Moriarty, Liane - What Alice Forgot - Start Date January 11, 2015

[Renee]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "I got about half way through Chapter 6 last night
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I can't imagine not remembering my kids. That would be so hard for them to understand. (hide spoiler)]

[Joi]

Renee wrote: "Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "I got about half way through Chapter 6 last night
[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

I feel like that would be hard for anyone to understand. (view spoiler)[I believe that it was even more difficult since it happened suddenly and not gradually like any illness would. A fall and then no memories? It must be terrible. (hide spoiler)]

[Kristie]

I'm in chapter 8. This took a little bit to grow on me, but now I really want to know (view spoiler)[ what happened over the past ten years. She seems to have become someone that her younger self would not have liked very much.

I think it would be so sad to wake up and not know your own kids, find out that your relationship with your sister is strained, and you're getting divorced from a man that you think you are still madly in love with. I can't even imagine all that. Plus, it seems to be a very bitter divorce. I'm curious how that came to be.

How weird would that be for everyone else involved too? Imagine your mom suddenly not knowing who you are? Or your soon-to-be-ex suddenly thinking that you're still happily married? Yikes.

I'm also curious what Alice said to Ben that ticked off Elizabeth. What comment did she make that put her sister over the edge into "not talking to her" territory?

I agree that Elizabeth has had some miscarriages. I think it has been several and I think that she really wants to (or wanted to) have children with Ben. I wonder if Alice's comment had something to do with that? (hide spoiler)]

[Stacey]

I'm going to be a little late, but it looks like I'll be able to get a copy of this tomorrow from my library. I'd like to try to catch up with you all, but it looks like a pretty quick read. I'll see where everyone is tomorrow and see if I can still join in.

[Kristie]

I'll definitely still be reading, Stacey. I'm only about 19%.

[K~Terror]

Rhonda wrote: "I am just finished with chapter 7..."

Me too! Liane Moriarty has a fabulous way of dropping just enough information to keep you interested and guessing.... Like Cynthia mentioned earlier, it just gets so hard to put this book down because you just want to "know"...

(view spoiler)[ I thought the same thing as you about Elisabeth and her possible loss. However, I'm kind of slow and was not sure what to think about the bitchy tone the secretary used with Alice. I wasn't sure if it was on Nick's behalf, or if Alice had just made it known she was not fond of the secretary or they had a row of some sort.
(hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Renee wrote: "Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "I got about half way through Chapter 6 last night
[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

Exactly! (view spoiler)[ Devastating all around for the kids & the mom. You'd have to hope there were lots of pictures, dialogue and home videos to help fill in some of the blanks, even if that would replace, it would at least be something.. (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Kristie wrote: "I'm in chapter 8. This took a little bit to grow on me, but now I really want to know ..."

Kristie - (view spoiler)[I was wondering the same thing about what happened between the sisters. So far it seems there may be some issues with Alice 'easily' having 3 kids while Elizabeth has miscarriages. That has to be so hard anyway, but then to know that one of Alice's kids was a pleasant surprise... so Alice was even able to have a child without trying.. While Elizabeth goes through one heartache after another. Not that either sister can control these things, but wonder if Alice maybe wasn't as sensitive to Elizabeth's struggles? Plus, there was mention about Elizabeth's career and how Alice said she wanted to go see one of her seminars.. Elizabeth told Alice she's never taken an interest before.. so I'm guessing Alice has been "really busy" with her 3 kiddos and her family and has probably not made the time for Elizabeth like she should have maybe..?

I would have LOVED to have heard what was going on in Nick's head when he was talking to Alice and then learned from Elizabeth that Alice remembers nothing about their issues or pending divorce. WOW!

Laughed at the mom too - Funny she just took Alice's word when she said the divorce was off! The mom seems like a real character! (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

Chapter 21 (view spoiler)[
Well, I guess she wasn't having an affair with Gina's husband. (Although she wouldn't be the first woman to do that). I don't know why she keeps trying to hide her amnesia. Is this some part of the new Alice making her do that? I absolutely would tell everyone I had amnesia and had no idea who they were.

