One Day by David Nicholls, start date Jan. 30th

[Donna]

Haha! My kinda party Susan! I'm finishing up my work, so I hope to catch up tomorrow.

[Donna]

Hi, Ladies! Just finished Part 2 :).

[Lina]

Questions for Part 2

8.Were you surprised it was Dex's mum who was sick? Or how far his alcoholism had developed?

9.I did a little cheer that Emma had gotten out of Taco Caliente and studied! Do you think she is still disappointed in herself that she hasn't written a book, or do you think she'll come to love teaching exclusively (professionally) and stop reaching for more?

10.Hmmm, what is your take on the "funny men are trying too hard" sentiment? Is humour important to you in a partner?

11.Anyone else disappointed that Emma bought a place with Ian when her feelings for him are so wishy-washy? Is she settling?


12.Oh no, I have to admit that by the end of Part 2, I wasn't finding either Dex or Emma particularly likeable. Dex has become an asshat! Are you glad she cleared the air in the scene outside the restaurant?

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

Susan's Answer's Questions for Part 2

8.Were you surprised it was Dex's mum who was sick? Or how far his alcoholism had developed?

Not really surprised it was Dex's mum who was sick, but the alcoholism, yes. Very surprised.

9.I did a little cheer that Emma had gotten out of Taco Caliente and studied! Do you think she is still disappointed in herself that she hasn't written a book, or do you think she'll come to love teaching exclusively (professionally) and stop reaching for more?

I was also happy she had gotten out of the restaurant. I think she won't be happy no matter what she does. So yes, I think she'll still want to write.

10.Hmmm, what is your take on the "funny men are trying too hard" sentiment? Is humour important to you in a partner?

I agree to a point. If they're trying to make a joke out of everything, then yes, they're trying to hard. Is humor important in partner? Yes, but I don't need an Ian ;)

11.Anyone else disappointed that Emma bought a place with Ian when her feelings for him are so wishy-washy? Is she settling?

I wasn't disappointed that they bought a place together, but I do feel she's settling. I think she feels it's the next logical step in their relationship.


12.Oh no, I have to admit that by the end of Part 2, I wasn't finding either Dex or Emma particularly likeable. Dex has become an asshat! Are you glad she cleared the air in the scene outside the restaurant?

God yes! I cheered Emma on as she "broke up" with him. I did not like Dex AT ALL! Emma has such low self-esteem is kind of sad. In all honesty, I figured she'd just keep on taking Dex's crap.

[Donna]

Answers for part 2 question set:

8.Were you surprised it was Dex's mum who was sick? Or how far his alcoholism had developed?

I wasn’t surprised about his mother’s illness. When she wanted to talk to him in Italy, I suspected that may be the reason. As far as the alcoholism, drug abuse, not really surprised about that one either. There were earlier hints about his carefree attitude towards these things, and as we mentioned before, Dex was in no way prepared to handle life outside the happy photograph, so when the stresses hit, it’s a way to cover them up and pretend. I had to get out the Kleenex box for these chapters. The visit with his mom and the phone calls to Emma when she was out on her date were heartbreaking! He knew who he really needed and he ended up with Naomi. Not that I blame Emma for being out. She’s got a life, after all – finally. I was sooo sad for Dex on his TV premiere! I love how their lives are juxtaposed here – her successful premiere and his bomb. They had switched roles. Before she had the dead-end life at the restaurant and he had all the glamour.

9.I did a little cheer that Emma had gotten out of Taco Caliente and studied! Do you think she is still disappointed in herself that she hasn't written a book, or do you think she'll come to love teaching exclusively (professionally) and stop reaching for more?

Well, I think she still obviously longs to write, but she’s become practical and seems to have realized that there are other fulfilling paths in life. It was nice to see that she pulled herself out of that restaurant and did something positive, something more in tune with her ideals.

10.Hmmm, what is your take on the "funny men are trying too hard" sentiment? Is humour important to you in a partner?

Well, that depends on how funny. A sense of humor is very important, but when practically everything is a joke, it would get really old. Maybe Ian feels he has to over-compensate to compete with Dex in some way?

