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1. What is your first impression in meeting Linda, Frankie, Brett, Ally, and Kath? Who do you identify with so far in these first chapters?

2. What point do you think the mansion across the street has (if any) to the novel? Do you think its haunted?

3. What do you think of Brett's gloves? Do you think they symbolize anything?

4. So far there have been a few historical references mentioned throughout...do you think they are adding to the story in any way? Do they have special meaning for any of you?

5. How did you feel when Frankie was able to tell her husband's boss Bob about her novel she is writing but had not told her husband Danny yet? Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that?

6. Would you want to be a part of a writing group such as how these women are with each other? Would that help you or hinder you in the writing process?

7. What significance (if any) do you think the Miss USA pageant has to the novel thus far?

8. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?

1. What is your first impression in meeting Linda, Frankie, Brett, Ally, and Kath? Who do you identify with so far in these first chapters?

The beginning was a bit hard for me to connect with any of the characters... I was having trouble keeping up with who was who..

2. What point do you think the mansion across the street has (if any) to the novel? Do you think its haunted?

I thought it was haunted


3. What do you think of Brett's gloves? Do you think they symbolize anything?

I think that is what peaked my curiosity the most.. I wanted to know the story behind the gloves



4. So far there have been a few historical references mentioned throughout...do you think they are adding to the story in any way? Do they have special meaning for any of you?
no

5. How did you feel when Frankie was able to tell her husband's boss Bob about her novel she is writing but had not told her husband Danny yet? Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that?



6. Would you want to be a part of a writing group such as how these women are with each other? Would that help you or hinder you in the writing process?

I think that would be fun. It takes a while for the trust level to build though for the sincere critique of a story


7. What significance (if any) do you think the Miss USA pageant has to the novel thus far?

It is the one thing that these women have really bonded over.. the one "common" interest.

8. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?

Yes, I think this is a very common ground for women to meet and friendships to form.

probably the freakiest thing for me is that as I finished this book I found that I can relate most to Kath - as I am just starting a similar journey. I go for testing on Monday - how weird is that!!??

Testing for.....?? I'm sorry Cindy I'm sorta confused. I can't figure out what Kath tested for.......

I don't want to be a spoiler --- so I will wait to discuss until we are further along in the story.

:)

And I got the name wrong anyway --- Linda...

Oh Cindy.....now I know what you mean. If you'd like to talk about this message me please. I've already finished the book so you won't spoil anything for me and it sounds like you need to talk some about it? I'm here if you need an ear.........

Cindy, I've got an ear to lend as well!

Cindy I am here for you, let me know if you need someone to talk to.


1. What is your first impression in meeting Linda, Frankie, Brett, Ally, and Kath? Who do you identify with so far in these first chapters?

I was impressed by their intelligence. I had a lot of thoughts about what Ally is going through.


2. What point do you think the mansion across the street has (if any) to the novel? Do you think its haunted?

No I don't think it is haunted but I think that on of the Sisters is connected to it in some way.


3. What do you think of Brett's gloves? Do you think they symbolize anything?

It brings me back to The Knitting Circle. We all have a story something in our past that we are hiding or not able to share. I think Brett has a story to tell that is painful and she can not share.

4. So far there have been a few historical references mentioned throughout...do you think they are adding to the story in any way? Do they have special meaning for any of you? I love the historical references. They all remind e a bit of my Mom though she missed a lot of the events of the 60's because she was busy raising a family. I remember a lot of the events in the 70's. Particularily the ERA women's movement had a huge impact on who I am.

5. How did you feel when Frankie was able to tell her husband's boss Bob about her novel she is writing but had not told her husband Danny yet? Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that?

No that was one of the hard parts of the novel, a number of the marriages. So different from mine. the roles so traditional. My marriage is not perfect and certainly over the last couple years NOT great.. but so different.

