Long Bright River, Week 2

Welcome to Week 2 of the Online Book Club discussion of Long Bright River.

What did you think of the beginning of the book? Were you sucked into the story immediately, or did it take you a little bit of time to get used to the characters and the setting? I was drawn in pretty quickly. I felt like I was invested in figuring out what happened to Kacey from the first pages. And, I felt so burdened for Mickey. Her life was so hard, and the things she saw on the streets were so bleak. I don't know how she was able to go back to work day after day. She was really strong. 

Had you ever heard of Kensington before? I had not. I was shocked to read about the things that went on out in the open there. But, there is also hope in the neighborhood, especially in the public library! Check out this article if you want to read more about one of the library branches that serves the Kensington area. 

Throughout this section, Mickey describes her relationship with Simon. What did you think of him? It made me sad that their relationship was such a positive thing for her for so long since he was so much older, and it seemed like he took advantage of her. He definitely had the power in their relationship. By the end of this section, it's clear that Simon and Mickey are not on good terms anymore, and he has stopped sending child support. What do you think caused such a rift between them? Why do you think Mickey didn't tell Simon where she and Thomas were moving? Do you think he's dangerous? 

Much of this section also deals with Mickey and her relationship with her former partner, Truman. Did you think it made sense that Mickey avoided Truman after the attack? I know she felt like she didn't act quickly or well when Truman got attacked, but I didn't think it was her fault that he was attacked. It made me sad that she had pulled away from him since he seemed like such a steady and calm presence in her life. It was interesting that he was willing to help her look for Kacey. But, it makes me nervous that he's helping since he has access to so many dangerous people. I'm really afraid that Mickey is going to go too far and put herself in serious danger. Were you surprised that there were businesses that were "safe injection sites?" I had never heard of such a thing. It would be a lot of responsibility to keep track of all of the people that come through and make sure that they don't overdose. I know Mr. Wright viewed it as his public service after his sons died of overdoses, but I really can't believe there are places like that. 

What do you think about Mickey as a mother? She is a really dedicated mother, and it's obvious that everything she does, she does for Thomas. I just wish she could spend more time with him. And, I wish that her job wasn't so dangerous. I am just constantly worried for her. 

What do you think has happened to Kacey? Were you surprised by her background story? I couldn't believe how many times Mickey had to rescue Kacey in the past. My heart just drops every time Mickey is called to a new disturbance on her route. I'm just sure that she's going to find Kacey dead. I hope we find out more about where Kacey might be in the next section. 

This section ends with Mickey going to family Thanksgiving. Did you feel like anyone was hiding anything from Mickey? Did you feel like anyone has had contact with Kacey? It made me sad that Mickey seemed like such an outsider with her family. I just want her to be loved and taken care of like she loves and takes care of others. 

Are you excited to read the next section? Are you anxious to find out more about Kacey? Do you think Mickey will get herself into more dangerous situations in the upcoming chapters? 

Before you go, check out the video below to learn more about author, Liz Moore. What was the most interesting thing you learned in the video? 

Thanks for following along this month! Please leave a comment to let me know what you liked about this section. Make sure to read through page 338 before joining us again next week!