11.Anyone else disappointed that Emma bought a place with Ian when her feelings for him are so wishy-washy? Is she settling?

Yeh, I was disappointed when they bought the house, because she is definitely settling, and he is serious, so it's an unfair move for both of them. I feel sorry for Ian. It must be hard for him to have Dex in the background all the time. He knows what’s up. I seems Em just rushed into things because she feels somehow that’s where she should be in life – having someone that is – and if she can’t have the someone she wants, she’ll take the first nice guy who comes along.

12.Oh no, I have to admit that by the end of Part 2, I wasn't finding either Dex or Emma particularly likeable. Dex has become an asshat! Are you glad she cleared the air in the scene outside the restaurant?

I don’t know who irritated me more in the restaurant, Em or Dex. It was one of those arguments that is completely serious to the people involved, but an outside observer can just see it spiraling into the ludicrous. I laughed so hard when Dex insisted on re-ordering! I was so happy to see Em finally stand up and express herself!! Dex needed to hear her. I love that line, “I love you so, so much. . . .I just don’t like you anymore.” I think when he’s around Em, he’s very self-conscious, because he’s with someone who expects a lot better of him, and he knows it. Unfortunately, it gets expressed in a defensive attitude. Again, dealing with someone who refuses to see realities. “I’m just having fun!” he says.

It's sad because both of them are settling here. Em in her relationship and Dex with his life in general. They both realize they are spiraling out of control, but neither knows how to stop it.

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

Donna, My heart really went out to Dex cause he's wanted Emma all along and he makes crap choices and doesn't end up with her. Of course, at the same time, I wanted to box his ears and make him realize what he was doing was stupid.

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

Susan's Questions for Part 3

13. WOAH! Emma is sleeping with her married boss! How does that even happen? Did you see this coming? And she and Ian broke up. Was Ian being a bit dramatic or is he really that heart broken? Was he justified in asking about Em and Dex? Are you surprised Em and Dex haven't talked in such a long time?

14. Dex got canned and Emma quit her job. A time of starting over for both of them. They didn't even think of each other. Do you think they've been in contact?

15. WTH kind of game is "Are you there Moriarity?" I laughed through this but it was strange.

16. Emma and Dexter finally talked. And what a talk it was! Dex is getting married and Sylvie's pregnant. Can I just tell ya'll, I cried. Both of them want to be together and they're not. My heart broke for them. Comments.

17. Sylvie and Callum? huh. I just don't get the whole cheating thing. I've been on the other end of that and I just don't get it...why not just leave? I have to say my impression of Dex has changed over the last few chapters. I think he's trying, of course being drunk while caring for the baby wasn't too smart. Do you like Dex better now?

18. So, are they together now? It took, how long? I have to say I'm kinda mad at Dex though, everything in their relationship has been on his terms and I'm mad at Emma for caving. Comments.

[Donna]

Susan (susayq) wrote: "Donna, My heart really went out to Dex cause he's wanted Emma all along and he makes crap choices and doesn't end up with her. Of course, at the same time, I wanted to box his ears and make him re..."

My sentiments exactly!! I'll try and finish part 3 today or tomorrow. Sorry, running late again. The work flowed in at the worst time!!

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

I totally get work interrupting your reading. Wouldn't it be nice to have a job where you could get paid to read?

[Donna]

Susan (susayq) wrote: "I totally get work interrupting your reading. Wouldn't it be nice to have a job where you could get paid to read?"

There ya go! My mom was a librarian, and part of her job was to read the latest books.

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

I've thought about getting my master's in library science and applying at local libraries and the community college. I just can't afford to go back to school right now.

[Donna]

Susan (susayq) wrote: "I've thought about getting my master's in library science and applying at local libraries and the community college. I just can't afford to go back to school right now."

What's your undergraduate degree in? My mom was a librarian.

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

My undergrad is elementary education. So I could do library-media in education and be a school librarian. My only problem with that is with budget cutbacks like they are right now, I may price myself out of a job inthe public school systems. That's why I was considering library science without the education part.

