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The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

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In the Midst of Winter: A Novel

megnews I love immigration stories and I really enjoyed this book. I‘m glad it was chosen. 2y

sblbooks @megnews me too! Are you surprised that we enjoy the same type of stories😉 2y

megnews Not at all! 😊 2y

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sblbooks @SamanthaMarie thanks for joining in the discussion. If you'd like to join us next month were reading

Chrissyreadit @megnews @sblbooks I have to admit I was nervous at first, but I loved this book. 2y

sblbooks @Chrissyreadit I'm so glad! 2y

megnews @Chrissyreadit I‘m glad you liked it too. I felt pretty sure I would with it being set partially in Ireland. What made you nervous about it? 2y

Chrissyreadit @megnews the beginning felt bleak, I rarely like sad stories- because of my work- I have to have happy endings- and sometimes I will even check 🤣- and if it‘s not a happy ending I stop reading. There are occasional exceptions but they are pretty rare. 2y

megnews @Chrissyreadit I understand that. I thought it was going to be much more set at Alcatraz than it was. I was kind of glad of that. 2y

Chrissyreadit @megnews yes- I thought it was going to be more of a mystery- the synopsis is misleading, but I‘m glad it was picked and we read it. 2y

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The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

This post contains spoilers

sblbooks In hindsight, it would have been better for Shan if he had stayed in Ireland. He would have met his father only 6 months later. I wonder if Nick would have felt like he needed to turn to crime in order to prove himself to his father. I think he probably would because he was still competing with Tommy the brother that passed away. 2y

megnews I agree from Shan‘s perspective. I think the Capellos needed Shan. And who could have helped the little girl? 2y

sblbooks @megnews true! everything happens for a reason... 2y

Chrissyreadit @megnews @sblbooks I agree, I like that this story represents missed opportunities and found opportunities. 2y

megnews @Chrissyreadit I really like the way you said that. Isn‘t that what life is? Missed and found opportunities. 2y

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The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

This post contains spoilers

SamanthaMarie I think that maybe it would be easier to extend a sincere and thorough apology. ;) But I think people try to atone for their missteps and I definitely think everyone does that. I still wish things weren't so sad at the end for the Capellos. But sometimes it be like that (this is from a pop song and my husband and I say it a lot. 😅) 2y

megnews I think everyone achieved redemption but I‘m not convinced Nick was 100% happy with his change of pace. He seemed to enjoy the thrill of his previous lucrative, danger-filled job. @SamanthaMarie I love inside comments like that. There was a group of us at work that had a lot. 2y

sblbooks Maybe not a hundred percent but they're well on their way. I think it's a admirable to try to make amends when you've done someone wrong. 2y

Chrissyreadit I thought they all redeemed themselves- and I was so happy that Nick was there for Shan. 2y

sblbooks @Chrissyreadit I was worried there for a while that Nick wouldn't forgive Shan. 2y

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The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

This post contains spoilers

SamanthaMarie I think Shan was always timid and reserved. He didn't fully give of himself or relax unless maybe while performing. He was always on guard waiting for the other shoe to drop. However, he allowed his tragedies to make him compassionate and empathetic which is brave. 2y

megnews @SamanthaMarie you said it wonderfully. I think he was always preparing for loss as he seemed to accept it as his fate. 😔 2y

sblbooks @SamanthaMarie yes!I love that he remained compassionate and empathetic regardless of all the bad things that happened in his life. If its parents had not died he would have never left Ireland, he wouldn't had to learn Street smarts, and survival instincts. 2y

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Chrissyreadit @megnews @sblbooks @SamanthaMarie I think that loss is what kept him from feeling like he was part of a family. 2y

sblbooks @Chrissyreadit I think you're right. 2y

Butterfinger His loss of his family lead him to his decision to rescue Sadie. That is my only complaint. Shan's story was fully realized, but I want to see Sadie's reunion with her mom. 2y

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The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

