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Rock Paper Scissors
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January Group Read Discussion: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney led by Teri!
I'm about half way through and I'm super creeped out. I don't know if I can finish. 🤣🥺
I’m just starting, can’t wait!
I powered through it in a day yesterday. I wanted to see how it was resolved, but overall it wasn’t a particularly enjoyable read for me.
I just finished. I really enjoyed it! I feel like I have a pretty good read on predicting twists before they happen, and I did NOT predict that!
I finished this book and it was really good..Full of twists and finished a book within 2 days after a long time.When you start to believe one plotline, the story changes...so unpredictable but thoroughly enjoyed it!
About half way through and enjoying it. Not sure how this is going to go…
Hi, everyone. Looks like I'm a bit late to the table on starting the discussion. Glad you've all been posting already.This month's book is Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney for the Prompt #3 (book about a vacation). It was first published in August 2019.
It looks like Alice Feeney has written about 6 books, and she is from the United Kingdom.
So let's get started:
Introductory Questions
1. Have you read anything by this author previously?
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
Responses to Introductory Questions
1. Have you read anything by this author previously?
I have not read anything by Alice Feeney previously. I don't remember ever hearing of her before.
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
I plan to read this for Prompt #3, but it is early in the year and who knows what will change?
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
I love them! The trouble is reading them too fast. I started this yesterday and am already half way through.
Have you read anything by this author previously I read Rock Paper Scissors last year when I was doing a rejects challenge for ATY. (Prompt was 'book related to rock, paper, scissors', so it fitted quite well!) I hadn't heard of Alice Feeney before that.
Are you planning to read this for prompt #3 or anything else?
Not planning to read it at all as I try to use books that are new to me for challenges. Also, as a mystery/thriller, there wouldn't be much point in a re-read.
Do you like reading thrillers or mysteries?
I enjoy mysteries, but recently I've found a few with a good story but a rushed ending. I don't like thrillers so much, but I've just read Razorblade Tears, which was excellent.
I will join in as soon as I have gotten my book. It has arrived at the library (my hold) and will be going to pick it up today.
Mod
Introductory Questions1. Have you read anything by this author previously?
No I haven't. I actually had not heard of the author prior to this book.
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
Yes I am.
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
I do. It is one of my favorite genres. I love a good twist
I got the library book today! Now to get it started!
Questions: Set 1
1. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"?
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition?
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's?
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why?
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love?
Introductory Questions1. Have you read anything by this author previously?
No. This is a new author for me.
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
My plan is a bit fluid even though I selected a book for each prompt. I realized yesterday, due to the fact that I am reading for a bunch of challenges, that I will need to fit books in as I read them even if not originally planned. At the time of planning, I had never heard of this book. So it will be one of those that I fit in somewhere instead of a book already planned.
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
For the past 5 years, I have not read many thrillers...that is, out and out thrillers. Mysteries that might also have the thriller tag are OK. And, yes, this is one of my favorite genres.
1. Have you read anything by this author previously?No.
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
I read it last year, so I cannot add it to this years prompts.
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
I do, but I am very picky. I thought this one was ok..
1. Have you read anything by this author previously?No I have not.
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
Not sure yet. I will see what the next month looks like and how this book might fit. Also, based on the plot so far this does not seem like too much of a vacation to me!
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
I do like reading them but have to be in the mood.
Teri wrote: "Questions: Set 1
1. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"?
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find inter..."
1. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"?
It intrigued me
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition?
I have not heard about this condition before but figure the author is attemting to use it in the plot which they are somewhat. I am 50% of the way through.
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's?
They both annoy me in different way to be honest. I find Adam to be a bit full of himself and Amelia seems to have many complaints and can be self righteous. Again, I am only 50% of the way through so we shall see though some secrets have been revealed about Adam that are a bit :-/
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why?
Discombobulated! Love tht word and use it all the time! Also very much the tone of their Adam and Amelia's relationship so far...
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love?
Likely you can never know everything about someone but not all secrets are created equal either...some are life-altering and shattering.
1) no2) yes
3) absolutely!
1. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"? Interesting start.
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition?