Especially Nick. Why would she try to pretend she knew what was going on? I know she has ideas of a reconciliation, but certainly the way to go about that isn't lying from the start. (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Cynthia wrote: "I picked it up from the library this afternoon and ahven't been able to put it down ! I've read through Chapter 15..."

I just got up to Chapter 16

(view spoiler)[OK, so I was wondering the same thing.. As hateful as Nick was towards Alice, he did not sound like a husband caught cheating as much as a husband who was mad at his wife for something. I was thinking along the same lines as you...

Those missing 10 years must have really done a number on her because she seems so different now than how people seem to think she is. (hide spoiler)]

[Joi]

I'm only 6% in but I'm not enjoying it at all. It's just not interesting.

[Kristie]

Joi - It took me a bit to get interested in this one. The characters weren't particularly likable in the beginning. I have the impression that we're going to see the transformation of some previously likable people. I am now curious to see how Alice got to where she is in her life. I hope it becomes more interesting for you.

[K~Terror]

It took me awhile to feel connected with Alice and start developing a real interest in the book too. Somewhere around chapters 8-10 maybe?

[K~Terror]

Chapter 19

(view spoiler)[ I'm not feeling it between Alice & Dominic.. It seems more like he's a 'friend', maybe 'friend with benefits', but he definitely doesn't seem like the love of her life...

Boy was she blunt with Elizabeth's husband! LOL! (hide spoiler)]

[Renee]

I loved this book the first time I read it over a year ago. I can't remember how long it took to get into it.

Finished Chapter 11
(view spoiler)[ I sobbed when I was reading Alice remembering her sister looking after her when their father died. (hide spoiler)]

I don't want to speculate because I've read it before, but it was long enough ago that I don't remember everything. I'm enjoying the unfolding of the story.

[K~Terror]

Renee wrote: "I loved this book the first time I read it over a year ago. I can't remember how long it took to get into it.

Finished Chapter 11
[spoilers removed]

I don't want to speculate because I've read i..."

That (view spoiler)[really was touching. :) (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

Joi wrote: "I'm only 6% in but I'm not enjoying it at all. It's just not interesting."

This book reminds me of Rainbow Rowell's books, in that it means more if you're at a certain point in your life. I wasn't able to pick up another book until this was done, which is crazy for me. I'm always juggling books.

(view spoiler)[ I found myself in tears during a lot of the book. I found all 3 stories compelling, though Alice's story is the one that I relate to best.

A lot of memories are made during a marriage. If one person (or both) choose to focus on the bad ones and let the good ones fade, they'll eventually be a huge wall between them. It takes something major, something really extraordinary, to breach that wall. Sometimes just a crack is made, and the two people have to decide to work on that crack to pull the wall down or at least make a larger opening. It's hard work, and most people find it easier to leave the wall and move to a new place without one.

I'm glad Alice and Nick got back together.
(hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Chapter 28

(view spoiler)[ It seems a touch of amnesia can be good for the soul... As I'm reading this I can't help to think how much happier Alice seems to be since she's been prompted (forced) to 'forget' her grudges and past wrongs... (hide spoiler)]

[VNerdbooks]

I'm up to (view spoiler)[ Libby has just turned up at the hospital, and Alice still doesn't know yet about Nick and Gina !!! oohh who's Gina?? (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Chapter 34
(view spoiler)[ Sob!! I love Elizabeth's story and her perspective.. Frim both sides of the fertility fence. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Chapter one down and I am so curious about what is going to happen.

[Cynthia]

Sarah wrote: "Chapter one down and I am so curious about what is going to happen."

One thing I should have done from the beginning was treat each POV as separate stories. Although each one contribute a little to the others, they are their own stories.

I started doing that about 1/3 in and it greatly improved my enjoyment.

[Renee]

Chapter 22
(view spoiler)[ Alice has met her estranged husband and her kids. That would feel so overwhelming. I think I would have asked my mum to stay over and help.

Alice doesn't like the person she had become. I think Elizabeth is taking another look at herself and reevaluating herself too. (hide spoiler)]

[VNerdbooks]

God I feel so awful for Alice, it must be so frustrating not being able to remember .

[VNerdbooks]

Woah!!! ......I'm at chapter 33 - 86% and things are being explained!

