Thursday, July 28, 2011

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION: Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

1. Let's start with the obvious. Did you like the book? What's your overall impression?

I liked it very much. The mystery wasn't too complicated, yet compelling enough to hold my interest and Harper is such an interesting character. I wanted to keep reading to see how she did her job and I wanted get to know her better.

2. Did you like Harper?

I'm accustomed to the protagonists in the books I read to be warm, likable people, but Harper comes across more indifferent, if not cold. You'd think this would make it difficult to warm up to her, but Harris actually has a knack for writing such a character in a compelling way with an inner vulnerability for which you can't help but empathize. Harper's past makes me sad and I can't say much about her present situation either. She has her work and she has Tolliver, but I sense that they're both kind of sad and lonely and they're definitely treated more with hostility than with kindness in their livelihood. I'd really like to see Harper heal some more and be genuinely happy.

3. What did you think of the murder mystery and the people of Sarne, Arkansas?

Oh my what a horrible mess! Even before the murders, these people really needed some help. I'm glad the murderer was figured out and held accountable, but what a waste that he had to take those lives like he did--the lives of people he should have been taking care of no less! Poor Nelly Teague! She is going to have a rough time processing everything that's happened to her family. I'd like to think she gets the psychological help she needs and maybe leaves Sarne behind for a better life somewhere else. I was glad to hear Harper praise Nelly at the end and assure her that she'd grow up to be a great woman. I think Nell needed to hear that. I'd also like to think she and Hollis remain good friends and support each other over the years. It's a nice thought, right?

4. Do you think Harper will ever find out what happened to her sister Cameron?


Harper is convinced that Cameron is dead, but has never located her remains. Of course the romantic and optimist in my would like to believe Cameron is still alive and will someday reunite with Harper. This series isn't exactly the sugar-coated kind and she has been missing for a long time already, so I think it's more likely that Harper will find Cameron's remains and help release her soul as she did for Helen Hopkins in Grave Sight.

5. What do you make of the relationship between Harper and Tolliver?


To me, it's obvious their relationship goes beyond simply step-siblings and I sense a chemistry between them that's unusual, but makes sense. They lived under the same roof since they were teens, but it really doesn't seem right to call them brother and sister. Not just because they're not blood related, but also as a result of their extremely dysfunctional upbringing and because of the way their selfish, cruel and negligent parents basically forced them to take care of themselves and essentially act as parents to their step siblings born to Harper's mom and Tolliver's dad. Harper and Tolliver's closeness actually feels more powerful than brother and sister or even friends after they survived what they did growing up. I feel sad for them, really. I guess we'll have to read the rest of the books in this series to learn more about these two.

6. Do you think you'll continue reading this series?


I definitely will! Harper is interesting enough to make me want to read more. I think the mysteries will be fun to read, but mostly I feel I need to see Harper figure out how she wants to live. I don't see Harper and Tolliver making their living like this forever. If anything, they need a home and maybe even an office. Some structure. Some peaceful happiness.


Tune in next month when the Authors by the Alphabet Book Club read a book by an author brought to us by the letter 'I'.  On which we're still deciding! Any suggestions? 

7 comments:

  1. I hope that you do continue on with this series as I would love to hear your thoughts. Harris is a talented author in my opinion and I'm eager to read more by her!

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  2. Here's the link to my review and answers:

    http://bookbelle0819.blogspot.com/2011/07/grave-sight-by-charlaine-harris.html

    I'll also post my answers here now.

    1. Let's start with the obvious. Did you like the book? What's your overall impression?

    I definitely liked the book. I think a book that has strong character development and a good setting will always pull me in.

    2. Did you like Harper?

    She is probably the reason that I liked the story so much. I thought her character was developed well. I am empathetic to her back story and I think it's her back story that makes her less than a fluffy character. She's a little weary of the world now as she can't trust her gift to last and she isn't always well received for her gift. She is also not willing to giver her talents out free of charge which is a natural assumption for the people that know about the talent. She could possibly come across as cold to some readers but I get Harper. Plus, I love her name!

