This from Ford, combined with Cilla’s reaction to Ford’s art, make up some of the most sensible life advice you can get from fiction. It’s not failing, it’s trying.
I’ll keep that in mind as we all continue to explore life in this weird new normal.
I loved Steve Chensky’s entrance to the story. Not only was he the person who really knew Cilla, he was completely relatable. Is there anyone you’d be thrilled to meet in a completely unexpected setting?
Movement as therapy is a personal favorite: working hard really clears my head. While Cilla swings a sledgehammer, I prefer to lift heavy weights. Unfortunately, with my gym closed I do less of that than I’d like right now.
What do you do to get the “ya-yas” out (for wont of a better phrase)? Especially now with so many restrictions to our regular outlets?
I’m a huge fan of witty banter (in case you couldn’t tell) and Tribute is chock full of it. What sticks with you more: humor or emotion? Or does it depend on the reading material?
Laura
Again, direct conversation between Ford and Cilla. Loved that HE was the one asking about eating preferences. And I’d have added “especially if I’m not cooking” to Cilla’s reply.
Laura
Did you have a good weekend? Do you prefer this method of posting quotes for a book chat? I know, I’m full of questions. But I do like answers!
I appreciated Ford’s direct approach to Cilla every time they were together early in Tribute. Do you prefer direct interactions or an air of mystery in your fictional heroes?
It’s scary sometimes how many times I pause over some dialogue or description before choosing something for the graphic (I could just spend the day rereading). Today I kept coming back to Ford’s fluency in sarcasm, though. Just love that faintly skewed flirtation underlying the entire conversation. Are you more inclined to appreciate smart sarcasm or a very direct approach?
With Ford came Spock, the least identifiable breed of dog to be found. Which brings to mind: Which is your favorite dog character in a Nora book?
Laura
This go round for the Fall Into the Story BookChat our book is Tribute. And we’ll be trying something different this time. I’m setting this up to be simultaneous with our Tribute chat on Facebook. I’ll post a graphic with a question about Tribute each day in their own, numbered post. That should make it easy to follow.
I’m still figuring this format for the blog out, so if you have any suggestions (helpful is most appreciated), post them in the comments.
If you haven’t read (or reread) Tribute, here’s the book description:
Cilla McGowan, a former child star, has found a more satisfying life restoring homes. So she comes to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to save the dilapidated farmhouse of her grandmother—a legendary actress who died of an overdose there more than thirty years ago.
Plunging into the project with gusto, Cilla’s almost too busy and exhausted to notice her neighbor, graphic novelist Ford Sawyer. Determined not to carry on the family tradition of ill-fated romances, Cilla steels herself against Ford’s quirky charm, though she can’t help indulging in a little fantasy.
But it’s reality that holds its share of dangers for Cilla. A cache of unsigned letters found in the attic points to a mysterious romance in her grandmother’s life, and may be what sparks a frightening, violent assault. Now, if Cilla and Ford are unable to sort out who is targeting her and why, she may, just like her world-famous grandmother, be cut down in the prime of her life.
Here’s the first graphic, when Cilla meets Ford. I liked his instinctive protection of the rundown house and property. And Cilla’s direct questions.
Laura
Time for a second week of Birthright discussion! Do you like this book chat idea? Do you feel you need a new post per discussion prompt or are you ok with five prompts during the week? Any and all feedback is welcome as we figure this out!
MARCH 30: I do like a man with a plan. And Jake is full of them, isn’t he? I enjoyed their rhythm in work and conversation. You?
MARCH 31: I’m not sure how to describe my reaction to these lines. Sympathy for everyone involved is at the forefront, especially for Callie who is so pulled in many emotional directions.
APRIL 1 — Doug was so impatient and brusque when we met him, but these few lines gave him all my sympathy. So torn between past and present.
APRIL 2 — Courtship banter, Doug and Lana style.
APRIL 6 — for some reason I missed Friday! Sorry about that.
Lana’s observation is on the nose, but it’s fun to watch Callie and Jake wind around to the same conclusion together (we know they did separately).
APRIL 7: When her mothers meet, we see how nature AND nurture made Callie the woman she is.
APRIL 8: Dialogue always draws me in (can’t you tell with the quotes?). I loved how Lana flirted with Doug, from the start.
APRIL 10 Last graphic from Birthright. We’ll close with a declaration of love, Jake-style.
Laura