6. Would you want to be a part of a writing group such as how these women are with each other? Would that help you or hinder you in the writing process? It sounds fascinating and it did make me want to write. I really admired their intellect and drive. They did not say.. let's get together and read... which I love.... but is definately more passive, not so much like hard work. The other thing that impressed me was that they never stopped meeting or critqueing.. I think today my friends and I would start something along those lines and eventually we would meet for coffee or wine and a chat! ( I had an art group that did that!)

7. What significance (if any) do you think the Miss USA pageant has to the novel thus far? It goes back to the Feminist theme in the Novel. It is fantastic! I love the confusion the juxaposition between the women's lives, their beliefs and the pagent.

8. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?

Most definately! Yes I think women with small children meet in all sorts of places where women go with their children! A lot of women today are desparate to stay home with their young children but desparately crave the contact of other adults so that they seek friendship where they can get them. I have meet friends at playgroups, at indoor and outdoor play grounds, so it is definately realistic!

1. What is your first impression in meeting Linda, Frankie, Brett, Ally, and Kath? Who do you identify with so far in these first chapters?

I liked how they weren't afraid to speak their minds to each other given the time they met (in the 60's) and I'm enjoying seeing how quickly and in what ways their friendships are progressing. Its amazing how fast they were there for each other when needed and how fast the judgments about each other came too. Spoken and unspoken. Honestly I don't really identify with any of them yet except maybe a little bit of Ally. She seems to always be a little on the outside of the group and fearful to share everything of herself and that's how I am.

2. What point do you think the mansion across the street has (if any) to the novel? Do you think its haunted?

I feel as if one of the ladies has a connection to it and I don't think its haunted. I'm not sure why we are made to think that way but I don't believe it is. What point it has to the story I'm not sure yet.

3. What do you think of Brett's gloves? Do you think they symbolize anything?

Brett's gloves have really piqued my interest that's for sure and I'm also wondering why she quotes novels constantly. Her level of intelligence is fascinating to me but those gloves are what keeps pulling me into this story...I want to know what they are all about.


4. So far there have been a few historical references mentioned throughout...do you think they are adding to the story in any way? Do they have special meaning for any of you?

They really add to the story and make everything that is going on in these women's lives much more meaningful for me. I can understand better what women were going through in those days and how they got through all the changes going on in that era and in the world. They don't have special meaning to me because I was born in 1974 but I do like reading about them and experiencing the events through their eyes and thoughts.

5. How did you feel when Frankie was able to tell her husband's boss Bob about her novel she is writing but had not told her husband Danny yet? Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that?

I actually thought it was sad that she wouldn't share that with her husband and I wondered what made her think she couldn't. Up until that point I thought her and Danny had a great relationship and that incident showed that maybe there could be some cracks in that perfect veneer. I haven't found myself in that situation because I don't really care what people think of me. I just say it or do it and if someone thinks less of me for it then so be it.

6. Would you want to be a part of a writing group such as how these women are with each other? Would that help you or hinder you in the writing process?

I actually would not want to be a part of a writing group like this. I think its too hard for friends to critique you correctly unless you have a huge level of trust in them and for me that would have to be a friend who I've known all my life and that I know for sure would tell me the truth. Most people I think would be too caught up in what the other will think of them after they say something isn't right and so it wouldn't be a true process for me.

7. What significance (if any) do you think the Miss USA pageant has to the novel thus far?

Its a common ground for them all and something they all enjoy doing. During that time the pageant changed immensely due to women's rights and I think it emphazises what these women are going through in their own lives and how they are coping with ideals and values changing in society.

8. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?

Honestly I think it would depend where the park was....in what part of the country....small town or big town....I don't think people have the ease with each other now that they did back then and I think it would be harder now to meet this many women and form this kind of group. We are able to do it online but in person I think it would be hard. I think people in general over the years have become more withdrawn and distrustful of others and that makes it much more difficult to become friends like this in a short amount of time.

