I liked the concept but I felt there was too much at the end. Should have stopped just when Bea got to the end of the manuscript without all that additional explanation. Let the reader draw their own conclusions…
Yes, the book could definitely have used some editing here and there. But the last chapter lays out Addie’s long game, so I guess it was necessary. Looking at the last chapter again, Addie’s fascination with herself comes through once more. (I don’t meant to be rude to Addie; I know she’s cursed and it’s a bummer, but she sort of has a one-track mind.)
She thumbs through the chapters of the book, her book, and marvels at the sight of her name on every page. Her life, waiting to be read. It is bigger than her now. Bigger than either of them, humans, or gods, or things without names.
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I agee with this need to find and feel human touch, but my first thought of her frequent one night stands was she needed to find a place to sleep that was indoors, out of the weather, and safe (as safe as you can be with a one night stand). Once she stayed with someone one night without any safety issues, she knew it was safe to go back to that person again for another one night stand.
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@Caraid, that makes perfect sense – shelter and safety first, with “perks” either a side benefit or a necessity to procure the former.
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And there are more nuances involved. Addie starts to develop feelings and experiences the hurt every morning, then develops the relationship from scratch every day. So it’s not all fun and games. At some point it becomes too hurtful for her to continue like this. These extended periods also allow her to influence the art - every day she sees what has the most impact, then incorporates that next time. Kind of like Groundhog Day.
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Addie ‘s long game was my favorite part. So I am glad it didn’t just end with Henry. That was the ending I was expecting, but I love the idea of her playing cat and mouse with Luc
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@Mary13 Thanks for looking up information on the artworks–I’ve been thinking about those 7 sections/7 artworks, and the different ways we are remembered through time. Most of Addie’s life can’t be remembered in the traditional way (except through Henry and Bea–sort of), but part of her lives on through those artworks. We all leave behind many different kinds of memories that we can’t predict or expect. Three connections:
- This week I attended a memorial service for a friend’s mother. She lived in a memory care unit with an active art program, and we were all encouraged to take home an artwork of hers. When I display it, I will remember her. Most others will not, yet whatever they see in it will be a part of her that lives on.
- I thought of the book we read, North Woods. Everything that happened in that book built upon the lives of the people (and insects & animals) that came before, in ways they didn’t know.
- And I thought about the interview that Jane Goodall left behind: “I want you to know that whether or not you find that role that you’re supposed to play, your life does matter. And that every single day you live, you make a difference in the world.”
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Nobody is mentioning any books yet so I’ll suggest one that is on my list. I’ve been wanting to read another Kristin Hannah book. I was thinking The Women, but I would be happy to consider a different one of her books. I don’t think this is a happy book though, if we are still leaning towards books with a happy theme. Plus, this would be our December discussion, so maybe not great for the holiday season either… If it’s not the right time, we can put it aside for a future choice, but I figured I’d get the list started.
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This is where we finished last time:
Enlightenment** by Sarah Perry**
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and I, Robot by Isaac Asimov (duet)
The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue by V.E. Schwab (last call 
)
Nettle & Bone** by T. Kingfisher
Playground by Richard Powers**
So perhaps the three bolded ones can be thrown back into the mix. Unless they got almost no votes last time?
@Caraid, I would like to read The Women. I wasn’t fond of The Nightingale so have stayed away from Kristin Hannah, but I have heard so many good things about The Women. It has over 300,000 reviews on Amazon and none of them are one star or two stars. 0%. That’s almost unheard of. My only concern is that everyone (except you and I) has already read it. Where does everyone stand on this book?
I’d be happy to see Enlightenment , Nettle and Bone, and Playground go back on the list. @Marilyn, I’m guessing you have soft-vetoed Frankenstein and I, Robot?
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@Mary13 - I left them off because I thought Frankenstein was suggested as a Halloween month idea and then we wanted to pair it. But no reason it can’t be read any month.
I have not read The Women either. I did read the sample on Libby but for some reason it didn’t engage me. I would not veto for that reason though!
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I would like to suggest Theo of Golden by Alan Levi. I really enjoyed it, and I think that it would be a nice book for the December read.
I’d like a happy book for the holidays, if possible.
I always want a happy book! I guess Addie was one; at least everyone seemed to be in an upbeat mood at the end. 
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How about Pilfered Promises by M Louisa Locke? We haven’t had a mystery in awhile. I saw it in GoodReads (haven’t heard of the author nor read the book nor series).
I liked Nettle and Bone and plan to read other books by Kingfisher, but I don’t think we need another fantasy right away. (I did not realize it won the Hugo two years ago.) I think Kate Quinn’s The Briar Club looks interesting. (A haunting and powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, D.C. boardinghouse during the McCarthy era.) Also The Unseen World by Liz Moore. (Daughter learns secrets of computer science father.)
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. I read this, then reread this, and still wouldn’t mind reading it again. I’d love to discuss it with this group.
I am in a reading slump. I read - and like - Addie, and enjoyed the discussion. As usual, everyone’s insights added to the book. I’m grateful to be a part of this bookclub, even when I’m somewhat lax on adding my two cents.
Re the suggested books: We need more suggestions.
The Women: I am a Kristen Hannah anti-fan. Rare, right? It’s doubtful I’d read The Women. Maybe … but I’d be breaking a vow of “never again.”
Pilfered Promises (5th in a series) and Theo of Golden are not readily available. Theo of Golden has an estimated wait time of 72 weeks (really).
A number of us have already read The God of the Woods. I’m not inclined to read it again.
I’m not necessarily vetoing the above choices (except maybe Kristen Hannah). I’m of the camp - usually - of I’ll read what’s picked (except maybe Kristen Hannah). I do think more choices are needed.
For what it’s worth: a strong thumbs up for The Briar Club.
Thanks everyone for the input – so many great ideas and excellent feedback. This is what has been suggested so far:
Enlightenment by Sarah Perry
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and I, Robot by Isaac Asimov (duet)
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
Playground by Richard Powers
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Theo of Golden by Alan Levi
Pilfered Promises by M Louisa Locke
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
The Unseen World by Liz Moore
But alas, I have to pare down the list to no more than five for voting purposes. Give me a minute to review and take all comments into consideration. Apologies in advance to those who see their suggestions get axed. Just remember, as Michael Corleone would say:
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I think @Marilyn suggested I, Robot to go with Frankenstein. I remember thinking it was a good pairing. It might be a great choice next go-round should we continue reading a classic for the Feb. discussion.
Carry on …