The Book of Speculation, by Erika Swyler (Anything Goes BOM) ; Start Date July 22, 2015

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

                


This thread is to discuss The Book of Speculation, by Erika Swyler . Be prepared for spoilers.


Synopsis:
A sweeping and captivating debut novel about a young librarian who is sent a mysterious old book, inscribed with his grandmother's name. What is the book's connection to his family?

Simon Watson, a young librarian, lives alone on the Long Island Sound in his family home, a house perched on the edge of a cliff that is slowly crumbling into the sea. His parents are long dead, his mother having drowned in the water his house overlooks.

On day, Simon receives a mysterious book from an antiquarian bookseller; it has been sent to him because it is inscribed with the name Verona Bonn, Simon's grandmother. Simon must unlock the mysteries of the book, and decode his family history, before fate deals its next deadly hand.

The Book of Speculation is Erika Swyler's gorgeous and moving debut, a wondrous novel about the power of books, family, and magic

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

What is a BOM (Book of the Month)?

At NRBC we use a more structured approach to our BOMs. We have a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book.

More info under spoiler
(view spoiler)[

“Books of the Month” (“BOMs”) include:

• A reading schedule which can range from 50, 75, to 100 or so pages a day.

• Discussion questions posted daily by moderators and volunteer group members
who help one of us out. We love members who volunteer to write discussion questions. If you'd like to give it a go, just post in the thread the date you'd like.

• If the book is over about 400 pages, we'll usually plan a break day.

• Members do NOT have to answer every question, they are meant to stimulate
conversations about the books AND allow us to glance back upon them when the
sequels come out. This helps us to remember what exactly happened in the previous
book.

• We find this style of reading to be more fun than just posting one or two
sentences about a book. We feel this is what distinguishes us as being a ‘book club’
rather than just another GoodReads ‘group.’

• If you can NOT start the book on time, feel free to join in at a later date. They are
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• Moderators are people too, so occasionally we get sick, have to work late at our real
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• Likewise, if you volunteer to write discussion questions, but then real life gets in the way, please let the moderators know as soon as possible so we can organise a replacement

• Discussions and questions are set up to make you think, analyze, and see things you,
or even we, may have missed. Feel free to add your own thoughts at any time, if you
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• If you've read the book, feel free to let us know what you thought about the book.
You can do so at the end of the read, or, if you can't wait, add spoiler tags
before you comment
(hide spoiler)]

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Chapter Breakdown
 
Date	 Chapters		 Kindle % PPDQs 
July 22&23 1-7 1-27% Christina

July 24&25 8-14 27-50% Kelly

**BREAK DAY**

July 27&28 15-22 50%-74% Karen

July 29&30 23-30 74%-end Karen

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

reserved

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

For those interested this book is currently available for request on Netgalley until June 23:
https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book...

[Christina]

I've had this on hold for a few months now at my library, so I'm in!

[Marie (UK)]

what genre does this fit into

[Christina]

It seems like magical realism to me.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

The publisher is marketing it as Fiction with no sub genre although some book sellers are classifying it as a "family saga".

[Marie (UK)]

i might try it but not a magical / fantasy fan

[Eight]

I'm in

[Christina]

I placed a hold on this book from the library awhile ago thinking it would be some time before I'd get this book, but I got a call this morning from the library saying the book is in already! I can only keep it for two weeks before returning it since it has a ton of holds on it already, so I'll need to read this before the group starts reading it.

I'd still like to participate in the discussions, though. Also I will do discussion questions as long as I can be the first person since I will have to return the book.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Sure Christina, no problems. I'll do a chapter breakdown later today

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Reasing schedule posted in message 2

I have broken it as DQs for 2 days worth of reading and have Christina for the first section.
Please let us know if you'd like to volunteer for any other sections!

[Danielle]

I'm definitely in for this one. I just received this from work in audio format. Hopefully the narrator is amazing because the story sounds fabulous.

[Ally]

Im so excited! Just bought this book today. And it will be my first read with this book club :)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Great - welcome!

[Tru]

Got my copy today! I'm so ready.

[Sethu]

Great!! I got the copy today. So excited!!