[Lina]

Susan's Questions for Part 3

13. WOAH! Emma is sleeping with her married boss! How does that even happen? Did you see this coming? And she and Ian broke up. Was Ian being a bit dramatic or is he really that heart broken? Was he justified in asking about Em and Dex? Are you surprised Em and Dex haven't talked in such a long time? I couldn't believe the bit about Emma and Phil! I thought she was too principled (no pun intended) to do that. I expected for her to have broken up with Ian, and was glad of it. I think Ian was being dramatic, because even if he felt that way,why go on about it like that. I do understand though how he might always have been jealous if he sensed some chemistry between Dex and Em. As for them not talking, I thought it had to happen. I was glad there wasn't a quick fix but they kept thinking about each other.

14. Dex got canned and Emma quit her job. A time of starting over for both of them. They didn't even think of each other. Do you think they've been in contact? I don't think they were in contact much before the weddings, but I did think they'd thought of each other in passing... She mentions that she's thought of him every day, even if only in passing...

15. WTH kind of game is "Are you there Moriarity?" I laughed through this but it was strange. SAME, pissing myself laughing, but I wonder what kind of sick weird family this was. Talk about competitive.

16. Emma and Dexter finally talked. And what a talk it was! Dex is getting married and Sylvie's pregnant. Can I just tell ya'll, I cried. Both of them want to be together and they're not. My heart broke for them. Comments. So far I think this book should be called "The one that got away", but what a cliff-hanger I got left at the end of part 3. And their coming together at the end there, on the heels of his divorce and her success with her book, seems strangely anticlimactic.

17. Sylvie and Callum? huh. I just don't get the whole cheating thing. I've been on the other end of that and I just don't get it...why not just leave? I have to say my impression of Dex has changed over the last few chapters. I think he's trying, of course being drunk while caring for the baby wasn't too smart. Do you like Dex better now? I want to smack him. Truly, he has no control. I agree with you big time on the cheating thing Susan. I think it's such a lack of respect, the least they could do if they're ready to move on, is let the person still in the relationship know. I am seeing Dexter mature bit by bit.

18. So, are they together now? It took, how long? I have to say I'm kinda mad at Dex though, everything in their relationship has been on his terms and I'm mad at Emma for caving. Comments. YES!! Like I said above, anticlimactic. It's not the right coming together I thought they had in store.

[Lina]

Just finished Part 4 and I felt like screaming. What The bloddy Hell!!!! No friggin' way!! I'm so upset by this, stupid stupid author, sucks me in and then does this!!

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

Get your tissues, Caro! I sobbed through part 5!

[Lina]

Finished the book while I was at the hairdresser's today. If I hadn't been out in public, I would have been blubbering.

[Donna]

13. WOAH! Emma is sleeping with her married boss! How does that even happen? Did you see this coming? And she and Ian broke up. Was Ian being a bit dramatic or is he really that heart broken? Was he justified in asking about Em and Dex? Are you surprised Em and Dex haven't talked in such a long time?

Well, I thought we may see more of Phil, but that was definitely more than I wanted to see. I hated this episode! Come on, Emma! How low can you go? Married and ewww . . . sounds creepy. (Bit of a spoiler here if ur going to watch it, but I was relieved they left this part out of the movie.) Yeh, Ian was over-dramatic, especially because he must have known it was coming, but I think he really was deeply hurt. Glad Em made the decision though before things went any further. Not surprised that Em and Dex haven’t been in contact much after the restaurant episode. To be honest, they both needed to step back.

14. Dex got canned and Emma quit her job. A time of starting over for both of them. They didn't even think of each other. Do you think they've been in contact?

It didn’t seem like they’ve been in contact much, but I don’t think either of them ever stopped thinking about the other or accepted that their friendship was really over. They just needed some breathing room.

15. WTH kind of game is "Are you there Moriarity?" I laughed through this but it was strange.

Oh, I know! What a weird family! I didn’t like Sylvie from the beginning, actually. Although, she did straighten Dex up, she seemed to be rather condescending. I sure wouldn’t let my family treat someone I cared about that way.

16. Emma and Dexter finally talked. And what a talk it was! Dex is getting married and Sylvie's pregnant. Can I just tell ya'll, I cried. Both of them want to be together and they're not. My heart broke for them. Comments.

