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Sharp Objects
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Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (Adult Anything Goes BOM) Starts June 22, 2016
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Discussion Questions 23 June chapters 4-79. Do you think James is telling the truth about the lady in the nightgown who took Natalie from the woods? If he is telling the truth, why would the police not investigate?
I don't think James really has a reason to lie about what he saw. His memory may play tricks, but the gist of it is true. As for the police not investigating, we don't really know what they're doing and if they are indeed following that or other leads -- the out of town cop, Richard, even says so, that they don't really inform the general public of an ungoing investigation. I do think it's probably easier for the local police to dismiss a kid's memory of events if they have other, probably better suspects.
10. What is with Camille writing things on her arm? First the names of the missing/murdered girls and “dick” when talking with detective Willis. Why would she do that? I wonder what happened to her to make her do that, not just the cutting, but the words she cuts/writes into her skin.
Esse's answer above is a really good point. That Camille seems to have some psychological issues related to her relationship with her mother, which was not a really loving relationship, and that these issues might have driven her to self-harming, is believable enough but the way it's described in the book is more for shock value, I think, than based in reality.
11. Wow that family is so strange. They treat Amma like she is a toddler rather than a 13 year old. What do you think of this family? Do you think Amma’s behavior makes her a target for the killer? The murdered girls showed bad behavior before they were taken.
Amma obviously lives a sort of double identity life in the town. She behaves in one way with her mother and entirely another when outside the house. Camille refers to Amma's behaviour as a form of maintaining her mother's love by behaving according to certain expectations. Seems Amma was smart enough to understand that. However, it confuses me a bit how no one in the town who knows Amma and has seen her out-of-house behaviour hasn't mentioned anything to Adore? Or maybe Adore knows and pretends otherwise. It IS a strange family, where Adore seems to be in control always and knows when to keep appearances (as per Camille's memories of her childhood) and when to withdraw and dismiss.
12. Do you like Richard Willis? Do you think Camille and Richard partnering up is a good idea?
I think Richard engaging in a partnership with a reporter, even if she was a towner, seems a bit strange from a police investigation point-of-view. Then again, if you need some insight into a town and the people in it won't open up, your last resort may be the towner that left of their own volition.
13. I like Curry and his wife Eileen. In a way they seem like surrogate parents for Camille. Do you think Curry has made a mistake sending Camille to Wind Gap? It seems to me this assignment is only going to get her hurt.
Well, he sure does keep the pressure on for Camille to get past usual sensibilities to get some quotes for her article from parents who just lost their child.
14. Who do you think is the killer, Bob Nash, Ann’s father, or John Keene, Natalie’s brother? Or neither of them?
Neither, I think. But you never know. I wonder why and how the rumors about John Keene exist - how did they begun?
15. We find out a lot about Camille’s mother Adora. I can understand now why Camille has so many problems that is one strange woman. What do think of her? Do you think she could be involved with the deaths of those girls?
There is a lot of controlling and distant behaviours related to Adora, but all we get is Camille's POV, which is biased. She has too much baggage to see her mother objectively. Still, the memories she has about her mother's keeping appearances and withdrawing affection (or not giving it at all) and her insight about Adora not really liking children seem to paint an interesting picture. It is also somewhat compatible to the idea we may have of these rich self-centered women who don't really know how to relate to their children.
16. That last part of chapter 7 was just disturbing, just like Amma watching. What did you think?
I am curious what has prompted this behaviour of hers, this double life. Is she just a little sadist or does she have reasons to behave so weirdly -- is she acting out due to things that may have happened to her (abuse, witnessing something bad, or maybe just her weird family situation)? We shall have to see what explanations Flynn gives us as we go along.
Poonam wrote: "@ Esse: Q10: As you are in mental healthcare and know about self-injury, can you tell more about what has been written wrong in this story."Sure, with the caveat that there are always outliers and I'm not the end-all, be-all expert. :) For one, the way Camille's self-injury has been described is very unusual and extreme. It's actually a bit difficult to cut oneself, and quite difficult to cut words into skin. I find it hard to believe that Camille has cut a veritable dictionary into her skin, especially given the number and length of words she's described.
For two, people who cut also generally have a few spots on their body where they focus and these are most often places that are easily treated and hidden. The fact that Camille has cut all over her body (and really, how did she manage to carve a word into the back of her neck?) is fairly atypical. It's also hard to believe that Adora would have let Camille cut as long as she did. She had to have known, if there are words all over Camille's skin and she was cutting as often and as long as she described.
For three, if she had sought treatment, it likely would have been at a center that's focused on eating disorders, PTSD, or sexual trauma. Cutting is often a related symptom of these kinds of disorders/histories. Standalone facilities that treat cutting are rare, and I don't know that they would have existed when Camille was a teenager and seeking treatment.
Basically, it seems that Flynn found something that sounded cool and wrote about it without any research. I don't expect her to get all the details right, but some basic research would've done wonders.
Esse wrote: "For three, if she had sought treatment, it likely would have been at a center that's focused on eating disorders, PTSD, or sexual trauma. Cutting is often a related symptom of these kinds of disorders/histories. Standalone facilities that treat cutting are rare, and I don't know that they would have existed when Camille was a teenager and seeking treatment."I had the impression that she only tried to seek treatment when she was 30, but that part was a bit confusing so I'm not quite sure if that was just me misreading and 30 is just probably her age now. Either way, agree with all your points on the feasibility of this type of cutting as described.
Esse wrote: "Poonam wrote: "@ Esse: Q10: As you are in mental healthcare and know about self-injury, can you tell more about what has been written wrong in this story."Sure, with the caveat that there are alw..."
Oh wow, now that you mention it seems impossible to actually cut and write the letters on the skin. Random cuts yes but actual words no. Also very true on how can she cover each bit of her body. She has got to be one hell of a flexible girl! And I don't think its possible (Your neck example is spot on)
These points kind of take away the basic authenticity of the story.....
9. Do you think James is telling the truth about the lady in the nightgown who took Natalie from the woods? If he is telling the truth, why would the police not investigate?I think this may be partly the thruth... How the girls were not sexually assault before being murdered suggest it might be a woman, so it might be true. But also, I am wondering why he is so afraid? The killer is targeting only girls for now, so maybe he has something to hide?
10. What is with Camille writing things on her arm? First the names of the missing/murdered girls and “dick” when talking with detective Willis. Why would she do that? I wonder what happened to her to make her do that, not just the cutting, but the words she cuts/writes into her skin.
She has begun to talk about her stay in a psychiatric clinic or something like that. Often people who are self inflicting cuts are doing this because they don't feel they are worth something... I feel it is because she was always rejected by her mother and step-dad.
11. Wow that family is so strange. They treat Amma like she is a toddler rather than a 13 year old. What do you think of this family? Do you think Amma’s behavior makes her a target for the killer? The murdered girls showed bad behavior before they were taken.
I am totally with you on that, this family is so strange. There is no emotion of love... I don't think she will be a target at this point, but maybe she is hiding something she saw during her night excursions ?
