Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (June 2022) Buddy Read Discussion - Brianna & Jen

[mina, Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

Welcome to the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on June 20th and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 06/20
June 20th: Chapters 1 - 3
June 21st: Chapters 4 - 6
June 22nd: Chapters 7 - 9
June 23rd: Chapters 10 - 12
June 24th: Chapters 13 - 15
June 25th: Chapters 16 - 18
June 26th: Chapters 19 - 21

Week of 06/27
June 27th: Chapters 22 - 24
June 28th: Chapters 25 - 27
June 29th: Chapters 28 - 30


PARTICIPANTS
~ Brianna
~ Jen

[Jen K]

I'm a bit behind trying to finish up my current book. Almost there... Looking forward to reading this one.

[Brianna]

I am also a bit behind (per usual lol) but I will be picking this one up this evening.

[Jen K]

Me too! I fell asleep before managing last night. I think I actually have no idea what this one is about other than true crime Savannah in the 80's.

[Brianna]

Jen K wrote: "Me too! I fell asleep before managing last night. I think I actually have no idea what this one is about other than true crime Savannah in the 80's."

Agreed. lol I know very little about this book - even whatever case it involves for the true crime aspect.

[Brianna]

Chapters 1 - 3

So far each chapter has been kind of an introduction to a new character/person which I really like. It will be interesting to see how these different people come together in the story of what is going on/what will happen. It also feels like the city, Savannah, is almost a character itself.

[Jen K]

Yup also have no idea as to what crime or even type of crime that was committed!

Spent week with family and got pretty much no reading done except for the audiobooks for the car ride. I've only managed the first chapter so far and it seems a fun start. Savannah will be such a great setting.

[Jen K]

Basically slept all of yesterday. I am so ready for the long weekend at home this weekend!

Chapters 1-5.5

The descriptions of Savannah and the characters who make it their home are so well done. I almost feel like I'm there. I'm not quite sure I fully understand how he just managed to make Savannah his second home (it just seemed too easy) or how this book started yet. Joe and Mandy seem to be familiar with petty crime? That Danny guy at Williams home seems to scream red flag. Why is he kept around? I'm appreciate of the slow immersion in to the setting and people but also ready for the actual crime.

[Jen K]

Made it through Chapter 6+. Nothing against the book, I'm quite enjoying, just struggling to keep my eyes open if not an audio.

The descriptions are making me want to move to Savannah for a year. If a New Yorker was accepted, maybe I could also manage? I wonder if they have considered why it has such a high alcoholism rate? Lady Chablis is the best neighbor yet.

[Jen K]

Chapters 7-9

I know it is 1980's Georgia but not loving the casual racism. It is circling around Williams and Danny which just seems an odd and troublesome relationship.

[Jen K]

Chapters 10-12

And we are off!! Interested to see how all the rivalries will come into play and hopefully the real story.

[Jen K]

Chapter 13-15- I am determined to finish this for the challenge!

Um, the party, so much support for someone accused of murder.

And the number of guns!!! I am from a rural area where the boys would go hunting in the morning and then park their trucks with the rifles in the rack in time for the first class at high school. But that's it, guns were for hunting, not for carrying around.

Then the doctor! Explaining to the defense lawyer all the many ways that the accused's story of defense doesn't add up in the least. I get not liking someone but doesn't mean they deserve to die or not get justice. (view spoiler)[ I don't think that I like Danny with the temper, the confederate flag and disregard for others but he is obviously a very troubled boy that life has not treated well and he was being used by Williams and probably other controlling powerful adults. It is really just sad. (hide spoiler)]

I will add to my concerns the ready use of the f word in regards to gay men and the general homophobia and prejudice to those of the Jewish faith. It is a difficult society to agree with.

[Jen K]

Done!! Fascinating story. I kind of expected it to be more true crime than memoir with how it is described and knowing that a movie was made from it. It really wasn't. It is a fascinating look at a fairly insular, intentionally so, community. The prejudices and disdain for others is impressive even for 1980's. Interested to hear what you make of it when you read it.

[Brianna]

I am currently through chapter 15 I believe and it's already not quite what I thought it would be in regards to the true crime. I'll update more thoughts soon!

[Jen K]

Enjoy! There are some interesting people!