All's Well | PART TWO

[Lala, owner]

part two in my edition is from page 160 to 235, ending at the end of chapter 21.
In the audiobook, part two ends at 8h46m

Why the heck was this section so short? What did it include and was it successful?
Is there anything you are anticipating for part 3?
What has been your favourite and least favourite element of this read so far?

[Deanna]

I’m not sure why this section was so short; possibly to depict Miranda’s short lived happiness and enjoyment of life? I think this section was much more interesting than the first section. It wasn’t as repetitive and I think it got into the story way more. I hope the third section explains some things, but overall I’m interested to see what happens.

[Cheyenne]

I honestly think this section was perfectly paced and the last section was much too long. I enjoyed seeing Miranda happy, although it's always interesting to see a protagonist get everything she wanted when there's still so much book left. I suspect she's going to be taking a fall (perhaps even literally)

I thought it was very interesting in that last scene that Grace was actually able to see the bartender and the three men, even if the scenery became more mundane on her arrival. I figured the men wouldn't be visible to anyone else. I'm excited to see if they're explained. I'm suspecting them to be demons or variants of the devil. I've noticed the idea of a goat, especially a black goat, coming up in multiple contexts that feels like it might be contributing symbolically

[aru]

I started off the section, very much enjoying Miranda's happiness. There is not doubt as to how excellent a writer Mona Awad is because her prose made it feel as if though the world was brighter for Miranda and I liked seeing her happy and how the perception changed from people dismissing her to people fearing her. She seems to self-insert herself a lot into both Helen and Ellie's life while I personally thought Ellie was talking to Trevor about the changes in Miranda. Similarly, of course, with each chapter, it seemed as if she lost grip on reality further only seeing what she wanted to and not what it was so it made her come off as incredibly obnoxious and I'm eagerly waiting for her downfall.

[aru]

Also! I forgot about this but I am very surprised that Grace was able to see the three men.

[Justin]

I echo everything mentioned thus far, really enjoy the optimism with a sinister undertone—things are definitely not 'right' even though she's not feeling her physical pain. I'm also surprised Grace was able to see the 3 men.

Miranda is such a complex character to read from, because she's definitely not a 'good' person, and so disillusioned about her life and people around her, always seeing her as the victim of circumstances (event though some are true).

[Jessica]

This part was good. I agree with everyone and it was nice to see the clouds lifted for Miranda and we could just feel her happiness. Along with arushi I am surprised Grace could see the three men as it seems no one else could.

[Beaubooks]

This section was definitely more eventful compared to the first one. I enjoyed the strangeness of it all, but I do hope there will be an explanation for all this later. Something is off, and sometimes I suspect Miranda is imagining everything that happens to her.
I especially liked learning more about Shakespeare as well, since I'm not really acquainted with All's Well That Ends Well yet.

I was promised weird, so... :)

[Alesha]

I reallllly enjoyed this section. I completely agree with what others have said about a sinister undertone to this newer happiness and optimism Miranda is experiencing. I can't lie and say that I'm not anticipating a downfall in the third act, though.

I've been listening to the audiobook and I think it's a huge factor as to why I'm enjoying this story as much as I am. I'm looking forward to finishing this tonight!

[Jacki]

Just finished part two last night! While the section was short, I feel that helps empathize how quickly this part goes for Miranda. Seems a matter of a few months go buy in a much shorter amount of chapters, and that must be how fast the pace is for Miranda with her running, dancing, and everything elsing around. If this was from Briana's perspective, we'd have a lot more chapters to focus on her pain just like we did with Miranda for part one.

I'm curious if we'll ever see Mark again, and if Miranda is going to do the same to Grace. Seems implied like she will.

The most curious thing here for me is Miranda's motivation. In the beginning, everything focused on her and her pain, and her just wanting to get the play she wanted done. She doesn't have that pain anymore, and everything seemed focused on the play and just Miranda getting back her youth. But when Briana came into play as the King, despite her amazing performance, Miranda is so hesitant to let her play the role. Sure, the argument can be that Miranda is concerned Briana will somehow sabotage the play, but is that really her issue here? Or is she more worried about being found out and losing her health again?

I wonder what will happen to Miranda as I'm sure it's not going to end well...since the book isn't called All's Well That Ends Well lol

[Cat]

More exciting content happened here, but it also just felt so slow. I feel like I keep hearing the same things over and over again even though I know new stuff is happening. Maybe this book just isn’t my cup of tea. So far the only part I respect is the description of chronic pain and how the medical community can treat people. Even though I sympathize with everything I still don’t like the main character…or any others. And I can get behind an unlikable character, it’s just that maybe this pacing and storyline aren’t for me. And the Shakespeare stuff isn’t enough to keep me interested.

[Grace]

Part 2 was definitely more "exciting" than Part 1 but honestly? I'm so bored. I am curious, however, to see what happens with Grace. This whole time I was thinking the three men were just Miranda's imagination but now that Grace is seeing them I'm not so sure anymore. I hate to say it but I'm itching for this read to be over. It has already taken me sooo long to read Parts 1 & 2 because the story has just dragged on SO MUCH. Here's hoping Part 3 gets better!

[Amy Noelle]

Im so stoked with how things have turned around for Miranda. I don’t even care how she achieved it, if it’s right or not. Im thrilled for her and here for every minute of her joy! For her to come from a place of such crippling, debilitating pain to being able to live her life again…. love it! Im cheering her on and laughing and skipping right along with her.

I love how Mona writes her stories in a way that makes it hard to distinguish exactly what’s happening, if what’s being described is real or imagined, metaphorical or true descriptions. She did the same thing in Bunny and I’m obsessed with it. It makes the images in my head go completely wild and it’s just so much fun! Really glad I pushed through part one. Can’t wait to see where part three goes!