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Great Big Beautiful Life
Books of the Month
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Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry - Adult / Non-fiction BOM June 2025 (starts 2 Jun)
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Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited Jun 14, 2025 12:34AM)
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Date Chapters Pages MPDQs
2 Jun 1 - 7 18% Judith (Belem)
3 Jun The Story - 13 36% Judy (OooooA)
4 Jun 14 - 20 55% Jenny (ESB)
5 Jun 21 - The Story 71% Lisa AG (Sky)
6 Jun 26 - The Story 88% Tammie (CNT)
7 Jun 32 - end 100% Kaley (Liz)
Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?
Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here
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Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited May 29, 2025 09:03AM)
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Nominator: Judith (Belem)
Jenny (ESB)
Kaley (Liz)
Fiona (3P)
Cat (Liz backup)
Lisa AG (Sky)
Lisa AG (Sky extra entry)
Lexi (Belem backup)
Angie (ESB backup)
Preeti (Sky backup)
Logan (Lotus)
Alyana (Icono)
Judy (OoooA)
Judy (OoooA) extra entry
Catherine (Burj)
Catherine (Burj) extra entry
Lousie (3P) backup
Tammie (CNT)
Melissa (Burj) backup
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Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited May 29, 2025 09:11AM)
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There were 12 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
Judy (OoooA) extra entry
Jenny (ESB)
Lisa AG (Sky extra entry)
Tammie (CNT)
Judy (OoooA)
Kaley (Liz)
Alyana (Icono)
Logan (Lotus)
Fiona (3P)
Catherine (Burj)
Catherine (Burj) extra entry
Lisa AG (Sky)
Timestamp: 2025-05-29 16:04:26 UTC
Mod
In for DQs. (Team Empire State Building)
Volunteering for DQs - Team Elizabeth Tower
Volunteering for DQs - Team Three Pagodas
Mod
Volunteering for Sky tower!
Can I also use one of my extra entries. Team sky tower
Volunteering for DQ's for Team Belém Tower
Volunteering a for DQs ~ (Team ESB, backup)
Mod
Volunteering for Team Sky Tower (backup)!
Volunteering for DQs - Team Lotus Tower!
Volunteering for Icono Tower!
Volunteering for OoooooA (and I'd like to use an extra entry, please)!
Volunteering for Team Burj Khalifa . I'd Like to use my extra entry please.
Volunteering for back up Team Three Pagodas
Volunteering for OoA :) (backup)
In for DQs - Team CNT
I'll volunteer for DQs - Team Burj Khalifa (backup)
Mod
If you can't do your date, a listed backup can cover you, if you have no back up or they can't do the date then the next unique team will be up!
Good for my day.
I want to join and read this book but am lost as how this works. Any guidance or, if it already exists, where can I look into getting the info?
Mod
Hi Rosemarie, there's some information here, but the short version is that we've broken the book down into sections, and on each day people post a set of questions to act as prompts for discussion. Read along and answer the questions - at the same pace as the breakdown, or at your own pace. We only ask that you try to avoid spoilers if you read faster than the breakdown!
It looks a bit more complicated because of the team challenge going on, but that part is over now - it's just read, chat and enjoy (we hope!)
Cat wrote: "Rosemarie wrote: "I want to join and read this book but am lost as how this works. Any guidance or, if it already exists, where can I look into getting the info?"Hi Rosemarie, there's some inform..."
Thank you Cat. I realized that I was limited to what I had available to inform myself on my phone. BIG change on my computer. I will join in and I hope to make some good friends.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to me. Much appreciated!
I'm good for my day too :)
Mod
Chapters 1 to 7
1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
Mod
Chapters 1 to 7
1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
The female MC will be a happy sunshiny person who is covering some tragic backstory and the male MC will be a grumpy goose with a hidden heart of gold. Forced proximity will lead them to true love. It's a contemporary romance so probably some silly lack of communication will cause a rift that will be bridged by a grand gesture. The end. I'm sure I'll still enjoy it though. LOL And I'd be delighted if Henry tosses in some surprises!
2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
She seems like a genuine good person who likes to be both nice and kind to everyone. A great friend to have but also not someone I could be around all the time, she's exhaust my introverted-self's social battery too quickly.
3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
As long as it didn't put me out of my day job, sure, why not? she'd be compensating me for my time and lodging. What would I have to lose? I'm not sure why Margaret is doing it this way, maybe to end up with a more interesting story? I'm sure it's something we'll learn by the end.
