These Things Hidden - Discussion

Book Club Feast!!!!!

Book: These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

Meeting Place: Barb's House

Ratings:

Melissa - 4.5

Barb - 5

Kathy - 2

Joyce - 3.5

Sherry - 2.75

Kim - 3

Tracy - 3.5

Michaelene - 3.5

Average Rating:  3.47

Book club started with the ever famous "What would you do?" question.  Michaelene presented us with the following scenario:  Your significant other was convicted of a crime and sentenced to 15 years in prison.  If you were given the opportunity to take over his prison sentence, and do 2 years, would you do it?  We shared our results and discovered that we had various answers.  We discussed how our family's situation impacted our answers.  

Kathy's streak is on!

This question was related to a theme in the book.  Allison went to prison for 5 years in place of her sister, who committed the crime.  We discussed why Allison would do such a thing when her future is looking incredibly bright.  We believed that she wanted to escape the stress and pressures associated with her "perfect" life.  

Adoption and safe-haven laws were other themes in the book we discussed thoroughly.  We enjoyed the night sharing personal experiences while eating Jimmy John's, fruit, pasta and potato salad, and of course, dessert!  Not to mention, Barb created a great atmosphere with a beautifully decorated dining table, and individual floral vases we took home.  Thanks!!! 

Recommendation:  We had a wide range in our ratings for this book; 2 on the low end, and 5 on the high end.  Overall, most enjoyed the book!  

BCDP:  Michaelene drew names from a hat and Kathy won again!  She went home with a container of candy and a gift card to Starbucks.  She is going for the triple crown next book club!  

April Book Selection - Michaelene

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

Below is a description of the book (taken from Amazon) we will be reading in April.  We will discuss this book on Wednesday, April 29.

When teenager Allison Glenn is sent to prison for a heinous crime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' golden girl forever.  Her parents deny the existence of their once-perfect child.  Her former friends exult her downfall.  Her sister, Brynn, faces whispered rumors every day in the hallways of their small Iowa high school.  It's Brynnshy, quite Brynnwho carries the burden of what really happened that night.  All she wants is to forget Allison and the past that haunts her.

But then Allison is released to a halfway house, and is more determined than ever to speak with her estranged sister.

Now legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy.  And if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and the two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.