I would love to talk about Part 2. Usually, crime novels tend to wrap up shortly after the murder, but we have half the novel to witness the aftermath of the tragedy. Which characters’ reactions and choices they made after Theresa’s murder surprised you the most? Whose story were you most drawn to? Who did you think was the most selfish? What did you think of the chapters from the perspectives of people outside the family? How, in your experience, is the best way to be in community with friends or neighbors who have experienced this kind of grief? What did you think of Douglas’s chapters from detention? Do you think he regrets what he did? Do you think Jackie regrets the way she imploded her family? Is she even capable of regret?
Part 2 distinguished the novel from other true crime fiction. Jayson & Cece captured my heart. I’ve imagined their lives beyond the page, the effect I would seek as an author.
Of course Jackie regrets blowing up her family; her whole world disintegrated around her, until she had nothing left. But she had to figure out how to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. I would have liked to know a bit more detail around whether or not her eating and self image issues balanced out later in her life. I wanted to get deeper inside her head in these later pages to understand what she was thinking, but I still felt at a distance. We got deeper into CeCe and Jayson’s state of mind.
I’m not sure Jackie regrets what she has done. It was so unbelievably sad all the hell that poor family went through. And the father just walking away. My question is will cece and Jayson get back together. He says I will see you soon ,,,,,
Part 2 distinguished the novel from other true crime fiction. Jayson & Cece captured my heart. I’ve imagined their lives beyond the page, the effect I would seek as an author.
I’m just finishing Part 2 & had to stop after reading this sentiment from Jackie:
“The most terrible thing about being a mother, is knowing that your children will love you, no matter.”
OOOOOOF. Also ouch.
Of course Jackie regrets blowing up her family; her whole world disintegrated around her, until she had nothing left. But she had to figure out how to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. I would have liked to know a bit more detail around whether or not her eating and self image issues balanced out later in her life. I wanted to get deeper inside her head in these later pages to understand what she was thinking, but I still felt at a distance. We got deeper into CeCe and Jayson’s state of mind.
I’m not sure Jackie regrets what she has done. It was so unbelievably sad all the hell that poor family went through. And the father just walking away. My question is will cece and Jayson get back together. He says I will see you soon ,,,,,