BotM 2016 - [February] Attachments, by Rainbow Rowell - Part 4 (Spoilers)

[Laura, Celestial Sphere Mod]

Our first book of the month is coming to an end! Hopefully you enjoyed the book and were able to participate. If not, you still have the whole rest of the month!

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?
2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?
4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?
5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?

Feel free to share general comments about the book!

[Rachel]

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?
In the original thread for Part 1 of this book, I made three predictions. One of them came completely true, but that was the most obvious one. The second came partially true, and the third surprisingly did not come true at all!

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
I actually thought it would have been interesting if the book had consisted of just a bunch of "near misses" without the characters ever actually meeting. I think it would have been a less predictable ending. Also, I would have liked to see how Jennifer felt about Lincoln reading the e-mails.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?
I guess I'd have to say my favourite character was Lincoln because he was the one we got to know the best. He definitely had the most development, but even aside from that, I liked him as a person. There were moments where I really disagreed with his choices, but overall I thought he was a really interesting character.

My least favourite character was probably Lincoln's mom. I can understand overprotective parents, but I thought she went way too far for a man Lincoln's age. Her reaction to him getting his own apartment was very strange.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?
Given the type of book it is, I thought the book was predictable but nicely done. I didn't find it very realistic though. I personally would have preferred a little more realism to Beth's reaction to Lincoln reading her mail.


5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?
I think it's fine the way it is. I can't really see any need for a follow-up, but that may just be because I can't think of anything else I'd want to know.

[Zaz]

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?
Not really, as the different stories evolved differently (as Jen's pregnancy or who dumped the other in Beth's relationship).

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
No, it was fine like this.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?
(uncomfortable) Lincoln was my favorite and (self-centred) Sam the one I liked the least.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?
It was amazing how it wasn't realistic at all! The rest of the book is pretty "normal" but how a end like this can happen in real life? Anyway, it was fine.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?
I'd like to end it with this book, if there's a sequel at some point I'm not sure I'll read it as in the end, I wasn't really attached to the characters.

General feeling:
I'm pleased with this choice for the romance BotM, I was a little afraid to read something loud, cheesy or very explicite, but this one was fine and the story was interesting enough. I preferred Eleanor&Park by this author, but Attachment was also entertaining and easy to read :)

[Bana AZ]

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?
---That they'd get together? Yes. :) I didn't make any more detailed prediction.

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
---A Chris and Lincoln confrontation? A Beth and Sam confrontation? I'm not sure. I guess I want some sort of dramatic fighting, but not that much. The book's great as it is.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?
---FAVORITE: Lincoln
---LEAST: Chris. Who the hell says that to a girl and not expect a breakup??

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?
---I thought it ended pretty well. Content, yeah, that's the word.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?
---I think it should just end there.

[Silvia]

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?
No, because I thought there was not going be any real relatioship between Lincoln and Beth or Jennifer.

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
Chris in his own way loved very much to Beth, I wished he would have the chance to think and see how Beth worth, maybe with a casual conversation with Lincoln... I don't know.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?
Favourite: Beth. Funny and brave.
Least: Sam. Selfish girl who was not even able to see how she hurt the people around her.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?
The ending was too sudden , too magical to be plausible. But it was a happy ending and that's Ok for me.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?
She should just let them here.

[Samantha]

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?
For the most part, I thought Lincoln would have more explaining to do before he got the girl.

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
Not particularly.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?
Beth was my favorite she seemed like someone I would enjoy being friends with. I liked Jennifer and Lincoln a lot as well. Chris was my least, just seemed to self centered to be interesting.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?
It seemed a little rushed but overall liked how things worked out.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?
I wouldn't mind a novella that continued Jennifer and Mitch'e story and included some interaction with Lincoln and Beth.

[Alisa]

1. Did your original predictions for the outcome come true?

Some of it did. I thought Lincoln and Beth would be dating and then she would find out.

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't ?

I felt that there should have been a bit more drama, whether between Lincoln and Beth or Chris and Lincoln.

3. Now that you are finished who was your favorite character and least favorite character?

Favorite-Beth. I thought she was funny
Least favorite- Chris. That was a really jerky thing to do

4. How do you feel about how the book ended? Sad, happy, content or do you just want more?
I felt it ended to abruptly, like there was a build up and then boom... Everything settled,good and finished.

5. Do you think/want rainbow Rowell to continue use Beth and Lincolns story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her reader?

