Invisible Life of Addie LaRue [November 1, 2020]

[Siobhan]

Charlie wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Part 2 chapter 4 ."

This was absoutely horrible! [spoilers removed]


Siobhan wrote: "Part 2 chapter 9 "

I hadnt actually [spoilers removed]"

Yes! (view spoiler)[ Even in the present she doesn't have somewhere safe to sleep, proper bothers me! She has nothing! :(

I am glad Henry exists too. Wonder if we'll grow to love him. (hide spoiler)]

[Charlie]

@Siobhan I don't know why that bit upsets me more than anything else she goes through but it really does. I just want to take Addie home and offer her a room.

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Jason wrote: "I have given up on this book, I am very sorry. Just not my thing I think. Passed it to my daughter, she loves the look of the book."

Sorry you didn’t like it. It’s on my favorites list

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Siobhan wrote: "I'm so glad you loved it Melissa!! I'm not very far through but I already feel like this is such an easy book to love!!"

Thank you sweetheart and I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. I might get it on Audible if the narrator is good 😊

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Siobhan wrote: "Part 3 chapter 4
This just adds to the importance that Henry can of cour..."

(view spoiler)[The thing with Henry is beyond special since obviously they can communicate. Can you imagine. I feel fur both of them (hide spoiler)] 😫

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Charlie wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Part 2 chapter 4 ."

This was absoutely horrible! [spoilers removed]


Siobhan wrote: "Part 2 chapter 9 "

I hadnt actually [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I didn’t expect the prostitution either. It’s so horrible. And I love Henry so much. He didn’t know what he was getting himself into. Well like Addie (hide spoiler)]

🥺

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Siobhan wrote: "Charlie wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Part 2 chapter 4 ."

This was absoutely horrible! [spoilers removed]


Siobhan wrote: "Part 2 chapter 9 "

I hadnt actually [spoilers removed]"

Yes! Even in the p..."

(view spoiler)[I absolutely love Henry, I must have missed why y’all don’t (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Charlie wrote: "@Siobhan I don't know why that bit upsets me more than anything else she goes through but it really does. I just want to take Addie home and offer her a room."

Amen!!

[Siobhan]

Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Charlie wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Part 2 chapter 4 ."

This was absoutely horrible! [spoilers removed]


Siobhan wrote: "Part 2 chapter 9 "

I hadnt actually [spoilers removed]"

Yes..."

I don't dislike him at all! I just hadn't fell for him yet, think I love him now! 😅

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

As someone who finished the book, I'm interested to see you guys' thoughts on the ending... in many ways it ended how I expected, for the most part... in one specific way it didn't, and it's left me with a burning question, given what I've seen of VE Schwab's other works... (view spoiler)[does she plan to return to this character at some point, similar to Vicious?... cause there is the potential for a sequel story there, in Addie's quest to make Luc/Luke stop loving her, and regain her freedom... (hide spoiler)]

I couldn't find much of any answer in the interview I found marketing the book...

[Siobhan]

Part 4 chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ I love getting Henry's story too! I'm so sad for him, noone ever finding him enough, he's such a beautiful sensitive soul! No wonder he loved meeting Addie and having someone talk to him without glazed over eyes.

Addie going back to see her mam again was sad. So much time passed but she's still the same. Must be strange knowing everyone from her life before is long dead.

And Henry, his deal for a "lifetime", somehow I don't believe him. And that's such a vague term! The watch he has must be counting down or something? :( What will Addie do when he's gone? (hide spoiler)]

[Siobhan]

Very intrigued to read your spoiler when I'm finished, Iain!!

[Siobhan]

Part 4 chapter 8 (view spoiler)[Bea doesn't look at him or treat him any different because he's already exactly what she wanted. He was already perfect to her. She's his true friend ❤️😭 (hide spoiler)]

[Siobhan]

Up to part 5 - (view spoiler)[ So lovely that Henry can leave marks for Addie! He can write down her story! I wonder if other people could then read it/remember it.