Lost in the maze was so heartbreaking! I was so happy for them, and then Dex dropped that bombshell! All the things said and unsaid. At that moment they realized they truly wanted to be together, but now it was impossible.

17. Sylvie and Callum? huh. I just don't get the whole cheating thing. I've been on the other end of that and I just don't get it...why not just leave? I have to say my impression of Dex has changed over the last few chapters. I think he's trying, of course being drunk while caring for the baby wasn't too smart. Do you like Dex better now?

I felt Dex was honestly trying to make a go of it, although I was really worried something was going to happen to that baby!! Sylvie obviously felt like she was stuck with a bad bargain, but she should have been honest and just walked out. And Callum, what a patronizing ass! They belong together.

18. So, are they together now? It took, how long? I have to say I'm kinda mad at Dex though, everything in their relationship has been on his terms and I'm mad at Emma for caving. Comments.

First off, I was really disappointed that the big romantic moment we’ve been waiting for – the first time Dex and Em got together – was drunken sympathy sex and treated as an afterthought. VERY anti-climatic, and the only issue I had with the book. Why do you think Nicholls chose to do this? I wasn’t mad at Dex when he followed Em to Paris, ‘cause I knew that’s what he wanted in his heart all along. Now he was more mature and not afraid to acknowledge his feelings. It was time. I don’t think Em caved. She just finally had some guts. Dex was who she always wanted, and now here he was. Remember, she was just as guilty as he of side-stepping her true feelings all those years. I think it would have been stupid of her to let her pride get in the way, and her current relationship obviously wasn’t that meaningful. I’m glad she decided to just go for it!!

I'll try my best to read part 4 and get the questions up tomorrow.

[Donna]

Good morning! I got up early and finished the book! Cried more this time around. Here's a question set for Part 4:


19. Dex and Em agreed on a fundamentally together, yet comfortably separate relationship. What did you think of this, given their 20 -year yearning for each other and the opportunity they now had? Were you surprised that it was Dex who cracked first in wanting a more conventional set-up? Were you surprised he was writing wedding vows in the next chapter?

20. How do you feel about being excluded from their early romance in Paris? Is it just because a guy wrote this book that we miss out on the passion? Or do you think its exclusion served some purpose?

21. Given Dexter’s journey, do you think he would have been an eventual success if Em had refused him in Paris or do you think it was all due to her? In general, what do you think this book says about the connection between love and happiness?

22. I was sooo happy to see Sylvie get hers!! Did you think we would see more of her when she drove off sulking with Callum?

23. Dex and Em are together, but the story isn’t over, and there are hints of something yet to come. Em’s sister doesn’t quite trust Dex, and Dex thinks, “Everything will be fine, just as long as nothing ever changes.” What did you suspect would happen?

24. What are your impressions of their last day together? The argument at breakfast, Em's mental review of the past and present, their exchange of text messages . . . did these things help to build up a sense of impending tragedy?

25. WHAT was going through your head when Emma was lying on the pavement? What was your immediate reaction to the closing line of Part 4?!

26. What’s been your favorite chapter in their story so far? Favorite quotes?

[Donna]

Hi, Ladies! Where'd ya'll go?

[Lina]

Glad you posted Donna! I hadn't seen this! Getting a little overwhelmed with real life at the moment. These look like great Q's, I'll post my answers when I get back from the school run!

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

So sorry! I've been in bed for the last 2 days with a nasty stomach bug. And like CaroB, real life is being...well, real.

19. Dex and Em agreed on a fundamentally together, yet comfortably separate relationship. What did you think of this, given their 20 -year yearning for each other and the opportunity they now had? Were you surprised that it was Dex who cracked first in wanting a more conventional set-up? Were you surprised he was writing wedding vows in the next chapter?

To be honest, their attitude toward their relationship made sense. I wonder if it wasn't set up that way to protect them from being more hurt in the long run. They've always wanted each other, now they've got it, maybe it's too good to be true and let's not tempt fate kind of thinking. YES! I was surprised it was Dex that wanted more first. But then again, he had already been married and knew what he was missing.

