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Can You Keep a Secret?
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Can You Keep a Secret?, by Sophie Kinsella "Buddy Read" (Start date: June 11th)
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Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 18-22 26. Didn’t you just know Jack was eventually going to reveal about Kerry? Did he have the right to do that? Did you think it was going to blow up in his face? Man-oh-man! Finding out that Emma’s parents loaned her the money for her business makes me even more burned. Comments.
Yes, I had it in my mind but didn't know when or how. Yes, I think he had the right because Kerry was pretending to know something tht she had no clue about. I don't really think it blew up in his face because nothing was truly revealed about him that wasn't already public knowledge. Emma's family were the only ones clueless LOL Yeah I am not really pleased with the way Emma's parents have treated her and it really burned me too that they treat Kerry more like their daughter.
27. Were you surprised that Jack and Emma did the deed so soon? Will there be repercussions?
No, it seems in romances that is a common trait and it is acceptable. But in real life, the female would be the dirty lil trash of the town LOL. No, I don't think there will be repercussions due to the fact of "who" Jack is. He's the man!!!! Matter of fact, he could come on over here and be my man too LMAO
28. What do you think of Lizzy and Jean Paul’s secret?
OMG, I would have not been able to control my laughter either. That just cracked me up. Were they doing some kind of Karma Sutra dance moves without being naked and in the act. HMMMMM I wonder if that flesh colored leotard was really crotchless.
29. Do you think Lissy had a point about asking if Jack had revealed anything about himself? Did you think Jack might have meant something else when he told Emma he was “gripped” when she opened her mouth on the airplane?
Yes, because he always did avoid or tried to avoid any personal questions that Emma asked.No, I think he always was attracted/gripped to her and truly wanted to get to know her but yet she was also the perfect candidate for his research. He just couldn't find the perfect balance for his feelings vs his business goals.
30. What in the hell is with Conner? LMBO! How can this author make me laugh at his pain?
Connor is just infatuated with the thoughts of being in a relationship. It almost makes me think he has never been in a relationship and is only doing what he has seen others do LOL because he obviously goes about things in a weird way. You don't ask someone to start using terms of endearments with one another. That normally just happens naturally. The way Connor expresses himself is just funny. He doesn't know how to act or what to say due to inexperience maybe. IDK but it is comical.
31. O.M.G.! I would have died, if I was Emma and all my secrets were revealed on television. I could see Jack’s side, because he didn’t realize what he is doing. However, I ached for Emma and could see how she would Jump to the Big Conclusion. You?
Yes, for someone like Emma, I could see where it would be embarassing and a big let down that all her secrets were revealed. BUT, if she would have been honest and upfront with everyone from the get go she would have never been "put on blast" as my kids say. But then again, I wonder if he blasted Emma as a means,not to hurt her, but to say "HEY, I know your secrets. I think you are special,I care about you, I know you and how you feel, I LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE AND I THINK YOU'RE PERFECT!!!" and she took it all wrong. He knows she is the underdog at work and maybe she should have felt SPECIAL that she was picked out to form/shape the new line of women's prodcuts. Is this where the term ‘multi-logistical formative alliances’ comes in....Multi-going from just men's products to men's and women's...formative- shaping/forming the women's products based off of Emma? Is he going to give Emma her own business? or join forces with another business?
32. LMBO! I was rolling on the floor over Lissy talking with Emma. Still, she is such a good friend. Comments.
Lissy is a good friend. After all...it was just a dream Emma had, nothing that she thought about acting upon at this point. Haven't we all had strange or sexual dreams involving people we know and may or may not want to have physical contact with.
32. What would you have said to all you co-workers who treated you like that?
I would probably have laughed at them. Told them that they were just jealous that the attention and spotlight was ALL ON ME!!!! And really, Emma could say to them whatever she wants because her job is definitely not at stake since the owner has already done the "DIRTY" with her and wants more ☺
33. Do you feel that Emma should or shouldn’t have accepted the flowers?
I think she should have accepted them. Why not. It was his money being wasted regardless of whether she took them and threw them away or kept them and cherished them. He was the one that chose to send them not truly knowing where he stood with her.