4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
It explains his reserved nature and help fill in his character some. We honestly don't know all that much about him yet. Except that he's a decent guy enough that he's willing to step in and/or be aware of a woman's safety. And a talented author. That's not a lot to go on yet.
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 to 7
1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
Honestly? This kind of book is not what I enjoy usually. I have been not overly impressed with Henry to this point. I have only read the BOMs though, so I don't have a lot of experience with her books. I am liking this one much better so far than the last one.
2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
I like Alice. I'm not sure I could be around that much energy and good mood for too long though, it sounds a bit tiring.
I wish there had been a bigger and bluer drink to send, but I liked the gesture.
3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
For me, it would depend on who the subject was. If there was a chance to spend a month with one of my personal idols, and I was getting paid to do it, then I likely would.
All I can think of is that Margaret is ill, or there is a secret that she knows is about to be revealed to the world, and she wants to be the one to do it.
4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
Brooding, taciturn, gorgeous, aloof, talented, and the obvious love interest? Yeah, the back story did help a bit. I was ready to just roll my eyes, but he seems like an ok guy.
1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in? This is my first book by Emily Henry, so I really have no expectations set.
2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
Alice is a cheery, glass half full kind of person. I think that makes her a little naive and maybe not so assertive as she thinks she is. I think that she uses her cheeriness to break the ice and walls of others, like Margaret and Hayden. Let see how that progresses in the novel. I also see her naive nature when she is cornered by the drunk man after the fire alarm goes off, though that is easy to say because I am not in that situation. Maybe I would be thrown off too.
3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
I would do it! I am in a really nice area, with everything paid, and I can still continue doing my job? Oh yeah! and I would be around Hayden, who is a very attractive man, from the description. I think Margaret is doing it this way to see if she can trust Alice or Hayden, and I almost think that she might be looking to see their style.
Also, the beginning of the book talks about versions of the same story. Maybe she is telling a different version to each of them.
4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
Yes, at first I thought he was a guy with a much inflated ego who cannot be bothered by the little people. After he revealed a little of his past, I can see that there is a reason (not fully known yet though) for him being reserved and maybe a little skeptical of others. I do love how he protects Alice even though she gets on his nerves sometimes with her cheery nature.
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 to 7
1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
I really only read these because they are the BOM selections! But, I have to say that Judith nailed it with her answer!! Not going to try to even add to it. I will say that this EH book has started off better (for me) than any of the others I've read.
2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
The part she is "sharing" with the world seems to take everything in stride. I tend to think this is probably to mask/coverup some past trauma. The good natured, kind part of her seems genuine though. At first I thought she sent him the drink just to be snarky, but after her buying him a green tea later, I think she was just being nice to what she thought was a bully in hopes of making friends, perhaps.
3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
As long as she were paying me for my time and I was still able to do my real job without any issues, why not? Even if I didn't get to write the story, I'd still be getting paid (2 salaries) to spend a month in a vacation town. Not sure why Margaret is approaching it this way, but I'm sure she has her reasons.
4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
It somewhat explains his desire to be alone/reserved, but doesn't really tell us to excuse his behavior. (Not sure that it ever would because he is still choosing to be that way.) We barely have any info on any of the characters so far - really just enough to make you want more! But, he is a nice enough guy to step in when he thinks Alice might be in danger! So, points for that.
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 to 7
1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
She is the only romance author I like. Julia Whelan as the narrator really ads to the stories
2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
Love Alice… she is spunky. I think she was just being nice.
3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
Sure experience always helps. Not sure of he motives.
4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
I helps me understand why he is so reserved. No, likes him before and after
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 to 7
1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
I've read quite a few of her books, enjoyed them while reading but forget them a week after I'm done. So I expect it will be the same for this book. But maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised.
2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
Typical EmHen (apparently that's what her Tik Tok fans calls her ) type of heroine. What's not to like, LOL. Sunny, a little bit feisty, enough to melt a brooding hero's heart!)
3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
If I was these characters I'd surely do it. They are dedicated enough to the story to do pretty much anything to get the job. Why is Margaret doing it this way, she had a great love affair and I think she recognizes in Alice and Hayden there will be one there too.
4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
We know that he's protective and a good hearted guy behind the growly exterior, No doubt, Alice will bring out more of his character. Time (and pages) will tell.
