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On the Island
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Garvis-Graves, Tracey: On the Island (“buddy read”) Start Date: June 26th.
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I can do the questions Mary, I just caught up on yesterday's reading and I am starting tomorrow's once I finish answering yesterday's questions.
Laura wrote: "I can do the questions Mary, I just caught up on yesterday's reading and I am starting tomorrow's once I finish answering yesterday's questions."Only if you have plenty of time to do them and actually want to do them, heh. I just finished typing out Partials' questions and I've got the time. I'm actually feeling really awful this morning, so I might spend a good bit of it in bed with my books instead of packing (this weekend's going to be awful, though...I can't put this off for much longer). So unless you just really want to do the questions, I'm pretty sure I can handle them. :-)
Mary’s Questions for Chapters 23 - 3824. T.J. makes this comment after brushing Anna’s hair: “If we were in Chicago, I wouldn’t stand a chance with her. But I was starting to wonder if, here on the island, I might.” If Anna and T.J. had arrived safely to the summer house in the Maldives, or if Anna had tutored T.J. in Chicago, would there have been any flirtation between them, or perhaps something more? Or could their relationship only have existed because of the island? Do you believe in soul mates or fate?
I doubt that they would have ever become lovers if they had made it to their destination. Maybe if they met later in life but it seems unlikely for the ages they were at the time.
25. I must say, the chapter devoted to the shark terrified me (I am incredibly afraid of the ocean and all of its creatures that can bite me). Would you have fished in the lagoon, knowing a shark was out there? Would you have been brave enough to attempt to kill it? What did you think of the dolphins saving the day?
I don't think that I would ever swim in the ocean again and I would probably die, lol. I can't believe how brave they were and the dolphins saving the day was a great touch. It seems like they bonded with Anna and TJ after swimming with them for so long.
26. After the shark feast, and after Anna and T.J. eat breadfruit together, do you think the timing was right for them? Do you see T.J. as a man yet?
I think that it was good timing. I have met many wonderful couples that have twelve years in between them. Really it isn't that big of an age gap this day and age. I think that TJ is much more mature than other kids his age and it seems like he is well grounded. I am wondering if things will change now that they have been rescued.
27. Anna thinks that T.J. won’t want to be tied down to anyone, should they get rescued. She also seems to be worried that she might hurt him someday (“I wanted to tell him I’d never do anything to hurt him again. But I was afraid it was a promise I might not be able to keep.”) What do you think Anna means by this? And what do you think life will be like for them when they get back to civilization?
Relationships between men and women are all different. She could be right about TJ wanting to not be tied down, but when you go through something like the two of them have been through, it changes you. I think that their bond may be really strong because they will be the only two in their world that understand and know what they each had to go through. I think Anna is also worried about what society will think of their romance when they get back. I think she is worried about getting thrown in jail or something like that when she gets back, even though they were both consenting adults. I am not sure what will happen when they get back home, but I am hoping they stick together.
28. I found T.J.’s “gifts” on Anna’s birthday incredibly sweet. What have been your favorite moments between Anna and T.J. so far?
I absolutely loved the birthday moment, but I think the Valentine's Day thing was the sweetest moment.
29. Time moves so quickly on the island. Do you like this about the book? Or would you prefer a slower speed?
I like the pace, I think it has a lot to do with the way she is going to handle the last bit of the book. She is going to spend time talking about what happens when they get back and I am glad that she is going to do that.
30. When you read about T.J.’s sickness, were you concerned his cancer was back? How about when Anna started throwing up - did you think she was pregnant at first?
I did think that TJ's cancer was back, especially when she talked about the lump on his neck. I am wondering if it really is back and the author is going to throw a sneaky one on us. I didn't really think Anna was pregnant, that would just be too crazy.
31. How relieved were you at the mention of “helicopter"? Are you surprised their rescue has come so early in the novel? How do you think everyone will react to finding out Anna and T.J. are alive? ...And are together?
This is what I love about the book, it is going to cover what happens when they get back, its not soley about them being lost on the island. I can't wait to read further.
Mary wrote: "Laura wrote: "I can do the questions Mary, I just caught up on yesterday's reading and I am starting tomorrow's once I finish answering yesterday's questions."Only if you have plenty of time to d..."
Either way, I don't mind. I am going to be reading most of the day myself as I am trying to not spend anymore money. I spent a hundred dollars yesterday on much needed clothes and one piece of furniture for my patio. I will leave it up to you.
