Commencement, Part 2!

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I finished the book last weekend and I'm so glad I participated in the Book Club. I can't wait to see what book is next. I am a bit of a fast reader so I got anxious waiting for the questions :x

1. What parts of the book could you most relate to? Least relate?

I was able to relate pretty well to Sally and everything she had going on throughout most of the book (minus my mom dying). I had a hard time relating to feminist values and the all girl college experience. I also lived off campus, so I did not acquire the same type of friendships that the girls in the book and other readers were able to.
2. If the author were to write another novel that followed one of the girls onto her next step of life, which one would you want it to be about? Whose story would you want to follow more of?

I would be interested in Celia's life after finishing this book. Seeing how her life in NY pans out and if she settles down. I think the author left the ending open and more geared towards a book that would follow Bree more easily by bringing her and Lara back together.

3. What surprised you the most about this book?

I wasn't surprised that April was alive, if that's what you're getting at. As soon as she "vanished" I was pretty sure Ronnie had something to do with it. It just seemed fishy and in my head, April wasn't one to get killed by a pimp, she was a tough-looking girl that was able to take care of herself.
4. Which character did you look forward to reading about the most?

I really enjoyed following Sally's journey and her relationship with her husband.I loved how attentive he was while she was pregnant and I laughed at how her and her mother-in-law didn't get along. Sally played the role of pretty little rich girl and her marrying Jake stemmed from losing her mother so early and needing companionship.

5. Did this book meet your expectations? 

I stayed away from the feminist issues, it wasn't something that I was interested in. I liked the different dynamics of the girls relationships. I liked how it followed the girls through college and then afterward and how they stayed friends (strained or not). I would recommend this book (and have!) to someone looking for a good quick read. I blew through this book in about 5 or 6 hours total (I am a bit of a quick reader) but it was good weather book. 

Commencement, Part 1 - Book Club

Yay!! I finished part 1 around 9pm last night and I'm excited to answer the questions on it now. I'm really "hooked" on what's happening in part 2! I wanted to read ahead but didn't want to get confused. So here's some discussion questions. (If you are interested in joining in, head over to the button on the left for book club).

1. Which girl do you identify the most with?
I most identify with Sally. My mom didn't die, but me and her weren't particularly close right after high school. I also tried to hang on to my high school friendships (Monica) even though we attended different schools. I was also a young bride (19!) and felt a kinship toward other couples and tried to shield my single friends from my married life.

2. If you're a college student or graduate, what similarities or differences do you see between this story to your own college experience?
Well, I attended a college closeby my apartment. I didn't make many close knit college friends because I lived off campus and didn't attend much of a party school. Sometimes I feel like I missed out on some great friends and experiences, but I was able to "try out" the marriage experience and loved it. I have made close friends (girls from high school) that I have reconnected with and would do anything for.

3. Which girl do you think has changed the most since her time in college? In what ways has she changed?

I think Bree has changed the most since beginning college. She was engaged at 18, although she did back out. She's gone from the typical "southern gal" to a lesbian and has come out to her family. She still seems to need to be in a relationship and continues to have problems in that area. Her original plan was to obtain her degree, get married and become a wife and volunteer. Now she has a job and is actually using her degree. I think Sally has also changed alot by meeting Jake and that truly changed the direction of her life. Sally's life was turned upside down by the death of her mother regardless, not necessarily just by going to college.

I can't wait to read more of this book. I'm so glad I decided to join. Everyone I have told thinks it's a great idea as well. Feel free to leave me comments about your thoughts as well!  Anyone else think this would make a great movie?