12. Do you like Richard Willis? Do you think Camille and Richard partnering up is a good idea?
I kind of like him ! He was bonding with Camille because they both live outside the town. I think they will be partners because they both have something to win out of it. Camille wants to have scoops so that she can write a big story, and he wants to have credit for the work he's doing, so he may ask her to drop his name in her paper.
13. I like Curry and his wife Eileen. In a way they seem like surrogate parents for Camille. Do you think Curry has made a mistake sending Camille to Wind Gap? It seems to me this assignment is only going to get her hurt.
I really like them! They seem to really care for Camille, as a mother and father should. I think that Curry knew all of Camille's past and he thought it was a way for her to bond more with her family and to open up to her past. Maybe he didn't know how dark her past was ?
14. Who do you think is the killer, Bob Nash, Ann’s father, or John Keene, Natalie’s brother? Or neither of them?
At this point I really can't say... but I have a feeling on Josh Keene...
15. We find out a lot about Camille’s mother Adora. I can understand now why Camille has so many problems that is one strange woman. What do think of her? Do you think she could be involved with the deaths of those girls?
I thought about that when Camille said that when she was young she saw her mother biting a baby on the cheek... This made me think about the missing teeths but then maybe it is too much thinking :) She don't seem to have any emotions as well and this is typical of a killer...
16. That last part of chapter 7 was just disturbing, just like Amma watching. What did you think?
Amma is so weird, she is either very happy or very down. She must be troubled being raised by a mother like Adora who don't really know her and still treats her like an 8 year old...
Sorry I'm late on my dq's - travelling today and stuck on the mobile. I'll try to get them up in the morning.
Okay, here goes.Chapters 8-10
17. Why do you think Mrs. Keene is so agressive towards Camille when she finds out she's a reporter? John states that it has something to do with how they were treated after Natalie attacked her classmate with scissors, but do you think something else is going on?
18. How about John? Do you think his reactions to Camille's questions make him look innocent or suspicious? What about the poolside incident with Amma later on?
19. There are continual references to how beautiful Camille is and was. Both her mother and her half sister are the queen bees of their social groups. Do you think Camille was anything like them before she decided to leave Wind Gap?
20. Were you surprised at Camille's reaction to Richard calling 4 guys "passing around" a 13 year old girl rape?
21. Richard is pushing towards a physical relationship at a speed I find to be surprisingly fast. Do you believe him when he says she's the most beautiful girl he's ever seen? Do you think he's trying to take advantage of her?
22. What do you make of Amma's sudden changes in behaviour towards Camille? Do you think she's more genuine when she's trying to be nice, or when she's leader of the pack? Is this another twist of her sadistic streak?
23. Why do you think nobody has mentioned that both the murdered girls liked to bite people? Do you think that most of the older residents are just more sensitive about their deaths than Meredith seems capable of, or is there another reason?
24. Has anyone lived in a small town? Camille describes many of the people there in an unflattering way. Do you think her portraits are at all accurate, or are they solely a result of Camille's state of mind?
Discussion Questions 23 June chapters 4-79. Do you think James is telling the truth about the lady in the nightgown who took Natalie from the woods? If he is telling the truth, why would the police not investigate?
I think he is telling the truth as he remembers it. How accurate that is I'm not sure. But I definitely think he saw something.
10. What is with Camille writing things on her arm? First the names of the missing/murdered girls and “dick” when talking with detective Willis. Why would she do that? I wonder what happened to her to make her do that, not just the cutting, but the words she cuts/writes into her skin.
Yeah, I've never seen anyone write on their skin like that. Cutting tends to be repetitive lines. Not words. But in this story it certainly sounds like Camille wants to connect with what people are saying and some how it doesn't compute for her. Maybe she just feels like everyone is really fake. Because so far that's what I think of a good chunk of the characters.
11. Wow that family is so strange. They treat Amma like she is a toddler rather than a 13 year old. What do you think of this family? Do you think Amma’s behavior makes her a target for the killer? The murdered girls showed bad behavior before they were taken.
I have no idea but wow that family is a wreck! But there are people who throw temper tantrums and get what they want and I never taught not to do that. It's really awful to be around.
12. Do you like Richard Willis? Do you think Camille and Richard partnering up is a good idea?
I don't know if I like Richard Willis exactly. But I like that Camille had someone who seems relatively sane to talk to.
13. I like Curry and his wife Eileen. In a way they seem like surrogate parents for Camille. Do you think Curry has made a mistake sending Camille to Wind Gap? It seems to me this assignment is only going to get her hurt.
I think Curry made a big mistake in sending her. Add far add her mental health goes. But it doesn't sound like she was exactly thriving before she went back home either.
14. Who do you think is the killer, Bob Nash, Ann’s father, or John Keene, Natalie’s brother? Or neither of them?
I don't think any of them are the killer. I think the killer is more likely to be one of Camille's family members than any of those people.
15. We find out a lot about Camille’s mother Adora. I can understand now why Camille has so many problems that is one strange woman. What do think of her? Do you think she could be involved with the deaths of those girls?
She might be. She is very bizarre and after finding out that she really did know Ann Nash, that's creepy.
16. That last part of chapter 7 was just disturbing, just like Amma watching. What did you think?
I think Amma is a very disturbed kid. Everything she has done has been controlling and vindictive. I'm sure she will continue to play a large part in the story.
Caroline wrote: "Camille said that when she was young she saw her mother biting a baby on the cheek..."That was so creepy. Adora's problems go deeper than I thought.
Xeyra wrote: "I had the impression that she only tried to seek treatment when she was 30."
You're probably right! With all the timeline jumping I'm probably getting a little confused.
20. Were you surprised at Camille's reaction to Richard calling 4 guys "passing around" a 13 year old girl rape?
That was really tough to read. It's really sad and disappointing how rarely people understand sexual consent, and it makes me a bit hopeless about starting to solve the sexual assault problem.
And I also think it bears mentioning that sexual assault is the one of the go-tos for proving characterization for women in popular media. It's disappointing when any author does this, but doubly so when it's a woman.
17. Why do you think Mrs. Keene is so agressive towards Camille when she finds out she's a reporter? John states that it has something to do with how they were treated after Natalie attacked her classmate with scissors, but do you think something else is going on?I really do think it has something to do with how they were treated by the press in their other town. I imagine they were bullied by everyone because of what was said in the press about Nathalie attacking this other kid.
18. How about John? Do you think his reactions to Camille's questions make him look innocent or suspicious? What about the poolside incident with Amma later on?
When he said "one day it will be your turn", I don't know if he meant being in a relationship with her instead of Meredith, or if it has a deeper meaning of killing her like he may have done to the other girls. However I found he looked sincere in his confessions to Camille. So all of this is making me unsure.. I am now more sure the kills have been done by Camille's mother.
19. There are continual references to how beautiful Camille is and was. Both her mother and her half sister are the queen bees of their social groups. Do you think Camille was anything like them before she decided to leave Wind Gap?
All the references to the past seems to show that Camille was seeking the attention that she didn't get from her mother. Maybe she was a queen bee, as everyone said she had charm, money and intelligence and that made her even more popular.