@Lisa Kay#25- I would have fainted Lisa Kay! I have read a book about shark attacks and things in the latte 1800's when swimming first became popular. They are pretty resourceful predators and they scare me to death.
#27-I never thought about the fact that she would feel like she is robbing his youth. It makes you wonder if TJ ever has thoughts about her wanting someone older when they get back to shore because he is so young.
Hah, I love that you're reading to keep yourself from spending money. I need new clothes so badly...I've been wearing the same clothes for the past two years, it seems.If you're sure you don't mind (and I mean sure), I guess it would help me out. I'm really not feeling well, so it sort of takes the pressure off, and I can relax and just read. Thank you so much, Laura!
No problem! I am on it as I can't seem to put this book down at the moment.
@ Laura#25 - I agree! I think they formed a bond. It makes my heart happy to think about it.
#26 - My grandparents were twelve years apart. My grandmother loves to tell me stories of their courtship. I don't have very many memories of my grandfather before he passed away (my childhood was mostly spent overseas), but they seemed like such a sweet couple. I agree that T.J. is mature for his age. I think that people are going to have a hard time understanding their relationship when they get back to America, though. Part of that is because she was his tutor, so that adds an shock factor, I think.
#27 - I love what you said about them being the only two in the world who understood what they had to go through. Great point. I think they will stick together...I mean, they have to, right? They're Anna and T.J. I just think things are going to be hard for them.
#28 - You're right! That was so sweet. I love that he watched the calendar specifically for that day.
#29 - I hadn't thought of that, but you're right. I wasn't expecting them to be rescued this early, but it makes sense that the last half (or so) be about the obstacles they face when they get home.
#31 - Ahh, me neither! Going to start it now.
Laura wrote: "No problem! I am on it as I can't seem to put this book down at the moment."Thanks again for helping me out! :-)
@ Mary#26- That is so sweet! Right after my grandfather went into remission for the first time, he dated a woman who was almost 30 years younger than himself. We all loved her and sometimes I wish that she had not disappeared after my grandfather died. She has since gotten married and had twins, but I still remember how happy she made my grandfather and to me the age difference didn't matter as long as he was happy.
Laura's Questions Chapters 39-5432. How neat that the author weaved in some real life events into her story! Were you surprised they didn't talk more about 9/11 or the tsunami?
33. Could you imagine coming home to find out that you parents are dead? Do you think Sara was wrong for not telling Anna right away or do you understand why she waited?
34. I was surprised that Anna and TJ were able to keep down all of the foods that they ate after being rescued. It seemed like they gorged themselves. What did you think of the fact that they didn't get sick? If you were rescued from an island after four years what would be the first things you would want to eat?
35. We get to see how much TJ has really matured compared to his friend Ben when we see their interactions. Do you think TJ overreacted when he punched Ben in the face? Where you surprised when TJ left the party early?
36. Maybe I am just reading into the story too much, but does it seem like Anna and TJ are pulling away from each other a little bit? Do you think they are going to stay together? Will you be upset if they don't?
37. It seems like everyone except the media is taking TJ and Anna's relationship really well. Were you surprised by their reactions? If you were a parent do you think you would be as understanding? Are you surprised nobody has been doling out advice about their situation?
Laura's Questions Chapters 39-5432. How neat that the author weaved in some real life events into her story! Were you surprised they didn't talk more about 9/11 or the tsunami?
I'm very surprised that they didn't discuss 9/11 more. When one of them said, "What's 9/11?" I was sure there was going to be something more about it. I did love that the real-life (and devastating) event of the 2004 tsunami was woven into the story. It was an interesting way to have them rescued, and it makes sense.
33. Could you imagine coming home to find out that you parents are dead? Do you think Sara was wrong for not telling Anna right away or do you understand why she waited?
Oh gosh, I can't imagine that at all. My heart was breaking for her. I understand why Sara waited to tell Anna in person, but I wouldn't have wanted to find out in front of all those cameras. I wish there had been another way.
34. I was surprised that Anna and TJ were able to keep down all of the foods that they ate after being rescued. It seemed like they gorged themselves. What did you think of the fact that they didn't get sick? If you were rescued from an island after four years what would be the first things you would want to eat?