[K~Terror]

V Audio Nerd wrote: "Woah!!! ......I'm at chapter 33 - 86% and things are being explained!"

(view spoiler)[ Is that at the pie baking shin dig? (hide spoiler)]

[Kristie]

V Audio Nerd wrote: "Woah!!! ......I'm at chapter 33 - 86% and things are being explained!"

That's good to see! I'm at chapter 16 (about 40%) and I just thought...wow, we really haven't learned all that much yet. I'm enjoying the story and thought we were hearing all this information, then when you stop to think it about it, you realize that you really haven't learned that much.

(view spoiler)[ I think that Alice has made some assumptions about Gina. I'm curious to hear what the real story is. I feel like there is much more to it than some simple affair. (hide spoiler)]

[VNerdbooks]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "V Audio Nerd wrote: "Woah!!! ......I'm at chapter 33 - 86% and things are being explained!"

[spoilers removed]"

Yeah that's the bit

[Rhonda]

I'm through chapter 21 and the only character I truly care about at this point is Frannie. (view spoiler)[ I am so touched by her 'relationship' with her one true love. She continues to write to him even though he's died a long time before. This has not yet been said, but it's obvious. I wonder what it's like to be in love, the way she must have been in love with Phil. I mean, I'm married and I love my husband dearly, but Frannie's love and devotion to Phil is remarkable and timeless. She talks of kissing Phil in 1972 or 1973 while backstage at a musical. In chapter 11, she says she's been writing to him for 3 decades and she says later that she was 38 when she got the "phone call." I'm assuming the phone call that told her of Phil's death. It was 2 weeks before they were to be married. I can't imagine a love like that. Is it really love or is she just stuck?

It does appear that there's a man coming into Frannie's life now - Mr. Mustache. At this point, it seems she's curious about him - curiosity killed the cat you know! I think she'll fall in love with him and say goodbye (finally) Phil.

I feel for Elisabeth perhaps most of all. I identify a bit more with her. I have a similar strained relationship with my sister and I identify more with Elisabeth's side of this at this point.

Elisabeth's children are fantastic. Olivia is especially yummy.....a wonderfully charming child.

As for the other characters, they're enough to carry the story and keep me interested. I am enjoying my reading quite a lot. (hide spoiler)]

[VNerdbooks]

Chapter 34 (view spoiler)[ Elizabeths story is really sad, her letter .....sob! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

I have one major frustration. When someone gets a head injury they are initially placed in c-spine precautions. That means a collar is placed around the neck to prevent the person from turning their head. The person would also have to remain flat to keep the spine in alignment. The person would remain this way until cleared by a physician, usually after a CT (cat scan) is performed. The author clearly did a poor job in her research of proper medical protocol for a head injury.

[VNerdbooks]

I've just finished this one, really enjoyed it.
I thought that too about the back thing, but as they saw her just bang her head perhaps that's why they didn't need the neck brace?? Don't know though lol

[Kristie]

Chapter 22 and I can finally read a few spoilers! (view spoiler)[ Alice is just having her dinner with Nick...how awkward! Also, I don't know what I'd do if I had to parent my children with no memory of ever being a mother. It would be completely overwhelming! (hide spoiler)]

[Renee]

V Audio Nerd wrote: "Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "V Audio Nerd wrote: "Woah!!! ......I'm at chapter 33 - 86% and things are being explained!"

[spoilers removed]"

Yeah that's the bit"

I'm up to this bit now.

[K~Terror]

:)

[Renee]

Sarah wrote: "I have one major frustration. When someone gets a head injury they are initially placed in c-spine precautions. That means a collar is placed around the neck to prevent the person from turning thei..."

I hadn't noticed that at the time. She had fallen off a bike and been unconscious for 10 minutes, I would have thought neck support had been provided, but there's no mention. It even says her head rolled to the side after they lifted her onto the stretcher - I went back for another look.

It would have been hard for her to vomit of Clooney's shoes with a neck brace on, so maybe she altered procedure for entertainment value.

[Kristie]

I hadn't even thought about the procedure, but you're right. The whole medical part isn't very realistic.