[Claudia]

Hi,
I just joined the group. Looking forward to reading the book and discussing it here :-)

[❀Tea❀]

Welcome everyone :)

Anyone else interested in doing discussion questions?


Welcome to the group Sethu and Claudia. ☺

[Danielle]

Usually I would say yes as I used to do questions in class frequently, but this next week is a busy one for me and I think I will be struggling to complete my reading! If I have some time more towards the end I will let you know:)

[Christina]

I would love to join in. I grabbed a copy today. This will be my first time participating with the group!

[Brittney]

Welcome Christina!! I think you will enjoy this group very much. I participated in my first one with Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I had a great time. Enjoy.

[Aria]

This will be my first time participating in a group book of the month discussion! I can't wait!

[Paan]

So this is my first time joining the discussion. Looking forward to it very much. :)

[Brittney]

Welcome to the group Aria and Yaiparn!!

[TerryJane]

My hold on this title became available through Overdrive a few days early, but I have the ebook checked for nine more days. That should work out well for the next eight days' worth of reading. Like so many others, I look forward to participating in my first BOM discussion here. Thanks!

[Danielle]

I'm going to have to join this discussion a few days late! I've been preparing for an interview so I haven't allowed myself to read until that is complete. It is on Friday. I will try and play catchup then. I can wait to start this book! A coworker said its great.

[Kelly]

Just reminding everyone that the read starts tomorrow :)

[[deleted user]]

Danielle wrote: "I'm going to have to join this discussion a few days late! I've been preparing for an interview so I haven't allowed myself to read until that is complete. It is on Friday. I will try and play ca..."

Good luck with your interview!

[[deleted user]]

Welcome to all the newbies - this is my second discussion, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first one. It really gets you thinking about the story, picking out favourite parts and makes reviewing the book at the end a lot easier!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Welcome everyone!

[Christina]

Discussion Questions for Chapter 1-7

July 22-23

1. If you received a book in the mail like Simeon did, filled with references to your ancestors, would you research the book further? If so, how much time would you put into it?

2. The story switches between chapters from the present and the past. Which chapters have been your favorite to read so far and why?

3. What do you think of the mysteries so far in the book? Are you intrigued by them? Do they leave you wanting to know more?

4. When Hermelius Peabody took in Amos and gave him a job a Wild Boy, I found this extremely degrading at first. But then it seemed like the act gave Amos purpose to his life and set him apart as special. Do you think Peabody is just looking to make money off Amos, or do you think he really wanted to make Amos’ life better? Do you think this will turn out to ultimately be a negative or positive experience for him?

5. The story in Chapter 6 of Evangeline, her “baptism” as a baby, her grandmother’s twisted way of trying to keep Evangeline from becoming like her mother and ultimately the murder of Grandma Visser, was one of the most emotionally charged sections of this book. What are your thoughts on what Evangeline did? Was she in any way justified?

6. A lot of the women in Simeon’s family die on July 24th. Simeon is driven to find out why. What are your predictions about why this is happening? Do you think there is something significant about this date?

[Brittney]

Discussion Questions for Chapter 1-7

July 22-23

1. If you received a book in the mail like Simeon did, filled with references to your ancestors, would you research the book further? If so, how much time would you put into it?

I would definitely research it more. I have always been interested in my ancestry. I have recently started getting more into it because my Father who passed away in 2013 had started looking up our ancestors, so I decided to continue his work. It has been an adventure. I usually spend about two Saturday's out of month looking into it.

2. The story switches between chapters from the present and the past. Which chapters have been your favorite to read so far and why?

I actually have a hard time staying focused when the narritive is talking about the past with the Wild Boy and Peabody. I hope that part of the book picks up a little because right now I am not so sure I will like it. The present day narritive so far is fine.

3. What do you think of the mysteries so far in the book? Are you intrigued by them? Do they leave you wanting to know more?

I am definitely curious on why Simon's female relatives die young and on the 24th of July. I also figured Enola was going to be in trouble before Simon figured it out in Chapter 6 or 7.

4. When Hermelius Peabody took in Amos and gave him a job a Wild Boy, I found this extremely degrading at first. But then it seemed like the act gave Amos purpose to his life and set him apart as special. Do you think Peabody is just looking to make money off Amos, or do you think he really wanted to make Amos’ life better? Do you think this will turn out to ultimately be a negative or positive experience for him?