1. What is your first impression in meeting Linda, Frankie, Brett, Ally, and Kath? Who do you identify with so far in these first chapters?

My first impression is that althought these ladies are all clearly different from eachother, they still share a common interest strong enough to bond them- which is nice to see; knowing that you dont have to be exactly alike to be friends, as long as you share a similar passion that is strong enough to unite you. So far I identify with Frankie. I especially can relate to when she first tried introducing herself as Mary Frances to get away from her old name as Frankie. Its funny that even though she tried to become Mary Francis, they only remembered her as Frankie, and she was still stuck with it. (Personally, I prefer Frankie to Mary Francis anyway ;) )


3. What do you think of Brett's gloves? Do you think they symbolize anything?

I don't know yet what Brett's gloves stand for, but I think that they are a part of her and she is hiding something behind the gloves... I'm extremely curious to know what's up with the gloves though because they are definitely a quirky trait that I love about her.

5. How did you feel when Frankie was able to tell her husband's boss Bob about her novel she is writing but had not told her husband Danny yet? Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that?

I related and understood why Frankie could tell Bob about the writing and not her husband. From personal experience, I think it is easier to share something like that with someone you don't know too well, because they don't know your character well enough to judge or critique. However, telling someone youre close to, like Frankie's husband, you can be a lot more shy and hesitant about it because revealing your true feelings to someone you know always makes you more vulnerable. Just like the concept of why people go to therapists to discuss their problems because it is easier to talk to a stranger than to your closest friends who know you well enough to potentially judge you. Besides, if she told her husband he would probably want to read it and know all about it (which is good that he would be interested), however, Frankie might not have been ready to share something like that with him.

6. Would you want to be a part of a writing group such as how these women are with each other? Would that help you or hinder you in the writing process?

Yes, I would. I love both getting and giving personal feedback. As a writer it helps so much to have different point of views look at your story and be interested in it enough to give you advice that could help you. There could be a possibility that you would never know until someone else brought it to your attention.


8. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?

I think it would have to be the right situation. If you are in a situation where you see the same people on a regular basis (mothers at the playground, people at the same cafe, etc...), it would seem like the opportunity would present itself to connect with those people. At the same time, I personally would only attempt to strike conversation with someone who caught my eye or intrigued me- for example, Brett and her white gloves.

Very interesting point Anastasia in your answer to question 8 up there.....the fact that you would only attempt to strike up a conversation witht he one you caught your attention made me laugh. I could so see myself doing that too!!

Yeah, and the funny thing Holli, is that I'm actually really really shy. I've been trying to force myself out of it (hence no longer lurking in this group) but I agree with you on how its easier to form friendships in the age of the internet. Everyone is bolder online (including me, haha) and everyone is also more cynical in person... Sadly, I know I can be hesitant towards meeting someone in person, yet at the same time I can find myself drawn to someone, hoping they arent skeptical towards me...

I'm glad you have decided to let us into your life and I look forward to a day when we can all meet and talk in person and develop our friendship on that next level. :) You're planning on going on our girl's weekend right???

Yep! I'm so excited about it... I plan on getting to know everyone better so that when we finally do meet I can feel like I already know everyone!

1. What is your first impression in meeting Linda, Frankie, Brett, Ally, and Kath? Who do you identify with so far in these first chapters?


I identify most with Frankie, I think because she's the narrator and because she seems the least secure about herself. But parts of me identify w/all of them some, except for Kath. She's too "southern Steel Magnolia" - I admire her, but don't really see myself in her.


2. What point do you think the mansion across the street has (if any) to the novel? Do you think its haunted?


I never really thought of it as being haunted. I think it might have some kind of symbolistic meaning - the emptiness of the mansion in comparison to the emptiness of the women's lives in that they all have dreams beyond being homemakers, yet aren't really fulfilling those dreams yet.


3. What do you think of Brett's gloves? Do you think they symbolize anything?


I'm sure they do, but I can't think what. The only thing that comes to me is that maybe she is covering up some kind of awful scarring on her hands? But that doesn't seem right either.