20. Were you surprised at Camille's reaction to Richard calling 4 guys "passing around" a 13 year old girl rape?
Yes !! How could you find this normal ??? 13 year olds are not supposed to be doing such things !! And even if she was older it does not make this more acceptable. I really think there is a probleme in this town with how the women are perceived. They are only present to please men and be pretty.
21. Richard is pushing towards a physical relationship at a speed I find to be surprisingly fast. Do you believe him when he says she's the most beautiful girl he's ever seen? Do you think he's trying to take advantage of her?
I've got a feeling he is using her to get exposure in his case, or he is a real casanova !
22. What do you make of Amma's sudden changes in behaviour towards Camille? Do you think she's more genuine when she's trying to be nice, or when she's leader of the pack? Is this another twist of her sadistic streak?
She may have found a link between Camille and her when she saw the marks on Camille's body. She saw that she had some troubles of her own and this make them closer. In that way, I think she is genuine about her wanting to help Camille. However, when she is with her click, I found she can do anything to get attention and this may also be genuine.
23. Why do you think nobody has mentioned that both the murdered girls liked to bite people? Do you think that most of the older residents are just more sensitive about their deaths than Meredith seems capable of, or is there another reason?
I don't really know, this came as a surprise for me. But this may be why the killer remove their teeths and as such, the killer may be someone who got bitten by them!
24. Has anyone lived in a small town? Camille describes many of the people there in an unflattering way. Do you think her portraits are at all accurate, or are they solely a result of Camille's state of mind?
I did not grow up in a small town, so I can't relate to her, but I feel she tends to see everything in a dark way. So I take what she says with a twist...
Chapters 8-10
17. Why do you think Mrs. Keene is so agressive towards Camille when she finds out she's a reporter? John states that it has something to do with how they were treated after Natalie attacked her classmate with scissors, but do you think something else is going on?
This is a sensitive time for someone who has lost a child. The thought that you don't actually care about the child but are digging to sell your papers can make any parent feel angry who has suffered a sudden loss. On top of that what happened with media in their past have already made Mrs.Keene angry. I think overall she hates media and would not co-operate with them for any reason......
18. How about John? Do you think his reactions to Camille's questions make him look innocent or suspicious? What about the poolside incident with Amma later on?
His answers to Camille's questions seemed genuine and just made him look like a very sensitive boy who loved his sister a lot but after the pool incident he did come out as more manipulative, calculative and definitely not as sensitive as he is projecting. Somewhere the things he said to Amma made me believe that he can be revengeful and hurt someone if required.
19. There are continual references to how beautiful Camille is and was. Both her mother and her half sister are the queen bees of their social groups. Do you think Camille was anything like them before she decided to leave Wind Gap?
Camille may have been beautiful but she was never normal. The part where she thinks that she was in the cheer leading team but she wasn't good at it but certainly looked good in the dress & the fact Meredith looked up to Camille made feel she was similar to her mother and Amma and at one time ruled her cliche.
20. Were you surprised at Camille's reaction to Richard calling 4 guys "passing around" a 13 year old girl rape?
Yes, very surprised because if the girl is not in her senses it is definitely rape (no matter the age as there is no question of assent). Plus sex with such a young girl is not done and Camille has no justification in getting angry with Richard on this. Camille's thinking makes me feel she needs a shrink.
21. Richard is pushing towards a physical relationship at a speed I find to be surprisingly fast. Do you believe him when he says she's the most beautiful girl he's ever seen? Do you think he's trying to take advantage of her?
Camille may be beautiful but Richard's behavior is really suspicious. Him getting involved with Camille at such a fast rate makes me feel there is an ulterior motive and he is definitely using her.
22. What do you make of Amma's sudden changes in behaviour towards Camille? Do you think she's more genuine when she's trying to be nice, or when she's leader of the pack? Is this another twist of her sadistic streak?
I think she is trying to be genuinely nice when alone but in front of people she is maintaining this image (something that she is not able to control). Amma is a disturbed personality and her overall behavior is unpredictable.
23. Why do you think nobody has mentioned that both the murdered girls liked to bite people? Do you think that most of the older residents are just more sensitive about their deaths than Meredith seems capable of, or is there another reason?
As gossip spreads really fast in small towns I am sure that people of aware of both the incidents and many people would have made this connection but people are not speaking up in order to hush the whole thing. There is a possibility that the cheif of the police know but they haven't disclosed it to Richard as he is an outsider.
24. Has anyone lived in a small town? Camille describes many of the people there in an unflattering way. Do you think her portraits are at all accurate, or are they solely a result of Camille's state of mind?
I am from a big city and have never lived in a small town. I am not sure about anything Camille says as I find her a very unreliable narrator.
Chapters 8-10I kept to the reading schedule and have as of right now finished the book, so I'll try to keep my answers spoiler-free for the following chapters.
17. Why do you think Mrs. Keene is so agressive towards Camille when she finds out she's a reporter? John states that it has something to do with how they were treated after Natalie attacked her classmate with scissors, but do you think something else is going on?
I guess she just doesn't like reporters intruding on her life after she lost her child, especially if she has bad experiences with them from past events. And Camille did enter Mrs. Keene house without identifying herself, so technically she did deceive Mrs. Keene with false pretexts.
18. How about John? Do you think his reactions to Camille's questions make him look innocent or suspicious? What about the poolside incident with Amma later on?
I don't really think John has anything to do with his sister's murder. I just think that because he seems to be an outsider in the town, it's easy to gang up on him and blame him for the murders. Also, it's really indicative of the town's mentality that a 18-year old grieving deeply for his dead sister is seen has weird. The whole town seems to have an issue with normal expressions of sentiment, be it grief or otherwise, except the families of the kids that were killed, who are behaving as normal grieving families.
19. There are continual references to how beautiful Camille is and was. Both her mother and her half sister are the queen bees of their social groups. Do you think Camille was anything like them before she decided to leave Wind Gap?
Sure. from what we see, and due to the fact she was the daughter of one of the richest families in the town, she was probably really popular in high school and had much of the same social clique-ness that we see in Amma and her friends.
20. Were you surprised at Camille's reaction to Richard calling 4 guys "passing around" a 13 year old girl rape?
It's disturbing. It's really indicative of how effed up she is that she considers it normal, consensual behavior, on her part and on the 4 guys part too. She acted out after her sister's death and I think her sexual behavior and attitudes towards it really do demonstrate the lack of grounding influences she should have had from her family, but with her mother being the way she is and her step-father being so distant from her by her mother's doing, it's really no wonder she had so few good influences in her life that would help her develop a healthy psyche.
21. Richard is pushing towards a physical relationship at a speed I find to be surprisingly fast. Do you believe him when he says she's the most beautiful girl he's ever seen? Do you think he's trying to take advantage of her?
Well, he is a man so I guess sex is all there is in his brain! Just kidding. Only partially. But yes, I do think he is both just looking for something to get him past the boredom of the small town mentality he doesn't seem to like much, as he has said to Camille, and equal part using her to get as much information on the town and its people, much like Camille is using him to get more inside information on the case.
22. What do you make of Amma's sudden changes in behaviour towards Camille? Do you think she's more genuine when she's trying to be nice, or when she's leader of the pack? Is this another twist of her sadistic streak?
