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Week 3: The Guest Book by Marybeth Whalen

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1:49 pm
July 22, 2012

laurap

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Week 3: The Guest Book by Marybeth Whalen, Chapters 17-24

In her search for answers, Macy began to wonder
if she’d lost sight of what mattered most. “She’d spent much of her life
chasing after something she didn’t have and ignored what was right in
front of her. She’d even done it with her dad the last summer they’d had
together.” Do you think she was doing that by looking for the artist?
Max’s alcoholism was a way of coping with life.
“That’s why drinking had such a hold on me. I loved how it made me feel
less. If I had enough to drink, I didn’t feel anything at all. A strong
person doesn’t do that.” What “drugs” were others in the story using to
cope?
Max’s relationship with his sister was loving,
yet tinged with jealousy. Each time her parent’s talked about Macy when
she was growing up, she said she “always ignored the look that crossed
Max’s face when they said that. It was the look of someone who’d been
unmoored, untethered, set adrift.”

I'm enjoying the anticipation of waiting with all of you for the real artist! Can't wait to hear your thoughts. :0 )

In Him,

Laura

9:27 pm
July 22, 2012

teresasthoughtsfortoday

Evansville, Indiana

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Wow, Laura, these are deep questions. Hope I can muster up the courage to answer them!

1. I do think she was getting lost in the search for the artist. She seemed to not be spending as much time with her daughter as she could be for a vacation. Also, not focusing on the men who were interested for them but wondering if each one could be the artist (which as the reader I am also doing!). I think Macy spends a lot of time on the "what ifs" and not on the here and now. A lot of us do that. Myself included. It can rob us of enjoying what life is providing for us at this very moment.

2. I'm not really sure on this one. I'll have to think on it and am eager to see what others say.

3. No question here, but it is a fascinating aspect of siblings–the jealousy issue.

I'm loving how Macy's faith is growing during her time at the beach, also. I'm wondering about Max's time with Pastor Nate and if Nate is helping Max with his alcoholism. Interested to see how that plays out.

Time to finish the book and see how it ends!

3:09 am
July 24, 2012

Beth@sportsmomma

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Teresa- you are correct- deep questions this time!

1. Yes, I do kind of think that's what Macy was doing. I think that perhaps that's why she ended up with Chase in the first place- she wanted some one to fill that void. I think she is very caught up in finding the artist and maybe neglecting the relationships that are right there in her life.

2. Macy's mom was using "the shrine" and yearly "celebration" ( I don't have my book with me, I've already loaned it to a friend so I'm not real sure what they called it) as a way to hold on to her memories and numb herself.

3. No question here but you can certainly see this could affect their relationship.

Teresa-I also agree with what you said about loving watching Macy's faith grow. I loved her prayer on the beach!

3:03 pm
July 24, 2012

ShellySCantrell

South Carolina

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I'm with Teresa and Beth… we're gettin' deep! Cool

And, I also agree that Macy got "lost" in her search for the artist (re: Q1). I echo everything these 2 have already said and don't have additional thoughts right now.

2) I agree with Beth and saw other "drug use" in the way that Chase had a hold on Macy. While he was toxic, yes, she could not resist him (thinking back to the night he invited himself a little too close in during the camp out). She found it hard to "just say no" to him.

3) Jealousy does have a way of destroying even the best relationships.

And, much like Teresa and Beth… I enjoyed watching Macy's faith grow. So cool!

This is an AWESOME book! Laugh

3:36 pm
July 24, 2012

Beni

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1. Yes. And maybe also along with holding on to her feelings & secret dreams for a solid relationship with Chase, since those feelings rose up pretty quick when he came back.

2. Macy turned to a loose lifestyle; Mom's drug was to refuse to stop grieving and move forward in life.

3:54 pm
July 24, 2012

Linda A.

Northwest, Wisconsin

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Post edited 7:15 pm – July 24, 2012 by Linda A.

Wow!! I've loved every one's answers and comments! What more can I add? Smile

1. Yes she did lose sight of what was right in front of her. I also think that is something we do quite often. Always looking ahead to tomorrow, the next thing, the next project instead of what is here right now.

2. I also agree with Beth about the shrine and the birthday party being Brenda's drug of choice. I agree with Shelly about Chase being a drug for Macy. I also think her daughter Emma could have been a drug in a way too. Someone to totally focus on and keep her mind off coping with her father's death.

3. Growing up with four other siblings I can attest to jealousy being a huge problem. And sometimes it takes a long time to deal with it, if at all.

I also am enjoying this book! Smile Now to finish it and find out who the artist is. Because this time I did not read ahead, which is not always the case. Wink