The October meeting at Dode's house was a great success - lots of lively discussion, insight, unusual interpretations, and absolutely great refreshments. Thanks to Dode for hosting such a wonderful event. Also, thanks to Kathy who kept the discussion going with her excellent facilitation of the book discussion. Some of my observations regarding the discussion follow . . .
Most readers found the book, Bad Monkeys, interesting and intriguing but were more and more unsettled as they got closer to the end of the book. All agreed that it was a real "page turner" but that the ending was somewhat disappointing after the great set up and manipulation of the reader to believe that there was going to be some resolution of the puzzle and mystery that was described by the lead character Jane Charlotte. Of course, there never was a resolution of anything - only more questions as the narrative ended.
Some readers did not particularly like this genre of book but still felt that the writer did a great job with the narrative storytelling and that the movement, tempo, and description in the book kept the reader engaged and interested in the story. Several readers felt that the book became too fantastical and full of improbable and unbelievable action sequences near the end when the story moved to Las Vegas and the casino scene - especially with the entrance of the "Scary Clowns" and the "good" and "bad" Jane. At least one reader felt that there were strong religious references and that the book was very derivative of spiritual and theological themes. Another that the end became a "bad LSD trip" and another that the whole adventure was in the mind of the psychiatric patient, Jane Charlotte.
What do you think? What other things were mentioned and debated? Any final thoughts about this book? Let us know what you think by posting additional comments to this subject.
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