Black Cake, Week 2

Welcome to Week 2 of the Online Book Club discussion of Black Cake.

Did you enjoy reading the beginning of the book? This section sure ended on a cliff hanger, didn't it! I'm sorry that I made you stop in such an exciting spot! But, hopefully, that makes you want to continue reading for next week!

At the beginning of the book, we meet Byron and Benny and learn that they have not seen each other for years. There is a lot of baggage between them, but the specifics of their problems aren't really addressed in this first section. Did you feel like you understood why Benny left the family? Why do you think she didn't attend her father's funeral? Were you surprised when they started to listen their mother's recording and she mentioned that they had a sister? I think that would be a hard suprise to hear in a recording like that. It's too bad she didn't share that information with them when she was still alive. 

What did you think of the Covey storyline? I could not believe all of the twists and turns in Covey's life! It was bad enough that her mother left, but then when her father got more into gambling, I just knew something horrible was going to happen. What do you think happened to Covey's mother? Do you think she expected to leave and never come back? It seems strange that she would leave her daughter behind. I was just so mad at Covey's father throughout this first section. I don't understand how he could be so apathetic towards Covey, and I really couldn't believe that he was willing to let her marry Little Man. He seems to only care about himself and making sure that he is successful and fine. He doesn't care how his actions affect his daughter.

Do you like Covey as a character? I thought it was interesting that she was such a powerful swimmer. She was incredibly brave to be in the water even when conditions were not favorable. I was glad that she had Bunny as a close friend. I think Covey's life would have been pretty miserable and lonely if she had not had Bunny. What do you think about Gibbs? Do you think it's smart for Covey to be sneaking around with Gibbs? Do you think there is any future with him? 

What are your first impressions of Bryon and Benny? They both seem a little bit lost and seem to have a lot of personal trauma. Byron obviously has some unresolved feelings for his past girlfriend, Lynette, and Benny can't seem to figure out what she wants to do with her life. I was glad once we got to learn a little bit more about Benny's backstory. It makes sense that she would leave college after getting attacked, and it was good to understand that Benny and her parents had a falling out because they were not pleased with the person she was dating. I felt so sad for Benny that she carried all of this pain and sadness by herself. I really wonder if her family would have become more understanding and supportive if she had come back home again. It's interesting that Byron is such a famous scientist. 

How surprised were you when Little Man keeled over at the wedding and Covey escaped? Do you think you have a guess as to what happened to Little Man? Do you think Covey survived her escape? Do you think Bunny is going to be able to find her? What do you think is going to happen in the next section? 

Before you go, check out the clip below to learn more about the Hulu adaptation of the book. Do you think it looks like an interesting series? 

I can't wait to hear what you thought of the first section! For next week, make sure to read through page 259!