4. So far there have been a few historical references mentioned throughout...do you think they are adding to the story in any way? Do they have special meaning for any of you?


I think they add to the story, but they're making me wish I paid any attention at all in History classes in school ;) But they evoke lots of emotion and patriotism, so they def. add to the story, in my opinion.


5. How did you feel when Frankie was able to tell her husband's boss Bob about her novel she is writing but had not told her husband Danny yet? Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that?


Oh yeah, I have guy friends who I've felt closer to in many ways than I am to my husband - mostly on the professional side - guys who share my career path, or have mentored me in my career. So that didn't seem strange to me at all until her husband noticed it. Well, except for the fact that it seemed like he was coming on to her. That part seemed weird, and I was feeling bad for her, because of how it wound up making her feel.


6. Would you want to be a part of a writing group such as how these women are with each other? Would that help you or hinder you in the writing process?


Oh, I think it would be cool. But it would have to be the right group of women. You'd have to feel really comfortable letting them in. I had a really hard time taking guitar lessons for awhile. My teacher is also a friend, and a client, and I felt so exposed when I would play that I finally had to give it up.


7. What significance (if any) do you think the Miss USA pageant has to the novel thus far?


I think that is another historical reference to show the beginning of the women's movement and the transition to the ideal now that it is really in bad taste to put a value on a woman that relates only to how attractive she is physically. I think the labelling of that poster with the reference to meat showed that really plainly.


8. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?

I think it could be easy, it would depend on the neighborhood you lived in, etc. When my daughter was born almost 18 years ago, we lived in a townhouse community, and everyone was around the same age and having kids at the same time, so at that point it was very easy. We all lived close together and so it was easy to get together. Someone would be on their front steps w/their kids playing, and pretty soon we would all be there together - almost every afternoon & evening during the summers. I really miss that.

Question #4 So far there have been a few historical references mentioned throughout...do you think they are adding to the story in any way? Do they have special meaning for any of you?

I had to answer this question first. When I read this book this question was in my mind a lot. I was wondering if people who did not grow up in the 60's and 70's would get the references to the times and music scattered throughout the story. For me, an oldie, I love the fact that this happened. It made me smile. It made me think of times that were associated with songs etc. What surprised me, was that I expected the author (the other meg ) to be older.

When I read books or watch TV I do wonder what meaning things have for people other than the target audience. For example, I am a NYC born and bred gal, and love watching Seinfeld; however, I think Seinfeld is so very NY. It amazes me that the show was such a big hit across the country. So that is why this particular question and answers to it are important to me.

Meg, you make an interesting point with question 4. I didn't grow up in the 60s/70s and I enjoy the references in the book. Obviously I wasn't around to experience things such as the moon landing and the beginning of Ms America pageants personally, but I think the fact that these things were described from a personal standpoint and got to see realistic reactions from the women, it helped me to picture how things actually were, instead of trying to imagine from reading about it in History books.
PS- I don't live in NY but I watch Seinfeld and I think its hilarious! I guess you just have to have interest in whatever you read/watch, and not necessarily be familiar with the setting.
(I'm not done with the book yet, though, so hopefully I still get the references!)

Seinfeld may be the best TV show ever made. It transcended NY, it was about everybody. Come back, Jerry, come back!!

4. So far there have been a few historical references mentioned throughout...do you think they are adding to the story in any way? Do they have special meaning for any of you?

