes. It helps Gemma understand what will set him off and won't and know that he doesn't intend to hurt her.

4. I applaud and love Gemma's spirit in such an awful situation. Do you think Ty would stand by their agreement if she wished to go home after 4 months?
I think so. He's just hoping she will change her mind. 4 months is a lo g time. A lot can change.

5. I don't know if the eBooks have it in them, but my book has the silhouette of a snake on the second or third page of the book. After reading this section I now know why. Do you think this will lead to her rescue?
Either rescue or death. I don't think she will be coming back to the house. I mean this is fiction so she doesn't have to survive to write the book.

6. What do you think of the stars and the story of the two sisters being pursued by a man? Even if Gemma escapes will she ever truly be free of Ty?
No. He will forever be a part of her now (figuratively). He has done the unthinkable and changed her life in drastic ways.

[Jex]

Questions and Comments for the Sixth Section by Mary:

1) Were you surprised at the depth of Ty's feelings for Gemma, that he would give her up to potentially save her life? What did you think of the ring he gave her?
It doesn't really surprise me. I was a bit surprised that he stuck around to the point that he got caught instead of letting her go forward on her own, but I expected him to save her by giving her back.

2) Did you expect Ty to go with Gemma on the plane? Do you think Gemma realized the consequences at the time of grabbing onto his hand?
I didn't think he would go with her, just let her go free. I'm sure she didn't understand what she was asking of him. She was drugged and in pain and didn't know any better.

3) "And it's hard to hate someone once you understand them." Do you think the author's intent was to make the reader experience Stockholm syndrome, in a way? Gemma seems adamant that she doesn't have it, but is she in denial? Or is it just more complicated than that?
I think it's more complicated then that. It might be a little bit of Stockholm syndrome, but he gave himself up to save her life...that says something about his character. In other circumstances he could have been a decent human being. He just made the one mistake of stealing her instead of approaching her like a normal human.

4) What are your own feelings about Ty?
I think he has a lot of issues that need to be worked out. He had an incredibly rough life and I can understand why he wanted to run to the middle of nowhere. I feel that he did truly believe he was saving Gemma and didn't understand why she didn't realize what he had done was a good thing. He's deranged in that way. He wasn't all bad seeing as how he was willing to turn himself in to save her life and please her to the last moment.

5) Do you think Ty lied about Gemma's mother and father wanting to move? And Gemma's friends? Was it all manipulation?
I don't think so. I think it was truth.

6) What do you think of Gemma's decision to tell the truth in court? Do you think she chose wisely? Do you think she ever truly considered giving an alternate story on what happened with Ty? Why/why not?
She chose the right way. She had to tell the truth. He stole her from her life. No matter what she thought of him now or what he had shown her, he still stole her. I like that she wanted to show that he had a caring side to hopefully he get him a lesser sentence or a nicer place to serve. It was definitely the right decision to go with. I think she would have seriously regretted it if she had lied.

7) What would Ty's reaction to this letter be?
I think that would make a great book 2 :-P I think the book would help Ty realize why what he did was wrong and help him understand Gemma a bit more. Then again, it would show him that he was right, she would have learned to like it there...

8) What's next? Will Ty get a shorter sentence because of Gemma's testimony? Will he try to see Gemma when he's out of prison? Where would you have the story go?
His sentence will be lessened by what Gemma says and by his want to save her life. I don't think Gemma will ever see or hear from him again. Gemma will move to the country and live on a farm.

9) What did you think of the book overall? How did you rate it? Any thoughts not covered in the DQs?
I liked the book. Gave it 4 stars. I liked how it focused on the mind of the kidnapper a bit more then the kidnapped (even though Gemma was telling the story).

[Mary]

Jex wrote: "I liked how it focused on the mind of the kidnapper a bit more then the kidnapped (even though Gemma was telling the story). "

Ooh, so true! Good point. Also, I like the idea of Gemma moving to the country and living on a farm.

[Book Mitch]

I'm very curious....how did you all view the book? We all know that the reason most of us enjoy reading so much is that we can escape by implanting ourselves into a story...

Were you reading it from the eyes of a bystander? Judging, gasping, cheering, crying?

Were you reading it from the eyes of Ty? How can I get her to trust me? Should I let her see for herself that she can't escape?

Were you reading it from the eyes of Gemma? If I were her I would do this or say that....

Were you reading it from the eyes of a parent? How on Earth could this have happened? If you had a 16 year that wanted to stomp off and pout while getting a coffee at the airport what were you thinking you would do?

