<p>Interesting interpretations about how much we can trust Christine’s narrative.</p>
<p>Although the journal might be suspect, we have to take the TODAY section in account–it isn’t like she is writing that section down–we are seeing what happens to her AS IT HAPPENS.</p>
<p>I don’t believe the author intended the ending to be open for interpretation…I think he was aiming for a surprising thriller with a happy ending.</p>
<p>But hey, if we can read more into it, then what is the harm? :-)</p>
<p>About 1Q84–I have read the first Book, and I absolutely love it. It is going to take some time to finish it, but that is a GOOD thing!! And it makes the reality questions concerning Before I go To Sleep quite tame in comparison!</p>
<p>If you find the topic of short term memory loss interesting…I just finished The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa (recommended on the “Best Books” thread). It is completely different from Before I Go to Sleep, except that in both books the main character wakes up every morning unable to remember the day before, as the result of a traumatic head injury. If you had told me last year that within six months I would read two books revolving around the same strange affliction, I wouldn’t have believed it. Anyway, The Housekeeper and the Professor is a sweet and unusual story, and I recommend it, especially for those who find beauty in mathematics and/or baseball.</p>
<p>Mary, I’m on vacation now and have a little bit of time to read. Although I’m not a fast reader by any means, I finished trashy novels like Hunger Games and Fifty Shades of Grey. I needed something a tad better written, shall we say? I couldn’t find your “Best books” thread, but I did investigate your BotM thread. I’m just now reading Before I go to Sleep and I have State of Wonder waiting for me at the library.</p>
<p>Reading Before I go to Sleep, I’m only on the part where Christine just remembers she has a son – about 1/3 through. I haven’t encountered Fake Ben or Dr Nash showing up unannounced, but my suspicions were already there that anyone, anyone, could fool Christine. But then, I wonder why she doesn’t realize that? She even allows Nash to stay secret from Ben and she doesn’t show Ben her novel to contradict his answers. Why isn’t she more transparent, when clearly that would help her? Oh sure, it’s the author’s way to add intrigue, but would an amesiac really behave this way? I should add that I haven’t read this thread – except for this page, but it was somewhat “spooky” that I saw this thread here today, 4 months after your discussion group convened.</p>
<p>I hadn’t made the “Dr Nash” connection (although I did see The Incredible Mind, or “Shutter Island” (although I did read that book), but I’m reminded of the movie, “Groundhog Day” instead. Anyway, thanks for these threads.</p>
<p>limabeans, that is a strange coincidence about the timing! I’m glad you haven’t read this thread completely yet – it’s full of spoilers (as are all our Book Club threads). You’re right about Christine’s behavior. We noticed that some things in the story didn’t seem to quite ring true; I think the author took some shortcuts in logic in order to build suspense.</p>
<p>Limabeans- I read Before I go to Sleep last week at the beach… as well as Hunger Games and fifty Shades of Grey!</p>
<p>I bought the book a few months ago and decided to keep it for the beach. I read the start of this thread and was worried I would find it too scary to read at home. My H travels and D2 and I are often home alone.</p>
<p>Mary - thanks for posting the list. It is my turn to pick my neighborhood book club’s next selection. You have given me a few good choices!</p>
Anyway, thanks for these threads.</p>