Chapters 4 - 7

[Olga]

Hi,

Here we can discuss Chapters 4 to 7.

[Nico]

So far what stood out to me most in these chapters was the dissolution of Wylie and Cassie's friendship over what seems to be oddly enough a lack of empathy on both their sides. It's obvious Cassie is heading off a cliff so to speak, and Wylie's conversations with her in the past may have hurt more than helped--if for no other reason than they estranged both girls and isolated them when they both desperately needed that friendship. While it makes some sense, given that Wylie is hurting and grieving, it is a bit frustrating to read.

I am concerned about a possible deus ex machina introduced with the camping gear. Wylie's anxiety (and reinforced by memories of her late mother) making her feel like she HAD to bring that stuff. My own GAD/panic ridden brain is like that sometimes, where I over plan and overpack for everything (and I think just having multiple pain/disabling conditions makes us do this, too). But... it all could be exceeding useful in a survivalist situation. Whereas, normally some of my strange anxiety "bring-along" items are often useless as heck and never once used. Haha. Not always mind you. In a way, anxiety is not all bad: that overplanning and overthinking has helped at times, and not wholly hindered. But still. Too convenient if that turns out to be the things they absolutely need to make or break a bad situation.

[Olga]

Nico wrote: "So far what stood out to me most in these chapters was the dissolution of Wylie and Cassie's friendship over what seems to be oddly enough a lack of empathy on both their sides. It's obvious Cassie..."

I 100% agree with what you said about their friendship - but it interestingly doesn't surprise me because I don't think I was a great communicator when I was their age and I feel like a lot of friendships at that age dissolve/fizzle out because we don't properly communicate our wants/needs/feelings and don't really know any better, or think the other person doesn't get us, or that we alone are suffering through that experience. I don't know if that makes sense.

Hmm, that also struck me as odd, but I definitely think that will happen based on the prologue alone. I also found her argument with her dad interesting, and a possible turning point in her character, or at least a big moment for her.

What do you think about Jaspar (I think that's how you spell it lol) thinking Cassie is cheating on him?

I think him and Wylie will develop an interesting dynamic as well.

[Tania]

Yay I made it to chapter 7 i cant discus as i last read it over a week ago and to be honest I have totally forgotten eeek but im hanging in there ive not read a full book for over a year now