Henry's curse sounds just as unfulfilling and awful as Addie's in practice, what a life. :(
Careful what you wish for kids, you just might get it. 😐 (hide spoiler)]

[Anya]

Well, life happened and I didn't manage to keep up with everyone, but I got back to it today. Up to Part 2, Ch VII (7)

Not much to say except that I am still absolutely loving the writing. I knew Schwab is highly revered in the community and now I know why :)) Exactly my cup of tea, the writing. Not to dry and straight-forward, not too flowery and pretentious either. As Goldilocks would say - just right.

Re: the book, Addie and her story are breaking my heart. Truly, she is living my worst nightmare. Immortal and alone? I can think of nothing worse. I already have anxiety and the book is only inducing it further. Weirdly, I love it.

I am loving Addie as the character, as I completely understand her and relate to her. I think I would have done the same, to be completely honest. Sell my soul not to marry a man, without thinking of the consequences... yeah, I def would have, especially in them olden times :))

The two Henry chapters I read, oh I get him too. (view spoiler)[Does he have depression? I feel like he has depression. And some spooky magic thing as well, like Addie. The constant mention of him noticing and reading people's eyes?? Yeah, something's going on there... (hide spoiler)]

P.S. I know a lot of people don't like it, but I LOVE the multiple timelines books/stories. And here, it works perfectly, especially in regards to Addie's character *chef's kiss*

P. P. S. (view spoiler)[I am HERE for my bisexual queen and king!! Addie and Sam... my heart is in pieces, that shit is just too damn sad :(( And Henry? Finally! Some bi men rep! (hide spoiler)]

[Anya]

Finished Part 2 and (view spoiler)[now I think Henry is the devil/darkness/Luc. Addie obviously won't give in, if nothing but out of pure spite. Which, girl, same. So, he's playing the long game, giving her an inkling of happiness and joy, only to pull it right under her feet, break her and make her surrender finally. (hide spoiler)]

On to part 3!

[Charlie]

Anya wrote: "Well, life happened and I didn't manage to keep up with everyone, but I got back to it today. Up to Part 2, Ch VII (7)

Not much to say except that I am still absolutely loving the writing. I knew ..."


I agree with all your comments! (view spoiler)[ I love the writing, it's beautiful.

Addie's story is super heartbreaking and I'm desperate for a happy ending for her.

The Addie/Sam story is just so sweet and tragic, she seems like a really nice girl, it sucks that she can't remember Addie. I love that she painted her stars though. (hide spoiler)]

[Charlie]

I'm hoping to read a bit more of this later today so I can read some spoilers!

[Siobhan]

Charlie wrote: "I'm hoping to read a bit more of this lster today so I can read some spoilers!"

<3

[Siobhan]

Part 6 chapter 4 (view spoiler)[ Andddd here we go! Henry's truth coming out. Please please don't tell me he made the deal for 1 fucking year!! 1 year?! What a rip off. Please let that not be true. (hide spoiler)]

[Siobhan]

Part 6 chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ I don't feel like sleeping with Luc is such a good idea! 🙈 He is the darkness, she's seen his true form!
It's a very nasty ploy of his to make her fall in love with him and want to go with him into the darkness? Thus giving up her soul?

I'm scared what she's going to do now to try and get Henry out of his deal. (hide spoiler)]

[Anya]

Charlie wrote: "I agree with all your comments! (view spoiler)"

(view spoiler)[I know, the painting is the sweetest and saddest thing ever. I wish for a happy ending too, but I'm not sure we're gonna get it... I don't see how this can end well. I hope, but I'm not so sure :(( (hide spoiler)]

Finished with Part 3 (view spoiler)[I KNEW IT! I knew Henry had magic/made a deal. Still not convinced he's not the devil himself, playing a part... I don't know why, but I don't trust him! (hide spoiler)]

[Anya]

Part 4, Ch. II (view spoiler)[Okay, I was wrong. Henry's not the devil, just a poor guy taken advantage of. I should not be surprised that the devil has no regards for consent, and yet... Not cool, dude. Not cool.

