November 2012 TMB Book Club Selection: The Passage by Justin Cronin

Discussion in 'TMB Book Club' started by Arkie Proud, Oct 30, 2012.

  1. Dwight Schrute

    Dwight Schrute 7 out of every 10 attacks are from the rear.
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    I wanna read ASOIAF but you guys keep wanting me to check this out. Damn it to hell, men.
     
  2. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
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    Read ASOIAF before you do anything else
     
  3. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
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    Eh, he has five years until book 6 comes out. But we'll only read this book as a board one time!
     
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  4. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    Agreed
     
  5. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    You got the origin correct as far as I can see

    -So far, I think the Amy thing and Lear wanting her is a coincidence

    - Seems so

    - Not really, but I can see it

    The rest of your questions are answered for the most part in Part II
     
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  6. Arkie Proud

    Arkie Proud The Dungeon Master
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    Spoilers for Part I
    Was the Make-An-Old-Persons-Wish the same as the one attacked by bats in the jungle? The one attacked by bats and the emails sent back and forth sounded like an expedition complete with military. The Wish thing sounded like a different group. Kinda confused there...

    Pretty sure Amy belongs to House Slytherin. Wait, wrong book. Pretty sure Amy will either be the antithesis of the vampires (they will hate her) or she will rise up and be their leader. She is obviously a vampire, albeit a different sort. What with the whole "allergic to light" thing.

    I was kind of disappointed with Sister Lacey's part. Why did she feel compelled to walk all the way from Memphis to the middle of Colorado? To make sure Wolgast got a gun? I thought she would play a much larger part and was stunned when she died. Or did she?

    I really, really like that the writer is so detailed and yet finds a way to not bore the reader. The little bit about the store owner in Oregon that Wolgast goes to was great. His wife has MS and he'll stay with her there, even in the face of a vampire apocalypse. That wasn't needed to advance the story, but was a nice touch. I've said it before, but from a stylistic and fundamental standpoint, Justin Cronin can write his ass off.
     
  7. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    The way I understood it, was that the make a wish group went first - had cancer, then was cured, and all died. Which sparked interest in Lear/Military ect to check it out further. That expedition was the one that was attacked and had the emails.

    I dont think Lacey went all the way to give Wolgast the gun. Her 'mission' for lack of a better term was to see that Amy would be ok. Whatever compelled her to go all the way to CO also seemed to tell her Wolgast was meant to be Amy's guardian. In that last scene with Lacey, once she got Wolgast and Amy together, it was more important they got away - so she ran interference.
     
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  8. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
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    Isn't that last part in part 2? Just finished chapter 15.

    I guess you haven't read my part 1 write-up yet, I also called it make a wish haha. It occurred before Lear's mission with the military. Lear heard about it and became obsessed after his wife died and agreed to hook up with the military for the mission if they would fund it

    Agree with your thoughts on Lacey's role. Hope she isn't dead
     
  9. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
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    Part II

    Not too much, the bitten obviously turn which I had wondered about before. Amy is connected to the rest of them, but not in the same way it seems. I guess she sensed them coming which is why she left Wolgast and fled (assuming she did). Sucks he died. Probably done reading for the night. Can't wait for Part III
     
  10. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
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    Part I
    What an awesome book. Can't really add much more to what you others have said other than "I agree." Arkie Proud is so right with how he describes the writing style. Throws in little things that don't need to be there for plot purposes, but help you understand the characters more. Did not expect damn near everyone to die in part I though, damn. The last few chapters were awesome. And this whole telecommunication thing is interesting the hell out of me.

    Wish I could pinpoint Amy, but I'm in the same boat as others in that I can't figure out exactly what her role is going to be. Definitely think she'll be wanted alive on both sides of this "war" that's unfolding, but she'll decide to stay good. Great start, can't wait to read more.
     
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  11. Lorne Malvo

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    Part II
    Dammit, did not want Wolgast to die. Was a really good character. Loved how much he cared for Amy. It's obvious how important she is to the story, really wonder what happens to her now as she goes out on her own. These three chapters, while nothing really happened, were a good read though. Liked learning more about Wolgast. And it was kinda nice just having these people in the story have "human" type moments. Now outside of Amy, literally every character from part I is dead or missing (Amy's mom being the latter category). Interesting to see how that affects the story going forward, as it'll be all new characters.
    Done reading for tonight, will resume tomorrow.
     
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  12. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
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    Part III

    Definitely confused with the timeframe but I assume that will be cleared up in part 4 or so. I'm assuming that was just to give the backstory on how this colony formed. Guessing Amy meets up with them soon.
     
