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

[Beth]

Okay I'm starting it now!

[Beth]

I have some questions for us to answer and think about! Feel free to answer them after reading the 50 pages or at the end of the book. Questions will be under the spoiler (view spoiler)[

1. How long do you think Ty was stalking Gemma? It's obvious from the start that he knew a lot about her but how did he find it out? Do you think it was online or in person? She says he looks familiar, so do you think he has been following her in person and she happened to see him a few times?

2. It looks like the book is written in the future, so how do YOU think she escapes? He takes her at the beginning of the book but it's written as a letter that she writes later in life, so what are your guesses?

3. At the end of the 50 pages, it looks like she is opening up to Ty. Do you think she's trying to get on his good side so he might let her go? Or do you think there is another reason? Do you think it's a good idea that she's trying to befriend him? (hide spoiler)]

[Beth]

I just finished my 50 pages and posted three questions about the first section

[Cathie]

Love your questions Beth. I'm going to not answer them, as this is a re-read for me knowing the whole book sort of clouds my judgement in regards to the questions.

I will get into the conversation when it becomes more generalized & also at the end when everyone has finished reading it.

[RachelvlehcaR]

Cathie wrote: "Cathie (Catitude) | 874 comments Love your questions Beth. I'm going to not answer them, as this is a re-read for me knowing the whole book sort of clouds my judgement in regards to the questions.

I will get into the conversation when it becomes more generalized & also at the end when everyone has finished reading it. "

I'm in the same boat. Since it's a re-read for me I know what everything is all about and I don't know how I can answer the questions. What I do have to say is that I really like how the style of the book is written. It's a different perspective.

About question 3,
(view spoiler)[At the end of the 50 pages, it looks like she is opening up to Ty. Do you think she's trying to get on his good side so he might let her go? Or do you think there is another reason? Do you think it's a good idea that she's trying to befriend him?

That's a real good question. I recently read a book, The Fan Club. The movie star was kidnapped too, and she does try to befriend them to escape. It's a real interesting idea. I also put on my TRL The Collector. It's about a kidnapping too. (hide spoiler)]

[Beth]

I've seen episodes of Criminal Minds and some of the people that were kidnapped did the same thing in hopes of escaping. It's interesting to see what people will do to get out of horrible situations. (view spoiler)[I hope we found out why she's doing it. (hide spoiler)]

[Karla]

I only made it to page 32, so I'll finish my pages later today (it is sooo late!) and will answer your questions when I am done.

[Danielle]

My answers to the discussion questions; haha.. not sure they are very "smart" but I'll do my best.

(view spoiler)[1) Ty must have been stalking her for a while in person at least, I'm curious myself if he had randomly seen her and decided she was the one, or if she was someone specifically chosen for some reason. Can't wait to find more out about that.

2) I honestly have no answer to this question; I have no assumption or guesses on how she escapes, I am actually kind of thinking maybe he let her go out of the kindness in his heart perhaps? I'm not sure yet.

3) I think she is trying to befriend him to gain some trust so that she can make her escape. Seems like she wants to get to the path between the rocks, and try from there.. but the only way she'll be able to do anything is if she gains Ty's trust. (hide spoiler)]

Would love to see your answers, Ducky, and appreciate you making these questions.

[Danielle]

Hi guys ! just checking in again. I finished my 50pages for the night.. I can come up with some questions if you'd like but I'm not sure I'd be any good at it, it's my first ever buddy read or anything like this, let me know if no one else wants to do it?

[Beth]

About to read my next 50 pages!

[Joi]

I just started on the next 50 pages. Like I said...I like the writing style. I just wish that the story would go somewhere.

[Joi]

My answers(view spoiler)[I can't say for certain how long he was stalking her but it seems like he took his time and planned it all out. 2. I really don't know. 3. I feel like she is trying too hard which is why Ty can see right through her. I feel like that tactic could have worked if it wasn't so forced. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathie]

I am so enjoying re-reading this. Instead of wondering the whole way through, if this will happen, or that will happen, now that I know, I get to just sit back and experience the writing and thought process of "Lucy".

[RachelvlehcaR]

I agree Cathie. It will be interesting to just sit back and enjoy it without questioning what's going on. I might not be able to get in on the discussion until everyone has finished since I know the story, but that's okay. I will listen and wait. :)

[Danielle]

Oh - does that mean you guys don't think we should do questions for the discussions?

[RachelvlehcaR]

You guys should do questions. It's a nice way to get discussions going.

[Joi]

I wish this book had a timeline. Like...how much time is passing?

[RachelvlehcaR]

Yeah, you don't have a timeline in this at all. I think it makes it unique that way. In the beginning of the book in Part One (view spoiler)[it's amazing how she is reflecting back of how he drugged her. Kind of scary. (hide spoiler)]

[Danielle]

I realized that the people that read this for the BOM basically went the same way separating as we did, so I figured we could use their questions & their questions were very similar to what I was thinking of asking.. so here they go, hope you are all okay with us reusing them.