    3. What did you think of the murder mystery and the people of Sarne, Arkansas?

    I think the murder mystery is realistic, straight from the pages of a newspaper. I think the town of Sarne is the perfect small town. Everybody has a connection to someone else and it is not always apparent to a newcomer who is related to who. If anything, I would say the end is not as realistic of small town relationships and the plot becomes a little less believable.

    4. Do you think Harper will ever find out what happened to her sister Cameron?

    I think she will if and when Charlaine Harris' is good and ready to do so. It definitely opens the story up to a continuing series.

    5. What do you make of the relationship between Harper and Tolliver?

    Maybe a little creepy. They describe one another as sibling but there is no blood relationship. It makes me wonder if they secretly harbor a lust for one another that could change up their relationship in future books. I mean, it really is a bit of a teaser for more reading.

    6. Do you think you'll continue reading this series?

    Absolutely! In fact, the next three will be my August reading.

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  3. samantha... Have your read Harris' Lily Bard mysteries? I loved them!

    BookBelle...
    I am SO happy that you liked Harper, too! I think Harris is great at getting readers to empathize with her characters.

    I can understand why some people may find Harper and Tolliver's relationship to be a little creepy, but because they are not blood related, and because they were never adopted by each other's parents, and because of the extreme dysfunction in their household, their relationship cannot be defined by conventional standards. They have relied on each other so deeply when they were at their most vulnerable, it is no wonder they feel so strongly for each other. It's tough.

    Thanks for reading the book and participating in the round up! :)

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  4. Hmmm, I'm pretty sure I have this one in my TBR pile somewhere. I think I picked this up to give another try to Ms Harris' writing. Should try to dig it up. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

    I'm also glad to find out that Harper and Tolliver are only step-siblings. Do you know how many books are out in this series?

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  5. I haven't read Lily Bard yet, but will at some point down the road :) I really like Harris, she is a great author who has a knack at getting you to love her characters. He So Vamp Series truly was one of the greatest I have read!

    Here is my q-n-a and the link back to my post is *HERE*

    1. Let's start with the obvious. Did you like the book? What's your overall impression?
    I did like this book. It was an easy read, great characters that I enjoyed, and the story moved and kept me interested. Charlaine has the ability to keep you in suspense without going over the top, or dragging it out.

    2. Did you like Harper?
    Harper is a great character. She has many layers and a lot of heartache inside that battered body of hers, which is why I think she comes across as cold. After what she went through growing up it has become part of her defense.

    3. What did you think of the murder mystery and the people of Sarne, Arkansas?
    It was great. Of course the typical southern smallmindedness was front and center here. Though, it doesn’t always matter where you come from people can be oblivious to what happens around them sometimes for their own self preservation other times just out of selfishness.

    4. Do you think Harper will ever find out what happened to her sister Cameron?
    At some point I do think she will find out what took place. I know that whole situation and that with her little sisters is what makes Harper Harper.

    5. What do you make of the relationship between Harper and Tolliver?
    I find it entertaining to see the hoops these two are jumping through to try and deny what they feel for each other. The fact that they aren't blood relatives just cements the fact that at some point one is going to come clean to the other. What then? Will their relationship end? Will they both be happy? Read on friends....

    6. Do you think you'll continue reading this series?
    Most certainly, I already have and will finish it up with book 4 which sadly will be the end according to Harris.

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  6. See, now I never found the two together as creepy. Right away the fact that they were step sibs was front and center for me.

    First thought is that Harper is cold but what she's been through in her life shows to be the reason.

    It never ceased to amaze me how many thought she should just give out this info. I had no problem with seeing why they used this as a form or employment like any other "detective" would.

    Nelly was a sad character Christine. There didn't seem like she had much of a chance with a mom like she had. Harper is so in-tune to others like Nelly. I think her upbringing is the reason.

    Great book, great series!

    Paula
    Tomes Devotee

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  7. nath, it looks as though Paula answered your question and there are four books in the Harper Connelly series. I plan on reading them, so if you need any spoilers or hints about the series direction (I know you like that kind of info), I'll let you know. :)

    Paual, I love your answers. They're so similar to mine. LOL. And Belle's, too!

    I'm looking forward to getting to know Harper more in the next books.

    Thanks for reading along this month! :)

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