I agree that she could continue with Mitch and Jennifer's story. Possibly following the same timeline just from their point of view and their interactions otherwise I feel like it should just be left there.

[Rachel]

I was thinking about it today, and the one idea I had for a novella/follow-up would be what happens if further in, Beth changes her mind about Lincoln's history of reading their e-mails. Maybe what that really means only starts to hit her later on.

Also, it would be kind of interesting to see how a site like Facebook would impact them. Say if Lincoln read Beth's private Facebook messages later on.

[Brandy]

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?
I thought they'd get together so that came true but I also thought Sam would be a bigger issue for Lincoln to realize was behind him. I also expected more from Jennifer and Mitch.

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
I guess I would have preferred maybe a meet Jennifer and Mitch in the epilogue to a meet Lincoln's mom. It seems to me like she was a major character in a part of the book but we hardly knew her at all from Lincoln's persepective and it seemed like a missed beat.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?
Favorite: Beth, probably. She had a voice similar to mine, I think.
Least: Lincoln's mom or sister? They were both so one note in their need to control Lincoln's life. But I didn't really hate either.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?
I was fine with it. I enjoyed the book while I was reading it but it didn't really leave me with anything to think about going forward. I'll probably not remember much a year from now.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?

I don't think it is necessary, if Rainbow Rowell was a novelist who had a combined universe I wouldn't mind hearing how Chriis's band was doing or how it worked out with Jennifer's baby (say if Mitch was some new book character's band teacher....

But I can't say I'm invested in any of these characters enough to seek them out.

I am still invested enough in Eleanor and Park, though to keep reading Rainbow Rowell.

[Jennie]

So I finished it while I was at work today. It was a super easy and quick read. I was really surprised by how much I actually liked it.

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?
I knew that Beth and Lincoln would eventually get together.

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
I really kind of wish the book was more a collection of near misses. I think that would have been a lot more interesting and different. I don't always sit down to read a romance wanting the characters to get together.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?
I really liked Lincoln. I thought he was very sweet and kinda adorable. I actually didn't like Eve, Lincoln's sister. I'm not sure but something about her just didn't sit well with me.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?
I'm kinda disappointed that Beth and Lincoln got together. Like I said previously I thought it would have been more interesting if they hadn't.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?
I like it ending like this. I think there are too many after stories and novellas being written. Sometimes it's nice to just not have a full ending.

[Michelle]

I read 30% of the book and did the first set of discussion questions. Then, I ended up reading the rest of the book in a day so I skipped part 2 and 3 discussions and I'm here now.

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?
My prediction for Beth and Lincoln and Chris came true.

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
No.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?
Favorite character was Beth. I think if I met her in real life, I would become friends with her.

Least favorite character was probably either Sam or Chris. Maybe it's a tie. I wasn't a fan of Lincoln's mother but at least her behaviors came out of love.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?
Content.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?
I don't think there needs to be a follow up.

[Francesca]

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?
Yes. Pretty much all my predictions came true, apart from one surprise (view spoiler)[ I didn't expect Jennifer to lose the baby, but then she became pregnant again by the end of the book so my prediction basically remained true (hide spoiler)].

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
Pretty much anything. This book didn't do it for me, I wasn't a fan.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?
My favourite was honestly Chris. He actually seemed like a good guy and I found him very likeable, and that weird, lame thing he said that caused them to break up just felt like it was thrown in because Rowell realised they needed to break up so that Beth could get with Lincoln instead.
My least favourite is a difficult one because I didn't like most of the characters, but I'll probably go with Mitch. He was horrible. He manipulated and guilt tripped Jennifer into having a baby, even though she clearly didn't want one or wasn't ready for one. The fact that she got pregnant just because he wanted it, is so wrong on so levels and for so many reasons. The fact that she magically came around to the idea while already pregnant is besides the point.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?
Disappointed. I think this book just wasn't for me.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?
Well, I think it's probably been made obvious that I personally wouldn't be that fussed if she did or didn't, but I think if she did she could do a novella which could either follow them and see how their future turned out or she could follow up with some of the other characters and show what the future had in store for them. Both of these could be interesting.

[Jennifer]

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?

Yes. I was fairly certain beginning of the second part that eventually Lincoln and Beth would meet and possibly get together. I also guessed that Lincoln would finally get out of his mother's house and he did, though in a sneaky kind of way.

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
No, I think what happened in the book was perfect.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?