34. Good for Emma’s parents. No question here, just a statement.
I am glad that her parents finally came clean with her and told them how they really feel about her. Obviously keeping secrets is something she acquired and no wonder she does it too
@ Robin#26 – Yes, they overcompensated with Kerry.
#27 – Oh, dear!
#29 – Yes, he wasn’t revealing much.
#30 – Good point about the endearments. They do just pop up.
#31 – Interesting how you’re pulling that word back in. LOL!
#32a – I’ve only had one lesbian dream and it totally freaked me out. Then I analyzed it. I had just worked a double shift… you know when you are so tired you can sleep and your still worked up over what happened at work? Yeah, I was that kind of tired/wound-up. Anyway, my two friends had just returned from vacation, where they always have a costume party. They wore these coconut shell bras. After showing me a picture of them with the bras on, they then proceeded to show me a picture of them with them sans bra. That is the only reason I can think of why I dreamed of their breasts that night. That's my story, and I'm sticking with it. Guess I'm also unclicking "add to my Update Feed" on this post! LOL!
#32b – LOL!
#34 – Me too.
Susan's Questions for ch 23 - end35. Have you ever planned to get revenge on an ex? Did you follow through? I admit, I'm a bit like Emma, waffling on whether I would want to know or just forget him.
There have been times that I really thought about revenge but never came up with any plans but it sure crossed my mind. I decided that turning the other cheek and letting bygones be just that. Sometimes revenge only causes more problems and heartache.
36. Were you surprised Nick took credit for the coupon? What surprised me is that Emma called him out on it. Has that ever happened to you?
No, I wasn't surprised that Nick took credit. Everyone in that office was just out for themselves and how much grief they could cause for Emma. Yes, that has happened to me but I always stood up for myself because I am a firm believer that credit should be given when credit is due.
37. We learned Jack's secret, but it's not really his. What do you make of Jemima continuing on with her revenge plan after Emma asked her not to?
I have to say this first: Every time I see that name Jemima I want to put Aunt in front of it LMAO I have never heard anyone named that except Aunt Jamima. Jemima is just a witch. Whatever she has or is doing is absolutely the right way no matter what anyone else thinks/says. She is out for herself and to hell with anyone else. Maybe a little bit of a control freak?
38. Was Jack justified in leaving Emma?
No, I don't think he was. He shared all of her secrets publicly on television and she listened to his explanation and accepted his apology so he should have returned the favor. He ASSUMED she was going to let his secret out publicly. We all know what they say about "ASSUME" it makes an ass out of u and me."
39. Jack came back! I laughed when he admited he doesn't like Panther Coloa. Comments.
A man after my own heart because I am a Pepsi fan lover all the way. LOL That's probably not uncommon in world of products. Just because a product is yours doesn't mean you have to like it as long as it brings in the money and pays the bills.
40. Do you think they'll make it? Were you satisfied with the outcome for Connor? Jemima? Grandpa?
Yes, I think they will make it. They now know things about each other, they some what know where each other stands and how to handle situations that may arise. For Connor, yes. I am glad that he found someone else to be infatuated with being in a relationship. I think he just likes the idea of relationships, not that he knows what to do in one lol or how to handle being in one but hopefully he will learn. Jemima, yes. I am glad that she was finally knocked down a peg or two on the pedestal that she was on. Maybe from now on she will not be so self-centered on her Mummy's ways always being the right way. Grandpa, No. I wish there would have been a little more input from him in the story.
Whew!!!I'm finally done LOL Now I can go back and read everyone's question answers and respond LOL Thanks for the great first BR ladies. I had fun reading and answering the awesome questions that really made me think. I hope I can get involved again. I really liked doing this. Hopefully next time I won't have any interuptions and I can stay on track with the reading schedule LOL.
@ Robin#35 – Very true.