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 to 7
1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
I have high expectations! I've really enjoyed all of her books...we'll see...a good start I think!
2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
Tinker Bell meets the Grinch so far! I like Alice's style. I wonder if she'll stay at the happy, happy level throughout the story.
3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
I would definitely agree. A chance of a lifetime here! I think Margaret is going to turn out to be a pretty savvy person...thus I believe there is a twist. I hope it's something super WOW!
4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
What do they say...We are what we think/experience. This is a romance after all so there is likely to be more to Hayden absolutely. I expect my opinion of him will improve with every chapter.
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 to 7
1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
I was surprised to see this is my first Emily Henry book! I've seen her name on a lot of books in the last couple years (GR Choice Awards) so I do have some high expectations that it'll be good.
2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
I love Alice's positivity, but can see it getting annoying later on. But for these chapters/beginning, so far I like her.
3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
I guess if it was something I was super passionate about (like Alice is), I'd do it for the opportunity. I want to say that Margaret is doing it because she likes both Hayden's and Alice's viewpoints and wanted to see how each of them would bring her story to life. Or maybe that their views were so vastly different that she couldn't decide.
4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
Not really. I guess it helps understand his sort of aloofness/coldness but I don't feel like I really know him yet.
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 to 7
1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
I've only read one other Emily Henry book (Book Lovers), but I enjoyed it and have all of her romances on my TBR. I'm very picky when it comes to romance and I really enjoy Emily Henry's writing, so I'm hoping to like this one equally as much or better.
2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
Alice seems sweet, but at the same time I can see her being a bit too much for my taste as the book goes on, but we'll see. I thought her sending Hayden a big blue drink was funny. I think she was trying to be cheeky, but of course all in good fun.
3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
I would absolutely agree to a month long trial! Especially if I was getting paid and staying in a nice place. And it would be such an awesome opportunity, I don't see a reason not to. I don't have any theories as to why Margaret is setting it up this way though...
4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
Still don't know too much about him, but it makes more sense why he's been so standoffish. I don't think he's all that bad, and I'm sure Alice will break down his walls more and more as the book continues.
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 to 7
1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
I feel like I’ve never seen people as divided about one of her books as this one – I’ve seen a lot of people say they hated this, but I’ve also seen quite a few saying this is their favorite of hers. I’ve read all of her books and I feel like I enjoy the ones that receive the most criticism, so I’m really interested to see whether that’s the case here for and it does make me excited to read this book.
2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
I find her peppiness almost a little exhausting – and I wonder whether that is something that will come tumbling down eventually, because I’m not quite convinced it comes fully natural to her.
3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
I think it’s a cool opportunity and I think I would agree too, just to see where things go.
4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
I wasn’t surprised that he would have a reason to be a of an uptight grouch, so I don’t really know if this changed my opinion of him. I don’t really care for grumpy/sunshine because I think both extremes are a little too annoying and I wouldn’t love hanging out with these people IRL, but I’m sure he’ll soften up more the better he gets to know Alice.
1. Having never read a novel by Emily Henry; my expectations were only from the book's dust jacket. You have two journalists, Hayden who just won a Pulitzer & Alice who writes for a thinly disguised People Magazine. Alice is way overmatched.2.Alice seems like a genuinely nice person who is very naive. She wants people to be nice to her.
3. Margaret is by far the most interesting character as a sort of Howard Huges and Greata Garbo mystique. Yes, I would agree to the month-long trial run as her story is fascinating.
4, I would not trust anything that Hayden says. He will do anything to write this story.
DQs Day 2The Story to Chapter 13
5. Margaret is lying – and probably not just about one singular thing. Do you think she’s even telling Alice and Hayden the same story? Personally I’m also really curious where Margaret’s sister Laura is – to me it feels like she might be key to the whole story… anything specific that made you perk up?
6. Similarly, it was kind of an aside but I thought it was interesting when Margaret mentioned the Ives family’s rivalry with the Pulitzers. Is it just a random coincidence that Hayden is a Pulitzer-prize winning author who now also gets to talk to her? Especially since she requested him? And he has a bunch of family issues too?
7. I was a little shocked when they were already kissing 25% in – and then not surprised when Hayden rejects Alice. Do you think he’s telling the truth when he says “I’m not going to hook up with someone whose dream job I’m about to take from them”? Or is there something else going on?