  13. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    1/2 way through part III
    Im with you. Definitely not as vested in this colony as I was with Amy/Wolgast/Lacey ect. I think Walkers were just people roaming outside the colony. Just people roamers, not vampires or virals or whatever
     
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  14. colonelrascals

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    I'm on chapter 24. which is a good ways into part 4. Don't worry you'll end up loving where everything goes, but the first few chapters will be slow just like the beginning of the book
     
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  15. Iron Mickey

    Iron Mickey a guy who posted here like five years ago hates me
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    Not much to add to the existing Part 1 discussion, but obviously I need to put in work so I can actually have concurrent discussion of the other sections. Fucking work reading.
     
  16. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
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    I thought I was moving at a decent pace then that jerk The Blackfish showed up and read ~25% in the first night.
     
  17. Iron Mickey

    Iron Mickey a guy who posted here like five years ago hates me
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    What a douche.
     
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  18. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    I think we are all around the same spot for the most part. Im just about to finish up Part III during my lunch here in a bit. Will get started on Part IV tonight.

    I feel you though. Its no fun laggin behind in the discussion. Happened to me with Cloud Atlas.
     
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  19. colonelrascals

    colonelrascals Mayonnaise-colored Benz, I push miracle whips
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    Yeah I never want to be lag behind at all. Which is why I enjoy being the club leader at the moment. Just took an adderall about 15 minutes ago, and I am waiting for it to kick in...guess what I plan on doing.
     
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  20. Dwight Schrute

    Dwight Schrute 7 out of every 10 attacks are from the rear.
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    Been reading this, A Clash of Kings, and Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!. I have too much I want to read.

    Only on Chapter 4 through part I. You guys be crazy.
     
  21. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    ARe you reading 3 books at once? Woof.
     
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  22. The Blackfish

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    I haven't gotten much done today (workwise) thanks to the kindle app on my iPhone. I don't really mind being ahead or behind the pack because if you're ahead you don't feel like you're missing out but if you're behind you don't have to wait on others to discuss what you're currently reading. I haven't been too busy this week so I've been able to knock a lot out.
     
  23. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
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    Yea I can't read more than one book at a time. My girlfriends grandmother is a reading fiend though and will read like 6 books at once. She keeps a different book by her favorite chair in each room of the house so which book she reads at any moment in time is determined by which room she is currently in.
     
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  24. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    Finished Part IV All Eyes
    A terminology question:
    vamps=smokes=virals
    Walkers= Humans that just roam outside of the colony
    sticks = skeletons

    Still not quite sure what a "flyer" is

    Thoughts on part IV:
    I hated it at first, but then really liked it. I guess I didnt take to Peter/Theo/Alisha/Sara et all as quickly as I did with the characters in Part 1, but Im on board now.

    Seems like all of the virals have some sort of tele-comunicative power. Kind of looks like Amy is the angel on one shoulder trying to keep them from killing humans and The 12, esp Babcock, are the Devil on the other shoulder encouraging them to kill. Interesting no of Fanning/Zero.

    Big question for me as of now, what exactly happened to Zander? Was he like Amy - trying to keep Cleo safe?
     
  25. colonelrascals

    colonelrascals Mayonnaise-colored Benz, I push miracle whips
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    Fuck you for taking the lead
     
  26. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    I watched the election last night, then stayed up until about 2:30 reading. I have a huge build up on my DVR because of this book.
     
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  27. colonelrascals

    colonelrascals Mayonnaise-colored Benz, I push miracle whips
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    what chapter are you on, I'm at 28

    Was not the least bit surprised that amy found peter, and I'm intrigued with the radio transmissions
     
  28. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    Just finished 23. So you are still ahead of me... so fuuuuuuuuck you.
     
  29. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
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    Just started 22
     
  30. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
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    I read it while having the election on but without volume. Allowed me to still follow that, but continue to read.
     
  31. Dwight Schrute

    Dwight Schrute 7 out of every 10 attacks are from the rear.
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    Yeah I usually don't read more than one at a time but dammit man, it's great reading! Think I'm going to focus on the book club one though since everyone is so far ahead
     
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  32. Lorne Malvo

    Lorne Malvo Aces!
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    Sometimes I read more than one book, but they are usually completely different. Will go with a fiction and non-fiction, in case I want to switch it up on a particular night.
     
  33. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
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    Finished IV as well

    you've got the terminology down imo. I think saying flyer is like us saying fuck. Not sure why flyer though.

