Welcome to Week 1 of the Online Book Club discussion of Harriet, the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh.
The Online Book Club, if you’ve never joined us before, is a book discussion group that takes place entirely online. Each week, I write a new blog post that talks about different aspects of the book, and you can interact directly with me and other readers by leaving your comments. Check back each week and see what new topics we’re talking about.
Harriet the Spy is the story of an eleven year old girl who wants to be a spy. She practices her spy skills by watching her classmates and people in her neighborhood and recording all of her findings in a notebook. This system works well for Harriet until her beloved notebook falls into the wrong hands, and she is forced to reconcile with the fact that her spying might not have been as harmless as she believed.
If you want to follow along with us but you aren’t interested in reading the book, you can always watch the movie version starring Michelle Trachtenberg and Rosie O’ Donnell. Check out the trailer above for the movie version if you want to get a feel for the series. Feel free to still leave comments on the blog posts, even if you’re only watching the movie and not reading the book.
We’ll read the first five chapters for next time, so make sure to read those before checking out the next blog post. I look forward to hearing from you in the comments!
Did you like the end of the book? Were you surprised by the very last page? I definitely was surprised about how everything turned out.
The tour went about as well as I thought it would. Billy and Daisy made great music together, but they were so toxic when they were near each other. It was sad to see how they just couldn’t be in the same room with each other without fireworks exploding. It was sad, too, how Eddie seemed to always have one foot out the door, and Pete wasn’t much better. They were all just so unhappy with each other–I think they would have benefitted from counseling. It’s a wonder that they were able to perform at any of their concerts.
Could you believe how things went with Nicky and Daisy? I knew he was bad news, but I didn’t expect for him to take such poor care of Daisy when she almost overdosed. Weren’t you glad when he was finally out of the picture?
Were you surprised by how Karen and Graham’s relationship ended? Their storyline was really sad. I thought they were a really great couple, but they had different goals and wanted different things. I was really disappointed with how they ended things and how they hurt each other so much.
The band experienced so many things after their album came out. They won a Grammy, they performed at SNL, they played at sold-out arenas. Could you believe that they were able to achieve such great things even though they weren’t a band for that long? It was almost unbelievable how they were able to achieve so much in so little time. They were superstars so quickly.
Weren’t you glad that Billy and Daisy didn’t have an affair. I think it would have ruined the book for me if they had gotten together. I was glad that Billy was able to be true to Camilla and honor his commitment he made to her. Didn’t you half expect Daisy and Billy to really ruin things and act on their passionate feelings? Billy worked so hard to be so good throughout the whole book. Were you surprised that he took a drink near the end of the book? I was glad that it didn’t end up causing him to relapse. It was a good thing that that one fan was near him during the whole episode.
Were you surprised when the band broke up? I wasn’t surprised, but I was surprised by the way they broke up. It just seemed like they all decided seperately to be finished and just walked away. There wasn’t any big dramatic moment. Do you think Daisy would have walked away from the band if it hadn’t been for Camila? What did you think of Daisy and Camila’s conversation? Was Camila fair in all of her points?
What did you think about where everyone ended up? I was really surprised that Daisy ended up leaving the music industry. I just assumed she would be a big star on her own, but maybe being in the spotlight like that was too hard for her in recovery. I think it makes sense that Billy became a song writer. He seemed to really enjoy writing music, and I’m sure he liked writing songs without getting input from anyone else. I’m glad that Karen stayed a musician, and I think Eddie becoming a producer was a good idea. Would you have put any of the characters on a different path?
Did I miss anything in this last section that you thought was important? What was your favorite part of the entire book?
If you liked this book and would like to watch and read similar items, check out this list I created. Make sure to let me know if you check out anything on the list!
Before you go, check out this video in which the stars, Sam Claflin and Riley Keough talk about the process they went through to become Billy and Daisy.
I can’t wait to hear all your thoughts about the book in the comments! Thanks for following along this month and make sure to join us again next month as we read Harriet, the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh.