My favorite character was Jennifer because I can relate to her in a few ways. My least favorite character was Lincoln's mother because she is overbearing and way to protective of her son.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?

I am happy with the way it ended. The whole book led up to how it ended and it all came together nicely.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?

Leave them alone. This book was about whether someone could get to know someone else just based on email and I think it covered it pretty well.

[Anne]

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?

It was close to what i thought but the resolution was way faster than in my mind.

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?

I wish they would have built their relationship instead of just saying they fell in love in an instant. Especially considering what Lincoln was doing, spying her emails and all. It felt rushed and way too close to a childish imagination. I wished they could have worked for it and talked about it and took time to built a strong relationship.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?

Favorite is Lincoln, he is the one who has the greatest evolution of character, he litterally grows up and deals with his past and how he sees himself and his family and where he wants to be. He is the one to leave his job and quit spying on the girls and even apologizing for it. He's sweet and finally got to talk and say things instead of just hiding and wishing it would all solve itself.

Least Favorite is Beth, she just eyes him and finds him cute and bam she's in love. She doesn't know the first thing about him but no it's ok it's the man of her life just like that. That is childish and a bit stupid even though i get how this crush thing can have major effects on one's heart, i've been through it but for god's sake love at first sight and just like that you're ok with being with him despite every lie and hidden thing that started your relationship ? Nope not interested.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?

I was happy about the way Lincoln evolved and really i'd have been happy even if he hadn't ended up with Beth. I must admit i would have prefered that. But it took a really long time to unfold so i feel tired by the book and really it's only saved by Lincoln's personal story.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?

Nope she should stop and find something else to write about, the story wasn't much at first anyway and she did an entire book about it. I think she should have more to say or more deeply studied characters.
I prefered Eleanor & Park for example. The characters were really interesting and in a time of their life that was difficult so it was a nice story to tell. It wasn't the case with Beth and Lincoln.

[Molly]

1. Yes, I thought they would eventually get together. As I read my predictions kept changing though. I thought maybe Beth wasn't really eyeing Lincoln. That maybe it was just his wishful thinking. I also thought at one point that Lincoln would realize he was just looking for a replacement for Sam and finally realize that and grow up. But as we got closer I was just waiting for them to finally bump into each other.

2. I was hoping Chris would see Beth and Lincoln together somewhere. Or that Beth and Lincoln would have been a couple before Justin's and Dena's wedding so they could attend the wedding and see Lincoln's jaw drop while playing on stage.

3. My favorite characters were Beth and Doris. Beth reminded me of myself when I was in a similar relationship with someone who was very indifferent. I also loved the friendship that formed between Doris and Lincoln. She was like a second mother to him.

4. I was happy with the way it ended. The book was all about how they were to come together. One through her eyes, the other through words. Knowing that they finally found each other is a happy ending in my book.

5. No she doesn't have to continue the story. I want her to write another book centered around adults though. I loved Landline and enjoyed this book very much.

[Tina]

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true?
I knew they would come together, I didn't expect Jennifer to lose baby.

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't?
I've wished more development and depth between Lincoln and Beth. This was so unrealistic, the end of the book was really quick and sudden.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character?
Favorite: Beth.
Least: Chris.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more?
Unrealistic, too quick.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers?
I think this book is enough, too many stories are expended in series.

[Nicole]

1. Did your original prediction for the outcome come true? I read the book too fast that I didn't make a prediction.

2. Is there anything you wish would have happened that didn't? I wish Lincoln grew up a bit and actually told his mom that he moved out. Their relationship really bothered me. I also wanted to know more about Jennifer. I felt like I related with her in some ways, so I just wanted more of her story.

3. Now that you're finished, who was your FAVORITE character and LEAST FAVORITE character? My favorite character was actually Doris; least favorite was Lincoln's mom.

4. How do you feel about the way the book ended? Sad, Happy, Content, or do you just want more? I actually loved the book. It was absolutely ridiculous, and creepy if it were to happen in real life, but it made me feel light and fluffy. I think I really needed a fun read, so that probably influenced my love for it.

5. Do you think/want Rainbow Rowell to continue Beth and Lincoln's story in a follow up novel/novella or should she just leave them to be happy and uninterrupted by her readers? I think she should leave them be. But I'd love to read a story about Doris back in the day. Maybe it was just her apartment I loved so much, but I imagine she has a good back story with her husband.