Okay... after taking a two week hiatus, let us start again. I figure this book we can pull out in three weeks, it is much shorter than the others that we have read.
Week 1: Read all the way through Chapter 10
Week 2: Chapter 11 - Chapter 23
Week 3: Finish the book
Okay, here's my second attempt at posting my comments. Guess it's because I haven't used this netbook to post before. It's a huge surprise that I'm keeping up but that's because Jen's busy with her cute baby and studying for her Calc test. Joyce, you're still busy from going to Cali, then Kentucky, scrapbooking at Lee's and cleaning.
ReplyDeleteI like Charlie St Cloud a lot. His relationship with his younger (3 years) brothers is very touching even though he made an error in judgement when he took someone else's car and went to the baseball game with his brother, pet dog without his mother's permission or knowledge. Granted it was because he enjoyed Sam so much that he thought this was the perfect thing for him to do. Charlie truly loved and cared for his brother. The split second error of having his eyes off the road and not seeing the reckless truck driver caused his brother's life. Charlie was heartbroken and promised his brother he would never leave him and Sam made the same promise. As a result of the accident, Charlie received this gift that kind of made him like the Ghost Whisperer", seeing and hearing those who have died but not passed on to their final destination. It is this gift (or is it delusional) that keeps him at Waterside Cemetery at sundown to 'be with Sam'. As a result of the promise, Sam also has not passed up to the next level and for thirteen years they have 'met and kept' their promise to each other. Technically, Charlie is giving up a real life, chaining himself to the area, and Sam is kind of doing the same thing. But you can tell that neither of them are willing to give up their time with one another.
I was saddened to see that Florio, the paramedic, who tried everything, to save both Charlie and Sam, died trying again to save others. I know it's his job and those are the chances people take but I really felt for him when he was so desperate to save the two boys and how devastated he was that he couldn't save Sam.
I like Tess's spirit of adventure and envy her ability to sail and see new places (even though I'd be seasick if I were in her shoes). At first she seemed like she had so much together, her plans for her trip and her knowledge of sailing. She is also very likeable as you can tell by reading of her friends, especially Tink (like him to for his honesty and sense of hunmor). I am disappointed though that she did not take the opportunity, twice, to send out a distress signal. She should have let her pride go and told Tink that she was getting into a mess. The I told you so's should not have mattered in this dire situation. And look what ultimately happened with her boat. Had she called for help, the boat may have been saved. It'll be interesting to see if she can develop a relationship with Charlie (meeting such a cute boy so soon before she was set to sail for a long time period). Although both appear to be well liked by everyone, they seem to be opposites - Tess traveling and Charlie kind of rooted to the area. Will there be a connection with Tess and Charlie? Will that connection affect Charlie's time with Sam? Can Tess find and save her boat to get it ready for her trip? Will Tess remember Charlie and her date with him because she has that 'mean headache'? If she's got a slight concussion, would she remember her time at Waterside Cemetery?
Can't wait to read on.
Wow, I do agree with all you said Ingrid. Somehow, I can't help but wonder if Tess is like Sam. Charlie is the only one who "sees" the departed so it isn't a stretch but then, others are seeing Tess, so I guess she isn't like Sam after all. I am hoping that Tess and Charlie can have a relationship. They are both people wrapped up in their interests so don't have an other life outside of their own interests. They both seem to wish for a "someone" but has never happened for either one.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering about Tess's dad. Charlie hasn't seen him like he has seen others. Yet, Tess somehow feels him around her even though she doesn't "believe" in any of that.
Am also anxious to continue on.