I also thought it was degrading. I believe Peabody initially wanted to make money off the boy but I think he is starting to feel something towards Amos. Amos will definitely be messed up from this in my opinion. I think it is a little to early to tell though.

5. The story in Chapter 6 of Evangeline, her “baptism” as a baby, her grandmother’s twisted way of trying to keep Evangeline from becoming like her mother and ultimately the murder of Grandma Visser, was one of the most emotionally charged sections of this book. What are your thoughts on what Evangeline did? Was she in any way justified?

Who wouldnt be scarred from that type of experience. I think in her mind she was justified in the murder of her Grandma. Evangeline was definitely affected by the almost drowning. She was probably showing signs of PTSD in my opinion. As a victim of a crime I know how much it can take over your life if you let it.

6. A lot of the women in Simeon’s family die on July 24th. Simeon is driven to find out why. What are your predictions about why this is happening? Do you think there is something significant about this date?

I think it is way too early to speculate on the why.

[Tru]

Discussion Questions for Chapter 1-7

July 22-23

1. If you received a book in the mail like Simeon did, filled with references to your ancestors, would you research the book further? If so, how much time would you put into it?

A. Yes I would and as much as it takes for me to get to the bottom of it.

2. The story switches between chapters from the present and the past. Which chapters have been your favorite to read so far and why?

A. I like the ones that reference to the pass. It more exciting and has me really thinking.

3. What do you think of the mysteries so far in the book? Are you intrigued by them? Do they leave you wanting to know more?

A. I loves the mysteries!!! I'm very intrigued and yes it does have me wanting to know more!

4. When Hermelius Peabody took in Amos and gave him a job a Wild Boy, I found this extremely degrading at first. But then it seemed like the act gave Amos purpose to his life and set him apart as special. Do you think Peabody is just looking to make money off Amos, or do you think he really wanted to make Amos’ life better? Do you think this will turn out to ultimately be a negative or positive experience for him?

A. I think both. He seen instant profit when he seen him, but at the same time I really think circus people looks out for each other.

5. The story in Chapter 6 of Evangeline, her “baptism” as a baby, her grandmother’s twisted way of trying to keep Evangeline from becoming like her mother and ultimately the murder of Grandma Visser, was one of the most emotionally charged sections of this book. What are your thoughts on what Evangeline did? Was she in any way justified?

A. I do not think she really intended harm in the situation. She was tired of being abused and acted out. Most people when in rage loses control and do not think to stop.

6. A lot of the women in Simeon’s family die on July 24th. Simeon is driven to find out why. What are your predictions about why this is happening? Do you think there is something significant about this date?

A. I think with how the baby drowned but didn't die curse the family. And the 24th of July is when that happen I believed, I maybe mistaken.

[TerryJane]

1. If you received a book in the mail like Simeon did, filled with references to your ancestors, would you research the book further? If so, how much time would you put into it?

Absolutely! I enjoy genealogy anyway and seek out answers about my ancestors. It would be a treat to have info come to me. I'd probably obsess over it, invest way too much time in it, and potentially neglect my family and home.

2. The story switches between chapters from the present and the past. Which chapters have been your favorite to read so far and why?

(view spoiler)[I've enjoyed both story lines although I think every single chapter has made me uncomfortable in some way. In the present, there's the instability of Simon's home, job, sister and even himself. In the past, the harsh treatment of children by their birth families is completely horrifying. I'm really curious how the past and present will connect. If I had to choose a favorite, I'd have to pick the odd numbered chapters, those in the present, where the mystery must be solved. (hide spoiler)]

3. What do you think of the mysteries so far in the book? Are you intrigued by them? Do they leave you wanting to know more?

I'm definitely hooked by the mysteries. I read all seven chapters of the first segment on day one and found it very difficult to stop in order to stay on track with this group.

4. When Hermelius Peabody took in Amos and gave him a job a Wild Boy, I found this extremely degrading at first. But then it seemed like the act gave Amos purpose to his life and set him apart as special. Do you think Peabody is just looking to make money off Amos, or do you think he really wanted to make Amos’ life better? Do you think this will turn out to ultimately be a negative or positive experience for him?