[Jex]

@Michelle: I'd say I was reading through the eyes of Gemma more than any others with a little bit of through Ty's eyes thrown in. I'm always fascinated by this type of story and the psychology behind it. What does someone do when thrown into an impossible situation? How do you cope? What causes a person to go so far off the deep end that they think it's ok to ruin someone else's life by stealing them? The human mind is vast and complex and books like this help us to see a little bit into the why's and how's of the bad in the world. This book was fiction so it wasn't as realistic, but still had awesome points on the subject.

[Mary]

Michelle (tinyturtle88) wrote: "I'm very curious....how did you all view the book? We all know that the reason most of us enjoy reading so much is that we can escape by implanting ourselves into a story...

Were you reading it fr..."

I agree with Jex - for me, mostly Gemma's perspective, though sometimes I'd see Ty's point of view. I'd often picture myself in Gemma's shoes and wonder how I would have handled everything.

[Book Mitch]

@ Jex and Mary...

I too, was thinking about what I would do if in Gemma's situation. She kept pushing his buttons and I'm not sure I would've done that! Also, now and then I would find myself thinking through the eyes of a mother, especially when Ty seemed kind or vulnerable....wanting to whisper the truth in Gemma's ear.

[Cathie]

Jex wrote: "@Michelle: I'd say I was reading through the eyes of Gemma more than any others with a little bit of through Ty's eyes thrown in. I'm always fascinated by this type of story and the psychology behi..."

In the author's bio I read somewhere that this book was part of her PhD thesis, so she did put a lot of the psychology of Stockholm syndrome into it.

[Laura]

I read that too Cathie, it is interesting.

I was also reading it from Gemma's point of view. It was easier since she was the voice of the story and I could relate with her the best.

[Nancy]

Like others have mentioned, I was reading it through Gemma's point of view. Since she was telling the story I put myself in her place.

[Andrea]

Ty is twenty six and she is sixteen, at towards the end I was liking his character, till I found out his age, I was upset.
Overall this was an amazing book finished it in a day. The authors writing was amazing also.
Although it did not have chapters, I was so glad that I have finally read it.
I wounder what vegetation they were talking about,I was imagining that next to the house there was almost like a jungle, although, I now that's not possible. How did you imagine the vegetation part?

[Carol]

Interesting book. Out of my usual realm, but I enjoyed the book. Thanks for sharing.

[Mary]

@ Hope
I imagined it as the sort of vegetation you might expect in the desert - thick, bristly (is that a word?), resilient plants and trees that crowded around the water Ty found. I didn't really imagine a jungle, like you, more like a few plants here and there, and some trees. I found some pictures of Australian Outback plant life here, on someone's Flikr account.

@ Carol
Glad you enjoyed it, Carol! :-D

[Suzanne]

@ Michelle
I think I read the book through Gemma's eyes but often felt more for Ty. He loved her in such an unusual way. I didn't even really understand his love for her. Why would he love her? Why was he drawn to her so much, especially when she was young, as I think we can trust he wasn't a perv. This was an interesting love story... or an almost-love story, I'd say. There was definitely love, and Gemma grieved the loss of her love for Ty and for the desert. And when they left the camel! Ugh! Ok, I'm getting off topic...

One thing I kept thinking, as I looked through Gemma's eyes, is she went about her efforts to freedom all wrong. She just fought him. She should have realized what incredible power she had over him and manipulated that. But I guess we are to believe she was too young and nieve for that.

P.S. I just joined the club, and this is my first book with you guys! Thanks for the great rec! It definitely stretched me from my typical novel!

[Suzanne]

Questions and Comments for the 6th Section by Mary

1) Were you surprised at the depth of Ty's feelings for Gemma, that he would give her up to potentially save her life? What did you think of the ring he gave her?
I wasn't surprised at all. Up to this point, he'd displayed genuine anguish at the the tiniest bit of rejection, and he took great pleasure when she showed signs of accepting him. His idea of forever was with her in it, and with her gone, I think he always knew (even if she just chose to leave after the 4 months) that his life would be meaningless. As for the ring, I think that was definitely his version of a wedding ring, the promise ring he planned to give her when/if she decided to stay with him.


2) Did you expect Ty to go with Gemma on the plane? Do you think Gemma realized the consequences at the time of grabbing onto his hand?
I don't know if I expected it; I didn't really think about it. But I'm not surprised that he chose to go with her, just to make her comfortable, and I'm not surprised that she didn't think clearly enough to understand the consequences to him because A) she was a bit out of it and B) she hadn't demonstrated her ability to think through things before, so why start now?


3) "And it's hard to hate someone once you understand them." Do you think the author's intent was to make the reader experience Stockholm syndrome, in a way? Gemma seems adamant that she doesn't have it, but is she in denial? Or is it just more complicated than that?
I think the author is making her own statement about what she thinks Stockholm syndrome is... I think she's saying it's not something you "have", it's not a disease. It's just a label that's been put on the truth that understanding a person changes your perspective about that person.