8. We get quite a bit of detail on Alice’s job and research process as a journalist: what she’s searching for, working with fact-checkers, etc. Do you enjoy these types of details, i.e. minutae of characters’ jobs and hobbies?
9. I’ve been to Hearst Castle, but long before I actually knew anything about him. The Ives family seems to be quite obviously inspired by him (and I guess he was name-dropped for plausible deniability). Is there a specific family dynasty you’re really interested in?
10. Bonus question: So… anyone else feel like they’re reading Evelyn Hugo 2.0?
DQs Day 2The Story to Chapter 13
5. Margaret is lying – and probably not just about one singular thing. Do you think she’s even telling Alice and Hayden the same story? Personally I’m also really curious where Margaret’s sister Laura is – to me it feels like she might be key to the whole story… anything specific that made you perk up?
I was also thinking that the writers were getting different stories. But, if she is really wanting to compare the two's work, then telling the same story would make more sense.
No clue what the "bombshell" will be.
6. Similarly, it was kind of an aside but I thought it was interesting when Margaret mentioned the Ives family’s rivalry with the Pulitzers. Is it just a random coincidence that Hayden is a Pulitzer-prize winning author who now also gets to talk to her? Especially since she requested him? And he has a bunch of family issues too?
He is probably her long lost son or something. Or her sister's son. Something that doesn't make a whole lot of sense with his personal history.
7. I was a little shocked when they were already kissing 25% in – and then not surprised when Hayden rejects Alice. Do you think he’s telling the truth when he says “I’m not going to hook up with someone whose dream job I’m about to take from them”? Or is there something else going on?
I think the something else going on is that heaven forfend we get a happy couple from the get go, and see how they deal with the vicissitudes of life. The only way we can get a happy couple in the end is if there are obstacles to them getting together.
8. We get quite a bit of detail on Alice’s job and research process as a journalist: what she’s searching for, working with fact-checkers, etc. Do you enjoy these types of details, i.e. minutae of characters’ jobs and hobbies?
I don't mind it. I think asking her sometime "boyfriend" about things will backfire.
9. I’ve been to Hearst Castle, but long before I actually knew anything about him. The Ives family seems to be quite obviously inspired by him (and I guess he was name-dropped for plausible deniability). Is there a specific family dynasty you’re really interested in?
Nope. I don't really understand celebrity, and the fascination it holds on society. Especially when it comes to the children of famous or rich people. What the hell did they do to merit any interest except be born? (Yes, there are exceptions.)
10. Bonus question: So… anyone else feel like they’re reading Evelyn Hugo 2.0?
Oh god yes. I couldn't remember the name of the book that I seemed to be rereading though. Thank you. Pretty sure that was another BOM that didn't linger in my memory.
DQs Day 2The Story to Chapter 13
5. Margaret is lying – and probably not just about one singular thing. Do you think she’s even telling Alice and Hayden the same story? Personally I’m also really curious where Margaret’s sister Laura is – to me it feels like she might be key to the whole story… anything specific that made you perk up?
It seems Margaret really does like Alice a lot. I keep wondering why in the world she just didn't leave Hayden out of it. I think you might be right about Laura...I hadn't thought of that until now. Also the Pulitzer name you mention in the next question. That really made we wonder...I love books that make you wonder :)
6. Similarly, it was kind of an aside but I thought it was interesting when Margaret mentioned the Ives family’s rivalry with the Pulitzers. Is it just a random coincidence that Hayden is a Pulitzer-prize winning author who now also gets to talk to her? Especially since she requested him? And he has a bunch of family issues too?
I really want to know more about Hayden's family issues...perhaps they are connected??
7. I was a little shocked when they were already kissing 25% in – and then not surprised when Hayden rejects Alice. Do you think he’s telling the truth when he says “I’m not going to hook up with someone whose dream job I’m about to take from them”? Or is there something else going on?
I really think he's struggling with liking Alice because he wants this job as much as Alice does. I'd really be conflicted about this as well.
8. We get quite a bit of detail on Alice’s job and research process as a journalist: what she’s searching for, working with fact-checkers, etc. Do you enjoy these types of details, i.e. minutiae of characters’ jobs and hobbies?
I really don't. I'm like things to be organized...but I hate getting in to all the details...drives me nutso!