I was surprised, too. Going from small portions for years to a giant, oversized meal would definitely make me sick. I would want to eat everything, probably. Spaghetti, pizza, tacos, chicken fingers, french fries, cake and ice cream, pie, my boyfriend's chicken curry, sesame chicken, potato chips, the list goes on. I can't choose!
35. We get to see how much TJ has really matured compared to his friend Ben when we see their interactions. Do you think TJ overreacted when he punched Ben in the face? Where you surprised when TJ left the party early?
He's definitely matured. I went back and reread a few of T.J.'s interactions with Ben in the beginning. He's like a different person now. I probably would have punched Ben, too. I mean, those are really the first things you say to your best friend after nearly four years? And I wasn't surprised T.J. wasn't really into the party, after what he's been through.
36. Maybe I am just reading into the story too much, but does it seem like Anna and TJ are pulling away from each other a little bit? Do you think they are going to stay together? Will you be upset if they don't?
I think they will stay together, yes. I don't really think they're pulling away from each other...it just seems like they're both going through a lot with the media and all. But they'll stay together and help each other through it. At least I hope so! I would be heartbroken if they broke up. :(
37. It seems like everyone except the media is taking TJ and Anna's relationship really well. Were you surprised by their reactions? If you were a parent do you think you would be as understanding? Are you surprised nobody has been doling out advice about their situation?
I'm not surprised by the media's reactions, or by Anna's sister's. But I'm surprised by T.J.'s parents' reactions - I thought for sure they'd have a hard time with it. I love how T.J. told his mother, though - his maturity really showed there, I think. If I were a parent, I'd probably struggle with it for a while, to be honest, but I'd come around. If I were going through something like this, I'd probably be getting advice from everywhere, heh.
Loved these questions, Laura! Thanks again!
Laura wrote: "@ Mary#26- That is so sweet! Right after my grandfather went into remission for the first time, he dated a woman who was almost 30 years younger than himself. We all loved her and sometimes I wis..."
Oh! Just saw this. That's sweet, too. :-) I think that love is beautiful, in all its forms. Some people might scoff and point at a 30-year age difference, but that woman clearly made your grandfather happy, you know? Neat story.
Sorry, ladies! Just getting on to GRs now. I think I'm dead. My feet are killing me and I have a huge blister on my toe I have walked so much.My company came a day early. They all left, except for my 11 year old nephew. He's excited to spend the night at Aunt Lisa's without the rest of the family. Anyway. I'm too exhausted to answer DQs let alone think of some, LOL! Plus, he keeps running into the office to ask me a question, so I think I'd better give his some attention b/f he gets into something he shouldn't!
We are having a big joint family garage sale tomorrow and Sunday, but I should be back on GRs tomorrow night.
Sorry I had a hectic day yesterday but I'm finally done with yesterdays. It will probably late again tonight for today's dq's!32. How neat that the author weaved in some real life events into her story! Were you surprised they didn't talk more about 9/11 or the tsunami? Not really, the author's more focused on the emotional part of the characters and the backlash of the whole ordeal..
33. Could you imagine coming home to find out that you parents are dead? Do you think Sara was wrong for not telling Anna right away or do you understand why she waited?I think everyone reacts differently to situations, Sarah thought it would be easier to tell her in person, and I agree.
34. I was surprised that Anna and TJ were able to keep down all of the foods that they ate after being rescued. It seemed like they gorged themselves. What did you think of the fact that they didn't get sick? If you were rescued from an island after four years what would be the first things you would want to eat? I love food. All kinds of food. And they had been kept from it for so long that I understand why they needed a little bit of everything. Heck I would to!
35. We get to see how much TJ has really matured compared to his friend Ben when we see their interactions. Do you think TJ overreacted when he punched Ben in the face? Where you surprised when TJ left the party early?No and no.. He had no choice but to grow up way beyond his years on that island. He had to endure soo much and learned lessons that his peers may never learn.
36. Maybe I am just reading into the story too much, but does it seem like Anna and TJ are pulling away from each other a little bit? Do you think they are going to stay together? Will you be upset if they don't?Maybe... I never thought about it til now but you might be right.. I really hope they stay together but I could see why they wouldn't. They're getting so much negativity because they fell in love. You'd think people would understand more given the situation. :(
37. It seems like everyone except the media is taking TJ and Anna's relationship really well. Were you surprised by their reactions? If you were a parent do you think you would be as understanding? Are you surprised nobody has been doling out advice about their situation? I actually am surprised by T.J's parents' reaction, but it made me smile reading about how they took it so well.
