Long Bright River, Week 4

Welcome to the final discussion of Long Bright River.

Did you like the end of the book? What did you think about all of the surprises in the last chapters? Did the story end like you thought it would? 

How surprised were you to realize that Kacey was actually Thomas's biological mother? I was shocked. I couldn't believe that Simon had taken advantage of Kacey in that way. It was sad to read about Thomas's start. It's really hard to think about babies being born addicted to drugs. It was also sad to read that Mickey left the door open for Kacey to meet Thomas if she was able to pass drug tests, but Kacey was never able to do that. I can't imagine how hard it was for her to not be able to see her son. Were you surprised to read that she showed up on Mickey's doorstep? She really seemed to want to know Thomas, but her addictions were just too strong. I thought it was really unfair of Gee to assume that Mickey would want to have Kacey's new baby. It made Mickey look like a villain when in reality, she had provided such a wonderful life to Thomas. 

Were you surprised that Mickey found her father? I wasn't surprised that she wanted to find her dad, but I was surprised that he was the one who had been showing up at Mickey's door. I'm glad the person coming to her house wasn't coming for nefarious reasons. I was also surprised that he had been in contact with Kacey and knew where she was. 

Early in this section, we realize the man the police arrested for killing the girls on the streets was innocent. I knew he wasn't the one who had committed the murders. It was sad that Paula had to be murdered before the police took Mickey seriously. Did you ever think that Truman was the murderer? I didn't, and I was really upset that Mickey accused him and ruined their relationship. I thought Truman was a great person for Mickey to have in her life. Was there ever a point in the book where you suspected that Eddie Lafferty was the real killer? I was surprised that he was the killer since he wasn't mentioned very often in the book. I thought it would be one of the more high profile police officers. 

Were you glad that Kacey and Mickey were able to reconnect near the end of the book? What do you think their relationship will be like going forward? Do you think that Kacey will be able to stay clean? Kacey tells Mickey that their mother used drugs when she was pregnant with Kacey and not Mickey. Do you think that explains why their lives have been so different? What do you think that means for Kacey's children? It made me sad again when Kacey and Mickey were reconnecting that Mickey was portrayed as the villain because she "took" Thomas. I think Mickey had a front row view of Kacey's life that other people didn't have, so it made sense that she wouldn't want Thomas to live with Kacey. I think Kacey must know, deep down, that she couldn't have kept Thomas. That Mickey was what was better for him. What do you think? Did it frustrate you that people made Mickey the villain in the story? 

Near the very end of the book, we find out that Simon is addicted to drugs. What did you think of that detail? It explained why Mickey had seen him in Kensington. 

At the end of the book, Mickey quits being a police officer. Did you think that was the right move for her? What do you think she will end up doing with her life? 

Did you find the ending of the book to be hopeful? Do you think the new baby will be ok? Do you think Kacey and Mickey will continue to repair their relationship? Did you enjoy the book? Do you think you would recommend it to a friend? If you enjoyed this book and would like to read and watch similar titles, check out this list I created. Let me know if you check out anything on the list!

Before you go, check out the video below to hear how the book made it to television. Don't you think it's interesting to hear the behind-the-scenes information about the creation of a show? 

Thanks for following along this month! Make sure to leave a comment to let me know what you thought of the ending! I hope you'll join us again next month as we read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.