I think Amma is a deeply disturbed little girl with an unhealthy notion of affection, which isn't surprising considering the mother she has. The reason for her newfound affection towards Camille may be because she wants an ally of some kind. Or it's just a game she's playing.
23. Why do you think nobody has mentioned that both the murdered girls liked to bite people? Do you think that most of the older residents are just more sensitive about their deaths than Meredith seems capable of, or is there another reason?
This is an issue I have with the book. There is certain information dropped into the story that the police should have known. I don't know if it's really just the small town mentality but it doesn't really jive with the fact most of the police involved in this case is local.
24. Has anyone lived in a small town? Camille describes many of the people there in an unflattering way. Do you think her portraits are at all accurate, or are they solely a result of Camille's state of mind?
Camille is an unreliable narrator in a way and everything is very much mired in her own feelings and memories. So if she doesn't like people, her thoughts and impressions will be obviously unflattering towards them. However, there seems to be pattern to the town's behavior that I'm not quite sure is entirely due to Camille's unreliable perspective. It's not just in her mind -- some of the dialogue and behavior we witness are disturbing and unflattering to the people who are involved. The time when her mother's friends are all together commenting on things and giving false sympathies and Camille calls them bitches in her mind (well, she calls them something else but I don't want to repeat it) I couldn't help but agree. Heck, it was one of the few times I really identified with Camille.
Chapters 8-1017. Why do you think Mrs. Keene is so agressive towards Camille when she finds out she's a reporter? John states that it has something to do with how they were treated after Natalie attacked her classmate with scissors, but do you think something else is going on?
I think she has had a bad experience with reporters. I don't blame her for not wanting to talk to Camille, she jas just lost her daughter.
18. How about John? Do you think his reactions to Camille's questions make him look innocent or suspicious? What about the poolside incident with Amma later on?
I don't think it makes him look suspicious, but it doesn't help with proving his innocence.
19. There are continual references to how beautiful Camille is and was. Both her mother and her half sister are the queen bees of their social groups. Do you think Camille was anything like them before she decided to leave Wind Gap?
No I don't think she has ever been like her sister and mother, that's why they are treating her this way.
20. Were you surprised at Camille's reaction to Richard calling 4 guys "passing around" a 13 year old girl rape?
Yes I was.
21. Richard is pushing towards a physical relationship at a speed I find to be surprisingly fast. Do you believe him when he says she's the most beautiful girl he's ever seen? Do you think he's trying to take advantage of her?
In a way they are using each other.
22. What do you make of Amma's sudden changes in behaviour towards Camille? Do you think she's more genuine when she's trying to be nice, or when she's leader of the pack? Is this another twist of her sadistic streak?
I think Amma is not to be trusted and it's almost like she has a split personality.
23. Why do you think nobody has mentioned that both the murdered girls liked to bite people? Do you think that most of the older residents are just more sensitive about their deaths than Meredith seems capable of, or is there another reason?
I think people don't want to say bad things about the dead and they didn't think much of it.
24. Has anyone lived in a small town? Camille describes many of the people there in an unflattering way. Do you think her portraits are at all accurate, or are they solely a result of Camille's state of mind?
I think they are a result of her state of mind. She has never felt welcome in Wind Gap or with her family.
Questions and Comments Chapters 1 - 31. Is this your first Gillian Flynn book? What do you think of her writing style?
Yes, it is my first. The style is okay, but nothing really different or extraordinary.
2. Camille sounds a bit crude. What do you think of that?
I see Camille as very insecure and somewhat broken. I think she puts on the crude/not caring attitude to keep people at bay and to not let people see her true self.
3. Where you expecting the girl on the searching party was Camille's sister? I thought it strange it took us so long to see her.
I wasn't surprised that it was her sister. I don't think they were ever close, may even somewhat estranged.
4. What about the folks in town? And the town description? Does it fit the small town idea you had?
It does fit the small town idea - everyone knows or wants to know everyone else's business; and strangers aren't welcomed with open arms...even if that "stranger" was once a townie.
5. From the synopsis I'm believing these murders are somehow connected to Camilla's sister dead.Do you agree? Shouldn't somebody said something if that's the case? The missing teeth is a very specific signature.
I don't tie the murders to her sister's death specifically. Although, I do think that it will revolve around it somehow.
6. Do you think Amma will be a target? She's older than the murdered girls, but she also dresses young when she's at home.
I personally don't see Amma as being a target, but I do see her having a major role in the situation.
7. Thoughts about the characters so far?
I think the characters are mostly unlikeable - maybe this is a tactic to get us to be drawn in when one suddenly becomes likeable or you see the reason they are as they are.
8. Any ideas what is next to come?
I have read ahead, so can't answer this without giving spoilers.
Discussion Questions 23 June chapters 4-79. Do you think James is telling the truth about the lady in the nightgown who took Natalie from the woods? If he is telling the truth, why would the police not investigate?
I think James is telling the truth as far as he knows it. At this point, we don't know if the police are taking James seriously or not.
10. What is with Camille writing things on her arm? First the names of the missing/murdered girls and “dick” when talking with detective Willis. Why would she do that? I wonder what happened to her to make her do that, not just the cutting, but the words she cuts/writes into her skin.
I think the writing is a substitution for the cutting. As far as cutting words into her skin, I don't think that is or can be an actual possibility. But overall, I think she does it to help control her anxiety.
11. Wow that family is so strange. They treat Amma like she is a toddler rather than a 13 year old. What do you think of this family? Do you think Amma’s behavior makes her a target for the killer? The murdered girls showed bad behavior before they were taken.
I think the whole family has mental issues. I still don't think that Amma will be a target.
12. Do you like Richard Willis? Do you think Camille and Richard partnering up is a good idea? Richard is one of the few characters that I do like. I think them partnering up is a good idea.
13. I like Curry and his wife Eileen. In a way they seem like surrogate parents for Camille. Do you think Curry has made a mistake sending Camille to Wind Gap? It seems to me this assignment is only going to get her hurt.
I don't think Curry knew the extent of the dysfunction in her family. Judging by how being in the town and around her family is affecting Camille, I think it wasn't a good idea for her to work on this story.
14. Who do you think is the killer, Bob Nash, Ann’s father, or John Keene, Natalie’s brother? Or neither of them?
I don't think it is any of these people, but I do have my own suspect.
15. We find out a lot about Camille’s mother Adora. I can understand now why Camille has so many problems that is one strange woman. What do think of her? Do you think she could be involved with the deaths of those girls?
Adora was my suspect....in both the girls murders and the death of her daughter.
16. That last part of chapter 7 was just disturbing, just like Amma watching. What did you think?
Amma is one messed up kid. At the point of reading this section, I hadn't decided if it was due to things she has seen or gone through or if she is just psychotic.
Chapters 8-10 17. Why do you think Mrs. Keene is so agressive towards Camille when she finds out she's a reporter? John states that it has something to do with how they were treated after Natalie attacked her classmate with scissors, but do you think something else is going on?
I felt the aggression was directed at the reporter, not necessarily at Camille.
18. How about John? Do you think his reactions to Camille's questions make him look innocent or suspicious? What about the poolside incident with Amma later on?
