The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing
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Insight into chapter "The Best Possible Light" ?!?!
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seriously.
didn't even notice they referenced jane. this is why you shouldn't read in bed on nyquil.


I agree with Abbie's assesment that the author thought she needed to open up the story beyond the interior of our heroine.
[I didn't read this on Nyquil, but obviously, I was on something because everyone's name escapes me at the moment. Sorry, in advance, for all the pronouns.]
I would add that the story is linked to Jane's in that it offers a parents' perspective. While we see the mother's assesment of her daughter's relationships, I think the parallel is mainly between this mother and Jane's father. Just as Jane's dad was worried about her relationship with an old alcoholic, this mother has to contend with her son's unique situation. In both situations, the parents disappointment has no effect on the support and love that they offer their children. I think we are being offered an insight into that judgemental yet unconditional and ineffectual feeling that most parents of grown children must feel.
I did find it interesting (and it could be a coincidence, but I think not) that the parents in this chapter obviously not on good terms and their son turns out to be something of a prick. I mean, he seems nice enough, but I guess I just don't think too highly of someone who would be in that situation.
In contrast, Jane's impression of her parents is of a happy marriage. Or at least an enduring one. We have reason to hope she finds happiness in the end. Is this a matter of chance? A major theme in the book is the influence that a father has over a daughter. Maybe this chapter is a social commentary on the influence a father can have on a son.
Just a thought.


This is not cute or eye opening to me. To me this just says "our writer room got bored and didn't know how to expand on that character. And also we ran out of time because a pick up game of basketball started at studio D and we have a rivarly against the art department team from HBO's Tru Blood".
In a novella format I really appreciate a good vignette. But instead I found myself taken out of the book and not compensated for it (ie never saw this storyline or characters again). Then again, who knows. Maybe Melissa got bored and there was a pick of game basketball going on in the neighborhood. and of course, she has that rivalry going on with stephanie meyers...


But I'm glad to see that this chapter was the argument that Jane was overhearing. Somehow I missed that set up.

Thanks for starting this!
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My guess is that Melissa Bank wants to point out to readers how self-absorbed we can be. Until this point, everything is Jane Jane Jane. But in another apartment, just a few feet away, others have their own worries and joys to deal with, and Jane's existence is reduced to a simple, "Is she hot?". Its purpose is to humble us.
I think it's this chapter that makes "Girl's Guide" really special.
Any other thoughts?