"Philanthropic Ways" - Parts I and II

[Eugenie]

Please comment here about Parts I and II

[Dustin]

I look forward to further discission. This is great so far.

[Eugenie]

:-]

[Dustin]

How are you coming along, Angel? Unfortunately, although my intentions were there, I did not make much progress yesterday. However, it's just past nine AM here, the apartment's quiet, and I'm determined to arrive at Part III.

[Eugenie]

Dustin - I see from Angel's last update that she is on page 29.

Reader informed me that she has already finished Parts I and II (her last update shows that she is at 21%).

Happy reading you all :-]

[Dustin]

Oh, okay. Cool. I got to Part III, @19%

[Reader]

Avarel's life seems like the life of a typical Hollywood star. Very sad.

[Eugenie]

How was the realism for you Dustin? Do you agree with Reader?

[Dustin]

Reader wrote: "Avarel's life seems like the life of a typical Hollywood star. Very sad."

Yay, we have another participants!😊

[Dustin]

Eugenie wrote: "How was the realism for you Dustin? Do you agree with Reader?"

It felt very real to me. The common assumption is that celebrities lead glamorous lives, but they're just as susceptible as anyone else. Maybe more so because they're constantly in the spotlight. It's very sad.

I appreciated Simon's POV, (view spoiler)[and it was interesting how the tables turned, and how much he was willing to accept, and vice versa. The feigned ignorance, albeit temporary, was interesting touch, as well.

And of course, in the end, Avarel hit rock bottom, in multiple ways, only to find a sense of her old self. There's a sense of wonder, and hope for her future. And regret. There's a lot of that. Nicely done, Eugenie. (hide spoiler)]

[Eugenie]

Dustin wrote: "Eugenie wrote: "How was the realism for you Dustin? Do you agree with Reader?"

It felt very real to me. The common assumption is that celebrities lead glamorous lives, but they're just as suscepti..."

I appreciate your comments Dustin - most encouraging.

[Angel]

Once again, I am in total agreement. Can I first say how much I appreciated such a thorough background into Avarel’s life? It truly added such depth to her character and enabled me to empathize, sympathize (and even grumble over!) the various aspects of her life and her decisions. I thought her story was pretty heartbreaking.

I can see how the rise to fame could change a person. (view spoiler)[ For Avarel, it came at a hefty price. She freely chose fame over Simon and Davy. In her own words, she wanted to have her cake and eat it, too. I thought it was terrible how she cheated on Simon so many times and my heart truly felt for him. He loved her so much that he overlooked her indiscretions. But you can only take someone for granted for so long and everyone has a breaking point. It’s a hard lesson for Avarel to learn but a necessary one and I hope that she will clean up her act for good now, even if she still ends up losing Simon for good. (hide spoiler)]

[Dustin]

Of course, Eugenie.:)

It's kind of peculiar to me, Angel, but at the same time not all that surprising, that our interpretations and opinions of the book, so far, are aligned. I couldn't agree with you more.

[Eugenie]

Hello everyone - here are some topics for discussion following the reading of Parts I and II:

1. Because of Avarel's apparent general apathy towards Davy
she cannot possibly love him as she claims to do! Discuss.

2. Which of the "secondary" characters made the most
significant contribution towards the fabric of the story for
you, and why?

[Dustin]

Whoa, great questions! They're certainly very well-thought-out and relevant, and I hope they spawn some lively discussions.

1.) That's a good point. It had never occured to me that Avarel doesn't/might not/couldn't possibly love Davey in a genuine way. However, given where her section left off, and I haven't read any further, it's too early for me to make an informed opinion. I definitely am curious as to how her story plays out.

2.) Hmm. Again, it's a little too early to tell. But despite his flaws, I had a fondness for Simon. I think his heart was in the right place (actually, he was probably her ideal partner,) but ultimately, she took advantage of Simon. There might have been some manipulation there, too.

And speaking of flaws, we all have them. That's the beauty of this book: the virtues and flaws are made known, and neither one is right or wrong. They're sinply part of the individual, which makes them unique and believable. One of my biggest pet peeves are characters that are either all good or ALL bad (or evil.) Life isn't like that, you know? We live in shades of gray. Bravo, Eugenie!!😊👍👏

[Eugenie]

Dustin wrote: "Whoa, great questions! They're certainly very well-thought-out and relevant, and I hope they spawn some lively discussions.