I don't think they made him look either innocent or suspicious. The pool incident made me think he knew more about Amma than he is willing to share.
19. There are continual references to how beautiful Camille is and was. Both her mother and her half sister are the queen bees of their social groups. Do you think Camille was anything like them before she decided to leave Wind Gap?
I don't think that Camille bought into the who social circle, but she was seen that way by the town because of her family. I think Camille felt/feels like an outsider and felt that no one really accepted her into that role. On the other hand, I think the town absolutely put her in the same group.
20. Were you surprised at Camille's reaction to Richard calling 4 guys "passing around" a 13 year old girl rape?
Not really surprised, but it was very disturbing. I think that her whole life she has been in situations that she thought was normal due to her family life.
21. Richard is pushing towards a physical relationship at a speed I find to be surprisingly fast. Do you believe him when he says she's the most beautiful girl he's ever seen? Do you think he's trying to take advantage of her?
I think at the time he says it to her, he means it and believes it. I don't see it as trying to take advantage of her, but both of them are using the other.
22. What do you make of Amma's sudden changes in behaviour towards Camille? Do you think she's more genuine when she's trying to be nice, or when she's leader of the pack? Is this another twist of her sadistic streak?
I think everything with Amma is a game she is playing. I think she is being most like her true self when she is leader of the pack.
23. Why do you think nobody has mentioned that both the murdered girls liked to bite people? Do you think that most of the older residents are just more sensitive about their deaths than Meredith seems capable of, or is there another reason?
I think that it is very unlikely in this type of town that no one would mention the biting. While Flynn may have left this out of the story so far for dramatic effect, I felt like it was added to the story haphazardly.
24. Has anyone lived in a small town? Camille describes many of the people there in an unflattering way. Do you think her portraits are at all accurate, or are they solely a result of Camille's state of mind?
I think Camille's impressions are based on her own broken personality and I don't think they are reliable. Even still, a good many of the people in the town have their own disturbing personalities.
Waiting for DQs from chapter 11 to 13 being posted before I post the last day DQs...
Chapters 8-10 17. Why do you think Mrs. Keene is so agressive towards Camille when she finds out she's a reporter? John states that it has something to do with how they were treated after Natalie attacked her classmate with scissors, but do you think something else is going on?
No, I think Mrs. Keene is protective of her kid and thinks that reporters are going to be cruel and sensational when they report on her child.
18. How about John? Do you think his reactions to Camille's questions make him look innocent or suspicious? What about the poolside incident with Amma later on?
I don't think John killed his sister. He seems to be responding more or less normally to a difficult situation.
19. There are continual references to how beautiful Camille is and was. Both her mother and her half sister are the queen bees of their social groups. Do you think Camille was anything like them before she decided to leave Wind Gap?
She might have been. It seems like everyone is pretty unhappy and backstabby. Camille could have easily been that way.
20. Were you surprised at Camille's reaction to Richard calling 4 guys "passing around" a 13 year old girl rape?
I was surprised, but only until I realized Camille was the 13 year old girl. People don't like to call what happened to them rape. There are scientific studies actually where researchers will describe rape and participants will say yes that happened to me but if the researchers ask have you been raped that same person will say no.
21. Richard is pushing towards a physical relationship at a speed I find to be surprisingly fast. Do you believe him when he says she's the most beautiful girl he's ever seen? Do you think he's trying to take advantage of her?
I have no idea what to do with Richard. I liked him before he tried to have a sexual relationship with Camille.
22. What do you make of Amma's sudden changes in behaviour towards Camille? Do you think she's more genuine when she's trying to be nice, or when she's leader of the pack? Is this another twist of her sadistic streak?
I think Amma is a 13 year old. 13 year olds try all sorts of different personalities on. Which one is more true has a lot more to do with which one she lives in the longest. She is a kid who has decided what she has to do to get her needs met and those are not healthy decisions, but they are how she is living right now. She would probably need therapy to stop acting the way she does.
23. Why do you think nobody has mentioned that both the murdered girls liked to bite people? Do you think that most of the older residents are just more sensitive about their deaths than Meredith seems capable of, or is there another reason?
That was an interesting new tidbit of information. I haven't decided what it means. I think people might be trying to protect the girls. But that seems really bizarre. Bitin people and then having your teeth removed seems like a pretty obvious/important connection.
24. Has anyone lived in a small town? Camille describes many of the people there in an unflattering way. Do you think her portraits are at all accurate, or are they solely a result of Camille's state of mind?
I don't think Camille is untrustworthy because of her depression or cutting. I also think small towns can be toxic. But so can any small environment. I mean work places, schools, churches- when people are in small groups sometimes they are awful to each other. And the pecking order can be important. This is clearly and extreme case, but small towns can be unhealthy, just like big cities can be unhealthy.
Sheila wrote: There are scientific studies actually where researchers will describe rape and participants will say yes that happened to me but if the researchers ask have you been raped that same person will say no."There are also studies where the same results have been found with male perpetrators. I've always found that really chilling.
Imke wrote: "I think people don't want to say bad things about the dead and they didn't think much of it...."
This norm has always been a little odd to me: the fact that someone is now dead in no way makes them a better person than when they were alive. And especially in a case like this, where that information would be useful, it seems to get in the way of the cops trying to do their jobs.
Caroline wrote: "When he said "one day it will be your turn", I don't know if he meant being in a relationship with her instead of Meredith, or if it has a deeper meaning of killing her like he may have done to the other girls."
Oh, I didn't catch that! I like your interpretation.
Questions of 26 Jun: Chapter 14- End
25. What do you think of Camille letting John look at her body when she has not allowed anyone else to look at it for past 14 years? What made her do it? Also, what do you think about Camille getting physical with John?
26. What do you think of Camille offering sexual pleasure to Richard in order to get back in his good books? How do you feel about the balant lie she told Richard? Do you think she felt any remorse for what happened with John?
27. Do you believe when Richard says that he eventually fell for Camile for real or was it just said so that he can continue having Camille's cooperation?
28. Do you think Adora's mother (Joya) suffered from the same disease that Adora did? What do you think of the story of Adora being left in the forest at the age of 8?
29. Did you have an inkling of Adora's disease? Did you suspect of her killing Mariana?
30. What did you think about Amma being the real killer? Had you guessed this?
31. Do you think it is really possible for teenage girls to commit multiple murders and not be caught?
32. Do you agree that Amma committed the murders because she was possessive of Adora and later Camille or she would have found other reasons to kill as she loved hurting?
33. Finally, were you satisfied with the book's ending? If not, what was your expectation from this story?
Before starting with my DQs, did you all know that a tv series with Amy Adams will begin in 2017 based on this book ?? Can't wait to see what they do with it :) 25. What do you think of Camille letting John look at her body when she has not allowed anyone else to look at it for past 14 years? What made her do it? Also, what do you think about Camille getting physical with John?
I think she was feeling a connection with him as he lost his sister. She knew he was feeling the same way she did when she was cutting herself. I find it so much weird that she felt for John when she was also having an affair with RIchard...
26. What do you think of Camille offering sexual pleasure to Richard in order to get back in his good books? How do you feel about the balant lie she told Richard? Do you think she felt any remorse for what happened with John?