What did you think of this section? So many things happened to the characters! It all starts with Daisy joining the band onstage to play their hit, “Honeycomb.” How did you imagine that scene? If you want to see how it played out in the series version, check out the video below. Does the song sound like you thought it would?
Were you surprised when Graham and Karen got together? I wasn’t expecting them to become a couple. But, I think I liked them together. They seemed to be really kind to each other. What did you think of Daisy and Billy in this section? They have such a tumultuous relationship to each other. I can’t imagine working with or spending time with someone that ellicited such a reaction in me.
The tension between Eddie and Billy really increased in this section. Billy seems to be completely oblivious to Eddie and the way he treats him. The band definitely evolved to be the Billy and Daisy show, so it didn’t really seem like the other band members mattered all that much. What do you think it would feel like to be in a band like that? I don’t think I would have that great of an attitude. But, maybe I would be like Warren and just like doing the music and getting the money.
What did you think about the recording and writing process? I thought that section was really interesting. Again, I really can’t imagine writing a song, so it was so foreign to me. I think it would be really hard to share a song with another person. It seems like a really vulnerable thing to do. Their songs were all so personal. It’s almost like allowing someone to read your diary. Were you surprised that Billy and Daisy were able to work together at all? They seemed to be able to make some really great music when they put aside their egos and really tried with each other. I couldn’t believe how Billy continued to be so controlling about the music. He was so clueless about everyone else. What did you think about the part where Billy went in the studio and changed all of the arrangements without everyone else? That might have been his lowest moment, but it made for a great album!
Don’t you wish you could have been a fly on the wall during the album cover shoot? That must have been quite the show with Billy and Daisy so angry with each other.
Wasn’t it sad to read about all of the bad decisions Daisy made in this section? It’s so hard to read about people who are in active addiction. Her relationship with Nicky was pretty horrible. They really encouraged each other to partake in destructive behavior. I know Daisy really wanted to be with Billy, but she overcompensated too much by picking someone like Nicky.
This section ends with the Rolling Stone article about Daisy and Billy hating each other. Don’t you think that piece made people more interested in the band? It seems like people gravitate towards drama, so it makes sense that people wanted to come and see them interact with each other on tour. Were you surprised that they were willing to share their thoughts about each other to the reporter? Did it seem like either of them was repentant about what they said?
What do you think the tour will be like? Do you think the band will be able to make it through the whole tour? What do you think is going to happen in the next section?
Don’t you think it would be really hard to cast these characters for the series? Check out this video where author, Taylor Jenkins Reid, talks about the process. Do you think they made the right casting choices?
I hope you’ll be able to finish the book for next time. I can’t wait to hear from you in the comments.
Did you enjoy reading the first part of the book this week? I love how the style and format of this book are so different than any other book I’ve ever read. It’s such a quick read since it’s set up as little interviews. Do you like reading a book that’s set up like this?
In this first section, we’re introduced to all of our main characters. Do you find yourself enjoying any character over any others? Daisy Jones is so interesting and compelling to read about, but I wouldn’t say I “like” her. I feel sorry for the childhood she had, and I feel sad about the choices she’s making with drugs. But, you can’t deny that she’s talented and is destined to be a superstar. Billy goes through a lot in this first section. How surprised were you when he cheated on Camila? I didn’t think she would be willing to stand by him. I felt so sad that Billy missed so much of his baby’s first months, but I was glad that he was committed to getting help. Do you think he’s a good leader for the band? How do you think he and Daisy will mesh in the next section? Do you like any of the other band members? I really like Karen. I think she sounds really cool, and I appreciate her perspective in the story.
Are you enjoying reading about the music industry? It’s such a foreign world to me, so it’s fun to read about. I can’t imagine writing a song. That sounds like an impossible task. It was interesting how Daisy felt like she was a great songwriter but then realized that she hadn’t written any full songs. Songwriting seems to come pretty easy for Billy. Do you think it’s hard to read about the songs but not hear them? It’s hard to imagine what the songs sound like just by reading what they’re about.