7. What significance (if any) do you think the Miss USA pageant has to the novel thus far?

Maybe because I am a bit of a women can do anything generation and also someone who LOVES history I see these two questions almost as being one. This was the time that married women were entering the workforce that was not instigated by a war per se. Yes, we had Vietnam but that did not require tons of workers. THey used a lot left over from WWII and the Korean Conflict so many things other than bullets and basic clothing etc. was not in all that much of demand on the work popluation like in WWII. It is telling that the women were some how identified as what their husbands did for a living...as if they had no identity of their own. So the fact that they were starting to develop their own identity you must start with what you know. For them it was being wives, mothers and the Miss America Pagent that all little girls looked up to be like. As society and themselves as well changed the things at the pagent changed and their perception changed. Its as if it is something we can see the progression of that change. What was happening in "history" at that time affected even the pagent.

6. Would you want to be a part of a writing group such as how these women are with each other? Would that help you or hinder you in the writing process?

I tried it once and HATED it. It was not because I did not like the critism of my actual writing skills, which even though can be told in a way conversationally nice, while being gramatically correct is another issue. It was the different reasons as why we wrote. For me it was purely for fun and a way to express myself. I did it purely for my own enjoyment. While the others were "serious" about it...sometimes not for the writing of it or their creativity but for how others would perceived them. I knew then that a group was not for me. I only sometimes "post" or let people read them now. As they are only typically written for my own pleasure. They just took things too personally and could not even understand humor, puns, satire, etc. It was all to prim and proper for me.

I know several posts in a row... its just easier for me to dissect and others I feel to read!!


8. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?

You know in most areas I would feel impossible, unless its a small close knit town or community. I actually do not have any children nor am I married. But its similar to what a co-worker & I was discussing the other day. We live in a city/town that is a fairly decent size. Its sprawlled out so one must have a car and to get anywhere you do drive a bit of a distance. There isn't what you would call a reliable and get you anywhere type of public transit. In this town if you are single you are typically out of luck unless you fall in several very distinct categories on finding a date.

a. Religious enough to go to every single function, etc.

b. Hang out at bars every single night to all hours

c. Take classes or go to gyms to find someone.


On thinking about a children aspect, of moms getting together...I live in a small few blocks that are very close and still I do not see all that many kids of young age. The families here other than an occassional b-day party I do not see interacting all that much. Its all the kids getting together from soccer teams, boy scouts, choir groups etc. Not neighborhoods. Its nowdays all about the activity groups. I just do not see a park setting anymore all that viable. Here in Tulsa we have parks throughout the city, but none are what you would term as neighborhood only parks anymore.

okay I am about to go to work seriously now, but I had to remember where this thought came from....from one of our topics about when you know you have read too much!! Well, this book is up there for me. It seems so REAL! If I was born about 5 or so years earlier I would have thought one of these ladies could have either been my mother, aunt or a friends mother. I found myself wanting to "research" some of the incidents that were made up because I swore that they were real. Or I remembered watching something like that on PBS or the History channel. For me it made the book all that much more real. I needed such a break from all this contemporary literature I had to quickly read a bit of old englishj to snap back into reality. I most definitely give this book 2 thumbs up!

Leslie you crack me up!

8. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?

Well, I think it's possible though way more unlikely now. It's hard to trust enough to let strangers in and without meaning to (and sometimes meaning to) there's prejudgement before actually meeting people, just from observing them.


6. Would you want to be a part of a writing group such as how these women are with each other? Would that help you or hinder you in the writing process?

I have to say that I was part of a short lived women's writing group last fall and it was a fanstastic experience! (One woman is a best friend of mine, the other was an aquaintance of hers). Off and on since February of 2007, one of my other best friends & I have done a cyber/email writing group since she's in Chicago and I'm in NJ which has also been fantastic! (This week we're welcoming an aquaintance of hers!) It's definately NOT been a hinderance to me with my writing in these instances! It's actually helped me to keep writing!

I've been a party to writing group (and writing class) experiences that were anything but good in the past!

The difference is FEEDBACK vs "critique" or "corrections" or "why did you?" or anything else that's anything but POSITIVE! And you have to be willing to be honest in your writing. If you can't trust yourself to share in your writing because of the fact that these other people are going to hear/read it, then you're in the wrong group!