20. How do you feel about being excluded from their early romance in Paris? Is it just because a guy wrote this book that we miss out on the passion? Or do you think its exclusion served some purpose?

I was kinda ticked that we missed it. I would have loved to see it.

21. Given Dexter’s journey, do you think he would have been an eventual success if Em had refused him in Paris or do you think it was all due to her? In general, what do you think this book says about the connection between love and happiness?

I think Dex would have kept floundering without Emma. This book clearly pushes that love and happiness are entwined.

22. I was sooo happy to see Sylvie get hers!! Did you think we would see more of her when she drove off sulking with Callum?

I was also cheering at that scene! Serves her right!

23. Dex and Em are together, but the story isn’t over, and there are hints of something yet to come. Em’s sister doesn’t quite trust Dex, and Dex thinks, “Everything will be fine, just as long as nothing ever changes.” What did you suspect would happen?

I had no clue!

24. What are your impressions of their last day together? The argument at breakfast, Em's mental review of the past and present, their exchange of text messages . . . did these things help to build up a sense of impending tragedy?

I didn't think it built to the tragedy. It just kind of made it clear that any day could be your last. I do love that Dex grew enough to make the first move to apologize. In all honesty, I didn't like Em very much that day. She was being awfully harsh on Dex just cause she wasn't pregnant. I'm sure he wanted it just as much as she did.

25. WHAT was going through your head when Emma was lying on the pavement? What was your immediate reaction to the closing line of Part 4?!

"You can't make it happen like this!" is what was going through my mind. I had to read that last sentence a couple times to understand it LOL

26. What’s been your favorite chapter in their story so far? Favorite quotes?

I've loved this part of their life.

[Donna]

So sorry you've been sick, Susan. :( Hope you're feeling better now! Don't worry, I fully understand about real life. I too have been pretty swamped this week, and next will be worse.

Susan, you're not the only one who had to read that closing line twice. I was completely stunned and sort of in denial, I think. (I thought maybe she'd be paralyzed or something, but not dead) I had to just close the book and walk away for awhile to absorb the fact that she was really gone.

I knew there would be some tragic twist. I suspected Em may end the relationship, because somehow she seemed to be less content OR that somehow Dex would backslide and something happen to him. I NEVER suspected Em's death!

Somehow I felt impending doom on their last morning together. But you're right, it also was an ordinary day in many ways. That quote at the beginning of Part 5 is pretty heavy to think about. I recently read a snippet of a chat with David Nicholls where he said that passage was actually the basis for the book - he wanted to write a story centering around the date of a death, and it turned into this!

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

Thanks, Donna. I'm feeling like death warmed over right this minute. Today is the first time ive looked at the computer or picked up a book since Wednesday afternoon. My kids were like, " wow. You must really feel bad if you're not reading." lol I guess the trips to the bathroom were not noticed ;)

[Donna]

Susan (susayq) wrote: "Thanks, Donna. I'm feeling like death warmed over right this minute. Today is the first time ive looked at the computer or picked up a book since Wednesday afternoon. My kids were like, " wow. You ..."

Hope you get comfy again real soon, Susan!

[Lina]

Susan (susayq) wrote: "lol I guess the trips to the bathroom were not noticed ;) ..."
Oh Susan, that made me laugh! I smuggle books into the bathroom sometimes (when I really can't put my book down) and keep the tweezers at the ready in case my husband wonders what's taking so long, I can tell him I'm doing my eyebrows :-)

[Lina]

19. Dex and Em agreed on a fundamentally together, yet comfortably separate relationship. What did you think of this, given their 20 -year yearning for each other and the opportunity they now had? Were you surprised that it was Dex who cracked first in wanting a more conventional set-up? Were you surprised he was writing wedding vows in the next chapter? I wasn't really surprised it was Dex who cracked first. I think Emma was always going to be unsure of him and insecure enough to not make the first moves with him, whichever stage they were ready for... Once they got together, I wished the chapters had been longer... I felt as if the author did a really good job showing us how they lived seperately, but wasn't satisfied into the snippets of their lives together. As for Dex writing wedding vows, there was a part of me that thought 'finally!'

