No Place Like Home: Discussion 1: Ch. 1-7

[aero63]

Refreshments for all. Have a seat and let's get talking.

Do you think the way the author decides to open the book has any bearing on the story in the first few chapters? In what way? Can the opening (prologue) be symbolic of other things outside the context of this book?

Do you think Liza should have disclosed to her second husband who she was? Why? Why not?Do you think the vandalism was perpetrated by the same adolescents?


I will put my thoughts down, but I thought these would get us started. We can elaborate on these questions, and then continue with other things. Feel free to ask questions that came to your mind or discuss any particular part of these chapters you feel like.

I think the prologue symbolizes what direction the author is going to take in leading the main character throughout the book. I think it symbolizes Liza's life so far. It also could be symbolic of any of our lives.

I do believe that Liza should have disclosed her life to her second husband, especially since they were planning on being in the area she grew up in. Too risky to keep things secret.

I can only guess...at first I thought maybe the father knew she was moving back somehow, then nah.... How about the nosy neighbor, maybe she was getting bored and needed some excitement.

[bobbioh]

I think she should of told her second husband! I dont think you should start any relationship with deep dark secretes. Its hard to tell who did the vandalism But I think it was a adult it was more sophisticated this time. I think the book is easy reading and a good choice. Bobbi

[susanny]

Ah, but remember the nosy neighbor called the ex husband and told him someone was moving in, can't remember if she told him the names but I don't think she knew at the time.

I'm wondering if the ex somehow knew where she'd been all along, or discovered it later. I think he and the new hubby are in it together, for that matter, to drive her insane. Why else would her new husband have joined the riding club nearby before he had bought the house? And I think it is just too coincidental that he picked that very house to buy for her. And who's idea was it to move to that area, anyhow. Call me cynical.

If I'm not right, and even if I am, I also think she should have told the new husband about her past. At least not to keep secrets, as Bobbi said.

Jack sure seems to be a well adjusted little boy for having lost his real father. I guess he was a tyke when he died, but still... Not being even a little afraid of the unfamiliar big house so he gets up and leaves it to go to the barn. I'm wondering if the average 5 yr old would do that.

People's looks, while aging, pretty much retain the same features as when they are young. People should notice soon who she looks like and guess who she is.

[aero63]

Good thinking on that one, susanny.

I think if I got a pony at five...ummm... yeah be at that barn all the time, even in a new place. He does seem well adjusted, but they say children are resilient.

[mary57]

She should have told her husband about her past, you can't have trust if you have secrets.
The vandals are adults this time, the work is too detailed and at a height beyond kids. Kids tent to hit and run, not take the time for detailed carving.
The way the author opened the book, sets the background and tone of the story. It shows the 'character' of the people and gives us a 'mental' picture to build on.
I agree with you aero, any child that had been given a pony would be out there with him any chance he could get. They are also naturaly curious and explore everything in their world.
I agree the second husband is 'fishy', moving back to the same town to say nothing of the same house is just creepy. Throwing money around is to much like buying people and leaving them with a sense of guilt and of 'owing' or obligation to the one 'giving'.
I am only reading the chapters as we go along so that the story stays fresh and I don't infuence my thinking by knowing more of the story.
Aero I am really enjoying this, the story is so hard to leave alone, and I like the discussion part. Thank You.

[susanny]

I neglected to say that I think the ex either did, or had someone do, the vandalism.

Aero, what chapters and when do we read next? I'm anxious to get on with the book.

[aero63]

Okay, so here is my take on the opening. Mind you we all see things differently.

In the prologue, Liza is with her father in the ocean. At first fun and frolicking, now they know another wave is coming, but the force is unknown. When the wave hits, it actually crashes or forces them underneath, tumbling and reaching frantically for footing, panicking. Then Liza is back in her father's arms, safe and happy again.
So... it gives the setting...beach, ocean, family etc. But..I also thought it resembled our lives also...going along smoothly and we know that there will be twists and turns, but we don't know where it will take us. Then the wave crashes down on us with the diagnoses of COPD. We lose our footing, maybe panic, maybe not. Then we find our strength (family) and support (forums, family), become knowledgeable, and finally feel safer knowing how to control our disease.

So, there you have it...I thought it symbolized our life in a sense. But also sets how the ebb and flow of the story of Liza's life is going to go.