So through chapter 24 and I was stunned to read that (view spoiler)[ Elizabeth snatched a baby! How horrifying! Just walked off with her... (hide spoiler)]

[Renee]

Just finished.
I had forgotten how it ended, so the suspense was still there for me.
I liked this bit (Don't read unless you have finished!)(view spoiler)[
"Early love is exciting and exhilarating. It’s light and bubbly. Anyone can love like that. But love after three children, after a separation and a near-divorce, after you’ve hurt each other and forgiven each other, bored each other and surprised each other, after you’ve seen the worst and the best—well, that sort of a love is ineffable. It deserves its own word." (hide spoiler)]

[Rhonda]

I finished late last night. I liked the book quite a lot. It's way outside my normal choice, but I'm glad I stretched out a bit or I'd have missed it. Good story - great storytelling! Highly recommended. ★★★★

[Kristie]

Renee wrote: "Just finished.
I had forgotten how it ended, so the suspense was still there for me.
I liked this bit (Don't read unless you have finished!)
[spoilers removed]"

I liked that quote too.

[Kristie]

I finished today. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I liked the story, but thought it was a little more predictable and bordering on preachy in some parts. I think that is because I just finished Big Little Lies by her and really loved it, so by comparison it wasn't quite as good. I still really enjoyed it though and I'm glad I read it. I'm thinking 4 stars.

[Sarah]

Through Chapter 10 and I am getting bored. I hope something happens.

[Stacey]

I finally started yesterday, and I'm up to Chapter 10. So far I like old (younger) Alice, but I'm not sure I would have liked current Alice. Still trying to figure out who Frannie is, and obviously what happened to Gina. It's a little slow going trying to establish each character, but there are just enough nuggets of info being thrown around about "what happened" that I having trouble putting it down. Darn work.

[Sarah]

I am liking it more. So many things are making me think about my own past. I am divorced now from my high school sweetheart Gary - well we were together from 18 years old until 33 years. And now he is remarried and I have had a daughter with a new man - a total ass hole. But Gary chose to not have me be in his life anymore and I miss him everyday. We used to be so close, best friends, and we spent so much of our lives together. I remember a lot because they were the happiest years of my life. Divorce really sucks. Having a child with a total jerk off really sucks too. Also I can relate to Elizabeth and her pain, (view spoiler)[I had a very late miscarriage, 18 weeks along, when I was 31. It was really devastating. People don't always realise how difficult a loss it can be. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Through Chapter 16.
(view spoiler)[ Alice is making an assumption that Gina and her husband had an affair - I don't think so. I do think Gina committed suicide, Alice states she remembered a tree, but I wonder is someone was hanging from that tree? (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Chapter 26. The book keeps making me think of how time changes people and relationships and it makes me sad - friendships that grow apart, divorce etc... (view spoiler)[. It must be a little strange for the Love family with Roger and Barbara being married, but at least they seem happy. It was so awkward with Nick and Alice having to watch their parents do the salsa at the talent show, but also quite humorous. And then what a set up to put the spotlight on Nick and Alice to dance together - I love it. (hide spoiler)]

[Renee]

Sarah wrote: "Through Chapter 16.
[spoilers removed]"

I enjoyed how there were all these little hints that keep you guessing. (view spoiler)[ I had guessed affair too the first time I read it. I like your suicide suspicion. (hide spoiler)]

[Renee]

Sarah wrote: "Chapter 26. The book keeps making me think of how time changes people and relationships and it makes me sad - friendships that grow apart, divorce etc... [spoilers removed]"

Time does change people, I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for my life experience. That is the biggest theme I got from this book too.

[Sarah]

I don't know if this book made anyone else cry. Sometimes a book can make you so sad not because the actual story is sad to you but because it makes you recall things in your own life that have been traumatic. It has made me think so much about my ex husband and how much I miss him. I still have so much sorrow about this loss in my life.

[Renee]

Sarah wrote: "I don't know if this book made anyone else cry. Sometimes a book can make you so sad not because the actual story is sad to you but because it makes you recall things in your own life that have bee..."

I did get a bit teary with this one. I didn't cry as much as in Still Alice though. I get more emotional when I relate to the issues. Like you said, it makes you think about you own life.