(view spoiler)[Since Amos had already been living as an actual wild boy when he was on his own and had no language skills at all, it seemed more like the Wild Boy gig was a means by which Amos could earn his way (and learn his way, really). Had he been a school boy plucked from a normal family and household, then forced into the Wild Boy act, that would have been degrading. I do think Mr. Peabody cares about Amos, and I hope it will be a positive experience and that the troupe will become his family. After being abandoned by his birth family, he deserves something positive. I will be very disappointed if it turns out otherwise. (hide spoiler)]

5. The story in Chapter 6 of Evangeline, her “baptism” as a baby, her grandmother’s twisted way of trying to keep Evangeline from becoming like her mother and ultimately the murder of Grandma Visser, was one of the most emotionally charged sections of this book. What are your thoughts on what Evangeline did? Was she in any way justified?

(view spoiler)[From the scars, we know that Grandma had suffered abuse as well. Perhaps there's a pattern of abuse and scoundrels and babies born out of wedlock, where the abused become abusers. I don't know. I can understand Evangeline's outrage, but can't justify her response. (hide spoiler)]

6. A lot of the women in Simeon’s family die on July 24th. Simeon is driven to find out why. What are your predictions about why this is happening? Do you think there is something significant about this date?

(view spoiler)[There must be some significance to the date, but I have no clue what. Evangeline's mother, Amelia, was seduced by the copper-eyed man/boy stranger in the summer. Maybe July 24 a conception date. Hmm... I'm not ready to make predictions yet. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Discussion Questions for Chapter 1-7

July 22-23

1. If you received a book in the mail like Simeon did, filled with references to your ancestors, would you research the book further? If so, how much time would you put into it?
I'd probably read it first then determine what to do with it. After reading it and noting how odd it was I would probably look into it further.

2. The story switches between chapters from the present and the past. Which chapters have been your favorite to read so far and why?
I like the ones with the circus. Oddly I find it the least confusing part.

3. What do you think of the mysteries so far in the book? Are you intrigued by them? Do they leave you wanting to know more?
I find the sister a bit creepy but it appears that it's on purpose.

4. When Hermelius Peabody took in Amos and gave him a job a Wild Boy, I found this extremely degrading at first. But then it seemed like the act gave Amos purpose to his life and set him apart as special. Do you think Peabody is just looking to make money off Amos, or do you think he really wanted to make Amos’ life better? Do you think this will turn out to ultimately be a negative or positive experience for him?
I suspect that carnie's (especially in this type of travelling show) have a different opinion of things than we would from the outside. They look at it as a way to make money off people but they're in it together. He's not exploiting the boy in his view, he's just helping him learn to use his assets to get money from the others.

5. The story in Chapter 6 of Evangeline, her “baptism” as a baby, her grandmother’s twisted way of trying to keep Evangeline from becoming like her mother and ultimately the murder of Grandma Visser, was one of the most emotionally charged sections of this book. What are your thoughts on what Evangeline did? Was she in any way justified?
I don't think she was in her right mind during the event. It also could be somewhat construed as self-defense, even if it was an overreaction.

6. A lot of the women in Simeon’s family die on July 24th. Simeon is driven to find out why. What are your predictions about why this is happening? Do you think there is something significant about this date?
Don't know. I skimmed over https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/July_24 and nothing popped out as a reason this date in particular would have been chosen based on real world events. I was thinking maybe it had something to do with a disaster too since they named their kid after the plane that dropped the atomic bombs...

With the weird magic type stuff in the book it feels a bit like revenge of a ghost for something that happened to it on that day.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Discussion Questions for Chapter 1-7

July 22-23

1. If you received a book in the mail like Simeon did, filled with references to your ancestors, would you research the book further? If so, how much time would you put into it?
I think I would have to, and I probably would get obsessive about it like he does. haha
I just love history and genealogy

2. The story switches between chapters from the present and the past. Which chapters have been your favorite to read so far and why?
I find myself preferring the present. I don't know why, I think maybe just the past side has some surreal elements and maybe the present is more relatable

3. What do you think of the mysteries so far in the book? Are you intrigued by them? Do they leave you wanting to know more?
Yes, but I'm also not *dying* to find out. I like the pacing so far