9. I’ve been to Hearst Castle, but long before I actually knew anything about him. The Ives family seems to be quite obviously inspired by him (and I guess he was name-dropped for plausible deniability). Is there a specific family dynasty you’re really interested in?
My mom loved Elvis...my ears always perk up when something in that family happens...so tragic! Other than that, I don't pay too much attention honestly.
10. Bonus question: So… anyone else feel like they’re reading Evelyn Hugo 2.0?
It's get the same vibe...but different. I hope the surprise is even better than Evelyn Hugo which was soooo good.
DQs Day 2The Story to Chapter 13
5. Margaret is lying – and probably not just about one singular thing. Do you think she’s even telling Alice and Hayden the same story? Personally I’m also really curious where Margaret’s sister Laura is – to me it feels like she might be key to the whole story… anything specific that made you perk up?
I think she is intentionally telling both of them the "wrong" story (i.e. lying) to see if either of them will question her on it, talk to each other about it, or just let you have the story she wants! It's all about whether she can trust them to be true to her story....her real story. I didn't really question anything about Laura. No idea what the surprise will be (and not really trying to figure it out.)
6. Similarly, it was kind of an aside but I thought it was interesting when Margaret mentioned the Ives family’s rivalry with the Pulitzers. Is it just a random coincidence that Hayden is a Pulitzer-prize winning author who now also gets to talk to her? Especially since she requested him? And he has a bunch of family issues too?
There are no such things as coincidences... It was mentioned for a reason, but no idea what! Maybe Hayden was an Ives that was adopted as a baby....
7. I was a little shocked when they were already kissing 25% in – and then not surprised when Hayden rejects Alice. Do you think he’s telling the truth when he says “I’m not going to hook up with someone whose dream job I’m about to take from them”? Or is there something else going on?
I wasn't surprised that the kiss happened or that the immediate rejection happened. He probably believes that it is true or he wants it to be. Men, and all! I'm sure there is something else going on!!
8. We get quite a bit of detail on Alice’s job and research process as a journalist: what she’s searching for, working with fact-checkers, etc. Do you enjoy these types of details, i.e. minutae of characters’ jobs and hobbies?
I didn't mind it. I think Theo is going to be a problem though. Not sure if it is going to be about the book/story or Hayden or both!
9. I’ve been to Hearst Castle, but long before I actually knew anything about him. The Ives family seems to be quite obviously inspired by him (and I guess he was name-dropped for plausible deniability). Is there a specific family dynasty you’re really interested in?
Not really - my interest is with the imaginary dynasties that are in books or tv or movies! I have SO many boyfriends out there - too bad they don't know it yet!!! 🤣
10. Bonus question: So… anyone else feel like they’re reading Evelyn Hugo 2.0?
I thought it sounded familiar, but couldn't place the book. Honestly, still not sure if that is the one. Romances all pretty much all the same to me.
Judy1827 books | 152 friends
see comment historyDQs Day 2
The Story to Chapter 13
5. Margaret is lying – and probably not just about one singular thing. Do you think she’s even telling Alice and Hayden the same story? Personally I’m also really curious where Margaret’s sister Laura is – to me it feels like she might be key to the whole story… anything specific that made you perk up?
Yes, I'm thinking along the same lines, that neither story is true. And the true story will be the twist towards the end. Laura may be part of this.. or not.
6. Similarly, it was kind of an aside but I thought it was interesting when Margaret mentioned the Ives family’s rivalry with the Pulitzers. Is it just a random coincidence that Hayden is a Pulitzer-prize winning author who now also gets to talk to her? Especially since she requested him? And he has a bunch of family issues too?
Probably inevitable that the Pulitzers and the Hearsts as media moguls of the time will be mentioned. Interesting theory that maybe Hayden is part of either the Pulitzer or Ives family, missing illegitimate son maybe?
7. I was a little shocked when they were already kissing 25% in – and then not surprised when Hayden rejects Alice. Do you think he’s telling the truth when he says “I’m not going to hook up with someone whose dream job I’m about to take from them”? Or is there something else going on?
Typical romance trope, amazing sexual chemistry but no we can't get together for A, B, or C reason. Romance 101, they can't get together in the first third of the book, or if they do some silly misunderstanding will break them up. Par for the course, here.
8. We get quite a bit of detail on Alice’s job and research process as a journalist: what she’s searching for, working with fact-checkers, etc. Do you enjoy these types of details, i.e. minutae of characters’ jobs and hobbies?