Yes, I suffer from it mildly. It takes about three meetings before I can fix someone's face in my mind and I am very confused by meeting them out of the original context. Adam's condition sets up possible confusion and misunderstanding in the story.
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's?
Can't remember now, sorry.
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why?
Glum is a great word for sounding exactly as it feels.
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love?
I think it is true, we can't know, or possibly want to know, everything about another person. However, there are secrets which are corrosive and damaging.
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Introductory Questions1. Have you read anything by this author previously?
Nope!
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
Yes I am.
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
Yes!
i just finish the book this. It was Great!
Questions: Set 11. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"?
It definitely caught my interest and made me want to learn more.
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition?
I had never heard of the condition before. I actually looked it up to see if it was something real or if it was something the author had created. I can't imagine what that must be like to go through life not being able to recognize people.
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's?
I am not sure if I was on anyone's side but I was more suspicious of Amelia. She was the one that had suggested the weekend away and seemed to be keeping secrets.
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why?
Mensch. It was a word my grandpa used so it reminds me of him
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love?
I think you can't know everything about someone and it probably isn't healthy to know everything. Couples do still need to have individual lives and interests.
I just started this the other day and around 100 pages in. I am definitely confused as to what is exactly going on but I love it
Guess I should answer my own questions. Responses to Questions: Set 1
1. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"?
I liked it so well I read it to my mom. This is a very interesting start, and I just knew something wild was about to begin.
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition?
I had heard of it before, because Brad Pitt mentioned in an interview that he thought he had it. I assume his condition is not as severe as Adam's, but I haven't heard anything else. There is no way I could have pronounced or spelled the condition though. I just filed it away in my mind as something to do with face blindness.
I found it quite interesting how he was able to navigate through life by using his other senses in identifying people, similar to someone who is blind. I think it would be terrifying.
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's?
Neither, really, because I found them both to be annoying. Adam expected the world to revolve around his writing and seemed quite selfish (as perhaps one must be), and Amelia seemed to be secretive, cloying, and less understanding of his career than I thought she should be. I suppose I did trust Adam more than Amelia, barely.
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why?
The words I use and love are shenanigans and discombobulated. The word I want to start using is growlery. The word atelophobia, which I did not know, defines a fear that I had lived with for most of my life. Finally worked through it and now appreciate my awesomeness. [smile]
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love?
Having never been married, I am not an expert on this subject. But life in general has proven to me that keeping secrets most often causes more harm than the secret would itself. I do appreciate that the timing of sharing secrets is critical.
I don't think I ever want to know everything about a person, but I certainly want to know the important things.
Questions: Set 26. Adam is highly superstitious; he salutes magpies and would never walk under a ladder. Are you superstitious about anything? Adam also carries an old paper crane and a lucky penny in his wallet at all times. Do you believe in luck? Is there something sentimental you would feel lost without?
7. Henry Winter, the elderly novelist in the book, has chosen to live a mostly secluded life. Why do you think some people need to be alone, while others surround themselves with friends and family?
8. All of the main characters in this novel have been haunted by their parents in one way or another. Why do you think none of them were quite able to move on with their lives and put the past behind them? Would things have been different if they had?
9. Let’s talk about Robin. What were your first impressions of this character? How did you initially think she fit into the story? [remember to use spoiler tags as needed]
10. What was your favorite twist in the book? [again, spoiler tags]
Gee, I am behind already! Haven't started the book yet due to the fact that so many others needed attention first. Soon, I hope.
Introductory Questions1. Have you read anything by this author previously?
yes i have read a few others by her
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
yes
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
yes very much so
***
Questions: Set 1
1. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"?
not sure i do, but i was intrigued
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition?
no, i hadnt and cant imagine trying to live like that not recognizing my loved ones
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's?
originally Amelia's but i started not to trust either of them as they continued with their stories
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why?
i liked this idea. i was always good at vocabulary and enjoy learning new words, but no i dont have just one favorite word
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love?
probably not, but i hate secrets and would like to think you should be able to trust each other
***
Questions: Set 2
6. Adam is highly superstitious; he salutes magpies and would never walk under a ladder. Are you superstitious about anything? Adam also carries an old paper crane and a lucky penny in his wallet at all times. Do you believe in luck? Is there something sentimental you would feel lost without?