This post contains spoilers

megnews I did not know there were people who came in to watch shows ahead of time to approve of the decency of the acts. 2y

sblbooks @megnews this is a era I knew virtually nothing about, so the entire book was full of facts that were new to me. I was surprised when Shan had so much freedom on Alcatraz. 2y

SamanthaMarie @megnews @sblbooks Yes! I didn't know that about decency requirements either. I also thought the Alcatraz stuff was really interesting. Particularity I didn't realize that families lived on the island!!! 2y

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megnews @sblbooks @SamanthaMarie I didn‘t realize about the freedoms in Alcatraz either though they seemed to think it was inescapable so maybe they didn‘t worry. I knew about the families from another book I read (not Alcatraz but I did more research). I wonder if it wasn‘t as inescapable as they claimed considering they always just reported people as drowned though they never found them. 2y

Chrissyreadit @megnews @sblbooks @SamanthaMarie I have not gotten to Alcatraz yet in the book, but the stuff I am reading I‘m pretty familiar with. 2y

Butterfinger I am with @SamanthaMarie I didn't know about the families on the island. 2y

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The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

This post contains spoilers

megnews I think he tried to be what each needed, perhaps to proof the worth of his position in the family. To Nick, he tried to support even if he didn‘t agree. To Mr Capello, he was the son he had wanted, someone to carry on the business. To Mrs Capello, he was the soft touch she didn‘t totally find in the other men in her life. 2y

sblbooks @megnews 👍 I felt like that's why he ran away the first time when he and Nick argued. Then again when the cops found him and brought him back I felt he stayed because of Mrs Capello's reaction to his disappearance. 2y

Chrissyreadit I agree with @megnews he‘s trying to be what is needed for each person, but especially trying to be the son who died. 2y

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The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

This post contains spoilers

megnews I didn‘t like Shan‘s uncle. Nick- I liked, then not so much, then did again. It wasn‘t that I didn‘t like Mr Capello at first. He was just distant. But he grew on me. 2y

SamanthaMarie I loved Mrs. Capello, what you see is what you get and sometimes that's really nice in a book. Lina, for similar reasons. They were both devoted to the family and Mrs. Capello was such a good mother figure. I didn't like Nick 😬 there's definite redemption at the end so that's good. I also really liked Josie. She was doing her best the whole time with what life dealt her. Apparently I liked the female characters most, ha! 2y

sblbooks @megnews same here, Uncle Will was really the only character I didn't like. Nick was fallible, but at least I understood him in the end. Shan was my favorite! 2y

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SamanthaMarie @sblbooks And yes! I was just about to say Shan was really an excellent character. He kind of had a moral compass from his parents and I feel like his actions always made sense. And that he saved the little girl ♡♡♡ 2y

sblbooks @SamanthaMarie Yes, mrs. Capella was a great mother figure. I would have liked to learn more about Josie and her past, definitely a great character. 2y

sblbooks @SamanthaMarie I agree. Shan was always trying to do the right thing. It sure seemed to backfire on him throughout the book. I felt so bad for him. 2y

megnews @sblbooks @SamanthaMarie I loved Mrs Capello too. I agree she was a very straightforward character and lovable. I would love to hear more about Josie‘s life as well. Would be interesting to hear the story from her perspective starting at the beginning of her life. I agree about Shan. It stunk he was locked up when all he ever tried to do was be there for people and do the right thing. 2y

Chrissyreadit I LOVE Mrs. Capella. I like Shan too, he‘s in a tough position all the time. 2y

megnews @Chrissyreadit yes, it seemed like he could@never catch a break. But he always tried to make the best of it. 2y

Crazeedi Of course Shan was a favorite, plus Mrs. Capello for obvious reasons 2y

Crazeedi Plus the family in Ireland who allowed him to come in their store , they hold a special place in my heart @megnews @sblbooks @SamanthaMarie @Chrissyreadit 2y

sblbooks @Crazeedi yes, I love the couple in Ireland. 2y

Chrissyreadit @Crazeedi yes- I agree about the family in Ireland. 2y

Butterfinger I loved the Italian family who took in Shan. Everyone had a special hold on Shan. He loved them so much, he wouldn't risk their safety at the trial. 2y