20. How do you feel about being excluded from their early romance in Paris? Is it just because a guy wrote this book that we miss out on the passion? Or do you think its exclusion served some purpose? lol, I think I answered this one in the last question. I did wonder if it was because the author found it hard to write a romantic angle that the early "honeymoon" period of their coming together was bypassed. I don't think it served any purpose. To me it felt anticlimactic, here we'd been waiting for them to get together and when they finally did, we miss out on being witnesses to it almost.

21. Given Dexter’s journey, do you think he would have been an eventual success if Em had refused him in Paris or do you think it was all due to her? In general, what do you think this book says about the connection between love and happiness? Great question!! hmm, as much as I loved that Dex had already cut back the alcohol before he got to Paris, which had surprised Emma, and so started his own healing, I do think he needs the external motivator. I don't think of Dex as self-driven, so in part I think if it hadn't been Emma that contributed to his success, it would've been someone else, though not necessarily a love interest. Definitely this book entangles love and happiness. But it also makes the distinction that it is not linked to us doing the loving but to us being loved by someone we love. Emma and Dex have always loved each other in a way, and were kinda miserable for it... it was only when they knew that their feelings were reciprocated that the happiness came.

22. I was sooo happy to see Sylvie get hers!! Did you think we would see more of her when she drove off sulking with Callum? She was a horrid character. I thought we might see her chasing back after Dex. Thank goodness that didn't happen.

23. Dex and Em are together, but the story isn’t over, and there are hints of something yet to come. Em’s sister doesn’t quite trust Dex, and Dex thinks, “Everything will be fine, just as long as nothing ever changes.” What did you suspect would happen? I wondered if one of them would have an accident, but more along the permanent disability thing, didn't think it'd be quite that final. Bloody Dex, jinxing them!

24. What are your impressions of their last day together? The argument at breakfast, Em's mental review of the past and present, their exchange of text messages . . . did these things help to build up a sense of impending tragedy? No, I thought it was a testament to their friendship, and the normalcy of their relationship. Everyone fights, every relationship has it ups and downs and its hardships... but for them, even within a fight, a very normal, hormonal and emotional reaction from Emma, they're able to talk it through before they part and realise that the anger is not at each other but at the situation... I didn't see it coming AT ALL and my reaction was one of anger and distress that the author would take me on this emotional journey with these people and then suddenly kill one off!

25. WHAT was going through your head when Emma was lying on the pavement? What was your immediate reaction to the closing line of Part 4?! NO!!! nonononononono... or something like that :-)

26. What’s been your favorite chapter in their story so far? Favorite quotes? So far it was when Emma got the guts to "break up" with Dex, and when she said (and I don't have the book in front of me so I know I'll probably misquote here ) "I love you Dex, but I don't like you very much" That struck a chord with me.

[Donna]

Hi, CaroB. I agree that the story should have lingered more on the time spent together - in Paris and after. For some reason, I noticed that omission a lot more this second time around. I felt we just didn't get the opportunity to revel in the joy of their acknowledged feelings for one another and all that entailed. Even the time they did spend was slightly tainted with Emma's worries. That's where I wish we would have seen a chapter of Paris - the early, spontaneous romance. Then I would have been able to settle into the everyday ups and downs.

I think I agree with both of you that the wind beneath his wings was definitely Emma, and I think that extends even after her death.

I think my favorite part of the book was the Rules of Engagement. So many almost moments! I also like that quote you noted. For some reason, one that really sticks with me is from Paris, "The SIM card of his mobile phone in his pocket was overflowing with telephone numbers of all the hundreds of people he had met in the last ten years, and yet the only person he had ever wanted to talk to in all that time was standing now in the very next room." Love that!

[Donna]

Hi, Girls! So what did y'all think of part 5? How about we each contribute a couple of questions to finish up?

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

Part 5 broke my heart. I literally cried while reading all of it. Was I the only one who was ticked that he ended up with Maddy? Did I want him to be alone forever? No. But I didn't need to read about it in him and Emma's story.

[Lina]

Donna wrote: "Hi, Girls! So what did y'all think of part 5? How about we each contribute a couple of questions to finish up?"

Good thinking Donna!