(view spoiler)[
1) What did you think of Ty's painting / art project? Did you expect anything like that to be behind the door? Thoughts on his emotional reaction when Gemma fought against him and messed the painting up?

2) Ty seems to have some deep-seeded anger issues, as well as problems with violence. Do you think his control will snap one day and he'll hurt Gemma beyond repair? Or is he determined to prove to her that he can be trusted?

3) Did you expect Ty to agree to let Gemma go? What did you think of his reasoning behind this statement: "I won't stop you. I'll only save you when you get lost."

4) When Ty fenced Gemma in and brought her back, did you see the act more as saving, or as capturing? Has your opinion of him changed at all since the start of the book?

5) What did you think of Gemma's dreams? I thought the Hide-and-Seek dream was sad.

6) What do you think are in those glass vials? Could Gemma be onto something with the drug theory?

7) How did you react to Ty saying he'd watched Gemma for six years?

8) Thoughts on Ty's story about his early life? Do you think his childhood has something to do with his inability to see Gemma's point of view? Do you think he really is "mad," or just a product of his upbringing?

9) Does the fact that Ty believes wholeheartedly he "saved" Gemma make him any more sympathetic a character? Why/why not? (hide spoiler)]

[Danielle]

My answers to the second part.. 50 to 100 (view spoiler)[1) What did you think of Ty's painting / art project? Did you expect anything like that to be behind the door? Thoughts on his emotional reaction when Gemma fought against him and messed the painting up?
I'm not even sure I completely understand Ty's art project - am I the only one? I am also pretty confused in regards to his emotional reaction. Why did he seem sad instead of mad? I feel like he would've seemed more angry than anything else.

2) Ty seems to have some deep-seeded anger issues, as well as problems with violence. Do you think his control will snap one day and he'll hurt Gemma beyond repair? Or is he determined to prove to her that he can be trusted?
I don't think he'll snap and hurt her beyond repair, no. I think he weirdly just wants company and apparently fell inlove with her.. and is hoping she'll fall inlove with him back.

3) Did you expect Ty to agree to let Gemma go? What did you think of his reasoning behind this statement: "I won't stop you. I'll only save you when you get lost."
I did NOT expect Ty to let Gemma go, not at all. I feel like that statement was just elaborating on what he had already told her - theres nowhere for her to run to. Eventually she'd need rescuing, as she'd get dehydrated or too cold, etc.

4) When Ty fenced Gemma in and brought her back, did you see the act more as saving, or as capturing? Has your opinion of him changed at all since the start of the book?
I felt like he captured her again, this part kind of made me angry at him again. I was finally a little 'happy' with him when he agreed to let her go and do as she wanted, and then he did this, which made me so angry again towards him.

5) What did you think of Gemma's dreams?
Her dreams were pretty sad.. I can only imagine how much she misses her family and friends, and home.

6) What do you think are in those glass vials? Could Gemma be onto something with the drug theory?
Not sure... kind of suspicious, though, definitely.

7) How did you react to Ty saying he'd watched Gemma for six years?
I gasped out loud, I can't even believe that, she was 10?! WHAT. I want to know the scenario when they first met, he says she'll remember one day...

8) Thoughts on Ty's story about his early life? Do you think his childhood has something to do with his inability to see Gemma's point of view? Do you think he really is "mad," or just a product of his upbringing?
I think he is mad & crazy, I think his childhood sucked, but that shouldn't mean you steal someones daughter... it just doesn't quite add up.

9) Does the fact that Ty believes wholeheartedly he "saved" Gemma make him any more sympathetic a character? Why/why not?
Ty... ugh... he's so strange. I do not feel sympathetic towards him, atleast not yet, though he has me liking him and then hating him then liking him and then hating him again. And any second I like him I think I'm crazy because WHAT? haha (hide spoiler)]

[Joi]

I'm not trying to be rude or anything but I have no feelings for Gemma at all. I see her more as irritating.

(view spoiler)[1.I thought he was weird from the beginning...he kidnapped her. The painting surprised Gemma more than it surprised me. I mean don't get me wrong, I wasn't expecting a painting....but Gemma's predictions of dead bodies and him killing her were just way too far fetched for me.
2.He won't hurt her.
3.I didn't expect it,no. But there was really no reason for him to force her to stay when there was no logical way for her to "get away." It seems like there is a deeper meaning behind that statement...I just don't know what it is.
4.I didn't see it as saving or capturing. I saw it as him showing her who was really in control. Basically, you can run but you can't hide.
5.I also thought her dreams were sad and it may have some bearing on why she is the way she is.
6.I do think that it could possibly be drugs in the vials.
7.He seemed experienced, and it wasn't impossible. It was far-fetched that Gemma remembered certain situations.
8.I never believed that Ty was "mad." He could be a product of his upbringing.
9.No, he kidnapped her. It's against the law. (hide spoiler)]

[Danielle]

Joi wrote: "I wish this book had a timeline. Like...how much time is passing?"


I agree with this, too, I mean I guess it kind of makes sense because Gemma has no idea how much time is passing, so why should we? What is kind of killing me right now is the fact that I want to know what her parents are doing to search/find her..