#37 – LOL! Okay.
#38 – Yes there was a part of me that thought about him not giving her the benefit of the doubt after she forgave him.
#40 – Yes, I wouldn’t have minded a little more about Grandpa.
Lisa Kay wrote: " Lisa Kay’s Answers to CaroB's Questions 6-10 9. What does it say about Emma that she can't even be herself with Aidan, the smoothie maker? I'm starting to lose a little bit of patience with Em..."
OMG LK you are too funny LMAO @ #13. I hope whatever you studied and tried to learn was interesting. I hope the reward was good and worth all the effort ☺even though it didn't last long
Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Robin#15 – True, he did.
#17 – Yeah, the boss has to be careful about showing “favoritism.”
#18 – FOFLMAO! Oh, lord! You’re killing me, Robin! I don’t know what I laughed harder over – y..."
LMAO Now be honest...wouldn't you rather chase little white balls around the bedroom instead of the ones these golfers hit out on the golf course and chase around ROFLMAO
I normally wouldn't go snooping through someone's stuff either nor would I wear their clothes or shoes w/out asking. But in a situation like that, it is simply irresistable LOL especially when you are dealing with a whack-o like Jemima.
Yes, Robin, I'd really rather chase little white balls around the bedroom and not the golf course. LMBO! Did you really have to ask? ☺
Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Robin#26 – Yes, they overcompensated with Kerry.
#27 – Oh, dear!
#29 – Yes, he wasn’t revealing much.
#30 – Good point about the endearments. They do just pop up.
#31 – Interesting how y..."
I think everyone at some point has had a weird dream where they are doing something of a sexual nature with the same sex, me included, although I can't remember a specific one. But it is only a dream, not necessarily something you want to act upon or have already acted upon. LOL STick to your dream story about the coconut bras as it sounds like a valid reason to dream about breasts LMAO
ROFLMAO about unclicking "add to my feed update"
Lisa Kay wrote: "Yes, Robin, I'd really rather chase little white balls around the bedroom and not the golf course. LMBO! Did you really have to ask? ☺"Of course I had to ask...hell for all I know you might like playing golf. ☺
Midu wrote: "Morning LK and Robin!"**waves at Midu** Good Morning to you Sunshine ☺
**waves** Hey, Midu! Good morning to you... it is 9:30 p.m. here.
It H.O.T. here. I'm thinking of tracking down the fan. Phew.
hehehe fans don't do much good in the summers here,LK!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 18-22 26. Didn’t you just know Jack was eventually going to reveal about Kerry? Did he have the right to do that? Did you think it was going to blow up in his face? Man-oh-man! Finding out that Emma’s parents loaned her the money for her business makes me even more burned. Comments. I thought he or the grandfather might find a way to make the Kerry stuation right for Emma, but couldn't have imagine how it actually went down. I loved that. I don't know if he had the right to do it, but how could he resits when Kerry handed him the perfect opportunity?? I'm planning on adding Kerry's character to the "Bitch, please!" list :-)
27. Were you surprised that Jack and Emma did the deed so soon? Will there be repercussions? Yes, I was definitely surprised. I mean, it's great that there's passion, but she knows nothign about him really at that stage.
28. What do you think of Lizzy and Jean Paul’s secret? I actually thought that was cute.
29. Do you think Lissy had a point about asking if Jack had revealed anything about himself? Did you think Jack might have meant something else when he told Emma he was “gripped” when she opened her mouth on the airplane? I was so glad that Lissy had pointed that out, as I'd been thinking the same thing at that time. Have to admit though that, like Emma, if a "new" guy said he'd been gripped since I opened my mouth on the airplane, I'd probably be flattered too...
30. What in the hell is with Conner? LMBO! How can this author make me laugh at his pain? I know! It's a real talent!
31. O.M.G.! I would have died, if I was Emma and all my secrets were revealed on television. I could see Jack’s side, because he didn’t realize what he is doing. However, I ached for Emma and could see how she would Jump to the Big Conclusion. You? I was horrified and pissing myself laughing at the same time. I also had to wonder, would anyone at the office have clicked that it was her if she hadn't gotten to the conference room after all.. though Lissy and Jemima and her family would still have known, I guess..