@Mary#33- Agreed! So so so sad.. :( And to think, her mother went through, not only cancer, but her daughter's supposed death, her husband's death and then her own.. In only 3 1/2 years. Tragic.. :(
#36- I hope you're right. I, too, would be heartbroken!
#37- Completely and totally agree! I have a little boy, so I tried putting myself in T.J's mom's shoes. I'd honestly probably have a harder time with it. But you never know unless you're in the situation. That's a tough one!
@ Laura#25 – Good point about the dolphin having bonded with them after swimming with them for so long; I hadn’t considered that.
#26 – Excellent point about their experience bonding them. They have seen the best and worst of each other, too.
Response to Post #105 – LMBO! Good luck with that.
Response to Post #106 – I almost did faint, and fainting under water can’t be good, LOL!
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Laura's Questions Chapters 39-54 32. How neat that the author weaved in some real life events into her story! Were you surprised they didn't talk more about 9/11 or the tsunami?
No, not really. It was weird to have them know nothing about 9/11. I didn’t even catch that when I was reading the dates at the beginning of the book. They watch the tsunami aftermath on TV in the hotel and were in awe of that their lives were saved.
33. Could you imagine coming home to find out that you parents are dead? Do you think Sara was wrong for not telling Anna right away or do you understand why she waited?
No, I couldn’t imagine. So sad. Though, I had an inkling when her sister wouldn’t answer her straight. I understood why her sister did it. She wanted to get her home and safe and let her have a little happiness first.
34. I was surprised that Anna and TJ were able to keep down all of the foods that they ate after being rescued. It seemed like they gorged themselves. What did you think of the fact that they didn't get sick? If you were rescued from an island after four years what would be the first things you would want to eat?
I didn’t notice that. May it was just what they considered gorging; I’ll have to go back and look. I think they had to stop eating, right? Because they got full so soon? Steak! And oranges. Bread, hot buttery bread fresh from the oven. Probably some ice cream.
35. We get to see how much TJ has really matured compared to his friend Ben when we see their interactions. Do you think TJ overreacted when he punched Ben in the face? Where you surprised when TJ left the party early?
No, I don’t really blame T.J. for punching Ben. Nice to see Ben is on his way to maturing (stood up at T.J.’s funeral), but he isn’t as mature at T.J. Not surprised about the party. That isn’t what he wants. Life is to short to be somewhere doing something you don’t want to do.
36. Maybe I am just reading into the story too much, but does it seem like Anna and TJ are pulling away from each other a little bit? Do you think they are going to stay together? Will you be upset if they don't?
Yes, it does seem that way. I hope they stay together; I would be upset is they didn’t.
37. It seems like everyone except the media is taking TJ and Anna's relationship really well. Were you surprised by their reactions? If you were a parent do you think you would be as understanding? Are you surprised nobody has been doling out advice about their situation?
I was surprised, but I liked what T.J.’s mom said. I think I would be accepting, if I were the parent. Maybe a little disappointed because of the age difference. Almost 14 years is a big spread. I am a little surprised there isn’t a lot of advice giving. The press? Typical. Vultures, the lot of them.
Sorry again, ladies. I've been sick as a dog for the last day 24 hours. I wasn't even able to go to the family garage sale. My poor little nephew was stuck here with his sick Aunt Lisa and no way to get to the action. Anyway, I'm back with the living now. I finished the reading; give me some time to write up some DQs and I'll post them later.
I was out all day yesterday and just finished the reading for yesterday this morning myself. I am so behind on all my buddy reads its ridiculous. I will try to make up for some of it today.
I hear you, Laura. Eep! I'm behind, too!
Looks like I'm not the only one who was behind! Sorry to hear that you were sick, Lisa Kay! The past two days have been crazy for me - I just finished moving and am finally able to relax. I finished the book, though, and loved it!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 56 – epilogue 38. Did Anna have several good points? Is it easier to “age up” than to “age down”? As the years progressed, would the 13 ½ year age difference make a bigger impact, especially with Anna being the woman and aging quicker?
39. Could you see the reasoning of both Anna and T.J. thinking the other might leave them in the future? (BTW, I love dogs and T.J. was sweet to get Anna Bo!)