4. When Hermelius Peabody took in Amos and gave him a job a Wild Boy, I found this extremely degrading at first. But then it seemed like the act gave Amos purpose to his life and set him apart as special. Do you think Peabody is just looking to make money off Amos, or do you think he really wanted to make Amos’ life better? Do you think this will turn out to ultimately be a negative or positive experience for him?
Hmm good question. I think ultimately he wants to make money, and the fact that this helps Amos is a bonus. I think he does genuinely care about his welfare

5. The story in Chapter 6 of Evangeline, her “baptism” as a baby, her grandmother’s twisted way of trying to keep Evangeline from becoming like her mother and ultimately the murder of Grandma Visser, was one of the most emotionally charged sections of this book. What are your thoughts on what Evangeline did? Was she in any way justified?
yes this was pretty intense and I actually re-read the section with the murder of the Gradma because I was so surprised by it! I don't think there is ever justification for murder, but I also don't think it was intentional

6. A lot of the women in Simeon’s family die on July 24th. Simeon is driven to find out why. What are your predictions about why this is happening? Do you think there is something significant about this date?
This is just spooky. But then I wonder if it is a 'self fulfilling prophecy' in that maybe they know about that date and think that must be the day they will drown and so do it? I'm a bit intrigued by this

[Eight]

Discussion Questions for Chapter 1-7

July 22-23

1. If you received a book in the mail like Simeon did, filled with references to your ancestors, would you research the book further? If so, how much time would you put into it?

I would certainly engage with this book. I think that I would invest my free time and if the findings were significant, It could pull my into it fully.

2. The story switches between chapters from the present and the past. Which chapters have been your favorite to read so far and why?

Both. I like Amos story (although I do not like circuses )and Simon. I wonder if the Enola also will drown like her ancestors.

3. What do you think of the mysteries so far in the book? Are you intrigued by them? Do they leave you wanting to know more?

So interesting. I would like to know if it's some sort of curse. And I'm very intrigued by the character of Madame Ryzhkov, she may put a curse.

4. When Hermelius Peabody took in Amos and gave him a job a Wild Boy, I found this extremely degrading at first. But then it seemed like the act gave Amos purpose to his life and set him apart as special. Do you think Peabody is just looking to make money off Amos, or do you think he really wanted to make Amos’ life better? Do you think this will turn out to ultimately be a negative or positive experience for him?

I like Hermelius Peabody. I think that, obviously he thinking about profits, but he treated his troupe like family. Sometimes I think of him as a collector of strange curiosities.

5. The story in Chapter 6 of Evangeline, her “baptism” as a baby, her grandmother’s twisted way of trying to keep Evangeline from becoming like her mother and ultimately the murder of Grandma Visser, was one of the most emotionally charged sections of this book. What are your thoughts on what Evangeline did? Was she in any way justified?

Murder can never justify. However, I am not surprised.

6. A lot of the women in Simeon’s family die on July 24th. Simeon is driven to find out why. What are your predictions about why this is happening? Do you think there is something significant about this date?

I think it's a curse. Perhaps Amos and Evangeline are the ancestors of Enola and Simon. They something did in the past and someone cursed the entire female line. I wonder if Simon will save his sister from a curse (if that is the curse), what he find about this, and how will roll their fate (although I'm not a fan of Enola)

[Christina]

@Brittney That’s awesome! What a great tribute to your dad!!! I hope you find out a lot of great things.

@TerryJane I’m right there with you! I can see myself becoming completely obsessed, too.

@Dawid “collector of strange curiosities” - what a great phrase!

[Christina]

1. I would absolutely do all the research I could! When I first found out about ancestry.com and I took advantage of the 30 day free trial, I spent all my free time on that site! I was able to track my dad’s side all the way back to the 1700’s! And there was a lot of research someone else had posted about a great-great ? grandfather’s time in the Civil War.

2. For some reason, I enjoy the past chapters more than the present. Maybe it’s because they feel more like a fairy tale or myth and I love reading those types of stories. And it’s there that we get more answers to the mystery developing.

3. I’ve finished the book already, but I was pretty invested in figuring out the mystery the entire time. It was my favorite part of the book, just finding out about how everything was connected.