1.) That's a good point. It had never occured to me that Avarel doesn't/..."
1. I think Avarel is a little too much about "Avarel".
2. Yeah Simon is a good sort of chap. I think his feigned ignorance of Avarel's antics could be misconstrued as abject gullibility.

Thanks for your input - glad you are enjoying the read.

[Ali]

Good day, Everyone!

I've just started reading, 'Philanthropic Ways' and am excited about joining in on the discussion.

I was only able to read the first 2 chapters, but I should be able to get a good chuck read later today.

Am certainly enjoying what I am reading thus far, and the pace of the story is good ... right to the point, but in a good way, no 'fluff' simply great character development.

:)

[Dustin]

Eugenie wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Whoa, great questions! They're certainly very well-thought-out and relevant, and I hope they spawn some lively discussions.

1.) That's a good point. It had never occured to me that ..."


1.) Yes, she was and maybe a part of her always will be selfish. I'm curious where her journey will lead.

2.) Gullibility could be a good adjective, too.

[Dustin]

Ali wrote: "Good day, Everyone!

I've just started reading, 'Philanthropic Ways' and am excited about joining in on the discussion.

I was only able to read the first 2 chapters, but I should be able to get a ..."

Hi, Happy Friday, Ali!☺

I'm glad you could join us. More importantly, I'm glad you're enjoying it.

It shouldn't take you too long to catch up. I'm only on page forty.

I couldn't agree more:


..and the pace of the story is good ... right to the point, but in a good way, no 'fluff' simply great character development.

[Ali]

Dustin wrote: "Ali wrote: "Good day, Everyone!

I've just started reading, 'Philanthropic Ways' and am excited about joining in on the discussion.

I was only able to read the first 2 chapters, but I should be ab..."

Thank you, Dustin, happy Friday to you as well!

I am just about caught up and am now on page 30, so just a chapter behind you. My goal is to have it finished by Monday by reading 25% of it each day, but I may only be able to do 15%, so it might take me until Wednesday. What is your timeline like?

[Dustin]

Ahh, thank you! It's been an all right day.:)
How's yours?

Hey, that's not bad at all!👍
Oh, wow, you're not messing around. My schedule is pretty laid back, mostly because I have two other books (and short stories/reviews,) going on simultaneously, but also I want to adhere as closely as I can to the schedule. Thank you for asking!

[Angel]

Dustin wrote: "Of course, Eugenie.:)

It's kind of peculiar to me, Angel, but at the same time not all that surprising, that our interpretations and opinions of the book, so far, are aligned. I couldn't agree wi..."

It’s not that strange, Dustin. After all, great minds think alike! :D

[Ali]

My day has been great, Dustin, thanks!

Yes, I do like to finish most things right away, so I can get to more things finished! I am looking forward to discussing the book with you and the others!

Thanks for the add :)

[Angel]

Wonderful discussion questions, Eugenie!

1.) I think Avarel does love Davy, but sadly, it’s not the kind of love he deserves. It’s a selfish love, one that places her needs and desires above his own. Plus, she has been so removed from the family that I don’t think she adequately bonded. But I think she does love him in her own warped way and is just realizing her grievous mistake.

2). Simon definitely made an impact in a good, positive way. He had so much love for Avarel and went above and beyond to try to keep the family intact. (view spoiler)[It’s a shame that he was driven into the arms of another woman and though I’m no supporter of extramarital relationships, I completely understand and can even pardon his infidelity. (hide spoiler)]

[Angel]

Ali, I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

[Ali]

Eugenie wrote: "Hello everyone - here are some topics for discussion following the reading of Parts I and II:

1. Because of Avarel's apparent general apathy towards Davy
she cannot possibly love him as she clai..."

I too am unable to discuss the questions you posed as I am just on page 30, but I have a feeling as far as Avarel's apathy towards her son, but I imagine it's because she had him to appease Simon because she loved him and wanted to save her marriage? Now that he has decided to move on, I feel she might be resenting him (Davy) because he doesn't 'fit' into her lifestyle and feels bad about not being able to be a more involved mother for him? I can't believe she missed his birthday ... whoa.