And again, floored by the writing. Schwab describing Henry's heartbreak and thought process... it's like she read my diary. And just like with Addie, I would have done the same if the devil approached me when I was crying on the front steps of my apartment building... I read to escape, not to remember DAMN YOU SCHWAB! (hide spoiler)]

[Anya]

Part 4 done (view spoiler)[While I felt bad for Henry, and related to him in many ways, I found this section a bit of a drag. He is not nearly as interesting to me as Addie is. Too hipstery for my taste. (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

I’ve wanted to respond to each spoiler biting my tongue as y’all work through it!! All the omg moments.

I love Henry’s character very much!!

[Siobhan]

Part 6 chapter 14 - my theory for how this ends, I can't cope 🙈 (view spoiler)[ I think Luc is going to give her what she wants. He's going to free Henry from his deal. And then he won't remember her anymore 😭😭 (hide spoiler)]

[Siobhan]

Finished!! (view spoiler)[

Wow that was just excellent!

One of the best books I've read this year.

I was wrong, but I still can't cope! 😭

Addie sacrificed herself to save Henry, but at the very least he remembers her, I'm so glad he remembers her! 💔
And I'm so glad she's still fighting and playing the game against Luc, she's so strong!! (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Siobhan wrote: "Finished!!

I’m sooooo glad you loved it, Siobhan!!! It went to my favorites list, but it d*** near broke my heart 😫

[Siobhan]

Added straight to my favourites list too, Mel!!

[Anya]

Theory after reading Part 5, Ch V (view spoiler)[After Luc saves Addie from the French Revolution - I have a feeling that if she dies on her own, he won't get her soul. She has to give it to him. 'When I'm done with it, you can have it" - that's what the deal is. That's why he saved her. She has to submit herself. So, I feel like in the end, he won't get her soul as she will die on her own terms. (hide spoiler)]

[Vuk]

Joining super late here, mostly because I didn't know this was going to be a thing + the book took so long to get here but! I divided right into and I have just arrived to the third part!

1st and 2nd part spoilers ahead! (view spoiler)[I really identify with Addie? It's weird because I'm not cursed with being forgotten and living forever but, I don't know, I do feel a lot like Mr. Cellophane at times. I also remember how Schwab said that the story came from her own inability to hold on to some memories, no matter how hard she clings to them. I swear I near-cried three times before page 70.

I definitely think that there is something UP with Harry but I can't put my finger on it. As Siobhan noted, I think that Henry might also be curses since that seems to be one of the themes for the book. It would be nice, in a way.

I doubt that the story is going to end unhappily seeing as Schwab doesn't seem to prone to such endings? Especially this, this story that feels like it came from a very personal place. I also identify with her want for more freedom, more time, especially as both seem to slip away so quickly sometimes. I'm glad that while Addie doesn't want this life of no-marks she still despises the idea of her old life, the one of simplicity, one that would have been a waste of her mind and talents. Usually stories go out of their way to make it a regretful thing but I've never seen it that way? (hide spoiler)]

[Siobhan]

Vuk wrote: "Joining super late here, mostly because I didn't know this was going to be a thing + the book took so long to get here but! I divided right into and I have just arrived to the third part!

1st and ..."

Great points, Vuk! (view spoiler)[ I also love that she never seems to regret her choice. The alternative of being forced to marry that man she didn't love will always be worse for her! (hide spoiler)]

[Anya]

Vuk wrote: "Joining super late here, mostly because I didn't know this was going to be a thing + the book took so long to get here but! I divided right into and I have just arrived to the third part!"

Not really a spoiler, but I'll put it under just in case (view spoiler)[The book is very existential, which is why most of us relate to Addie. Anyone who was ever plagued by those existential questions and crises, and I think most of us have, will relate to her and the book.