She really has problem with her self esteem and it shows in her sex life. Also, the way she was brought up in Wind Gap did'nt help her to feel that she wasn't only a sexual object. The way she was questionning either her "abuse/rape" by 4 teenage boy the same night was very horrifying to me. This is clearly not an healthy way to see this. I feel she told lies to Richard because she couldn't bare what she did and I really don't know why she had sex with John...
27. Do you believe when Richard says that he eventually fell for Camile for real or was it just said so that he can continue having Camille's cooperation?
Maybe he fell for her slightly but I think it was more a practical thing to have her confess things to him...
28. Do you think Adora's mother (Joya) suffered from the same disease that Adora did? What do you think of the story of Adora being left in the forest at the age of 8?
I don't think she suffered from Munchausen Syndrom. She seems to have been more an unhappy mother who didn't like her children very much... But there is not much said in the book, so I can be wrong...
29. Did you have an inkling of Adora's disease? Did you suspect of her killing Mariana?
From the middle of the book I started feeling something wasn't right about her and that maybe she killed the two little girls. Continuing the book and seeing how Amma and now Camille were always sick after Adora seemed to care about them made me wondered if she could have killed Marian..
30. What did you think about Amma being the real killer? Had you guessed this?
I felt really shocked because all this time I was thinking Adora was the killer!
31. Do you think it is really possible for teenage girls to commit multiple murders and not be caught?
I don't think they could be cautious enough not to be caught. Also, the fact that she did it with the three other girls made me think someone would talk !
32. Do you agree that Amma committed the murders because she was possessive of Adora and later Camille or she would have found other reasons to kill as she loved hurting?
I think both are true... A killer will always find something bothering enough for him to want to kill. It is a disease that must be treated...
33. Finally, were you satisfied with the book's ending? If not, what was your expectation from this story?
I was really hoping for a great ending for Amma and Camille..
I started this last week and finished it today.
25. What do you think of Camille letting John look at her body when she has not allowed anyone else to look at it for past 14 years? What made her do it? Also, what do you think about Camille getting physical with John?I just found it weird. I guess she felt a connection with him but honestly could'nt figure out why this scene was there in the book unless it is to show how messed up she is. Maybe things got to much for her and she just wanted to stop hiding and John was the safest option to reveal herself.
26. What do you think of Camille offering sexual pleasure to Richard in order to get back in his good books? How do you feel about the balant lie she told Richard? Do you think she felt any remorse for what happened with John?
I think she liked Richard and that's why she lied. She dint want him to judge her anymore than he already did (like with the drinking). She felt that she had to make it up to him and the only way she knew how was by offering sexual pleasure. Probably because that's how she used to get the attention of guys when she was younger.
27. Do you believe when Richard says that he eventually fell for Camile for real or was it just said so that he can continue having Camille's cooperation?
I think he did fall for her.
28. Do you think Adora's mother (Joya) suffered from the same disease that Adora did? What do you think of the story of Adora being left in the forest at the age of 8?
No, I dont think they had the same disease. Joya never made Adora sick. She just never cared for her. That story was disturbing. Who does that to their child.
29. Did you have an inkling of Adora's disease? Did you suspect of her killing Mariana?
Yeah I suspected it. I had heard of Munchausen Syndrom.
30. What did you think about Amma being the real killer? Had you guessed this?
No I did not see that coming but when it was revealed I was'nt very shocked either.
31. Do you think it is really possible for teenage girls to commit multiple murders and not be caught?
I hope not. Its a very disturbing scenario.
32. Do you agree that Amma committed the murders because she was possessive of Adora and later Camille or she would have found other reasons to kill as she loved hurting?
I think Amma did not like Adora or Camille showering attention on any one else. But I am wondering whether she committed the final one just to finish the ivory floor in the doll house (since she took only 6 teeth).
33. Finally, were you satisfied with the book's ending? If not, what was your expectation from this story?
Atleast in this book the killers were caught and punished. I think the ending was OK. The same ending could have been delivered in a better way. Felt a bit rushed in the end.
Bookworm wrote: "32. Do you agree that Amma committed the murders because she was possessive of Adora and later Camille or she would have found other reasons to kill as she loved hurting?I think Amma did not like Adora or Camille showering attention on any one else. But I am wondering whether she committed the final one just to finish the ivory floor in the doll house (since she took only 6 teeth)...."
Oh I didn't catch that... it makes this even worse...
Questions of 26 Jun: Chapter 14- End 25. What do you think of Camille letting John look at her body when she has not allowed anyone else to look at it for past 14 years? What made her do it? Also, what do you think about Camille getting physical with John?
I think it is showing how broken she is...she may have felt some connection because of each losing a sister. I think in some way she was tired of hiding who she was and just wanted someone to see her for herself.
26. What do you think of Camille offering sexual pleasure to Richard in order to get back in his good books? How do you feel about the balant lie she told Richard? Do you think she felt any remorse for what happened with John?
I believe she thinks this is normal behavior. In her own way, I think she likes Richard and wants his approval.
27. Do you believe when Richard says that he eventually fell for Camile for real or was it just said so that he can continue having Camille's cooperation?
I think he really had feelings for her.
28. Do you think Adora's mother (Joya) suffered from the same disease that Adora did? What do you think of the story of Adora being left in the forest at the age of 8?
I don't think they had the same disease, but Joya was also sick. I can't imagine treating children like that.
29. Did you have an inkling of Adora's disease? Did you suspect of her killing Mariana?
Yes, I suspected she killed her daughter and I thought she had Munchausen syndrome by proxy early on. But I incorrectly thought she had killed the other girls as well.
30. What did you think about Amma being the real killer? Had you guessed this?
While I didn't suspect Amma, I wasn't at all surprised that she was the killer.
31. Do you think it is really possible for teenage girls to commit multiple murders and not be caught?
I think that a truly evil person can hide that side of themselves but I find it very unrealistic to have 3 teenagers involved and no one talking about it.
32. Do you agree that Amma committed the murders because she was possessive of Adora and later Camille or she would have found other reasons to kill as she loved hurting?
I think it was some of both and that she is a very disturbed girl and really likes hurting people...but she sees that in her mother too - her mother hurt her daughters. I agree with Bookworm; I think she killed the last girl to finish the floor in the doll house.
33. Finally, were you satisfied with the book's ending? If not, what was your expectation from this story?
I liked that the killers were punished. But I don't feel that the story was really wrapped up well. I didn't care for the book, so that my be swaying my judgement here.
Questions of 26 Jun: Chapter 14- End25. What do you think of Camille letting John look at her body when she has not allowed anyone else to look at it for past 14 years? What made her do it? Also, what do you think about Camille getting physical with John?
I think that John was different from a lot of the men that Camille knew in her life. He was emotional, he cried openly about his sister. He was also an outsider that was mistrusted by the community, like her. Maybe she felt like since he was different, he would be more likely to understand her self injury. She likely also felt a connection to him because they had both lost their sisters and felt deep emotional bonds to them.
26. What do you think of Camille offering sexual pleasure to Richard in order to get back in his good books? How do you feel about the balant lie she told Richard? Do you think she felt any remorse for what happened with John?