32. LMBO! I was rolling on the floor over Lissy talking with Emma. Still, she is such a good friend. Comments. I love how the friendships are described here. Lissy really does have Emma's best interests at heart
32. What would you have said to all you co-workers who treated you like that? Kudos to Emma, I would have been so mortified, I probably would have called in sick for the first couple of days.. and then for her to stand up for herself, I was cheering... I probably would have gone home in tears and started looking for another job, lol.
33. Do you feel that Emma should or shouldn’t have accepted the flowers? Definitely not. But laughed at all the rationalising that was going on there!
34. Good for Emma’s parents. No question here, just a statement. Really, really happy at their reaction. That just started all sorts of melty feelings in me.
Susan's Questions for ch 23 - end35. Have you ever planned to get revenge on an ex? Did you follow through? I admit, I'm a bit like Emma, waffling on whether I would want to know or just forget him. I have planned to get revenge on an ex who cheated but couldn't go through with it. It just got to the point that I just wanted to stop feeling like crap and get over it.
36. Were you surprised Nick took credit for the coupon? What surprised me is that Emma called him out on it. Has that ever happened to you? No, thankfully that hasn't happened to me. I was so proud of Emma. I really feel like she's starting to come into her own by the end of the book.
37. We learned Jack's secret, but it's not really his. What do you make of Jemima continuing on with her revenge plan after Emma asked her not to? What kind of psycho does that?! Apart form Jemima, I mean... her mama's got some 'splainin' to do! I was a little disapointed in Jack's big reveal. I get why he couldn't tell her, but he wasn't sharing anything personal...
38. Was Jack justified in leaving Emma? Hmmm, No. After everything he did, he didn't even stick around to listen to her.
39. Jack came back! I laughed when he admited he doesn't like Panther Coloa. Comments. I still don't get why he left without listeninig to her, but so happy at his revealing all the little secrets!
40. Do you think they'll make it? Were you satisfied with the outcome for Connor? Jemima? Grandpa? I don't know, but I'd like to think they will make it, though there's a lot more growth needed first. I was glad she didn't try to make it a HEA, much preferred that ending. Happy that Connor moved on, but think Jemima got off lightly.
I'm dying at your answers, Robin! So funny!
Midu wrote: "what time is it for you,Robin?"Sorry I must have went away (was having issues with internet) but it was like 11:30 pm
Susan (susayq) wrote: "I'm dying at your answers, Robin! So funny!"LOL glad you got a good laugh ☺
@ CaroB#30 – True!
#31 – I was thinking the same thing at the time! Mind Meld!
#32 – Ditto!
#35 – Aw. Sorry that happened to you, CaroB! I bet it was a great plan, though. ☺
#36 – LOL! Psycho is right. Uh oh, we disagree! I totally got the whole, “It’s not my secret to tell.” Though, it has been used a bit lately.
#39 – Good question. He’s fallible too. Maybe he was so pissed he just needed to exit himself from the situation. Plus, proves he’s not as confident as Emma thinks.
#40 – Definitely: Jemima got of lightly.
Finally getting to update.24. Nope he just seems really immature now.
25. Erm was shocked but she seemed happy, so I guess thats what counts.
26. I'm so glad he did Emma's parents wouldn't have paid any notice if Emma told them.
27. Hmm was a bit soon.
28. Ha ha that was a rubbish secret I was waiting for somthing really juicy.
29. Yes I think its good Lissy said something otherwise i'm not sure emma would of made a point of getting more info out of Jack
30. Lol I know he seems really clueless with everything
31.Oh gosh I was so embarressed for her especially with the work collegues she seems to have. I understand how she came to the conclusion he was using her but don't think he meant to say all of that stuff on TV
32. Ha ha ha I couldn't stop laughing when she was i've been leading you on walking around half naked
32. Everything embaresses me I don't know I could have worked there after that.
33. I would have accepted then throw them away :-)
34. Glad they didn't just carry on like nothing had been said
35. Nope ( at least not yet)
36. I was glad she stood up for herself
37. I think something is seriously wrong with Jemima but then going by what she's said her mother taught he to be this way.