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The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

This post contains spoilers

megnews I think it‘s the same answer for both questions. Survival. Adaptation allowed him the survive physically. At the same time, if you are always in survival mode, this can stunt your emotional growth. 2y

SamanthaMarie @megnews I definitely agree with that. It doesn't allow you the space to become your own self. We see that even through Shan's delayed dream of performing. He did what kept him safe with the Capellos. 2y

sblbooks @SamanthaMarie @megnews I agree he had to do what he could to survive from a very young age. Sadly, because he wasn't able to trust the people in his life he didn't always make the best decisions. Although it seemed what are the things that happened to him were beyond his control. 2y

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Chrissyreadit I feel like it helped him fit in wherever he needed to. 2y

megnews @Chrissyreadit I think so too. He persevered no matter his environment because he was very adaptable. 2y

sblbooks @Chrissyreadit agreed 2y

Crazeedi His ability to act and take on character traits kept him alive! @megnews @sblbooks @SamanthaMarie @Chrissyreadit 2y

sblbooks @Crazeedi good point. 2y

Chrissyreadit @Crazeedi yes- it definitely was why he survived! 2y

Butterfinger I never thought it hindered his growth. I saw him as very mature when he didn't pander to Max like Nick did or when he decided smoking was not for him. Ah, I forgot about his running away, but if he hadn't run away, would he have found out how much the family, especially the father, loved him. 2y

sblbooks @Butterfinger That's ture 2y

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The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

This post contains spoilers

megnews While all the elements you listed played a role, I think redemption was the strongest theme. Shan was redeemed from his life with his uncle. Tommy was sort of redeemed to the family through Shan. Shan was redeemed through the prison break and Nick was redeemed from the life he was leading and through helping Shan. The greatest of all was the end- Shan finding his dad at the end. 2y

sblbooks @megnews I agree. That said I think each theme tie into the other. For example, if Nick did not forgive Shan then neither one of them what has found Redemption. 2y

SamanthaMarie For me, ever the optimist, I like to think that love is the strongest theme. I believe Shan's Uncle Will was motivated to hold information about Shan's dad because of love for his sister. I believe the Capello family offered Shan safe passage in the end because of their love for Tommy. Then they grew to love Shan. Nick loved Shan, Josie alluded to as much, and thus he did all he did at the end for Shan. But I do agree redemption is a result!! 2y

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sblbooks @SamanthaMarie all good points. I never thought about Uncle Will being motivated by love, guess I'm not an optimist. I agree with you for all the other characters. 2y

megnews I agree with your response to my answer. They are all mingled together and without one, another is impossible. 2y

megnews @SamanthaMarie I definitely agree there was something there. As much as he drank and as often as they moved, it‘s amazing he held in to that letter and I think it was a sentimental reason, especially since he didn‘t seem to be searching for Shan‘s father. There didn‘t seem to be an ulterior motive. 2y

Chrissyreadit So far the theme I see is family and love, but that may change with the last 100 pages of the book. @SamanthaMarie @megnews @sblbooks 2y

Crazeedi I think Forgiveness might be the main theme @megnews @sblbooks @SamanthaMarie @Chrissyreadit . Shan finally understanding his brother, and even his uncle back in Ireland 2y

Chrissyreadit @Crazeedi he was definitely more capable of compassion and forgiveness than most. 2y

Butterfinger The uncle definitely loved his sister and I think took out his anger on Shan and knew that he had to help Shan before he died. I loved what you said about redemption @megnews Maybe that was how the uncle redeemed himself. 2y

sblbooks @Butterfinger That's a good point I think Shands Uncle did try to redeem himself by going to America. 2y

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The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

#OverbookedClub @SamanthaMarie @Crazeedi @catebutler @CoffeeNBooks @Chrissyreadit @kspenmoll @LazyOwl @rubyslippersreads @TheBookHippie @shellleigh33 @Kdgordon88 @megnews discussion questions to follow on my page. I hope everyone can join in.