And I too appreciate that Addie never (as far as I've read) regrets the choice and wishes for her old life back. I love that Schwab didn't go the 'black and white' route, where there are clear right and wrong choices. Addie is just unfortunate, in that she existed/exists on the two sides of the extreme. (hide spoiler)]

[Vuk]

Anya wrote: "Vuk wrote: "Joining super late here, mostly because I didn't know this was going to be a thing + the book took so long to get here but! I divided right into and I have just arrived to the third par..."

Exactly! I really appreciate how full of possibility the whole book is.

[Anya]

Timelord Iain wrote: "I'm interested to see you guys' thoughts on the ending... in many ways it ended how I expected, for the most part... in one specific way it didn't, and it's left me with a burning question, given what I've seen of VE Schwab's other works..."

(view spoiler)[I loved the ending and I feel like it was written in a way that almost demands a sequel. Cause that is the book I want to read even more - Addie's takedown of that prick! (hide spoiler)]

Finished! (view spoiler)[Overall, I really liked the book. The writing is the standout for me. Can't wait to get my hands on more Schwab books.

Loved the beginning and loved the end. The middle part was where it lost me, as Henry dragged me down. I'm sorry dude, I feel ya, but I am just not that interested in you. Addie's where it's at, and where I wanted it to be.

4 stars :)) (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Siobhan wrote: "Added straight to my favourites list too, Mel!!"

Yay!! Woot 😃💕

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Vuk wrote: "Joining super late here, mostly because I didn't know this was going to be a thing + the book took so long to get here but! I divided right into and I have just arrived to the third part!

1st and ..."

(view spoiler)[I love that you can identify and I totally understand that even though you don’t have the same situations you still identify. I was in tears a lot during this book

I won’t say anything else, I might give something away (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Siobhan wrote: "Vuk wrote: "Joining super late here, mostly because I didn't know this was going to be a thing + the book took so long to get here but! I divided right into and I have just arrived to the third par..."

Everything you just said!!

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Anya wrote: "Vuk wrote: "Joining super late here, mostly because I didn't know this was going to be a thing + the book took so long to get here but! I divided right into and I have just arrived to the third par..."

Yes! These are fantastic points!

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Ugg, I got lost on the comments!!

I thought all of the spoilers and comments were great!! I love Addie and Henry the same, that’s one thing that’s a for sure for me!!

And the end still breaks my heart so much and I love it so much!!

ENDING SPOILER
(view spoiler)[As some of us said, Henry keeps her alive with the book (hide spoiler)]

I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A BOOK 2! I’m sure not though

[Siobhan]

Timelord Iain wrote: "As someone who finished the book, I'm interested to see you guys' thoughts on the ending... in many ways it ended how I expected, for the most part... in one specific way it didn't, and it's left m..."

She said on Instagram the other day that there's definitely no sequel. But she didn't refuse the idea of a potential "spin off" many years down the line. ☺️

[Vuk]

Finished Part 3 and (view spoiler)[by Jove I called it! I knew Henry was cursed or something and there it is! And I enjoyed so much seeing Addie have a friend, have a lover, have somebody with whom she connects. I am shivering with anitici. . . pation because I am so worried what might happen on August 29th of 2014.

Also, bi rep? Thank you, gods. Not you, Luc. (hide spoiler)]

[Siobhan]

Vuk wrote: "Finished Part 3 and ..."

Hahahah no not Luc 😂

[Anya]

Vuk wrote: "Finished Part 3 and...(view spoiler)[Also, bi rep? Thank you, gods. Not you, Luc. (hide spoiler)]"

(view spoiler)[LOL! Yeah, fuck you Luc. You ain't shit, Luc. (hide spoiler)]

[Vuk]

I am back despite just being on Chapter 1 of Part 4 but (view spoiler)[Gods, the first page hits like a brick. Feeling everything so strongly sucks and to see somebody but me feel so hard is painful, too. I know how deep down it can drag you, to feel bad things, pain, and hurt, often neither meant for you. (hide spoiler)]

Edit: Finished part 4 and it was so good but so sad?? Anyway, this is my last post for today, probably? I've been reading for half the day, if not more, LOL. I love this book so much though!

[Vuk]

I finished it. The whole thing.