4) What are your own feelings about Ty?
I think if he wanted to kidnap me, at least for a little while, I might be ok with that. ;) But seriously, he's clearly a hurt man. He hasn't even felt genuinely loved. I don't think he was mad because he was able to recognize that need and go ater it... even it he went about it all wrong.

5) Do you think Ty lied about Gemma's mother and father wanting to move? And Gemma's friends? Was it all manipulation?
No, I don't think he lied. I don't think he lied to her at all. I think there's not a chance that her mother would have admitted that to her.

6) What do you think of Gemma's decision to tell the truth in court? Do you think she chose wisely? Do you think she ever truly considered giving an alternate story on what happened with Ty? Why/why not?
I really wished she had told the good version of the story, to try to give him a chance at freedom, or at least of a very short sentence. He needed someone to take that leap for him, just once in his life.

7) What would Ty's reaction to this letter be?
I think he'd believe every word of it; I think he would understand her.

8) What's next? Will Ty get a shorter sentence because of Gemma's testimony? Will he try to see Gemma when he's out of prison? Where would you have the story go?
I would think he'd get a shorter sentence. Especially because he took her to get help for the venom. I don't know if he'll look for her when he gets out, though... I think that'll be on her to do.

9) What did you think of the book overall? How did you rate it? Any thoughts not covered in the DQs?
I gave it a 4 out of 5. It just doesn't measure up to the rock-my-world books that got 5 stars. The story moved very slowly through the first 70% or so. Also, I thought the ending was a little bit of a let down. I didn't want Ty to go to jail. I wanted him to get away somehow. Or get help maybe, but not jail.

[Mary]

@ Suzanne
The camel! Oh, the camel really got me. :-( I might have teared up a little...

Love your answers, especially to #3. I think what's great about this book is that, if you look through everyone's responses to the discussion questions, people have had such different answers and opinions on the same questions, and yet most everyone really enjoyed the book. I love that everyone can get something different out of it.

I'm so glad you joined the group and read this! I hope you'll join us for many future book discussions. :-D

[Suzanne]

@ Mary
Thanks! Glad to be here! My book club up to this point has been just two of my friends and me telling each other what we need to read... it usually works well, but I'd like to branch out a little more. :)

[Danielle]

:| I guess I'll be the first to post here for the new buddy read starting soon. I'm hoping all the readers are around that are reading the buddy read, too....

How are we planning on splitting this up? Chapter wise? Page wise? and who would like to do that?

P.S It's going to be so hard for me to not look above at the comments from the BOM and give away so much to me. :| I have to gain some self control here, apparently!

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

BUDDY READ REVISIT! BUDDY READ REVISIT! BUDDY READ REVISIT!



Book Synopsis:
It happened like this. I was stolen from an airport. Taken from everything I knew, everything I was used to. Taken to sand and heat, dirt and danger. And he expected me to love him.

This is my story.

A letter from nowhere.

Sixteen year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in the planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back?

The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don't exist - almost.

[Joi]

Danielle wrote: ":| I guess I'll be the first to post here for the new buddy read starting soon. I'm hoping all the readers are around that are reading the buddy read, too....

How are we planning on splitting this..."

It starts tomorrow. So do we go at our own pace and just meet up or are we doing a schedule? If we do a schedule, could we do pages because on my Kindle the chapters aren't showing?

[Danielle]

How many pages/chapters do you think you'd all like to read per day? Joi, did you say you wanted to do 50?

My hold came in today at the library but they closed at 1 and I work til 5, so I am picking it up tomorrow morning. :)

If we want to separate it by chapters I can figure it out tomorrow page wise/paragraphs?

[Joi]

That will work. I hope the others show up soon. If we do 100 page/day we will be done in 3 days. is that too soon?

[Beth]

I am here! I don't think there are chapters in this book, so maybe we can go 50 or 100 pages a day. Either is fine with me!

[Joi]

Beth (Ducky) wrote: "I am here! I don't think there are chapters in this book, so maybe we can go 50 or 100 pages a day. Either is fine with me!"

Good. I thought it was just me with the chapters. I'm up for 100 pages. What about you Danielle?

[Beth]

100 works best for me so I can finish it before I go back to work on Tuesday

[Joi]

So 100 it is?

[Danielle]

I'd honestly rather do 50 :\

[Cathie]

50's my max too.

[RachelvlehcaR]

this is a wonderful book. I hope you all enjoy it. I really did. It surprised me.

