Once There Were Wolves-Chapter 1-2

[Donna]

Hi everyone,

If you are joining us for our Fall Selection #1 Once There Were Wolves, we begin with Chapter 1-2. Chapter discussions will be posted every week, please join in when you are ready to. Read at your comfort and time. There is no pressure. We welcome your thoughts at anytime. Please invite others to join us. If you are not reading this selection with us, let us know what book you are reading. If you are not a Bookclub+ MPC member, please become one to support us and join in when you are ready.

Chapter 1-2
Inti was remembering a moment she had with her sister Aggie and their father. Their father sharing with them his reason for hunting "subsistence living" living self-sufficient, without wasting natural resources and appreciating the animals whose lives have been taken for survival.

Inti is on her way to transport numbered wolves with biologists and a vet safely to their new homes to re-populate and save the species. While it is easy to form attachments, Inti prefers not to, to avoid emotional bonds if the wolves do not survive in the wild. Inti struggles with the challenge of having empathy of caring and feeling too much for animals and people. Making her work with animals difficult.

Inti awakes from her dream of her father telling her that "all creatures know love." She helps her sister Aggie wake and get bathed. Inti moves forward with the wolf transport, but runs into an obstacle when a horse crosses her path and she has to brake and the truck spins. The horse gets away but Inti meets a man driving another truck asking about the horse. Inti tells the man he is driving in protected lands. Inti tells him the horse is injured and suggests he get help to air-lift the horse to safety. He determines she is part of the wolf program and sarcastically suggests that they lock up their wives and daughters for safety. Inti is not amused with him.

Discussion:
Inti has brought her sister with her as she "re-wilds" wolves in their original habitats. She takes special care of her sister. Who is Aggie and what will we discover about her? As much as Inti tries to keep her sensitivity in control, will she be able to stop the deep empathy she feels for the wolves? The nearby town is aware of the incoming wolves being re-introduced, will they be receptive to the animals? will the wolves be in danger once more? should the town be fearful? Will Inti be able to convince the townspeople to be understanding and give the wolves a chance to live in their original habitat? Will this land survive if the wolves do not?

What are your thoughts so far on the first two chapters?

Have a good day.

Sincerely,

-Donna

[Donna]

Donna wrote: "Hi everyone,

If you are joining us for our Fall Selection #1 Once There Were Wolves, we begin with Chapter 1-2. Chapter discussions will be posted every week, please join in when you are ready to...."

Hi everyone,

I'm feeling fearful for the wolves and the team trying to re-home the wolves into their habitat. I don't think they are going to get the big welcome from the town people. Inti is trying to keep her emotions in check and not get too attached to the wolves, but deep inside she cares deeply about the animals and she cares very much about her sister. I want to learn more about these sisters. The man in the truck that crossed Inti's path? Will she see him again? what is his story? Inti and her team are trying to save the wolves and this damaged land, but who is saving who? The townspeople...not sure what to expect from them. We will find out.

Have a good day.

-Donna

[Amy]

Thank you for coordinating this discussion. I am impressed by the author's prose and feel drawn into the story that opens up with the reader struggling to find a footing in the story.

Good questions! The first two chapters of the book left me feeling intrigued as to what will happen next, and what sort of adventure we are setting off into.

[Donna]

Hi Amy,

Yes, agreed. I am looking forward to getting into this story. I'm holding my breath, because I know it will get deeper and more serious and I'm holding on to the thought that in the end, there is an ending that I can accept for both animals and humans. I want everyone and every creature to have a humane end in this book.

Keep sharing with us!

Have a good day.

-Donna

[Colton CW]

Hi Amy and Donna,

I agree with what you said as well! I find the sisters very intriguing. The narrative is definitely sparse in terms of the backstory but of course I'm sure it will all come to light throughout the book.

I find Inti's.... condition (I guess it is a condition?) very interesting. I thought the opening of the book was shocking and gripping with the descriptions of the animal skinning where she felt it herself. I'm sure her empathy where she feels so strongly about other creatures will definitely come into play later with the plot I'm sure. Overall, I am curious as well!

[Donna]

Colton wrote: "Hi Amy and Donna,

I agree with what you said as well! I find the sisters very intriguing. The narrative is definitely sparse in terms of the backstory but of course I'm sure it will all come to li..."

Hi Colton,

Yes, the sisters...it was difficult to read the first two chapters, especially about the animal skinning process, hunting. I love animals and I read those chapters with some hesitation. I do understand the deep connection and sensitivity that people have, who work with animals and can see how Inti feels these connections and emotions deeper.

It's an interesting experience, situation for Inti to be in. She has to disconnect herself from feeling too much in order to stay in control but yet, deep down, has deep passion for the safety of these animals to survive. Yes, we still don't know what is to be revealed about her past which will reveal more to us.

The beginning was serious, with more to come. I want to find out more about the sisters. Very curious about their past.

I'm glad you are reading with us. Keep sharing your thoughts as you read along.

Have a good day.

Sincerely,

-Donna