only that i won't wear the opposite team's colors on game day. i am not really superstitious with much else nor do i have a lucky charm like that
7. Henry Winter, the elderly novelist in the book, has chosen to live a mostly secluded life. Why do you think some people need to be alone, while others surround themselves with friends and family?
some people are happier that way or maybe just focus better when not distracted
8. All of the main characters in this novel have been haunted by their parents in one way or another. Why do you think none of them were quite able to move on with their lives and put the past behind them? Would things have been different if they had?
probably they all seemed to have a lot of emotional baggage
9. Let’s talk about Robin. What were your first impressions of this character? How did you initially think she fit into the story? [remember to use spoiler tags as needed]
honestly wasnt sure
10. What was your favorite twist in the book? [again, spoiler tags]
definitely wasnt expecting the major twist with who the main characters were
I was talking to my sister while she was driving, and she told me about a bumper sticker on the car ahead of her:ROCK IS DEAD
Long live paper and scissors
Made me laugh!
Introductory Questions1. Have you read anything by this author previously?
I haven't read anything by this author before. Depending how I like this book I might read Daisy Darker after this.
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
I will probably use this for prompt 3
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
I do like a good thriller. I have been reading Karin Slaughter's books recently.
Questions: Set 1
1. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"?
It was a very intresting start.
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition?
I had never heard of face blindness before. Seems like a hard way to go through life especially if not everyone knows he has it.
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's?
I'm not really on either side since they both seem super suspicious. I also don't really like either of them as a person but maybe that's the point.
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why?
I have always loved the word shenanigans. It just sounds so fun.
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love?
Every relationship has secrets. It is impossible to know everything about another person unless you are literally inside their head. But not all secrets are the same. I ran into my ex today versus I forgot my lines in the school play in first grade. Only one of those I would say would need to be told to your significant other.
Teri wrote: "Hi, everyone. Looks like I'm a bit late to the table on starting the discussion. Glad you've all been posting already.This month's book is Rock Paper Scissors by [author:Alice Fee..."
1. Have you read anything by this author previously?
I had not heard of this author before reading this book.
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
Yes, just finished the book today.
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
It's not a genre that I typically read, but I don't think they're bad.
Teri wrote: "Questions: Set 1
1. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"?
I thought this was an interesting way to open the story.
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition?
I've never heard of this before. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this condition. I think the most interesting part about it is how he had adapted by using other ways of recognizing people and having his wife's help.
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's? I started out on Amelia's side but as the book went on, there were obviously issues on both sides.
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why? I don't think I have my own personal favorite word. As far as her chosen words, I think schadenfreude would be it. I think we have all felt that particular emotion on occasion.
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love? I think it would depend on the secret, some are worse than others. And no, I don't think we will ever know everything.
6. Adam is highly superstitious; he salutes magpies and would never walk under a ladder. Are you superstitious about anything? Adam also carries an old paper crane and a lucky penny in his wallet at all times. Do you believe in luck? Is there something sentimental you would feel lost without?I'm a nurse so Friday the 13th, full moons, and the word "quiet" are a few things I'm superstitious about. I do believe in luck but as a random happening. I don't have anything I think brings luck though.
7. Henry Winter, the elderly novelist in the book, has chosen to live a mostly secluded life. Why do you think some people need to be alone, while others surround themselves with friends and family?
I think that's just how some people are. I feel like I'm somewhere in the middle. There are days when I just want to spend time alone.
8. All of the main characters in this novel have been haunted by their parents in one way or another. Why do you think none of them were quite able to move on with their lives and put the past behind them? Would things have been different if they had?
SPOILER:(view spoiler)Things would have obviously been different. The same can be said for our own lives.
9. Let’s talk about Robin. What were your first impressions of this character? How did you initially think she fit into the story? SPOILER: (view spoiler)
10. What was your favorite twist in the book?
SPOILER: (view spoiler)
I just finished this book in a last breathless push. This is fantastic storytelling!!!!!