38. Think he needed to cool off
39. Glad he did they'd only both be stewing about it the longer they didn't talk about it. Lol the decantering pepsi into a panther can.
40. They didn't really explain where they'd live seens as he lived in america. The only i would have liked some more info on was the Grandpa, I thought there was going to be a story there.
@ Elishia#28 – LMBO!
#29 – True, it makes you wonder. She is a bit thick sometimes.
#30 – True again. Hey, maybe Emma and Conner were a better match than I thought. Nah. Two clueless people shouldn’t have more clueless people.
#32 – LMBO! Yeah, that was funny. My laugh came from down deep on that one.
#33 – That’s what I’ve done! Should have given them to someone to enjoy, though, on hindsight.
#39 – Yes, I liked the Pepsi/Panther decanting, too! Funny.
#40 – Oh! Excellent point. I hadn’t thought of where they’d live! I’m slipping. I agree about Grandpa.
I’m still chuckling over ‘rubbish secret’ – LOL!
9. Connor defientely can’t be blamed but on the other hand, the person your with should make you comfortable enough so that you can be yourself.10. I just died when he commented on the plant!
11. Of course no one knows everything about you but to me that’s not a secret – just things that haven’t come up (yet) or aren’t important for that person.
12. I laugh so much – I can’t pick one! But I did love the Ken slip :-)
13. Nothing outrageous but of course you put your best foot forward :-)
14. He was out of line but I think she reacted strongly because it was true. I mean if someone would say those things to me I would just shrug it off. It was about time!
15. Connor def should have been more discrete at work, but then Jack wouldn’t have stayed.
16. Lol!
17. Of course they should keep it secret for a while – you don’t want to get the co-workers involved to early. And I don’t have a specific time frame, I don’t think she wasn’t in love with Connor so I don’t think she need a mourning period.
18. No! However, I am interested in learning about my hubby’s interest and understand them. I’d even try them so that I will be able to relate to what he likes but I don’t pretend that they are my own. Just like my hubby tried my yoga class – but he didn’t become a regular. However, sometimes when you try you realize that this was fun – like walking in the mountains. I would never have thought about doing that on my own
19. No – and it wasn’t my favorite moment either.
20. Not in that way, but sometimes people think they met my sister but I don’t have one!
21. I think she was a bit overdramatic and I would never have done that, but it was super cute with the bus <3
22. No idea.
23. I think that most people would have given up – but since this is a romantic comedy we need the awkward dates.
24. Hiss pride is probably hurt and I do feel a little sorry for him. However, whenever a relationship I’ve been in ended I want my ex to be happy. And as I said before, I don’t have a time frame.
25. Strange. So strange.
26. I LOVED THIS SCENE! Finally Kerry got what she deserved! It was so funny and she totally set herself up for that. Yeey! In reality, he probably didn’t have the right this early on in the relationship but in the book world I loved that he couldn’t tolerate them being mean to Emma!
27. No and I think they will be fine.
28. It wasn’t really a secret but I can relate to not wanting someone’s opinion too soon on something you yourself is self conscious about.
29. I see her point, but I don’t think a couple have to be balanced in that respect like you tell me something and I tell you something. It is cute that he was so interested in her and it probably say more about Emma that she hasn’t really asked him a lot of questions and tried to get to know him. It’s not like he wouldn’t have told her his favorite color if she’d asked.
30. He is just not likable!
31. Ditto Lisa.
32. I don’t know. I probably wouldn’t go for a big confrontation but I would never have put up with being treated like Emma to begin with. I would probably talk face-to-face to the important ones in private and ignored the rest.