    I'm not really sure what to think re: Zander

    Really interested in zero/fanning too. I think since he is the first he is kinda behind the scenes but in charge of the twelve. Think you're onto something with Amy but still not quite sure how she fits in their dynamic.

    Who is the voice telling Amy to go to the moonlight? My first thought was possibly some sort of spirit of Lacey, but I'm thinking it could also be Zero.

    Can't wait to start part V later tonight.
     
  34. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    I don't know why, but I think the voice is Wolgast. Although what you said about the voice being the same one Lacey heard makes more sense.
     
  35. The Blackfish

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    Another thing I wondered about was whether or not Amy would age, apparently she does but just very slowly. Peter thought she looked between 16 and 18 so that would be about 10 years in a 100 year period
     
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  36. The Blackfish

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    Part V

    ok we're obviously setting up for a battle here. Almost lost my shit when Sanjay sleepwalked into the lighthouse and said "Bab-cock?"

    Seems like Sanjay, Jimmy, Elton and Galen are being influenced by The Twelve and it will be up to Lish, Peter, Maus, Sara, Michael... Maybe Hollis and Caleb? To thwart them.

    Interested to see how Amy fits into this. Wish she would just open her damn mouth and say I'm 100 years old, Bitch
     
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  37. Iron Mickey

    Iron Mickey a guy who posted here like five years ago hates me
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    In Part IV. They're down in the powerplant. Had to get off the treadmill and head to work. :impatientbear:
     
  38. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    Finished Part V - The Girl From No Where too

    That dirty girl Maus.....

    Yeah, Seems like the original 12 have the same influence over the Household members that they did over Grey. Seems like they got to the Colonel, although it was Arlo not any of The Twelve. Also thought Cronin did a great job of the back story with Sanjay and Peter's dad. Really enjoyed that backstory and im sure it will come in to play somehow.

    Agree with everything you said.

    Things I cant wait to find out:

    -Amy doing whatever she is going to do
    - WTF happened with Zander? How/Why was he protecting Caleb
    - Is Theo dead or turned or neither
    - The whole business with the chip in Amy's neck.
    - What is the 'voice' that was talking to Amy in Part IV
    - What is going to go down when Galen and Co go to the outpost.

    Im sure Im forgetting stuff. I said before I wasnt fully invested in the Colony the way I was with Wolgast/Amy/Lacy, but I care about them now.
     
  39. Dwight Schrute

    Dwight Schrute 7 out of every 10 attacks are from the rear.
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    Finally finished part I

    Really like the concept and the development so far. Went from potential immortality to vampyric assholes. Also like the introduction of the characters. Would hate it if the book turned into something about religion and shit, though. Glad that the sister offed herself.
     
  40. The Blackfish

    The Blackfish The Fish in Black
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    Part VI
    -Besides Part 1, possibly my favorite part so far.
    -Obviously it was less of a battle like I had expected, but more like a series of events that lead to the escape
    -What was up with Elton? At first I thought he was being manipulated by Babcock or one of the others like Sanjay and Jimmy, but apparently not, I wonder if he had some sort of connection with Amy? Glad he wasn’t one of the ‘”bad” guys because I like(d) him.
    -Hard to really call the others bad guys which was why I used quotes. I think they are just more susceptible to Babcock and co.
    -Race to the guns!
    -Really like the group of characters they have assembled to head to the station; Peter, Lish, Sara, Amy, Caleb and Michael
    -Wonder what happens to Auntie, also wonder where some characters get such premonitions from, like Auntie and Lacey before her.
    -Although a very minor character I’m sad Jacob died. Reminded me of Hodor

    Part VII
    -Glad Hollis caught up with them, really liked Arlo to, but glad one of them is still alive.
    -Thought the Sanjay/Garlen storyline would last a little longer. Assuming they’re dead or soon to be but who knows. Felts sorry for Garlen at the end.
    -weird that sometimes Amy can send the virals away but sometimes she can’t, I guess it depends on how hungry they are and how strong the twelve’s influence on them is.
    -Hope Sara isn’t dead but figure she is L
    -Theo is alive! I thought he was for sure dead until Maus had her premonition that he was still alive. He’s in a pretty shit spot though. I’m predicting the people he is with have already succumbed to Babcock & co’s influence, which is why they’re holding Theo hostage until he kills the fat lady with the knife.
    -Onto Part VIII

