First Grave on the Right Read Along Week #3

Week One August 2nd: Chapters 1-5 hosted byChristy@ Loves Books. 

 Week Two August 9th: Chapters 6-10 hosted by Lila@ Babbling About Books and Stuff.

Week Three August 16th: Chapters 11-15 hosted by Jen @ In the Closet with a Bibliophile.

Week Four: August 23rd Chapters 16-21 hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. 

August 30th will be the final wrap up with a special guest post by the author herself, Darynda Jones along with the prize announcements.

Week Three Questions:

1.  I do have a soft spot for Charley's Aunt Lilian. She is sweet and soft while somehow also being a little dirty and I find that hilarious in an aunt. Do you have any relatives dead or alive that remind you of Aunt Lillian? If not, tell me about your favorite deceased relative. 

As far as a relative that reminds of Aunt Lilian, no I don't have any that have any with her unique and quirky personality, but I am a lucky girl in that I had four of the most amazing grandparents a girl could ask for and I miss them dearly. They were all such wonderful role models.  My Grandpa Christensen, though, had a quick wit and he loved to tease and tell colorful jokes.  He also shared many memorable stories and words to live by.  Some of my favorite sayings of his were:

"If God had meant for people to smoke, he would have put chimneys in their heads."

"The first thing you want to do when you go out to get yourself an apartment is get a couple of dogs."

"Do you know what an optirectomy is?  It is when your optic nerve gets tangled with your rectal nerve and you get a shitty outlook on life."

"Don't eat more than thirty nine beans because after that they turn "farty".

"If you are planning on living on love, you are going to get awful skinny."

There were so many more.  This is just a sampling of his sense of humor! I sure do miss my grandparents!

2.  In these chapters, we get a little closer to Reyes and his secrets. Neil, the warden at the prison where Reyes is currently incarcerated - and a high school mate of Charley's - tells a story about how Reyes ended up in the Coma and something he witnessed. What do you think of the story? What does this lead you to think about Reyes?

This story indicates that there is something supernatural about Reyes, also it is impressive that he took down three gang members intent on killing him. He must be one bas ass!  He is not an ordinary man, and at this point the pieces are starting to click into place for Charley. I think he is more than a man. 

3.  One of the things I love most about Ubie and Charley's relationship is that Ubie aka Uncle Bob has absolute faith in our Charley. Maybe it's because Charley's been solving murder cases for ages and Ubie knows that Charley knows things. If you could pick a super power, which one would you choose? Seeing the dead? Invisibility?

After reading everything that Charley goes through on a daily basis with ghosts popping in and out of her life,I doubt she gets much peace and quiet. I do not think I would want to
have the dead visiting me, I will pass on being a ghost whisperer.  Invisibility would be okay, but only if I disappeared and reappeared at will and with my clothes on.  I have seen too many movies where invisible people suddenly materialize naked in a crowd.  Though, invisibility would allow me to sneak into all kinds of V.I.P. events and top secret meetings.  I think though that I would like to teleport.  I would save all kinds of money on gas, commuting would be effortless and I would no longer have to fly or deal with airport hassles.  I could spend the afternoon  in a hammock by the beach and be home in time for dinner! 

4.  Okay, in my opinion, there is nothing better than walking into your living room and seeing the god-like creature  of your dreams standing there waiting for you. If you were in Charley's shoes, who would be standing in your living room??

For me, it has always been Brad Pitt!  Especially when he was in the early stages of his career.  When he starred in A River Runs Through It, his smile melted my heart.  A close second pick would be Leornardo Di Caprio.  Leo first won my heart in Titanic, whose heart didn't he steal?  However, over time he has grown into such an accomplished actor.  I also would say Ryan Gosling and you will laugh but, Lou Diamond Phillips from the La Bamba set my heart on fire at the tender age of thirteen!

(Sorry I wish I could include pics but with all the recent issues regarding law suits, I decided to link their names so you can click to see the pics!) You had better click on the links... it is totally worth it!

5.  We get a surprise visit from Rosie's husband and we find out some information about Reyes...that he and The Big Bad are the same guy. What are your thoughts? Were you surprised about Rosie's husband or did you feel that one coming? What about Bad Reyes, had you already made the connection?

This is a hard one for me to answer because I don't remember exactly my first thoughts on all the reveals.  I think that I was a little surprised that Reyes and Big Bad were one and the same, but on the other hand very happy.  I remember being sad about what Rosie's husband did, and yes that one did catch me off guard. 

That's it for week three! Please send me your questions for Darynda by Monday (rnydayramblings@gmail.com)! Next week is the final week of the read along! Hope you are reading for the exciting conclusion. Head over to In The Closet with the Bibilophile to link up. 

Here are next week's questions:

1.  One of my favorite aspects of this book are the witty snippets at the beginning of every chapter.  I especially like the t shirt quotes.  My favorites are:

Jenius

Sarcasm. Only one of the services offered.

Do not disturb.  Already there.

What is the funniest t shirt or bumper sticker you have encountered? If you had a t shirt that best described you what would it say? 

 

2. Charley is constantly helping ghosts throughout the book.  Would you like to be able to talk to ghosts and bring closure to their loved ones?  How would you feel about all the ghosts popping up at all times day or night?  Would you like to have a ghost like Mr. Wong in your house?

3.  Kim reveals some rather shocking and sad details about Reyes' past.  Do you agree with her decision to adhere to her promise and not intervene?  Would you be willing to keep your word and let a loved one die if it was their wish?

4. In Chapter 19 Charley confronts the bad guy and finds herself in yet another situation where she gets her ass kicked.  Do you like the fact that Charley consistently ends up getting her butt handed to her?  What are your overall thoughts on Charley?

 

5.  Chapter 20 is a big, hot, smoking chapter.  We finally get some answers on Reyes.  Does the revelation change your opinion of him?  Do you think he can overcome his "nature" and be a good person or is Charley in big trouble?  

 

6.  Did you enjoy this book?  Will you be continuing the series?  

See you all here for the final week!