4. I liked the answer that TerryJane gave for this question. I pretty much felt the same way. In a weird way, it almost seemed an improvement to his life. He now had a safe and fairly comfortable place to live, and seemed respected, at least by the carnival people, for his contribution to the show. He also is learning how to fit in with a group. No matter what else happens in the story, this will have been a fantastic learning experience for him.

5. I can’t justify the murder just because she was abused, but I can see how she felt out of control enough to kill her grandmother. Her grandmother seemed pretty sick and twisted to me, although it was clear that she had a really messed up life up until that point. The thought that she wasn’t really wanted from birth and that she always seems to be doing something wrong has to mess with Evangeline’s head and cause problems later on in the story.

6. @Tru I forgot about that detail! I’m pretty sure you’re right about that. I had to return the book the the library, but I wish I could go back and look it up again!

[Alycia]

1. If you received a book in the mail like Simeon did, filled with references to your ancestors, would you research the book further? If so, how much time would you put into it?

That would be fascinating to me - I would definitely dig into it!

2. The story switches between chapters from the present and the past. Which chapters have been your favorite to read so far and why?

I'm enjoying both. I'm always a little disappointed when the chapter ends and the time shifts with the new chapter, but then I get caught up in the new story. I love books that switch back a forth like this, each story informing the other with a slow unveiling.

And can I just say I feel so badly for Simon's desperate situation with his house!!

3. What do you think of the mysteries so far in the book? Are you intrigued by them? Do they leave you wanting to know more?

Yes - I want to know how Amos and Evangeline relate to Simon and why July 24 has such significance. And what is up with Enola?

4. When Hermelius Peabody took in Amos and gave him a job a Wild Boy, I found this extremely degrading at first. But then it seemed like the act gave Amos purpose to his life and set him apart as special. Do you think Peabody is just looking to make money off Amos, or do you think he really wanted to make Amos’ life better? Do you think this will turn out to ultimately be a negative or positive experience for him?

I thought the initial interactions between Peabody and Amos were sweet - it seemed Peabody wanted to take him under his wing. I'm hoping it will be a positive experience. It has to be better than living alone in the woods, right?

5. The story in Chapter 6 of Evangeline, her “baptism” as a baby, her grandmother’s twisted way of trying to keep Evangeline from becoming like her mother and ultimately the murder of Grandma Visser, was one of the most emotionally charged sections of this book. What are your thoughts on what Evangeline did? Was she in any way justified?

The baptism scene was horrifying, and set up Evangeline as a key player in the mystery. I don't think Evangeline was justified, but I can see how she might have just snapped. I think she was heartbroken when she realized what she had done.

6. A lot of the women in Simeon’s family die on July 24th. Simeon is driven to find out why. What are your predictions about why this is happening? Do you think there is something significant about this date?

I'm not sure about the date, but I think the answer lies with Amos, Evangeline and Madame Ryzhkova. Both Amos and Evangeline were fathered by mysterious men (E's father was maybe a selkie?) and Madame R seems like she would know a thing or two about curses.

[Kelly]

Discussion Questions
July 24&25
Chapters 8-14 Pages 91-166 Percentage 27-50%

7. Evangeline can hold her breath for a very long time and yet drowns. Do you think her ability ran out somehow? Is it actually a curse? Was she murdered by someone?

8. What are your thoughts on Doyle and his relationship with Enola?

9. Peabody is encouraging Amos while Madame Ryzhkova is warning Amos away from Egangeline saying that she will drown him. Thought on which you think is true? Any comments on all the drowning?

10. The developing relationship between Evangeline and Amos makes me wonder if the other abilities that people seem to have can be passed through bloodlines too. Amos has his invisibility thing going on but none of the characters we've met so far appear to have that one. Any thoughts on if we'll meet decedents with different abilities?

11. Enola says that she's talking to her mother through the tarrot cards. Do you think she's gone a bit nuts or is there something more otherworldly going on?

12. Frank seems very generous to help float some of the money to repair their house however Leah and Alice don't seem very happy about it. Any thoughts on that dynamic or what the back story is?

13. This talk of Evangeline "drinking" Amos makes me imagine what seemed to happen to Simon's father where he was a husk of a man. Do you think this is what eventually happens to Amos?