1> My first impression of Frankie is that she's lonely & sort of drifting like I am, so I guess that's who I relate to most at this point!

. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?

I have to say that this book made me homesick for another time of my life. When my kids were very little I moved to a new state/town (New Jersey. In order to start meeting people I joined a club called the New Comers club. I met 5 women and we formed a play group. The kids went from one house to the next depending on whose turn it was, leaving the other mothers to do something alone (mommy time) We all became great friends and socialized as well. Went through all the family type things similar to what went on in the book. So I would have to say that this can and does happen. Maybe a slightly different setting, but it was wonderful and I miss the companionship. Kind of nostalgic and reminisent of Holli's thread on making friends. Now without having a link (like kids) it is extremely hard to make new friends. That group was and is (I think) every woman's dream.

I am loving the answers you all are giving and I'm glad the questions I came up with are giving us some great discussions as usual :) You guys are awesome!! I would have LOVED to have been a part of a group of women like The Wednesday Sisters as you were Meg. I have alot of friends in California and 6 I consider best friends but none of them are friends with each other. they all represent different parts of my personaliy and I need them each for different things. I've often longed for a group friendship....where it was 3 or 4 or 5 who interacted and leaned on each other at the same time.

I also must say I agree with Anastasia about not being alive during this time but loving that this novel has brought to life historic events I couldnt be a part of. I'm learning alot about how it felt to be alive during this time by reading this novel and that's a plus!!

7. What significance (if any) do you think the Miss USA pageant has to the novel thus far?

OK, from my perspective. I think the ,late 60's became the beginning of women not thinking of themselves as just beautiful or not as beautiful as the miss America's showcase of beauties. Women were just beginning to step out of the just being a housewife role and beginning to enter the workforce while having children at home. This was radical! They were burning their bras around then. So I am thinking our Wednesday Sisters were stuck between two worlds - one that exists and one that is the future. If you remember the pageant was extremely important to them in the beginning. They spent the night together watching, commenting, and fantasizing. But, as they branched out of the traditional family role, the importance of the beauty pageant diminished. It is very symbolic of the role of women in society.

Great questions Holli! Are you sure you aren't an English teacher?
PS/ Does our author read these questions too? This is way too exciting for me!

Thanks Meg! I'm loving all of your answers....they are wonderful and very thought provoking as well. I wanted to be an English teacher actually before I wanted to be a psychologist. And had I gone to college for either one I think I would have majored in Psych and minored in English Lit.

Yes she does read these...or can....she joined our group and I know she said she has been reading through our posts and enjoying them greatly.

1. What is your first impression in meeting Linda, Frankie, Brett, Ally, and Kath? Who do you identify with so far in these first chapters?

Initially, I had a hard time keeping track of who is who, but I think I identify most with Frankie at this point.

2. What point do you think the mansion across the street has (if any) to the novel? Do you think its haunted?

I think it is going to be related to one of the sisters.

3. What do you think of Brett's gloves? Do you think they symbolize anything?

I think she has OCD. I think it symbolizes her fear of getting too close.

4. So far there have been a few historical references mentioned throughout...do you think they are adding to the story in any way? Do they have special meaning for any of you?

I wasn't alive for those events, but I relate it to being a young mother during 9/11. My oldest was 16 months when that happened, and I remember the fear and the uncertainty of the times.

5. How did you feel when Frankie was able to tell her husband's boss Bob about her novel she is writing but had not told her husband Danny yet? Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that?

I felt odd about it. I share pretty much everything with my hubby!

6. Would you want to be a part of a writing group such as how these women are with each other? Would that help you or hinder you in the writing process?

HMMM...before I starting blogging, I would have said no to a writing group, but now I am not so sure.

7. What significance (if any) do you think the Miss USA pageant has to the novel thus far?

I think it is a sign of the times, and the changing times of the 60's/70's. I think it may be a common thread throughout.


8. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?