I will be back later to post the next chapters and next discussion for those that want to get reading more, . But, I hope the others post or more replies to ideas come in.

I believe also that disclosure is essential to every relationship. Especially if the secrets kept are going to rock the foundation of a marriage. A little mystery is always a good thing, , but definitely not to this degree.

[genemom]

I haven't read anything by Mary Higgins Clark for some time and am quite enjoying it.
Something sneaky is going on here. Unfortunate accidents happen with children and try as one may to change things for them - the accidents tend to follow them a lifetime not matter what. It's the others around them that seem to escaulate them or forget them -
It's no wonder all those repressed memories flooded Celia as she toured the house. Why she ever made that promise to her former husband is beyond me - eventually children want to know the truth as they seem to sense that something is not right. Why did Alex buy the house without consulting Celia - conspiracy!!!!
And as for the neighbour - most neigbourhoods have the timeless busy body - who will side with one side or the other and don't particularly like children - because they only listen to one side of the story. They will never see the other side of the picture.
I am surprised that the real estate agent didn't push disclosure more forcefully.
I think that the vandalism was caused by adults with long memories - the next generation wouldn't be that complete. They don't know the facts - just the stories that go round and round and tend to expand.
Perhaps some in the community know who Celia really is!
I think Dru Perry is going to be the proverbial thorn?
I have been tempted to read ahead but for now....waiting anxiously

[deltagirl]

Wow - Aero you did such a good job of exploring and explaining the symbolism and imagery of the opening scene - that must be why you're the Head Librarian!!

I agree that the husband buying that particular house purely by accident is too much of a coincidence - and wouldn't he have heard the house rumours from someone at the riding club he joined even before they moved to that area?

Hmm - I think something is fishy in Denmark!

I also agree - secret keeping of that magnitude - not a good idea!

Enjoying the read and all the comments so far. Thanks gang!

[aero63]

Okay for those of you anxious to get on with the reading the next pages will be pages 49-149, chapters 8-23. If this is too much, ya all have to let me know...but we all seem to have done so well with getting the first reading done. The next discussion will be November 11th.

That doesn't end this discussion for those of you that haven't posted yet and wanted to.

Thanks all and glad you enjoy the reading....

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Aero; gotta tell ya...... I was really impressed with your way of leading into getting a discussion and "thinking" going. I was surprised by your analogy..... actually I was surprised/impressed with e'one's posts for that matter...... and I have to agree with the majority of you in many aspects.....

Basically I guess I don't trust the hubby either.... something definitely out of whack there. And in all honesty, the truth will come out; it's impossible for it not to unless she becomes a total recluse.

As for the real estate agent and not disclosing more forcefully as you mentioned Carolyn, I agree though it sounds like it's "lean times" right now. Hmmmmm..... can't think of her name but the former Secretary of her's (the realtor)... young, pretty thing as I recall ...... I wonder if she's had a hand in some of this re: the hubby etc..... I'm probably way off base but........

It's obvious these people are all gonna be "players" in some fashion I think as the book progresses.

[susanny]

You might be on to something about the secretary, Blossom. I think her name is Robin, but not sure.

I had a dream last night that I had to take a final test in school and I hadn't read the book all year. I think it had to do with my falling asleep with the book open in bed. The dream was filled with dread.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

I hear ya Sue...... Them there Cole's note came in handy sometimes!

This is "Fun" I think. Tks Aero

[aero63]

Glad everyone is having a good time with this.

, Susanny.

Yes, the way the secretary is so overly concerned and calling Georgette at home before work even. Good idea Jackie.

I wonder if this house does carry it's own memories. The previous owner's seem to hear and feel things...or maybe this is due to someone's own evil doing?

[Deleted]

Hrmmm.... I wonder if the house is haunted by her Mom and step-dad? I am really enjoying this book.

aero you sure have unlocked a treasure chest, thanks!

[mary57]

Wow, as this book unfolds the questions just get better and better, read the chapters last night, but transposed the numbers and read to chapter 32 OOPS but that was page 149 ? anyway plenty of suspects and action. I love it, thanks again Aero.

[aero63]

Well now Mary, you'll be way ahead of the game. Got notes?

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Best I get reading more tonight!

[mary57]

No I didn't take notes, I'll have to be careful how I answer the questions, and will reread this again next week