Question M

[Jonetta]

Duvall used information from Max’s journals to psychologically torture her. We learn a lot more about her years with her mother, Martha. What, if any, gave you deeper insight into Max’s adult behavior?

[Sharon]

Max is used to being on her own from an early age. What she went through explains a lot about her not trusting others and doing everything for herself. It also explains why she is determined to help people find their loved ones. As bad as her mother was, Max still wants to know what happened to her.

[Jonetta]

I have a much clearer picture of why Max doesn’t form lasting relationships now. Everyone she cared about eventually walked away. And, she couldn’t count on her mother even for survival, which has made her fiercely independent and self sufficient. Despite her mother’s miserable parenting, Max needs resolution to the question of whether she willingly left her or not.

It explained everything.

[Anita]

Max's childhood was terrible. That Duvall used it against her was despicable. It made her self contained, she doesn't need anyone to complete her.

[Jonetta]

This was really cruel. Yes, he thought she was responsible for the demise of his family but his response says he was seriously twisted.

[Melissa]

I understand Max's inability to have a lasting relationship. And I agree that her childhood is why she's so independent.

[Charlene]

I agree with all of your comments.

I did have a difficult time when I read the five-year-old Maxine's diary entry. Even for a very gifted child, that seemed to be a stretch imho. I can believe she thought about those things, but the italicized diary entry was too sophisticated...

[Robin]

Charlene wrote: "I agree with all of your comments.

I did have a difficult time when I read the five-year-old Maxine's diary entry. Even for a very gifted child, that seemed to be a stretch imho. I can believe sh..."

I totally agree, Charlene. I forgot about Max's diary entry when she was left alone at the cabin. I don't know any five year old who has that kind of vocabulary or ability to write like that. Most kids that age can only write their names and some very short words.

[Jonetta]

I bought it because Max had been left to fend for herself even earlier. And, we don’t know when she wrote those entries.

[Sharon]

I bought it too. Max is an adult child. She had to take care of herself and her mother for a long time.