[Karla]

Danielle wrote: "What is kind of killing me right now is the fact that I want to know what her parents are doing to search/find her..
"

I would like to know that, too. I don't know if I should put this under a spoiler, so just in case (view spoiler)[Do you think anyone would have remembered seeing Ty and Gemma at the coffee shop? Wouldn't there be surveillance cameras there that would have picked them up? It would have shown them leaving together. There search would probably be foucsed on Bangkok (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

I reached the 100 page mark.

[Beth]

I'm just not really into the story. It's confusing, slow, and I can't relate to any of the characters. I will be finishing the book but I'm just not enjoying it all that much right now. But I did finish my next 50 pages

[Joi]

Beth (Ducky) wrote: "I'm just not really into the story. It's confusing, slow, and I can't relate to any of the characters. I will be finishing the book but I'm just not enjoying it all that much right now. But I did f..."

Yessss Beth, yes.! I thought it was just me.!!!

[Joi]

Everyone has said that this book is so good and everything....but, I just don't see it. It feels like the story is lacking. I'm not loving it at all. Not even liking it. I hope it gets better.

[Beth]

If we weren't doing a 50 page a day thing, I'd just read it all in one sitting so I could get it over this honestly haha.

[Joi]

I read past my 50 pages today just so that it would be less tomorrow. This book is just not interesting at all. I want it to just be over already.

[Beth]

I'm just not seeing all these 5 star ratings, you know?

[Joi]

Exactly. I've read books with this type of plot but they were so much better.

[Beth]

Maybe I'm just weird about it because I've read Jaycee Dugard's book about her time in captivity and it was captivating and scary. This just seems weird and annoying to me.

Have you read Room?

[Joi]

No, I tried to listen to the audiobook but that didn't work out too well. I need to find the actual book. But I read the Elizabeth Smart story and loved it so much. I also read and liked it. Maybe it's just this book. It's fiction and the OBVIOUS type of fiction.

[Beth]

I'll have to check that book out. But seriously, try and if if you want to cry for days

[Joi]

I will. I'm going to get it in book format. I really want to read the book by Jaycee Dugard...it seems so interesting.

[Beth]

It is! I plan on re-reading it soon

[Cathie]

I love how everyone's taste's are different. I didn't really like Room; just thought it was ok. But I did give this book 5 stars and am thoroughly enjoying the re-read. It's interesting to hear others opinions; I like the diversity in opinions & thoughts ☺

[RachelvlehcaR]

I totally agree with you Cathie. One of my favorite captive books is The Fan Club, wow. That was crazy.

[Danielle]

I am enjoying this book, not loving it and not hating it, but enjoying it.

I am intrigued now to check out , thanks to you, Ducky!

I am glad I signed up for this group with buddy reads because it's introducing me to books I never thought I'd even want to read, like this one. Yay for goodreads!

[Danielle]

Anybody do their reading yesterday? I ended up finishing it this morning..

[Danielle]

Finishing my 50 pages.. Not the book, lol

[Khaoula E.]

Oh this book has been on my TBR for a long time! Am gonna join in, will try to catch up with you guys.

[Danielle]

Khaoula wrote: "Oh this book has been on my TBR for a long time! Am gonna join in, will try to catch up with you guys."

Yay I'm looking forward to you joining in on our discussion!

[Joi]

I am slugging through my 50 pages...hopefully it'll get better for me.

[RachelvlehcaR]

I did get in my reading yesterday and today. :)

[Danielle]

I will be reading my next 50 pages tonight!

[RachelvlehcaR]

Oh good. I'm curious to see what you thing of it Danielle. I have to say as a parent this books was a very scary thought. It's what parents fear.

[Joi]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Oh good. I'm curious to see what you thing of it Danielle. I have to say as a parent this books was a very scary thought. It's what parents fear."

I agree with that Rachel. Parents aren't the only ones with this fear, however. Most children (females mostly) have a fear of being abducted.

[RachelvlehcaR]

Yes, I remember having this discussion for one of my human development classes while doing my Masters Degree. How females as well as minorities tend to have a different experience than males, especially Caucasian males. How we girls tend to be more cautious. Think about it when we are walking to our cars and it's dark outside, if you are in a city or in a small town or some place you are unfamiliar with.

[Danielle]

Yeah, its scary definitely... I know whenever I'm in the dark I get nervous about going to my car, etc.. not that I've ever been abducted or anything, but just the thought of it... *cringes*

I was so worried (view spoiler)[ with the whole camel catching ordeal. That's part of the last 50 pages from yesterday that I read this morning... how freakin' scary was that? Do you think that the camel actually is kind of understanding her when she talks about them both being abducted? I felt so bad for the camel at that point... (I have such a soft spot for animals) and I still feel so so bad for the camel... also for Gemma, too. I hate that he calls her Gem.. what about him talking about their first encounter? and then the first time he realized he WANTED her... when that creep Josh was following her? Sounds like at that point she should be happy he was there that night, but MAN. I guess I have lots of thoughts about this section... (hide spoiler)]