I absolutely did NOT see that coming.
I will be recommending this one for sure!!! ❤️
I just finished thanks to a 12 hour layover in bwi airport 🤦🏻♀️. I am not gonna lie a spent more than half the book wondering what the yell was going on. Then all of a sudden I was like oh ok only think what the hell is going on again.
Questions: Set 311. Were you worried about Bob the dog? (Alice Feeney says she is owned by her black Labrador!)
12. ROCK PAPER SCISSORS is being made into a TV series for Netflix by the producer of “The Crown” and “Behind Her Eyes.” I cannot see that a date has been scheduled. The author discussed it in this article from 2021: https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/rock-paper-scissors-filming-in-scotland/
What is it about the book that you think might make it work on-screen? Is it the setting, the characters or the plot?
13. Is the ending satisfying? If so, why? If not, why not...and how would you change it?
14. Has this novel changed you—broadened your perspective? Have you learned something new or been exposed to different ideas about people or a certain part of the world?
15. If you could ask the author a question, what would you ask?
16. Is there anything else about the book you would like to discuss?
17. It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t end with a quick game of rock paper scissors! Talk about how the game plays a part in the book, then play a quick round with whomever you’re with right now. Even if it’s just your dog (if that’s the case, you really ought to win!).
Responses to Questions: Set 26. Adam is highly superstitious; he salutes magpies and would never walk under a ladder. Are you superstitious about anything? Adam also carries an old paper crane and a lucky penny in his wallet at all times. Do you believe in luck? Is there something sentimental you would feel lost without?
I do not consider myself to be superstitious. I do follow some silly things just for fun, like pretending that wearing a certain color helps my favorite sports teams or not walking under a ladder. I don't actually believe in any of it, but it is fun to discuss with people and adds interest to some events. I don't carry anything for luck. I am sentimental about a lot of things, however, mostly gifts I've been given.
7. Henry Winter, the elderly novelist in the book, has chosen to live a mostly secluded life. Why do you think some people need to be alone, while others surround themselves with friends and family?
It's all about personality, I suppose. I can be an extrovert when I am with a small group of people that I am comfortable with, but it drains me and I'm relieved when I'm home alone again. Most of the time I am an introvert and don't really want to be bothered. I need my alone time to recharge. I suppose if I was an author, I'd be pretty secluded. (view spoiler)
8. All of the main characters in this novel have been haunted by their parents in one way or another. Why do you think none of them were quite able to move on with their lives and put the past behind them? Would things have been different if they had?
As a child of toxic parents, I understand how it can take years (decades) to undo the damage done. These characters had some very difficult parents and experienced some pretty awful things. It is better for all of us when we can live our lives in the present and not in the past. I think all of them could have gotten to a more healthy place if they had done so. But it is hard work.
9. Let’s talk about Robin. What were your first impressions of this character? How did you initially think she fit into the story? [remember to use spoiler tags as needed]
I could not figure out where she fit in. (view spoiler)
10. What was your favorite twist in the book? [again, spoiler tags]
(view spoiler)
Introductory Questions1. Have you read anything by this author previously?
I have not, and was not familiar with her at all.
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
I have already read another book that fits #3. I will have to wait and see which prompts this one fits to decide which of them I'll move elsewhere :)
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
It's not my favourite genre by any means, but I do enjoy reading them once in a while.
Questions: Set 1
1. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"?
I liked it! I thought about face blindness instantly, but it still made me interested to read on.
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition?
Yes because I have it myself, though not as severely as Adam has it. I learned from this book that there are two forms of prosopagnosia: Like Adam has where one can't see facial features, and like I have where I can see faces just fine, but I can't remember them at all afterwards. So faces have nothing to do with how I recognize people, but I can mostly get by when I see people in a context because I'm good at remembering voices as well as hairstyles, how people walk, etc. Though if someone changes their hairstyle my brain registers them as a complete stranger until I can hear their voice, even when it's someone I see every day. I'm also never the first to say hi when I meet someone randomly, because I think I see people I know all the time and I am very often wrong, haha.