    Part VIII
    -Well I was right about a couple of my predictions, some I had posted some I hadn’t. I was pretty sure that the fat lady in the dreams was one of Babcocks kills during his human life, very possibly his mother. I was right that they were holding Theo until he succumbed to the dreams. The idea of a whole colony under Babcock’s control had kinda come to me but never fully formed if that makes any sense.
    -Maybe I was reading too fast but a lot of the final scene seemed disjointed to me. Never really realized that everyone had made it into the engine room of the train. Also thought it was a little odd that Sara turned into a professional driver on a closed course after a week of driving.
    -Finally got the “leaving the 10th rabbit” thing. Eat 9 turn 1. It also seems apparent that if you kill one of the twelve you kill their “many” as well judging by the last sentence of part VIII
    -RIP Caleb :tebow:
    -Fucking loving this book (obviously since I haven’t been able to put it down)
     
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  41. Iron Mickey

    Iron Mickey a guy who posted here like five years ago hates me
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    Get a job, blackfish.
     
  42. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    LOL - He read about a quarter of the book in an afternoon. Even if I had the time, no way I could read that fast.

    Im just jelly. Im a horribly slow reader.
     
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  43. The Blackfish

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    Stayed up late reading most of that last night. Just part 8 today.
     
  44. The Blackfish

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    Ran across some info regarding turning this book into a movie. Putting it into spoilers just because but there isn't any plot spoilers in the release

    In case you need further proof that vampires aren't dead (no pun intended), look no further than new adult publishing sensationThe Passage. Written by Justin Cronin, endorsed byStephen King, and optioned for film byRidley Scott's production company, the 784-page tome looks set to be the next big thing.
    The Passage takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where, thanks to a virus capable of causing vampirism, 40 million undead roam. Six-year-old Amy Harper Bellafonte is the most important person in the world, and could be the key to its survival.
    Cronin sold movie rights before the book's June 2010 publication, in what turned out to be a bidding war between several major movie studios. Ridley Scott (Robin Hood,Gladiator) walked away with the rights, and a theater release is rumored for 2013.
    edit: I think it will be extremely difficult to turn this book (this one book, not even talking about The Twelve) into one coherent movie. Wouldn't be surprised if it was split into two or three movies. Hell they are making The Hobbit into 3 movies and this is 4x as long as The Hobbit
     
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  45. Arkie Proud

    Arkie Proud The Dungeon Master
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    Still fairly early into the book (mid-ways through Part II), and was thinking about this. It has kind of the feel of a miniseries or HBO ongoing series instead of a movie to me.:twocents:
     
  46. Lorne Malvo

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    Have been busy the last few nights so haven't gotten a chance to read as much as I was hoping to. And now with the weekend here, I probably won't get a chance to read much until Monday. Happy football is back as always, but really liking this book.
     
  47. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    I just got home from a half day. Im going to try and read as much as I can tonight, because, like you I probably have a chance until after the weekend with football.
     
  48. Truman

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    I really dont have anything to add to your comments except that I find myself desperately wanting Amy to get to doing whatever she is going to do.

    Also, not that it matters, but I just now realized the Jaxon's are :w2d:
     
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  49. The Blackfish

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    Part IX

    well fuck me. That was actually pretty heart wrenching, Maus and Theo leaving them then Alicia (who I was kind of mad at as well) and then Hollis, Sara and Michael

    Kind of fitting that Alicia and Peter were in love since they were both unable to act upon it, Lish because she was sworn or whatever and Peter because it seems his destiny is entwined with Amy, at least at this point.

    I really don't have much more to say about this part, it was basically a way for Peter and Amy to continue their journey alone. Thought Peter was going to stock up on weapons, but wasn't too surprised when he gave up every weapon.

    I wonder what Amy was doing in Greer's dream. I bet it will be on of those unanswered mysteries though.

    Does anyone else think of River Tam (Summer Glau) from Firefly when reading about Amy?
    [​IMG]

    Time to go out and drink
     
  50. Arkie Proud

    Arkie Proud The Dungeon Master
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    Damn The Blackfish, slow down.

    Part III

    If you are ahead of me, you obviously know the answers so don't tell me.

    So I guess Wolgast is dead and we have moved forward ~100 after the virus? I gotta assume Amy is still important, which leads me to believe she, as well as the other 'vampires' are immortal of have long lifespans. The part about all the children getting on the train and leaving their parents behind was heart-wrenching as a father. Could I send my boy away, knowing I would never see him again? Even if it meant he may live a while longer, it would be hard. This book is fucking awesome...
     
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