I think it would be more difficult. When I take my kids to the park, it is mostly grandmothers I see. I think 2 things have changed-more working mothers, and a general distrust of society.

1. What is your first impression in meeting Linda, Frankie, Brett, Ally, and Kath? Who do you identify with so far in these first chapters?

I found Linda a little harsh in some ways; Frankie seems easy going; Brett very bright; Ally shy in some ways, but seeking friendship or comfort and Kath—I found her funny with her comments.
I did not find myself connecting with anyone

2. What point do you think the mansion across the street has (if any) to the novel? Do you think its haunted?

I am guessing that one of the Wednesday Sisters is connected, but not sure how.

3. What do you think of Brett's gloves? Do you think they symbolize anything?
I find Brett’s gloves very intriguing. I am assuming that there is something wrong.

4. So far there have been a few historical references mentioned throughout...do you think they are adding to the story in any way? Do they have special meaning for any of you?

5. How did you feel when Frankie was able to tell her husband's boss Bob about her novel she is writing but had not told her husband Danny yet? Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that?

6. Would you want to be a part of a writing group such as how these women are with each other? Would that help you or hinder you in the writing process?
No. Writing does not interest me at all.

7. What significance (if any) do you think the Miss USA pageant has to the novel thus far?
I think the Miss USA symbolized their friendship and a time forget about all their troubles. It was a new tradition for all the women who just met.

8. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?
It could. I think it depends on the women and if they are looking for friendships or park buddies. I do not have kids so for now I think it depends on the woman. I do not know what I might do or where I might find a friend when I do have a child.

This book is feeling very real to me! I'm way behind in my reading of it since life's a bit busy right now, but I'm liking how relateable everything and everyone is.

1. What is your first impression in meeting Linda, Frankie, Brett, Ally, and Kath? Who do you identify with so far in these first chapters?

I definitely felt that these women were of another time and place, my mom's generation. But I also see that even though I have a professional career and so do most of my friends, we still connect as women at the level of these women-- over our roles as wives, mothers, and women apart from these roles.

I've found myself identifying some with Aly because I have been dealing with some fertility problems this year. I also identify with Brett, because I find myself doing some hiding behind my intellect when I'm feeling insecure.

2. What point do you think the mansion across the street has (if any) to the novel? Do you think its haunted?

the house seems to have something to do with the theme of "that which is hidden or unknown." Kind of like the gloves, a mystery yet to be revealed.

3. What do you think of Brett's gloves? Do you think they symbolize anything? I'm curious. wondering when we'll get to know about them. I also agree with Therese about the possible OCD traits.(And I like the way you put that, about her fear of getting to close.)



4. So far there have been a few historical references mentioned throughout...do you think they are adding to the story in any way? Do they have special meaning for any of you?

It's helped me have a window into the tings going on when I was the age of these women's children. Also, the events that shaped my parents' world when they were young parents.

5. How did you feel when Frankie was able to tell her husband's boss Bob about her novel she is writing but had not told her husband Danny yet? Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that? Definitely-- it's easier to try on new parts of my identity with strangers or people more removed from my everyday life.


6. Would you want to be a part of a writing group such as how these women are with each other? Would that help you or hinder you in the writing process?

Would definitely help-- I'd join.

7. What significance (if any) do you think the Miss USA pageant has to the novel thus far?

As the anniversary of their deciding to write it's an interesting juxtaposition-- they are expressing their independence and creativity with the backdrop of this contest that promotes the conventional ideal of womanhood.

8. This story begins in 1967 with these 5 women meeting each other in the park with their children in tow. Do you feel in this day and age it would be easy to meet other women in a park and become friends this way? Why? And if not then what has changed over the years to make this impossible?

The friend to turned me onto good reads has a young daughter and she has formed an in-person bookgroup/mom's group through an online network. i think we're using alternate means to met people, but I still see parents meeting in public places (and I've met some friends recently at the gym i joined in a very casual way.)