[TerryJane]

Hi, Kelly. In #7, are you referring to Simon's mother, Paulina? As far as I know, Evangeline is still at the carnival. Or perhaps this question is for a later chapter.

[Eight]

Discussion Questions
July 24&25
Chapters 8-14 Pages 91-166 Percentage 27-50%

7. Evangeline can hold her breath for a very long time and yet drowns. Do you think her ability ran out somehow? Is it actually a curse? Was she murdered by someone?

My guess. Eva drown in water, receives life from her future generation (daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter ...) and comes back to life. So I imagine it like that, at that moment in book.


8. What are your thoughts on Doyle and his relationship with Enola?

I think it's a cool guy. Certainly he has a good effect on Enola. First appearances can be deceiving.

9. Peabody is encouraging Amos while Madame Ryzhkova is warning Amos away from Egangeline saying that she will drown him. Thought on which you think is true? Any comments on all the drowning?

Ryzhkov is right (I think so). With Eva's something wrong and he should be careful. As we know, Egangeline killed her own grandmother, she had hard childhood, it certainly affected on her psyche. I don't think that she is a Rusałka, but she is kind of strange person (the darkness is hiddeni in her).

10. The developing relationship between Evangeline and Amos makes me wonder if the other abilities that people seem to have can be passed through bloodlines too. Amos has his invisibility thing going on but none of the characters we've met so far appear to have that one. Any thoughts on if we'll meet decedents with different abilities?

I think so. I think that the gift of Amos in the end will appeares in next generations (unless this is not Amos an ancestor of Simon and Enola).

11. Enola says that she's talking to her mother through the tarrot cards. Do you think she's gone a bit nuts or is there something more otherworldly going on?

Maybe it was her kind of experiencing grief. The cards have their power. She asked, they respond. I think these tarot cards are very important to the story.

12. Frank seems very generous to help float some of the money to repair their house however Leah and Alice don't seem very happy about it. Any thoughts on that dynamic or what the back story is?

And who would be happy? I don't think anything is behind it.

13. This talk of Evangeline "drinking" Amos makes me imagine what seemed to happen to Simon's father where he was a husk of a man. Do you think this is what eventually happens to Amos?

I really don't know. I have no idea what Ryzhkov has mean in the fact that Eva will drown Amos, drinking from him. Drains the energy of life? Of course, I know the myth of Rusałka, but I think it's just a metaphor.

[Kelly]

TerryJane wrote: "Hi, Kelly. In #7, are you referring to Simon's mother, Paulina? As far as I know, Evangeline is still at the carnival. Or perhaps this question is for a later chapter."

I believe Evangeline was a distant great grandmother, unless I'm reading it really wrong. The synopsis of th ebook says that there was a drowning death of a circus mermaid and since then generations of "mermaids" in Simon's family have drowned.

I do find that I'm having a hard time keeping all the characters straight though since it jumps back and forth so much.

[Brittney]

July 24&25
Chapters 8-14 Pages 91-166 Percentage 27-50%

7. Evangeline can hold her breath for a very long time and yet drowns. Do you think her ability ran out somehow? Is it actually a curse? Was she murdered by someone?

I bet it is a curse. Its just to early to tell. I think there is something to do with the Tarot cards.

8. What are your thoughts on Doyle and his relationship with Enola?

Doyle is actually one of my favorite characters in the book thus far. It is so true now a days how first appearances can be deceiving. I think he is good for her. He seems like a genuine guy.

9. Peabody is encouraging Amos while Madame Ryzhkova is warning Amos away from Egangeline saying that she will drown him. Thought on which you think is true? Any comments on all the drowning?

I think Peabody is encouraging it just to get money out it. I think Ryzhkova is worried because she knows there is something wrong with Evangeline. I think they both love Amos but for two totally different and selfish reasons. Peabody for money and Ryzhkova because she is lonely and wants Amos to be her son.

10. The developing relationship between Evangeline and Amos makes me wonder if the other abilities that people seem to have can be passed through bloodlines too. Amos has his invisibility thing going on but none of the characters we've met so far appear to have that one. Any thoughts on if we'll meet decedents with different abilities?

Good question. I think they can be carried on to other generations. I think Doyle might me be a descendant of one of them as well as Enola and Simon.

