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Rock Paper Scissors
2023 Monthly Group Reads
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January Group Read Discussion: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney led by Teri!
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Bea wrote: "No, I don't believe we ever really know another. Heck, half the time, we don't really know ourselves!"That's certainly true! Life is a journey.
Questions: Set 311. Were you worried about Bob the dog? (Alice Feeney says she is owned by her black Labrador!)
No, Bob was a side character for me. Interesting fact about Ms. Feeney.
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-pa...
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 for sure would work for a play. But, on screen, the plot and characters would be more important, I think.
13. Is the ending satisfying? If so, why? If not, why not...and how would you change it?
Yes, and no. I think there was too much effort in tying up the dangling ends of the story for me to feel really satisfied. (view spoiler)
I think a better place was at the Great Reveal...with an epilogue.
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?
No, unless maybe it was a better appreciation for how someone must cope with Adam's condition. Still...that was an aside to the book...and underlying aside, but not totally a necessary condition.
15. If you could ask the author a question, what would you ask?
Why did you need Sam for this story?
16. Is there anything else about the book you would like to discuss?
No. It got a 3.5* rating from me, rounded down to 3*, mostly due to the reveal.
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!).
Only the dog...so why bother.
Questions: Set 311. Were you worried about Bob the dog? (Alice Feeney says she is owned by her black Labrador!)
I'm not a pet person, but I was concerned for Bob because I didn't know Robin's motives and how far she would go.
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-pa...
What is it about the book that you think might make it work on-screen? Is it the setting, the characters or the plot?
I would like to watch a series made of this book as I found the plot, characters, and setting interesting. It could be really good, but obviously if mishandled could be pretty bad.
13. Is the ending satisfying? If so, why? If not, why not...and how would you change it?
I agree that the last chapter seemed unnecessary. It did show, however, that at least one person at the end desperately needs therapy and probably a jail cell.
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?
The face blindness stuff was interesting and added to my knowledge. And once again I was reminded of what a good decision I made to not ever marry. haha
15. If you could ask the author a question, what would you ask?
What is her own relationship like? (not that I would expect an answer)
16. Is there anything else about the book you would like to discuss?
I love books like this that keep me on a ride and make it nearly impossible to stop reading. It was worth the sleep I missed. I enjoy unreliable narrators because one definitely has no idea what is really happening.
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!).
I live with my 85-year-old mother, and I doubt she knows how to play or could learn at this point. But I just might try it as it will give us something to do while we wait for the Utah Jazz game to start.
Questions: Set 311. Were you worried about Bob the dog? (Alice Feeney says she is owned by her black Labrador!)
Yes, I always worry about pets in books. Especially in thrillers.
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-pa...
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 will be a good choice to put on screen but so much of the book takes places in the characters heads. I would be interested to see how they translate that to screen. The face blindness would be interesting to see on screen too. From Adam's perspective will everyone have heads but no faces?
13. Is the ending satisfying? If so, why? If not, why not...and how would you change it?
I was generally satisfied by the ending. But I think the last chapter was a bit unnecessary.
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. Mystery is not a genre that really teaches people new things.
15. If you could ask the author a question, what would you ask?
I would ask if (view spoiler)
16. Is there anything else about the book you would like to discuss?
Nope that covers it.
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!).
I think rock, paper, scissors is not a game to play with serious stakes like whether to keep your marriage like they do in the book. Its only for dumb stuff like who will do the dishes. My cat did not appreciate the game. I won against her but I still ended up doing the dishes.
Felicia wrote: "My cat did not appreciate the game. I won against her but I still ended up doing the dishes."Haha. My mom refused to play. At least she did the dishes though.
Thanks to everyone who participated in this month's group read. I'm glad everyone enjoyed the book. It was a lot of fun. Happy continued reading!
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Karin Slaughter (other topics)Alice Feeney (other topics)
Alice Feeney (other topics)
6. Adam is highly superstitious; he salutes magpies and would never walk under a ladder. Are you superstitious about anything?
Not really
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?
No. I think we make our own luck by our actions and beliefs. No talisman or lucky charm for me.
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 of us are more introverted and get our energy from being alone and recharging. Other are more extroverted and get energy from being with others. Most of us are a mix.
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?
Part of maturation is the ability to take responsibility for ourselves and our choices rather than find blame in others. Not every one reaches that level of maturity nor do we reach it at the same age. And, some have had very bad things occur during childhood. It is hard to deal with the outcome alone at times...and the individual may need professional help. Regarding would things have been different...probably.
9. Let’s talk about Robin. What were your first impressions of this character? How did you initially think she fit into the story?
My first impression was that she was the eccentric caretaker...that is until she implied that she had lived in the chapel in the past. Then I wondered if she was the daughter of the reclusive writer...or a past lover of Adam's...or maybe a killer. Still wondering as I haven't yet gotten a fix on this character.
10. What was your favorite twist in the book?
Each as it is revealed.