33. What’s the harm in accepting them?
34. Ditto.
35. No. I wouldn’t. However, I might never have been hurt enough – because I had these feeling towards an ex-friend who was really really mean to me. But no, I wouldn’t do it.
36. Not surprised but proud of Emma that she called him out on it.
37. Jemina is a B.I.T.C.H.
38-39. Yes, but he probably needed some time to cool down. I’m glad he came back!
40. In reality, probably not. In fantasy romance land – hell yeah!
I'm a bit late but I just went through all the great questions and answers. Love this thread! @CaroB
#15 Totally agree with you on that one!
#24 Me neither!
#38 I think you’re completely right. I want to change my previous answer. He did some stuff that was really hurtful to her so he could have listened.
@Susan
#17 Ditto.
#18 Lol!
#26 Yes!
#31 Good point! I don’t think he meant any harm either.
#32 Lol!
@Lisa
#35 That is so great!
#37 *giggles*
# 38 Ditto
@Robin – love your answers!
#29 I think you nailed it!
#37 I love that you call her a witch – so true.
@Elishia
#31 I hid behind my hands and could only read with one eye open!
I'm glad you ladies seemed to enjoy this one!! Everytime I pick up this book, I get a good laugh. Also, I feel Jack is one of Kinsella's yummiest heroes.If you like a good laugh, I really highly recommend both
and
by Katie MacAlister!
I've not read anything by her i'll have to have a look.
@ Susanne#10 – Yes, Jack was a bit mischievous.
#14 – Yes, definitely pushed her button.
#17 – Good points! I think all of you are making me readjust my thinking on whether or Jack and Emma jumped in the sack together too soon.
#18 – Aw, Susanne, come on! You hubby doesn’t count! LOL! You need to do those things to expand your relationship – not to mention your self-awareness. The guy I’m thinking of got me to study Picasso, and I’ve loved him ever since… Picasso, not the guy I nailed.
#20 – Are you sure? Have you asked your father about that? (Just kidding!)
#26 – Yes, part of the scene that gave it that extra ‘ummph’ was that Kerry set herself up for it.
#28 – Good point.
#29 – Yes, very revealing about Emma.
#31 – ☺
#40 – LOL!
~Megan~ wrote: "I'm glad you ladies seemed to enjoy this one!! Everytime I pick up this book, I get a good laugh. Also, I feel Jack is one of Kinsella's yummiest heroes.If you like a good laugh, I really highl..."
I've just recently been lent a bunch of Katie MacAlister books, so I'll have to read them soon. Thanks for the rec Megan!
Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Susanne#18 – Aw, Susanne, come on! You hubby doesn’t count! LOL! You need to do those things to expand your relationship – not to mention your self-awareness. The guy I’m thinking of got me to study Picasso, and I’ve loved him ever sense… Picasso, not the guy I nailed.
*Giggles* Glad you found Picasso!
However, I should have found someone interesting in English and Grammar, as I used the wrong "sense" in that sentence.
Oh, I'm OCD... I had to change it to "since." LOL!
Susanne wrote: "I'm a bit late but I just went through all the great questions and answers. Love this thread! @CaroB
#15 Totally agree with you on that one!
#24 Me neither!
#38 I think you’re completely right. I..."
Thanks ☺
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Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired
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#15 – True, he did.
#17 – Yeah, the boss has to be careful about showing “favoritism.”
#18 – FOFLMAO! Oh, lord! You’re killing me, Robin! I don’t know what I laughed harder over – you not having time to teach & raise them, or chasing balls in the bedroom. LOL!
#19 – Ah! You are like me. You have that little mischievous devil sitting on your shoulder. I would normally never peek in someone else’s wardrobe, let alone borrow something w/o asking. However, It is was “booby trapped” like that, I just might to prove I could. LOL!
#20 – Too funny!
#21 – You’re killing me, I tell you. Good for you, Robin!
#23 – I’ve seen that pic before… it does make you wonder! LOL!