As for question 2, again since I am only on page 30, I would have to say Simon because he really loves his family and had lots of respect for them both. But, I also really loved Auntie Belle and am looking forward to reading more about her character. She seems like a book that has been judged by its cover, and it actually made me smile, to read the smiles she had while the girls performed at their birthday and then at church!

[Ali]

Angel wrote: "Ali, I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts!"

I don't know if you'll be able to hear them, but you can read them!

How far along are you?

[Angel]

Ali wrote: "Angel wrote: "Ali, I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts!"

I don't know if you'll be able to hear them, but you can read them!

How far along are you?"

I’m very imaginative...I can hear them as you write them! :D

I am on page 59, learning about Carly’s life.

[Dustin]

Angel wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Of course, Eugenie.:)

It's kind of peculiar to me, Angel, but at the same time not all that surprising, that our interpretations and opinions of the book, so far, are aligned. I co..."

True. And we think a lot alike, I'd say.☺

[Dustin]

Ali wrote: "My day has been great, Dustin, thanks!

Yes, I do like to finish most things right away, so I can get to more things finished! I am looking forward to discussing the book with you and the others!

..."

That's great! Thank you for accepting.

A part of me wishes I could stick to one book at a time, if only to finish them quickly (I'm a slow reader,) but I haven't been able to do it the last few years. I think a part of me needs the variety/distraction of two or three at once, you know?

*I'm looking forward to many talks with you and the group, too.*

[Ali]

Dustin wrote: "Ali wrote: "My day has been great, Dustin, thanks!

Yes, I do like to finish most things right away, so I can get to more things finished! I am looking forward to discussing the book with you and t..."


Hi Dustin,

I don't always just read one book at a time. I like reading poetry, reference and music books, and it is easy to follow when I am reading those types of books with a novel. When reading similar books, I find I have to recap to remember which book I am on, example when reading, 'Hop on Pop' and 'Are You My Mother' at the same time, I have to remember that the children are hopping on pop and not searching for their mother!

I am on page 50 now, so we should all be up to speed, or at least close?

[Ali]

Angel wrote: "Ali wrote: "Angel wrote: "Ali, I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts!"

I don't know if you'll be able to hear them, but you can read them!

How far along are you?"

I’m very imaginative...I..."

:)

I am on page 50 now, so I am just about caught up with you.

[Eugenie]

Angel wrote: "Wonderful discussion questions, Eugenie!

1.) I think Avarel does love Davy, but sadly, it’s not the kind of love he deserves. It’s a selfish love, one that places her needs and desires above his o..."

Thank you so very much

[Eugenie]

Angel wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Of course, Eugenie.:)

It's kind of peculiar to me, Angel, but at the same time not all that surprising, that our interpretations and opinions of the book, so far, are aligned. I co..."

:-] so true

[Eugenie]

Dustin wrote: "Ali wrote: "My day has been great, Dustin, thanks!

Yes, I do like to finish most things right away, so I can get to more things finished! I am looking forward to discussing the book with you and t..."

It's great to see the camaraderie building here :-]

[Eugenie]

Ali wrote: "Angel wrote: "Ali wrote: "Angel wrote: "Ali, I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts!"

I don't know if you'll be able to hear them, but you can read them!

How far along are you?"

I’m very i..."

Great going Ali :-]

[Dustin]

Ali wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Ali wrote: "My day has been great, Dustin, thanks!

Yes, I do like to finish most things right away, so I can get to more things finished! I am looking forward to discussing the book..."

Haha, that's funny. Not that I'm poking fun of you, of course.

Yep, pretty close. Awesome!

[Dustin]

Eugenie wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Ali wrote: "My day has been great, Dustin, thanks!

Yes, I do like to finish most things right away, so I can get to more things finished! I am looking forward to discussing the book..."

Eugenie wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Ali wrote: "My day has been great, Dustin, thanks!

Yes, I do like to finish most things right away, so I can get to more things finished! I am looking forward to discussing the book..."

Agreed!😊 The camraderie's been great, everyone!

[Dustin]

Wonderful responses, Angel and Ali. I enjoy reading what everyone has to say and how you interpret the story. You've both given me some things to consider.😊