I was a bit scared that Adam's condition, when it was set up to be this severe, would only come into play at one moment where it was needed for the plot. So I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is something that comes up in throughout his social life, and I thought it was well written for the most part.
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's?
I didn't really like either of them, but I think I trusted Adam slightly more. Though that might only have been because Amelia admitted more that she was lying than Adam did.
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why?
I like the idea of a word of the year, and I have always found some words to be so much fun to say. Of the letter words shenanigans is one such word, and I also enjoyed growlery a lot.
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love?
I do think there is some truth to that, at least that we cannot know everything there is to know about someone. But I also think that the characters in the book are using that kind of as an excuse to not talk about things that absolutely should have been talked about.
Questions: Set 26. Adam is highly superstitious; he salutes magpies and would never walk under a ladder. Are you superstitious about anything? Adam also carries an old paper crane and a lucky penny in his wallet at all times. Do you believe in luck? Is there something sentimental you would feel lost without?
I'm not really superstitious. I do find the things people are superstitious about to be pretty interesting. Some people believe black cats are bad luck. Does the fact that I own a black cat mean they think I'm fundamentally unlucky?
7. Henry Winter, the elderly novelist in the book, has chosen to live a mostly secluded life. Why do you think some people need to be alone, while others surround themselves with friends and family?
I'm an introvert who needs time to myself to recharge after dealing with people. I understand Henry's need for isolation even if his life is way too isolated for me. Some people gain energy from social interaction and some people from seclusion.
8. All of the main characters in this novel have been haunted by their parents in one way or another. Why do you think none of them were quite able to move on with their lives and put the past behind them? Would things have been different if they had?
None of them were able to move on with their lives because their pasts were all huge painful secrets. If any one of these people had therapy their lives would be very different.
9. Let’s talk about Robin. What were your first impressions of this character? How did you initially think she fit into the story? [remember to use spoiler tags as needed]
(view spoiler)
10. What was your favorite twist in the book? [again, spoiler tags]
(view spoiler)
Kristin, that is so interesting that you have a form of face blindness. Thanks for sharing that with us. It is fascinating that you can remember other things about people but not their faces. Our brains work in mysterious ways.
Felicia wrote: "8. All of the main characters in this novel have been haunted by their parents in one way or another. Why do you think none of them were quite able to move on with their lives and put the past behind them? Would things have been different if they had?None of them were able to move on with their lives because their pasts were all huge painful secrets. If any one of these people had therapy their lives would be very different."
If there is anything to be learned from books and movies about relationships, it is that keeping secrets comes back to bite you, and that communication and openness solves so many problems.
I meant to start reading this book earlier this month, but the days got away from me, and I just got started yesterday.1. Have you read anything by this author previously?
No, I haven't.
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
I'm not sure yet. I might decide after I finish the book. I didn't read anything about this book before starting so I don't know yet where else it might fit.
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries?
Yes, I enjoy the genre. I have a few go-to authors, and so far I like how this author writes too.
Introductory Questions:1. Have you read anything by this author previously?
Yes, this is my third book by her. I've read both Sometimes I Lie (which I didn't like) and His & Hers which I really enjoyed on audio.
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else?
I originally was going to read Book Lovers for this prompt, but swapped that for #BookTok and found this available on audio on Hoopla, so now I'm using this for prompt #3.
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries? Yes, really enjoy reading thrillers and mysteries.
Questions: Set 11. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"?
Great first line. Absolutely love it and was immediately thinking this must be a main plot point.
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition?
Yes, I've heard of it before, didn't realize he legit can recognize anything about faces.
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's?
Adams and then Amelias and then Adams... my loyalties switched back and forth throughout the book!
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why?
No, but I enjoyed the idea of it.
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love?
I think some secrets or details you make not know about another person 100%, but these types of secrets are detrimental to a marriage.
Questions: Set 26. Adam is highly superstitious; he salutes magpies and would never walk under a ladder. Are you superstitious about anything? Adam also carries an old paper crane and a lucky penny in his wallet at all times. Do you believe in luck? Is there something sentimental you would feel lost without?
Yes, I have a few things I'm superstitious about- kiss my hand and touch the roof of my car if I run through a yellow traffic light. Don't walk under ladders, hah. I don't have a lucky trinket.