I agree with Bookworm that offering her body is the only way that she knows how to deal emotionally with men. The only worth she ever felt she had was from how pretty she was and what her body had to offer others. Even her mother only ever wanted to use her body to her own means. I think she lied because she did have feelings for Richard, and she didn't want him to think badly of her. I think she felt remorse, but probably for the wrong reasons.
27. Do you believe when Richard says that he eventually fell for Camile for real or was it just said so that he can continue having Camille's cooperation?
I got the feeling from the text that Richard was genuinely hurt by what Camille did. So, I would say that's a good sign that he really did want to pursue a relationship with her.
28. Do you think Adora's mother (Joya) suffered from the same disease that Adora did? What do you think of the story of Adora being left in the forest at the age of 8?
I didn't get the impression from the examples in the book that there were signs of Munchhausen by proxy from Joya. But, it's apparent that Joya was likely mentally ill in some way and was abusive.
29. Did you have an inkling of Adora's disease? Did you suspect of her killing Mariana?
As the novel progressed, I did start to think that she had Munchhausen by proxy and killed her daughter. Then, I thought she killed the other girls as well.
30. What did you think about Amma being the real killer? Had you guessed this?
I did not think that Amma killed them, I thought it was Adora.
31. Do you think it is really possible for teenage girls to commit multiple murders and not be caught?
I have seen a lot of articles about packs of teenage girls that have killed people, but I haven't seen any where a whole group of girls was able to keep silent about it for this long. Usually, someone will break down and talk about it quickly.
32. Do you agree that Amma committed the murders because she was possessive of Adora and later Camille or she would have found other reasons to kill as she loved hurting?
I'm not sure if she would've killed if it hadn't have been for her jealousy towards the girls. She liked hurting, but she also found other ways to hurt people that she didn't feel especially threatened by. I agree that the dollhouse probably had something to do with the murders, as she was very driven by perfection and the floor of the dollhouse would have to be perfect.
33. Finally, were you satisfied with the book's ending? If not, what was your expectation from this story?
I liked the book, but I wasn't too thrilled with how fast the reveal of the killer was. It seemed like such a climactic and important part of the novel was rushed through and it seemed like a wasted opportunity to really tell a great ending.
Serena wrote: "I liked the book, but I wasn't too thrilled with how fast the reveal of the killer was. It seemed like such a climactic and important part of the novel was rushed through and it seemed like a wasted opportunity to really tell a great ending."Agreed. The ending felt very rushed. We were given chapters and chapters of narration where not a lot happened, and the then end spun itself out over only a few pages. That read very oddly to me.
33. Finally, were you satisfied with the book's ending? If not, what was your expectation from this story?
I was quite happy with Adora as the murderer, and it stretched my belief a bit to have Amma and her friends as the murderers. As others have pointed out, it's difficult to keep a secret like that. It's also difficult to coordinate and pull off and while I believe Amma's capable of killing people, I don't think her friends are. Bitchy clique does not automatically equal murderer.
Also, I really take issue with Camille sleeping with John. He may be of legal age, but he was described as being near blackout drunk and may have been unable to legally give consent. However screwed up Camille may be, she's still an adult and I lost nearly all respect for her at that point.
I also take issue with the author over this. It's frustrating to keep seeing men's sexual assault excused by the stereotype that teenage boys are up for sex with older women. It wasn't vital to the plot and there was no need to include that particular encounter.
Did chapters 10-14 ever get put up? I see the 14-end, but no 10-14?
Okay let me first start off by saying that it took me FOREVER to actually get into this book. I wasn't used to the writing style and it kind of had me confused in the beginning. I'm also not a fan of mysteries or anything near it. The book did come off to a slow start but as I neared the middle things really started to pick up and I became accustomed to the writing style. All I have to say is that this is a damn good book. 1. Is this your first Gillian Flynn book? What do you think of her writing style?
This is my first Gillian Flynn book and honestly her writing style left me confused at times, especially in the beginning,
2. Camille sounds a bit crude. What do you think of that?
She seems okay, but I honestly don't really know what to make of her.
3. Where you expecting the girl on the searching party was Camille's sister? I thought it strange it took us so long to see her.
No I didn't think that she would be Camille's sister, I was kind of surprised but when she talked about how she hadn't seen her around the house yet, the pieces started to fit. But no, I didn't see that coming.
4. What about the folks in town? And the town description? Does it fit the small town idea you had?
Yea pretty much, I've lived in a small town before and just about nothing is private, every one knows everyone else's business and most of the time they don't trust big cities and outsiders.
5. From the synopsis I'm believing these murders are somehow connected to Camilla's sister dead.Do you agree? Shouldn't somebody said something if that's the case? The missing teeth is a very specific signature.
I would think so yea, that somehow the murders are connected. But it doesn't seem Camille has really dealt with her sister's death and depending on how she died, this could open old wounds.
6. Do you think Amma will be a target? She's older than the murdered girls, but she also dresses young when she's at home.
I feel that Amma could possibly be a target, but if that's the case, I'm interested in how this story will play out.
7. Thoughts about the characters so far?
There's definitely more of a story to Camille.
Amma seems to have multiple personality disorder.
Adora is cold.
Alan is basically non-existent.
And the rest of the town is strange and gossipy.
8. Any ideas what is next to come?
I feel that this is going to affect Camille more than she lets on.
9. Do you think James is telling the truth about the lady in the nightgown who took Natalie from the woods? If he is telling the truth, why would the police not investigate?
I think that Jamie is telling the truth and if they won't believe that it was just a woman who did this, they could at least reason that there could be more than one person and that the woman mainly does the kidnapping. The police in a Midwest small town? They don't want it to be one of there own and they definitely don't want to believe that a woman was capable of doing something so gory.
10. What is with Camille writing things on her arm? First the names of the missing/murdered girls and “dick” when talking with detective Willis. Why would she do that? I wonder what happened to her to make her do that, not just the cutting, but the words she cuts/writes into her skin.
I think it's how her brain operates. Certain words stick out to her, kind of like finding stars in the night sky and they awaken other memories or ideas and draw meaning to her. And vice versa. After living in a house with a mother that doesn't seem to love her, her sister dying, and never quite dealing with all that, she decided to cut. But words, because words are strength and they always came to her, like stars. And now that she doesn't cut anymore she traces them or simply just writes them on herself, most times, subconsciously.
11. Wow that family is so strange. They treat Amma like she is a toddler rather than a 13 year old. What do you think of this family? Do you think Amma’s behavior makes her a target for the killer? The murdered girls showed bad behavior before they were taken.
I think this family is broken and not much of a family at all. I think Adora is melodramatic and cold but for some reason she dotes on Amma because now that Marian is dead, Amma is the favorite. I also think Amma is more like the other victims than we previously thought.
12. Do you like Richard Willis? Do you think Camille and Richard partnering up is a good idea?
I think them partnering up is okay, but I think any sort of relationship between them wouldn't work. I just don't think Richard could ever understand what she's going through, not enough to accept her scars and all.
13. I like Curry and his wife Eileen. In a way they seem like surrogate parents for Camille. Do you think Curry has made a mistake sending Camille to Wind Gap? It seems to me this assignment is only going to get her hurt.
