Sandra's "Home is where the bookshelf is"

[Cherie]

I finished 2004 last night before I went to bed. Yes, it definitely seems sad - tragic, really. Strange, the way it is written, but it really makes you want to keep going to try and figure out what happened and what is going to happen.

I have been to Sandpoint, Idaho many times. We always laugh when we see the sign to Athol, wondering how it is pronounced. My great-grandmother lived in Ketchum, Idaho, in an old log cabin. She loved it there.

[Sandra, Moderator]

That is so cool about your great-grandmother! I'm really enjoying the description of the setting. So intense both in winter and summer.

[Cherie]

I finished the Book yesterday. I still have questions!

[Sandra, Moderator]

Hi Cherie! Did the edition you read have the interview to the author at the end?

[Cherie]

Sandra wrote: "Hi Cherie! Did the edition you read have the interview to the author at the end?"

Yes, and I definitely read it. It made a difference as to how I felt about the story. (view spoiler)[I really thought she was covering for June - for a long time. Then, I had to accept that Jenny really killed May. At least that is the conclusion I finally accepted. (hide spoiler)]

[Sandra, Moderator]

Oh, I never thought of that possibility, but it makes a lot of sense. Still (view spoiler)[ we know Jenny did it but we don't know why. I liked the author's explanation of why the reason doesn't matter any more. Thoughtful. (hide spoiler)]
I really liked the writing a lot.

[Cherie]

Sandra wrote: "Oh, I never thought of that possibility, but it makes a lot of sense. Still [spoilers removed]
I really liked the writing a lot."

I really liked the writing too. (view spoiler)[ I concluded that she struck out at May because of the song that Wade had been humming (or singing) when he had been standing on the rock and then she heard May singing the same song when she got into the back seat. It triggered something in her and she struck - unfortunately for May, she had the hatchet in her hand. (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

Hi Sandra,
Wow, I was surprised to see that you had not posted here in so long. I hope it is only real life and you are busy and not anything terrible. I checked your yearly challenge thread and see that you have not posted any books there in five months either.

I saw your “like” on my reading status for The Silent Companions and was going to make a snarky comment here to you. 😊

I have not been burning up the road on my second badge. I have been reading series books and whatever struck my fancy.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Hi Cherie, How are you?
No, nothing terrible happened. Just busy and tired. At this point if I plan to resume the yearly challenge I should re plan it to make it possible to get the first badge in this second part of the year. I'd like to do it. We'll see if I find the time.

I should also update this thread, since I've read quite a few books from my physical shelves.

I really liked the Silent Companions, and I'm sure you will too. If you have a minute to spare, Google images of the companions. They were an actual thing, and very creepy! There is also a discussion thread, but I am not sure if it was a monthly read or a buddy read. I'll try to find it.

[Sandra, Moderator]

I found the discussion thread:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I posted some pictures there, and you will find more if you google "wooden dummy silent companion".

[Cherie]

Hi Sandra, I am doing ok. Still working from home. The summer is flying by so fast. I cannot believe it is July 15th already. I have been well. Besides you being busy and tired, I hope the summer with your kids is going well. Take care! ;o)

I had already looked up "silent companions" on the internet. I did not remember the book had been a group read, but thank you for the link. I might look at some of the comments. It is not really my kind of book, but so far, it is ok. I am just at half way through.
I have no idea what I read for the group read at the same time.

[Cherie]

Oh, my gosh, Sandra. This is a terrible story!
I can’t believe how you all found it so “atmospheric”. I agree that the suspense has been building (crazy as everything has been) and the author can set up a story but, ick, ick, ick! (view spoiler)[Helen - implied, skewered, penetrated by the horns of the stag, just as Elsie returns to The Bridge to bury Mable. And now she is seeing her mother as a companion??? Someone has to be giving this poor woman drugs!!! Her brother - and who??? (hide spoiler)].

[Sandra, Moderator]

Lol, Cherie. I do not remember every single detail, but yes. It has its difficult moments. I will reread the thread to refresh my memory.

[Cherie]

I love ya, Sandra, and I am not trying to drive you crazy.

I posted my update today in the old group read thread.

Take some time for yourself and relax from your busy life for a few moments when you can.

Regards, Cherie

[Sandra, Moderator]

Oh, no. Not at all. I really liked this book, so it would be nice to refresh my memory.

[Cherie]

LOL! I finished it late last night before I went to bed. (view spoiler)[I was horrified that Sarah could have been such a terrible person to Elie. The ending was supposed to make us believe that it was Hetta acting through her, but it is not something I can accept. I think she got the ideas from Anne's diary. How awful that she could kill all of those people and put Elsie through all of it. I thought maybe it was Jolyon acting with her to get control of Elsie's money, until he ended up dead too. (hide spoiler)] It was terrible and amazing at the same time.

[Sandra, Moderator]

I'm glad you enjoyed it in the end. I was also surprised at how things played out. I read the spoilers this morning and remember being very confused and surprised. It is really an ending that can have different explanations.