Not really, I was glazing over a bit at these details, although I suppose they do add credibility to her profession as journalist.
9. I’ve been to Hearst Castle, but long before I actually knew anything about him. The Ives family seems to be quite obviously inspired by him (and I guess he was name-dropped for plausible deniability). Is there a specific family dynasty you’re really interested in?
The British Royal family, especially historical monarchs are my thing. Love reading about what they got up, warts and all.
10. Bonus question: So… anyone else feel like they’re reading Evelyn Hugo 2.0?
Interesting, that didn't really cross my mind. I suppose a lot of novels have backstories, so yes I can see some similarities.
5. Margaret is lying – and probably not just about one singular thing. Do you think she’s even telling Alice and Hayden the same story? Personally I’m also really curious where Margaret’s sister Laura is – to me it feels like she might be key to the whole story… anything specific that made you perk up?I still think that she is telling a different story to both of them. Wondering the why...but I think that she is probably testing them in some way. My prediction is that eventually she will ask them to work together to write her story. I just don't see Margaret getting rid of either. I always wonder why Margaret seems to be chatty about the story, but as soon as there is a deeper question (the why) she shuts down. What made me perk up is when Alice asked, why now, and she said that she had made a promise and it was too late to take it back. Wondering who she made that promise to and why they wanted the story to be told.
6. Similarly, it was kind of an aside but I thought it was interesting when Margaret mentioned the Ives family’s rivalry with the Pulitzers. Is it just a random coincidence that Hayden is a Pulitzer-prize winning author who now also gets to talk to her? Especially since she requested him? And he has a bunch of family issues too?
I really think that Hayden is related or maybe he is Thomas' relative and she is trying to make make up for it. The fact that he won a Pulitzer gives me a pause. I'm sure he deserved it, but maybe this story is important to him to prove himself to his family of his worth. I find it interesting that Alice, Hayden, and Gerald are looking for validation with their families.
7. I was a little shocked when they were already kissing 25% in – and then not surprised when Hayden rejects Alice. Do you think he’s telling the truth when he says “I’m not going to hook up with someone whose dream job I’m about to take from them”? Or is there something else going on?
I think that Hayden really does not want to hurt his chances of getting the job, and I think that he is attracted to Alice and does not want to hurt her. He has demonstrated that he is a gentleman. That is his internal struggle. Kissing 25% in...this is a romance novel after all.
8. We get quite a bit of detail on Alice’s job and research process as a journalist: what she’s searching for, working with fact-checkers, etc. Do you enjoy these types of details, i.e. minutae of characters’ jobs and hobbies?
I do...I think that is part of the job and it gives credibility to the story as a journalist, her job. Makes that characters more believable and human.
9. I’ve been to Hearst Castle, but long before I actually knew anything about him. The Ives family seems to be quite obviously inspired by him (and I guess he was name-dropped for plausible deniability). Is there a specific family dynasty you’re really interested in?
I like Historical Fiction stories, so while I do not search for a family dynasty, I can get into pretty deep rabbit holes with facts about the real events in a story.
10. Bonus question: So… anyone else feel like they’re reading Evelyn Hugo 2.0?
Have not read that...but I might add it to my list. Always looking for good books.
P.S. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this discussion. I needed something to encourage me to read on a regular basis, Do you sometimes reply to each other when you read other people's take on the story?
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Genuine Lies (other topics)Genuine Lies (other topics)
Firefly Lane (other topics)
Funny Story (other topics)
Book Lovers (other topics)
Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping new novel from Emily Henry.
Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they’re both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: To write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years--or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be the Margaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century.
When Margaret invites them both for a one-month trial period, after which she’ll choose the person who’ll tell her story, there are three things keeping Alice’s head in the game.
One: Alice genuinely likes people, which means people usually like Alice—and she has a whole month to win the legendary woman over.
Two: She’s ready for this job and the chance to impress her perennially unimpressed family with a Serious Publication
Three: Hayden Anderson, who should have no reason to be concerned about losing this book, is glowering at her in a shaken-to-the core way that suggests he sees her as competition.
But the problem is, Margaret is only giving each of them pieces of her story. Pieces they can’t swap to put together because of an ironclad NDA and an inconvenient yearning pulsing between them every time they’re in the same room.
And it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story—just like the tale Margaret’s spinning—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad…depending on who’s telling it.
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nominator: Judith
official page count: 420 pages