Do you feel like the band seems like they’re very healthy? I think there is some hostility towards Billy because he’s so controlling of the band and the music. He definitely wants the music to sound his way, and he wants the lyrics to be his lyrics. It almost feels like Billy would be more suited to being a solo artist since he has such strong opinions about everything. I think the band member he has the most tension with is Eddie. Do you feel that way? I don’t feel like Billy thinks about Eddie’s feelings at all, and it seems like that bothers Eddie. Billy also has a lot of tension with Daisy, obviously, but I think that tension goes both ways. How do you think Billy and Daisy are going to get along if they have to spend more time together?
Did you have a favorite part of the first section that I didn’t mention? Are you excited to keep reading?
Before you go, check out this video by author, Taylor Jenkins Reid. Let me know what you think about her explanation about the origin of the book and the characters!
For next week, make sure to read to the section titled, “Aurora World Tour.” I hope to hear from you in the comments!
Welcome to Week 1 of the Online Book Club discussion of Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
The Online Book Club, if you’ve never joined us before, is a book discussion group that takes place entirely online. Each week, I write a new blog post that talks about different aspects of the book, and you can interact directly with me and other readers by leaving your comments. Check back each week and see what new topics we’re talking about.
Daisy Jones & The Six follows a band on their meteoric rise to fame in the 1970s. The story is told in an interview format, so the action is told from the perspective of all of the members of the band. If you enjoy Behind the Music type documentaries, you’ll love this book.
If you want to follow along with us but you aren’t interested in reading the book, you can always watch the television series that aired on Amazon Prime. Check out one of our Amazon Prime Roku Express 4K+ Streaming Devices if you’re interested in watching the series! Preview the trailer above if you want to get a feel for the show. Feel free to still leave comments on the blog posts, even if you’re only watching the show and not reading the book.
We’ll read to the section entitled, “The Numbers Tour,” for next time, so make sure to check out those beginning chapters before joining us next week! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts about the first section in the comments!
Paint the wooden blocks. Paint 2 yellow, 1 white and 1 black. Allow to dry completely. I needed about 3 coats of the yellow to get good coverage. I only needed 1-2 coats of the black and white paint.
Paint the hexagon yellow. Allow to dry.
Apply the stickers. On 1 yellow block, apply the H to one side and the B to the other. On the black block, apply the M to one side and a Z to the other. On the other yellow block, apply the E to one side and a Z to the other.
Attach the bee to the hexagon. Peel off the little round sticker over the adhesive and stick anywhere on the hexagon.
Attach the hexagon to the white block with a dab of glue or mod podge (not included).
Welcome to the final discussion of Absolute Power by David Baldacci.
What did you think about the end of the book? Did everything wrap up in the way you wanted it to? Were you satisfied with the ending?
I wasn’t surprised at all that this section started with Jack and Jenn fighting over the fact that Jack was going to help Luther. I knew she wasn’t going to be happy about Jack sticking his neck out. What did you think of the scene where Jack finally told Jenn all that he thought of her? I thought he was justified in telling her what he thought, but I thought he waited way too long to tell her his feelings. I feel like he wasn’t honest with her throughout their entire relationship. I don’t blame Jenn for being confused–I think Jack wasn’t true about his thoughts and feelings the whole time they were together. I was surprised that Jenn’s father ended up siding with Jack in the end. I thought for sure that he was going to come after Jack for all of the things Jack said about Jenn.
Were you surprised that Luther was killed? I guess I wasn’t since there had already been a plan in place to take him out. But, I think I was surprised that they were actually successful in killing him. I hoped that he would make it to the end of the book. I was just so shocked throughout this last section about how many people the president and his team were willing to kill. They just kept doing more and more shocking things to cover up their original crime. I couldn’t believe how everyone became so unhinged. I also couldn’t believe how President Richmond could be so duplicitous. It’s very shocking that a person could be so personable and friendly in public but so angry and violent in private. And, he was able to lie so easily and convincingly.