7. Henry Winter, the elderly novelist in the book, has chosen to live a mostly secluded life. Why do you think some people need to be alone, while others surround themselves with friends and family?
After COVID, I can completely understand how draining some people's energies are to be around constantly. I need a healthy balance personally, but can completely understand wanting to live alone. I live alone with my pup now and I can't imagine anything better, however I do live in a big city so I'm constantly surrounded by other people.
8. All of the main characters in this novel have been haunted by their parents in one way or another. Why do you think none of them were quite able to move on with their lives and put the past behind them? Would things have been different if they had?
I think they could've all benefitted from a good therapist! However, then we wouldn't have this book would we?
9. Let’s talk about Robin. What were your first impressions of this character? How did you initially think she fit into the story?
Initially, I thought she was a creepy caretaker of this old house, looking to take revenge on one or both of them. I had no clue how it would pan out...
10. What was your favorite twist in the book?
hmmm the very best was (view spoiler)
Questions: Set 311. Were you worried about Bob the dog?
YES!!!! It was something that was going to make/break the entire book for me.
12. ROCK PAPER SCISSORS is being made into a TV series for Netflix by the producer of “The Crown” and “Behind Her Eyes.” I cannot see that a date has been scheduled. What is it about the book that you think might make it work on-screen? Is it the setting, the characters or the plot?
The setting is perfect!! Obviously the plot and the face blindness would all make very compelling plot points.
13. Is the ending satisfying? If so, why? If not, why not...and how would you change it?
Yes, so satisfying. This book had all the great attributes I look for in a thriller, had to finish, multiple twists I didn't guess, a dog and a perfect setting.
14. Has this novel changed you—broadened your perspective? Have you learned something new or been exposed to different ideas about people or a certain part of the world?
Not really.
15. If you could ask the author a question, what would you ask?
Was Henry Winter based on anyone in her life? What really happened to his wife?
16. Is there anything else about the book you would like to discuss?
What was the point of the PI at the end? Also are we supposed to believe Robin about her mom?
Introductory Questions1. Have you read anything by this author previously? no
2. Are you planning to read this for Prompt #3 or something else? This
3. Do you typically like reading thrillers and/or mysteries? yes
Questions: Set 11. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"? I found it very interesting.
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition? I had never heard of the condition before and was amazed anyone can live like that.
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's? at the start I was on Amelia's
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why? no but I loved the letters
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love? I think it's true and I think there are always things we can learn about our spouse.
Questions: Set 11. How did you like the first line of the book "My husband doesn't recognize my face"?
My initial response was why not? It was a great way to start this book, because it engaged me right away!
2. Had you ever heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness) before? What did you find interesting about Adam's condition?
Yes, although I know little more than the definition. I liked the description later of how he could recognize shape, color of hair, smell of perfume, etc. I could identify since I had poor sight when young and, once I took off my glasses, I had to identify people by how they moved, what their voice was like, the color of their hair and body shape.
3. It's hard to know who to trust in this marriage thriller, as both Adam and Amelia are unreliable narrators at times. Whose side were you on at the start of the book, Adam's or Amelia's?
Like others, I vacillated. For me, it depended on which revealed "truth" seemed more believable.
4. His wife didn't let Adam read the letters she wrote to him on their anniversary each year. One of the interesting features of her letters was the Favorite Word of the Year. Do you have a favorite one and why?
No. Never thought of choosing such. Although I like words and often am attracted by unused words or definitions and some of the words Amelia chose were fun!
5. "Maybe all marriages have secrets, and maybe the only way to stay married is to keep them." Do you believe this to be true? Can we ever really know everything there is to know about another person, even someone we love?
I suppose we all have things about our pasts that we would prefer not to share, especially with people we care about. It is about protecting our image in their eyes. That said, I believe in honesty and especially between partners. If not sharing something means I am afraid that he will not love or want me, then it is a negative and a lie...and I will share it.
No, I don't believe we ever really know another. Heck, half the time, we don't really know ourselves!
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Teri is the brave and "powerfully provocative facilitator" who volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you, Teri!!
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