[Danielle]

Hi guys, just checking in? I just picked up the book from the library a couple of minutes ago and am settling in at home to start reading.

Did we decide 50 pages a day is good? If I try to do too many then it's not enjoyable for me - it would just be me forcing myself to get through the pages.

[Joi]

Danielle wrote: "Hi guys, just checking in? I just picked up the book from the library a couple of minutes ago and am settling in at home to start reading.

Did we decide 50 pages a day is good? If I try to do too ..."

I'll probably read ahead then....but I guess it's fine.

[RachelvlehcaR]

I really liked this book a lot. It really impressed me. So I'm going to re-read it and join the discussion. This time I will just listen to the audio book. Can someone tell me the layout so I can know when 50 pages is up? That way I don't get too far ahead.

[Danielle]

Rachel, would you like me to post the last paragraph on page 50? and 100, 150, etc?

Glad you're joining us, and also happy that you enjoyed it a lot, I am hoping that I like it just as much!

[RachelvlehcaR]

Danielle wrote: "Rachel, would you like me to post the last paragraph on page 50? and 100, 150, etc?

Glad you're joining us, and also happy that you enjoyed it a lot, I am hoping that I like it just as much!"

If you can also tell me what chapter it's in. That would be good. You can do it in a spoiler so that it doesn't give anything away to anyone else. I've read it so it isn't a spoiler to me. ;) Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy it as much I did too.

[Beth]

I will be starting it later tonight! I have to finish my current book but then I will be starting it.

[Danielle]

Beth (Ducky) wrote: "I will be starting it later tonight! I have to finish my current book but then I will be starting it."

Beth, would you be okay reading the 50 pages like the rest of us?

[Beth]

Yeah I can do that

[Danielle]

Ok sounds good.

Rachel - I am having my bf type them up for us so that it doesn't ruin anything for me because I haven't read it before lol

[RachelvlehcaR]

Danielle wrote: "Ok sounds good.

Rachel - I am having my bf type them up for us so that it doesn't ruin anything for me because I haven't read it before lol"


lol, thanks and tell your bf thanks. :)

[Danielle]

Rachel - there are no chapters in the book, just little 'breaks'

Page 50 last paragraph: (view spoiler)[You looked at me like some sort of idiot. "Out here the sun's strong enough to power pluto. Using anything else would be stupid. I haven't had time to connect it all up properly yet, though." You wiggled some wires that disappeared into the walls, checking everything was secure. "But, in time, I can put more lights in the house, if you want them, that sort of thing." (hide spoiler)]

Page 100, last paragraph: (view spoiler)[ Then, quite suddenly, a flock of tiny chattering things flew past. They pinged and squeaked, like children stepping on their plastic toys. I tried to focus on the individuals within the flock. Each bird was about the size of my clenched fist, with a gray back and a bloodred beak. They wheeled and circled around the house for a while before zipping toward the Separates. I waited for ages after that, hoping they'd return. (hide spoiler)]

Page 150, last paragraph: (view spoiler)[ You glanced down at the nail in your hand, then tilted your head up to look out at the land. The sun was beginning to go down. The light was spreading out over the Separates, turning the rocks to gold. (hide spoiler)]

Page 200, last paragraph: (view spoiler)[ I sipped again. It burned my throat like sunburn, only inside instead of out this time. I scrunched my face up, the way they do in the movies, as another sip went down. I looked out of the window. The desert was as still and quiet can be, how it can mess with your head if you let in. In London I was used to noisy nights, to the honks and shouts and whirs of a big city. London chattered like a monkey at night. The desert, on the other hand, slithered around me like a snake. Soft and silent and deadly . . . and quiet enough to keep my eyes wide open, always. (hide spoiler)]

Page 250, last paragraph: (view spoiler)[ I could feel the tension in your fingers. You glanced at the fluid bag. Then you got up quickly and stood beside the open door. My fingers went cold as you left them. I blinked. The kitchen cupboards were fuzzy around the edges, Everything was slightly fuzzy. I was floating in a haze. You were pacing around it. (hide spoiler)]
Then the book ends at page 299. :)

[RachelvlehcaR]

Okay thank you so much. :) I will start it tonight.

[Danielle]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Okay thank you so much. :) I will start it tonight."

Yay! I will check back in here when I have my 50 pages done so we can chat!

[Beth]

I will write some questions for us to answer and discuss (well I will try at least!)

[Danielle]

Yay that sounds awesome & thank you, see everyone in a bit!

[Joi]

Thanks Beth

[Joi]

I finished my 50 pages. I really like the writing style. It's unique.

[Danielle]

I also finished my 50 pages, and I am definitely interested, for sure.