What did you think of Walter Sullivan? I thought it was interesting that he pieced together the fact that the president was the one behind his wife’s murder, and I thought it was interesting that he believed he was powerful enough to be safe from the president and his men. I don’t think Sullivan expected, at all, to be attacked and murdered. I think he thought he was one step ahead of everyone. I was really surprised when Burton showed up to kill Sullivan. Did you expect that Sullivan would be one of the victims of this crime spree?
Did Sandy Lord’s death surprise you the most? I think he and his girlfriend’s deaths were the most surprising in the whole book. Their deaths really showed that there was no limit to what the Secret Service were willing to do to protect themselves and the president.
What do you think of Jack at the end of the book? He was definitely brave at the end, and he did show more strength as the book progressed. Were you surprised how they were able to catch the president and his team at the end? Were you surprised that Jack ended up being instrumental in that process?
Were you surprised that Burton killed himself at the end of the book? Were you also surprised that Richmond was sentenced to death during his trial? I thought that was a little unbelievable. I know he did horrible things, but I can’t imagine a former president being sentenced to death. Maybe a life sentence in prison, but I can’t really imagine him being sentenced to death. I thought the epilogue was a little forced–it was nice to find out all of the details about the characters, but it was just a big information dump in just a few pages. What did you think of that ending?
Did you enjoy the book? Would you suggest it to other readers? Are you going to read any of Baldacci’s other books? If you enjoyed this book and would like to read or watch similar items, check out this list I created. Make sure to let me know if you check out anything on the list!
Want to hear more about how David Baldacci came up with the idea for this book? Check out this video in which he talks about the book and the movie. The most interesting thing about this video, for me, was his explanation of why he decided to have Luther witness the president’s crime through a two-way mirror. After you watch the video clip, check out this interview Baldacci did where he explained about his publishing process for this book. It’s so interesting how books can be sold and published so quickly!
Thanks for following along this month! I hope you’ll leave a comment to let me know what you thought about the book. And, make sure to let me know if you’ve seen the movie version. Is it similar to the book at all? If you want to read with us next month, make sure to pick up a copy of Daisy Jones & the Six. I hope to hear from you in the comments!
Welcome to Week 3 of the Online Book Club discussion of Absolute Power.
How did you enjoy the reading this week? Were you as disappointed as I was when Luther was arrested? He knew that the meeting with Kate was a trap–why did he go? Does Luther have a plan anymore, or do you think he thinks it’s all over for him? I really don’t see how he can escape these murder charges. I think that Jack is probably a great lawyer, but the odds are too stacked against Luther. What do you think of Seth Frank now? Do you think he believes that Luther is the one to blame? It was interesting that they were able to find a connection to Luther through the carpet cleaning company. Could you believe they were able to find one of Luther’s fingerprints on the side of the windshield wiper fluid reservoir? It felt like Luther had thought of everything, but still, they were able to catch him with just an unlucky forgotten fingerprint.
I am so frustrated that the Secret Service bugged Seth Frank’s phone, and he has no idea. He’s giving them so much valuable information through all of his phone calls! Are you surprised that Burton and Collin are still helping to cover up all of the crimes? I was shocked that Collin was going to shoot Luther when the police were heading to arrest him. Luther is lucky that the other sniper made a mistake or else he certainly would be dead.
What do you think of Kate? Are you frustrated that she is so hard on her dad? I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a career criminal as a father, but I was really surprised that she was willing to set her dad up. I think she immediately regretted doing it, but I just can’t believe she was so unfeeling towards her father in the first place. When Luther was arrested, he understood that Burton would hurt Kate if Luther said anything about the president. So, where does that leave Luther? Does he have any options?
Are you surprised that Jack is willing to be Luther’s lawyer? I don’t think his girlfriend will be that excited about it once she hears about it. I’m not sure what Jack will be able to do for Luther. Everyone in the president’s office is just so strong, and they have so many powerful tools at their disposal. I’m just not sure how justice can be served in this story.
Do you have any hope for the end of the book? Do you have any idea what is going to happen in the next chapters? What was the most surprising part of this section for you?