What did you think of Dex's regression at the first anniversary of her death?

Was an improved relationship with his father something good to come out of Emma's death or just a product of Dex's maturity and would've happened anyway?

I completely agree with you Susan. I think it would've been a richer story for having him take the trip to Edinburgh just with his daughter, almost like paying tribute to the Dex&Em relationship and memories... and maybe just have inferred that he and Maddy were developing a relationship, rather than it already being a done deal...

Also, did anyone else think he was settling for her? Is that awful that I didn't want his relationship with Maddy to be as important, and yet felt sad that it wasn't? lol.

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

Dex broke my heart on the first anniversary of her death. I was not surprised by his regression.

I think Emma's death is the reason Dex's relationship with his dad improved. They have the common bond of loosing the love of their lives.

[Donna]

Part 5 was extremely emotional for me, and for some reason, it affected me a lot more the second time around. I really could not stop crying.

I think Dex' regression was expected. That chapter was just heartbreaking. Sylvie redeemed herself a bit there. Did anybody think maybe they would get back together? It occurred to me.

Not sure how I feel about Maddy. I really didn't mind when I read it the first time, but this time it did kinda bug me. I DO think he's settling. I felt exactly like you do about their relationship, CaroB. Very torn.

I think the improved relationship between Dex and his dad was affected by both his maturity and their common bond of understanding.

What did y'all think about the flashback technique used in Part 5? I loved the juxtaposition of the
past, present. And I found it effective that he was visiting his past with his little daughter, who seems to appreciate the moment, but then with all the resilience of a child, announces, "I'm bored. Can we go now?" Life moves on. I LOVED the ending scene with the kiss in the street and the good-byes. This is where it all begins and this is where it ends. To me, Part 5 was definitely the strongest point about the book.

Ultimately, how much of a role do you think fate played into the relationship between Dex and Em? It's something I thought a lot about as I read this book.

So who's up for the movie?

[Lina]

Donna, I must admit to a certain trepidation when I think of watching the movie. Even in parts I didn't particularly like of this book, the story made me feel AND think and I tend to get a little protective of stories-turned-movies where the book has had an emotional impact. What if they Hollywood it all up and I hate it and it taints the way I remember the book???

I completely agree, Part Five, with the flashbacks, was the sweetest for me. "This is where it all begins and this is where it ends." I couldn't have put it better myself!

There was a cringey moment when I thought he and Sylvie would get back together, and though she also seems to have matured, I'm glad they didn't go there. Ultimately two completely different individuals.

The whole question of Fate is a good one and one I haven't quite resolved myself. If it was fate, how cruel - and who exactly was meant to learn from it, for what reason was it fated? If it was an accident, well, again, how cruel, but somehow "shit happens" sits easier with me for this, but only for the ending... because then I have to think what else along their lives was only accident that ended up affecting how long they took to get together... ugh! I know I'm over-thinking it again. :-)

[Donna]

LOl! CaroB. I know I'm an over-thinker too - and this book made me think a lot. My daughter read it and just enjoyed the story. She just smiles wistfully at all my deep thoughts. So there ya go!

I enjoy watching the movies based on books, and I've found that if I really separate the experiences, I'm not disappointed if the film-makers have taken some liberties. As far as this movie, I think they did a fairly good job of staying faithful. It's hard to squeeze 20 years into less than two hours. Because of that, the only complaint I had was that it was a bit choppy and there were some parts I felt would be confusing if I couldn't fill in with the book. Worth watching for Jim Sturgess anyway ;).

[Susan (susayq ~), Moderator]

Nope, I'm not going to watch the movie. I have trouble watching the movie after I've read a book....yet, I want to read before I watch. Does that even make sense? LOL

[Donna]

Susan (susayq) wrote: "Nope, I'm not going to watch the movie. I have trouble watching the movie after I've read a book....yet, I want to read before I watch. Does that even make sense? LOL"

LOL! No, Susan, that makes absolutely no sense! But somehow I understand. I may pop it in again this week. The first time I watched it, I had a lot of distractions, so it would be nice to really sit down and focus. I love the scenery in it too! I want to go climb that hill in Edinburgh. (Adding to bucket list)