(view spoiler)[It made me cry so hard. I was having a tough day and had already cried and now this, this broke me further yet. That's it? That's the ending? I like, it fits, and nobody dies, not too soon, anyway, and it continues, just like Addie's life always did from the moment she made that deal but. . . Could she love again? I suspected what would happen from the last few pages, when Henry hears her wake up and go somewhere but it hurt no less. I spent most of the last thirty pages in tears.

But oh, to be an immortal idea in the minds of the many. She was shown in charcoal and paint but now she's immortalised in words.

I see some peeps were not into Henry's storyline at all?
I suspect that I was because I've been not that close but still too close to where Henry was that sad, sad night. Because I always felt with a heart too open, because I sought out without knowing to feel everything around me, without even wanting to, and it hurt me. Except, whereas Henry turned darker, I turned bitter. So yeah. (hide spoiler)]

[Soo]

I took a break to swim in streaming shows/movies. My library has the audiobook for Addie LaRue & I figured I'd read it before it has to go back.

(view spoiler)[
- Loved the concepts but didn't care for the way the story was structured or the awkward flow of events.

- The setting & side characters in NYC were great! Most vivid part of the whole book.

- Several amazing scenes & moments + phrasing in the book but they were overwhelmed by the heavy handed melancholy atmosphere.

- Luc/Devil/God was completely unbelievable as a godly/etc entity. He just comes across as the male version of Addie.

- Not sure why anyone liked Addie as a person. She was a selfish & ignorant adult. Back when she was born, late teens = adult. 23 is spinster. There were a few options for her to carve out her own way of life and she took the easy way out. No real regret for any harm done to others by her actions/wishes.

300 years of living and yet she didn't change much from that childish & selfish person.

I love romances and I didn't think that Henry & Addie loved each other. It seemed more like best friends & connecting with someone who fulfilled the wishes of the other person. The relief of it being a real deal vs intangible dreams. The things that made them like each other was getting what each wanted. It didn't seem to matter about who the person was vs what they could do.
(hide spoiler)]

I thought it was okay but it didn't leave me with enthusiasm. The well written parts that stood out to me made the rest of the story come across as rough & dull. It made the story seem uneven. Happy to have read it but bummed that it didn't leave me in a Yay reader's zone.

[Siobhan]

Vuk wrote: "I finished it. The whole thing.
..."

(view spoiler)[ I spent the last 30 pages crying too! So emotional.

I loved Henry's storyline and definitely understand his motivations. (hide spoiler)]

[Siobhan]

Soo wrote: "I took a break to swim in streaming shows/movies. My library has the audiobook for Addie LaRue & I figured I'd read it before it has to go back.
..."

Glad you liked parts of it Soo, not a total washout.

(view spoiler)[ I adored the way the story was structured. One of my fave things about some of her previous books too.

I don't think Addie had many options really, get married to a man she didn't know or this. Yeah you're right she was selfish. I still loved her there for being her own person always.

I think you're right their relationship was more about convenience and just the sheer ability to have one. Which I think Addie acknowledges a few times, she questions a lot if that's what love is. (hide spoiler)]

[Ryan]

I enjoyed the book in general. I have a few questions, whole book spoilers:

(view spoiler)[How did the magic interact such that Addie and Henry were unaffected by the other's magic? I can see why Addie might not be affected, since she wasn't fully human.

Towards the end of the book, at the event in NYC, Luc said Addie could choose a person to trade a soul for Henry's. She points at a man, but he didn't follow through and the scene just changed. Was this just a ploy? What was the point?

In Part 6, Chapter 3, Addie went to a speakeasy managed by Luc. They talk, and the next day, Addie found that it was boarded up: "And just like that, new lines are drawn, the pieces set, the battle started." What does this mean? And why did this happen?

In Part 6, Chapter 8, one paragraph reads "They are here, together, in New York. And she wonders what would have happened if he hadn't said the word. If he hadn't tipped his hand. If he hadn't ruined everything." What is this referring to? (hide spoiler)]