Have you wondered how David Baldacci knows so much about the intelligence agencies he writes about in his books? Check out this video to hear him talk about a really interesting experience he had with an unnamed intelligence agency!
Thanks for following along with me this week! Make sure to leave a comment to let me know what you thought of this section. I hope you’re able to finish the book for next week! I can’t wait to hear what you think about the ending!
Welcome to Week 2 of the Online Book Club discussion of Absolute Power.
Did you enjoy the beginning of the book this week? It’s definitely a fast-paced thriller! So many exciting things happened in this first section. Some of the action was almost too much for me to take! I am a big wimp when it comes to violence and action.
When Luther first broke into the house, I thought it was going to be a pretty straight-forward burglary. The two-way mirror definitely changed up the story a lot–I thought the mirror was a pretty ingenious way for the reader and Luther to be able to witness the whole attack. It really allowed to reader to see all parts of the scene. I had a really hard time reading the attack scene, for obvious reasons. It was sickening. What were you thinking while reading? Didn’t you wish that Luther could have jumped out to rescue Christine?
I think I can understand why the Secret Service shot Christine when they overheard the scuffle. I understand that they thought the president was in danger, so they needed to protect him using whatever means they thought necessary. But, the story really turns dark once they all decide to cover up the crime. I think, at the beginning, Gloria Russell was the real problem. She came up with the whole scheme, but everyone became complicit once they decided to go along with the plan to cover up the murder. Were you surprised when all of that started happening? I was surprised that the Secret Service agents agreed to cover up the crime, but again, I guess they felt like they had to protect the president at all costs. It was just a shocking situation.
My heart practically leaped from my chest when Luther was trying to get out of the house. I thought for sure they were going to shoot him in the back as he ran away. I don’t really know what his options are at this point. How is he going to be able to stay safe? I’m glad he has the knife, so that the crime can’t stay hidden, but I can’t imagine that Luther is going to be able to show it to anyone. I know Jack will come in to play with this case–why else would he be mentioned in the story? What do you think of Jack so far? He doesn’t seem to be very happy or very strong. He’s really following what his girlfriend wants and not what he wants. I hope he becomes a more exciting character as the story progresses.
What do you think of some of the other characters like Sandy Lord and Seth Frank? Sandy Lord seems like a pretty shady character. But, Seth Frank seems like a pretty competent detective. I think he’ll be able to solve the crime. I just can’t imagine that Luther will be able to stay in hiding for much longer. I’m really worried about him. It’s interesting that the most sympathetic character in this section is a known thief. I don’t find myself typically rooting for a criminal character.
Do you have any idea how things will progress in the next section? How is the most powerful person in the country going to be taken down? What is going to happen to Luther?
Before you go, check out the video clip below in which author, David Baldacci talks about his writing process.
Thanks for following along this week! I hope you’ll leave a comment to let me know what you thought of this first section. Don’t forget to read the next 10 chapters before checking back next week!
Welcome to Week 1 of the Online Book Club discussion of Absolute Power by David Baldacci.
The Online Book Club, if you’ve never joined us before, is a book discussion group that takes place entirely online. Each week, I write a new blog post that talks about different aspects of the book, and you can interact directly with me and other readers by leaving your comments. Check back each week and see what new topics we’re talking about.
Absolute Power focuses on the question, “Can the President of the United States get away with murder?” At the beginning of the book, a thief named Luther Whitney breaks into a mansion and inadvertently witnesses a terrible crime. He then embarks on a desperate run for his life, and readers are left to wonder if justice can be served against the most powerful man in the country.
If you want to follow along with us but you aren’t interested in reading the book, you can always watch the movie version starring Clint Eastwood. Check out the trailer above for the movie version if you want to get a feel for the series. Feel free to still leave comments on the blog posts, even if you’re only watching the movie and not reading the book.
We’ll read the first ten chapters for next time, so make sure to read those before checking out the next blog post. I look forward to hearing from you in the comments!