I think Wind Gap is eating away at Camille more than she'll admit and yes I do think it was a mistake to send her back to that place. But also, an outsider would've never gotten the information that Camille did.
14. Who do you think is the killer, Bob Nash, Ann’s father, or John Keene, Natalie’s brother? Or neither of them?
Neither of them honestly. I don't think they're cruel or calculating enough, and I don't think John Keene's a child molester like Amma suggests. Besides the girls weren't molested.
15. We find out a lot about Camille’s mother Adora. I can understand now why Camille has so many problems that is one strange woman. What do think of her? Do you think she could be involved with the deaths of those girls?
I think Adora is not only melodramatic, but that they're might be something seriously wrong with her. And the more I read, the more I'm starting to think that she could have something to do with this. She could be the woman the boy say that night who took Natalie.
16. That last part of chapter 7 was just disturbing, just like Amma watching. What did you think?
There's definitely something wrong with Amma.
1. Is this your first Gillian Flynn book? What do you think of her writing style?I love Gillian Flynn! Gone Girl was well done, Dark Places was good too!
2. Camille sounds a bit crude. What do you think of that?
I forgot to answer questions as I go. Camille grew on me as the story progressed.
3. Where you expecting the girl on the searching party was Camille's sister? I thought it strange it took us so long to see her.
No. I was surprised she had a sister because of the age difference.
4. What about the folks in town? And the town description? Does it fit the small town idea you had? Yep.
5. From the synopsis I'm believing these murders are somehow connected to Camilla's sister dead.Do you agree? Shouldn't somebody said something if that's the case? The missing teeth is a very specific signature. No comment!
6. Do you think Amma will be a target? She's older than the murdered girls, but she also dresses young when she's at home.
I was wondering why her and her friends were allowed to be out. Shouldn't the parents be worried.
7. Thoughts about the characters so far?
8. Any ideas what is next to come?
9. Do you think James is telling the truth about the lady in the nightgown who took Natalie from the woods? If he is telling the truth, why would the police not investigate?I wasn't sure. But I found no reason to doubt him. Maybe there is no one that fits the description.
10. What is with Camille writing things on her arm? First the names of the missing/murdered girls and “dick” when talking with detective Willis. Why would she do that? I wonder what happened to her to make her do that, not just the cutting, but the words she cuts/writes into her skin.
I think it calms her to write on herself.
11. Wow that family is so strange. They treat Amma like she is a toddler rather than a 13 year old. What do you think of this family? Do you think Amma’s behavior makes her a target for the killer? The murdered girls showed bad behavior before they were taken.
I think the family is extremely disfunctional!
12. Do you like Richard Willis? Do you think Camille and Richard partnering up is a good idea? No. I think that both characters are only thinking of themselves.
13. I like Curry and his wife Eileen. In a way they seem like surrogate parents for Camille. Do you think Curry has made a mistake sending Camille to Wind Gap? It seems to me this assignment is only going to get her hurt.
I think it was Ok to give her a shot at the story. It is her responsibility to know when to walk away.
14. Who do you think is the killer, Bob Nash, Ann’s father, or John Keene, Natalie’s brother? Or neither of them? I finished the book, so I will not comment.
15. We find out a lot about Camille’s mother Adora. I can understand now why Camille has so many problems that is one strange woman. What do think of her? Do you think she could be involved with the deaths of those girls?
16. That last part of chapter 7 was just disturbing, just like Amma watching. What did you think? It was pretty weird.
17. Why do you think Mrs. Keene is so agressive towards Camille when she finds out she's a reporter? John states that it has something to do with how they were treated after Natalie attacked her classmate with scissors, but do you think something else is going on?No, I think she just wanted to be left alone in her grief.
18. How about John? Do you think his reactions to Camille's questions make him look innocent or suspicious? What about the poolside incident with Amma later on?
I think John is innocent. I don't know why.
19. There are continual references to how beautiful Camille is and was. Both her mother and her half sister are the queen bees of their social groups. Do you think Camille was anything like them before she decided to leave Wind Gap?
Maybe. She did not treat herself well for sure. I think she was in with the mean girls but more of a bystander
20. Were you surprised at Camille's reaction to Richard calling 4 guys "passing around" a 13 year old girl rape?
It is rape.
21. Richard is pushing towards a physical relationship at a speed I find to be surprisingly fast. Do you believe him when he says she's the most beautiful girl he's ever seen? Do you think he's trying to take advantage of her?
Yes. I think he is only out for himself.
22. What do you make of Amma's sudden changes in behaviour towards Camille? Do you think she's more genuine when she's trying to be nice, or when she's leader of the pack? Is this another twist of her sadistic streak?
I think she is more genuine when she is the leader of the pack. I think she is really mean.
23. Why do you think nobody has mentioned that both the murdered girls liked to bite people? Do you think that most of the older residents are just more sensitive about their deaths than Meredith seems capable of, or is there another reason?
Maybe it was never put together. Camille might be the first one to find the connection.
24. Has anyone lived in a small town? Camille describes many of the people there in an unflattering way. Do you think her portraits are at all accurate, or are they solely a result of Camille's state of mind?
I grew up in a small town. In a lot of ways it is like Gillian Flynn describes without the crime. Everyone knows eveyone and their business. It is very hard to overcome your spot in the cliques, and there are spots for sure.
25. What do you think of Camille letting John look at her body when she has not allowed anyone else to look at it for past 14 years? What made her do it? Also, what do you think about Camille getting physical with John?I thought that was very out of character for her. I was also disappointed with that whole scene. It was not necessary to the story.
26. What do you think of Camille offering sexual pleasure to Richard in order to get back in his good books? How do you feel about the balant lie she told Richard? Do you think she felt any remorse for what happened with John?
I think that shows how messed up she is herself.
27. Do you believe when Richard says that he eventually fell for Camile for real or was it just said so that he can continue having Camille's cooperation?
I think he was falling for her, but she messed it up.
28. Do you think Adora's mother (Joya) suffered from the same disease that Adora did? What do you think of the story of Adora being left in the forest at the age of 8?
Joya certainly had problems! That was a strange story, Joya probably had some form of MBP herself.
29. Did you have an inkling of Adora's disease? Did you suspect of her killing Mariana?
Yes.
30. What did you think about Amma being the real killer? Had you guessed this?
I wondered, but then when Mom was arrested I thought the story was done.
31. Do you think it is really possible for teenage girls to commit multiple murders and not be caught? No, I think one of the girls would have told, and they would not have been able to clean the crime scene and victim.
32. Do you agree that Amma committed the murders because she was possessive of Adora and later Camille or she would have found other reasons to kill as she loved hurting?
I think she killed out of jealousy
33. Finally, were you satisfied with the book's ending? If not, what was your expectation from this story? I was.
@ Serena: I soo agree with you on Q15. That bit about biting the baby was absolutely wicked. Even I felt she is capable of murder.
@Nikk: Q11- your theory for why these girls are being targeted can be correct. They fall foul of Amma and the mother is crazy enough to kill them. I did not think about it but sounds like a plausible plot line.