SamanthaMarie Woohoo!!! 2y

Chrissyreadit I‘m still reading100 pages left, but want to join discussion of beginning of book. 2y

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SamanthaMarie

The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

pick

Can't wait to discuss this with #overbookedclub It was really good. @sblbooks

I also got the new Kindle Paperwhite!! I've never had one before, I've always had a fire but I don't like the distraction of all the other things on it. So I really love it, with nothing to compare it to. ;) I got the Paperwhite for Kids deal and it is a great deal! Definitely recommend both the book and the device! Beats using my phone app for all of my books haha.

sblbooks I've never had Paperwhite, I've only had a Kindle fire myself. I'm glad you enjoyed the novel. 2y

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megnews

The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

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What a ride! With many twists and turns, Shanley Keagan led quite a life. Can‘t say more til Saturday‘s discussion. Can‘t wait!

#OverBookedClub

sblbooks Me either, I really enjoyed this one. 2y

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Crazeedi

The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

pick

#OverbookedClub @megnews @sblbooks
I am so ready to discuss this book. All I can say right now is that it kept me my heart fluttering till the end!

SamanthaMarie I'm going to try and read this and join in! I need some book club community in my life. ♡ 2y

megnews @SamanthaMarie we‘d be happy to have you! @sblbooks 2y

sblbooks @SamanthaMarie I'll be sure and tag you our discussion is on the 27th at 4 p.m. 2y

SamanthaMarie @megnews @sblbooks Thank you! I'm excited :) 2y

Crazeedi @SamanthaMarie yay! Good book!! 2y

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#FirstLineFriday

#OverBookedClub

The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

pick

🌟🌟🌟🌟
From Ireland to America and back again. I really enjoyed the story about love, family, loyalty, and forgiveness. Friendly reminder that the discussion questions will be on Nov 27th at 4pm. #OverbookedClub

Crazeedi So glad you're part of the #TeamGameSleighers!! Whoohoo!💗 2y

sblbooks @Crazeedi it's going to be fun! I'm glad we're on the same team! 2y

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megnews

The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

sblbooks, ShyBookOwl

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Crazeedi

The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

#thoughtfulthursday (a bit late!) @MoonWitch94
Thanks for the tag Lisa and Lynn!💚
☕ reading for #OverbookedClub
☕ my birthday and everyone who reached out with wishes ❤❤
☕ misspellings, no genealogy page if there are many generations in the book
@wanderinglynn @TheSpineView

TheSpineView 😘😊😀 2y

wanderinglynn ☺️🥰🧡 2y

MoonWitch94 Thanks for playing 🍂📖✨ 2y

jb72 Typos and bad grammar really irk me when I‘m reading! 2y

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CoffeeNBooks

The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

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I just finished this month's #OverbookedClub pick- I'm so glad I had time to read this one! My thoughts for now in the comments... can't wait for the book discussion at the end of the month!
@sblbooks

CoffeeNBooks Halfway through the book, my thoughts were that while certainly not a happy story, it's compelling nonetheless. By the end I realized that it was a bittersweet story about second chances, for everyone in the story, in some way. 2y

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The Edge of Lost | Kristina Mcmorris

The discussion for next month's pick is Saturday, November 27th. If I missed anyone, or if you want to join in let me know. #OverbookedClub @Crazeedi @catebutler @CoffeeNBooks @Chrissyreadit @kspenmoll @LazyOwl @rubyslippersreads @TheBookHippie @shellleigh33 @Kdgordon88 @megnews

Chrissyreadit Waiting for it to arrive ❤️ 2y

Crazeedi I have it borrowed! Going to read next!! 2y

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