11. Enola says that she's talking to her mother through the tarrot cards. Do you think she's gone a bit nuts or is there something more otherworldly going on?

I think a little bit of both.

12. Frank seems very generous to help float some of the money to repair their house however Leah and Alice don't seem very happy about it. Any thoughts on that dynamic or what the back story is?

My only guess is Simon might be Frank's son which would be a bad thing because of Alice and Simon's relationship. I probably am reaching.

13. This talk of Evangeline "drinking" Amos makes me imagine what seemed to happen to Simon's father where he was a husk of a man. Do you think this is what eventually happens to Amos?

I am not sure. I think it is too early to say. Frankly I am having a hard time reading this one because of how it jumps around so much. I really haven't got into the book as much as I hoped I would. I thought this book would be better but it still has time to get better.

[TerryJane]

7. Evangeline can hold her breath for a very long time and yet drowns. Do you think her ability ran out somehow? Is it actually a curse? Was she murdered by someone?
(view spoiler)[Because of Simon's experience, when he felt like something grabbed him and choked him underwater, I can't help but wonder if there is something in the water that is a threat to this family. Doyle explained that experience away as a rescue, but I'm not sure I believe him. Perhaps Paulina and the other women sacrificed themselves to the sea in order to protect their loved ones. (hide spoiler)]

8. What are your thoughts on Doyle and his relationship with Enola?
(view spoiler)[I have mixed feelings. Doyle acts nice enough, and Enola seems happy with him, but the sea creature tattoos make me wonder if he's a threat to this family. (hide spoiler)]

9. Peabody is encouraging Amos while Madame Ryzhkova is warning Amos away from Egangeline saying that she will drown him. Thought on which you think is true? Any comments on all the drowning?
(view spoiler)[I'm not familiar with the Rusalki mythology, but it sounds like Madame Ryzhkova has a bad past with a sea nymph taking the life of her father. I found it interesting that she says the Rusalki think only of love, not the price, and that Eva will drown Amos but won't mean to. She didn't mean to kill her grandma either. (hide spoiler)]

10. The developing relationship between Evangeline and Amos makes me wonder if the other abilities that people seem to have can be passed through bloodlines too. Amos has his invisibility thing going on but none of the characters we've met so far appear to have that one. Any thoughts on if we'll meet decedents with different abilities?
(view spoiler)[It would be interesting, sure enough, but I won't hold my breath waiting to meet other vanishing folk. Now that I think of it, Amos and Evangeline's fathers pulled a bit of a vanishing act after getting the moms pregnant, but I guess that's different than becoming invisible. ;) (hide spoiler)]

11. Enola says that she's talking to her mother through the tarrot cards. Do you think she's gone a bit nuts or is there something more otherworldly going on?
(view spoiler)[I believe Enola said she is talking to her mother's cards, not to her mother. The cards "gather energy from people and build history." If they are Madame Ryzhkova's cards, passed down through generations of the Rusalki that she hates, perhaps it's the cards making the mermaid moms self-destruct. (hide spoiler)]

12. Frank seems very generous to help float some of the money to repair their house however Leah and Alice don't seem very happy about it. Any thoughts on that dynamic or what the back story is?
(view spoiler)[It's a huge sum to offer just as a friend and neighbor. If Frank descends from Mr. Peabody, does he have the same fatherly trait of caring for others like they were his own son? (hide spoiler)]

13. This talk of Evangeline "drinking" Amos makes me imagine what seemed to happen to Simon's father where he was a husk of a man. Do you think this is what eventually happens to Amos?
(view spoiler)[I felt more like Amos' father just gave up and died of a broken heart. I fear Madame Ryzhkova's prediction that Evangeline will kill Amos is right, and that this could set the course for the future of the family. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

TerryJane wrote: "Because of Simon's experience, when he felt like something grabbed him and choked him underwater, I can't help but wonder if there is something in the water that is a threat to this family. Doyle explained that experience away as a rescue, but I'm not sure I believe him. Perhaps Paulina and the other women sacrificed themselves to the sea in order to protect their loved ones. "

That was an odd scene. Plus it seemed a bit odd that he wouldn't know this about Enola since it didn't seem like she was hiding it.