40. What did you think of Anna and John’s talk in her apartment? Were you surprised at the ring? He really blew that proposal, didn’t he? Did you agree with what Anna told him? Do you know other people who would have said, “Yes.”
41. What about T.J.’s experience with Alex? Did that just cement the fact that he wanted Anna?
42. This isn’t really a question, but I wanted to say I was thrilled, when Anna couldn’t find a job, that she found the shelter. Comments.
43. Comments about T.J.’s selfless act? Does it show the depth of his love for Anna?
44. Book Quote: “You. Were right. I did need to be on my own. But some of the things you wanted me to experience already passed me by, and I can’t go back.” Did you truth and honesty in this statement?
45. What did you think of the last few chapters and the epilogue? Were you happy with the jump in years? Seeing them as a family? How did you rate the book over all? Any last comments?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 56 – epilogue 38. Did Anna have several good points? Is it easier to “age up” than to “age down”? As the years progressed, would the 13 ½ year age difference make a bigger impact, especially with Anna being the woman and aging quicker?
I think most people out there wouldn't really bat an eye at a 30-something man and a young 20-something girl. It's unfair. Women have come a long way, but they still have a ways to go. I think, as they meet other people in their life, they're still going to have to deal with the age difference, but as long as it doesn't bother them (Anna & T.J.), that's all that matters.
39. Could you see the reasoning of both Anna and T.J. thinking the other might leave them in the future? (BTW, I love dogs and T.J. was sweet to get Anna Bo!)
Oh, I definitely see the reasoning. I identify with Anna's perspective a lot, even though I haven't exactly been in her shoes. I have a chronic illness (of sorts) that keeps me in bed a lot and often keeps me from doing my job. I was pretty healthy when my boyfriend and I began dating four years ago, but my health skyrocketed downhill six months later and has remained pretty awful since. I didn't think he'd stick around, but he's never left my side.
40. What did you think of Anna and John’s talk in her apartment? Were you surprised at the ring? He really blew that proposal, didn’t he? Did you agree with what Anna told him? Do you know other people who would have said, “Yes.”
Ugh, that proposal was disgusting. Anna was right - he only asked her because he felt like he had to in order to keep her. That isn't why you get married. Sadly, yes, I know people who would see a ring and wouldn't care. They would say yes.
41. What about T.J.’s experience with Alex? Did that just cement the fact that he wanted Anna?
I think so, yes. I kind of expected he and Anna to have a conversation about it later.
42. This isn’t really a question, but I wanted to say I was thrilled, when Anna couldn’t find a job, that she found the shelter. Comments.
I loved this! It was perfect. She didn't really need to work, with all that money, but it was a perfect way to devote her time to helping others. She even got to teach!
43. Comments about T.J.’s selfless act? Does it show the depth of his love for Anna?
Do you mean his donation to the shelter? I think he somehow found out that Anna spent all her time there and wanted to help it out. I think he cares deeply about people.
44. Book Quote: “You. Were right. I did need to be on my own. But some of the things you wanted me to experience already passed me by, and I can’t go back.” Did you truth and honesty in this statement?
Yes, I agree wholeheartedly. I think Anna wanted him to experience young college life, with its parties, hangovers, etc. T.J. is far more mature than guys his age, both from being sick and having spent the past three years on an island trying to survive. He's right - you can't go back. I think, after going through everything he'd gone through, it's no wonder he wanted to settle down and be with the one thing that made him happy - Anna.
45. What did you think of the last few chapters and the epilogue? Were you happy with the jump in years? Seeing them as a family? How did you rate the book over all? Any last comments?
I rated the book 5 stars...I loved it! I could have done without most of the epilogue, which I thought was a little overdone, and a little too sappy, perhaps. Like the ending of a romantic comedy, where there's a double wedding and every single couple gets together and everyone is happy and gets what they want. It was satisfying, however, to see Anna with a baby. So glad she and T.J. finally got a family! I loved the book, and have really, really enjoyed reading it with you guys. :-)
#24 - I'm not really sure what I believe about soul mates and fate, but I love your answer here.
#25 - I love reading stories about dolphins saving humans from sharks. I nearly googled some to post with my questions.
#28 - That made me laugh, too!
#29 - I'm with you here. For instance, after T.J. and Anna finally became involved, I didn't expect the author to speed ahead as usual. I expected things to slow down a little as the two of them figured out what it was that had just happened between them and what it meant. I do like how she did it, though, and I'm not complaining.