Reading Response to Chapters 11-20

1. Where do you think Tim and Marty are at this point in the story?
I think that Tim and Marty have gone off to take care of their own lives. Sad to say but I don't think Tim cared about CeeCee they way she thought he did and after this plan seems to have gone awry, what with Genevieve dying, the guys will definitely have more at risk than they had originally planned.
2. What were your thoughts as CeeCee was helping Genevieve deliver her baby?
As CeeCee was helping to deliver the baby all I could think was that she must be so overwhelmed. At age 16, with a woman who is obviously angry beyond words with you to begin with, a high risk pregnancy, and CeeCee seeing things she has most certainly never seen before would really be scary for anyone. I think it shows a high level of maturity on CeeCee's part because she did get through it even though it was a little hysterically, she did it and helped Genevieve deliver the baby. Afterall, she could have passed out or something!
3. After Genevieve died, what would you have done with her baby if you had been in CeeCee's shoes?
Thinking in terms of being in CeeCee's shoes, I probably would have done the same thing. Delivering and caring for the baby for the first few days made her fall in love with the baby and taking her back would have gotten her thrown in jail right then and there and I think that thought scared CeeCee a lot.
4. Why do you think CeeCee/Eve is still holding onto hope that Tim will come for her?
CeeCee is in love with Tim. If you think someone loves you, of course you think they are coming back for you. Tim also promised CeeCee that even if he and Marty had to go underground, they he would find ways to see her. Now, CeeCee, being the naive young girl she is, believed all of these promised so we will see if Tim holds up his end of the bargain....
5. How do you think Eve will establish her new identity in Virginia?
I think she will find some meaningless job to start earning money for her and the baby and remain very inconspicuous and low-profile being as though she is scared to death of getting caught now that she has decided to go through with everything. She is so lucky that she has Marian to help her start out because Marian seems to have such a calming demeanor and a motherly instinct which is just what Eve needs to feel comfortable somewhere.
6. What do you think of CeeCee/Eve now after she has gone through with the kidnapping, the delivery of the baby, the escape, and the relocation?
I think this is a hard question to answer right now because immediately it is easy answer that she has done the wrong thing, she should give the baby back and face her consequences. However, in Eve's mind, she semi-believes she is doing the right thing by loving and caring for the baby and absolutely does not want to get in trouble or go to jail. I think from here on out we will be able to judge Eve a lot better to decide if she has done the right or wrong thing and how she is coping with it.

Reading Response to Chapters 1-10

I have joined an online book club and we are reading "The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes." It seems a little silly to have a book club online, but with all of our busy lives, it seems perfect to be able to jump online, read some questions and the ongoing discussion about the book and get on with the day. I will probably miss the live chit chat, having a cup of coffee and some snacks with girls but for now, this is great too! Here are the questions we had this week:

1. What was your first impression of Tim?
My first impression of Tim is that he is charming. It is a little strange to me to think, in this day and age of a 22 year old guy showing interest in a 16 year old girl but this is set years ago, so I think back then it was a little different.
2. If you were in CeeCee’s position, would you be willing to help your boyfriend in the way that she is willing to help Tim?
It is very hard to say because when you are "in love" with someone, the way CeeCee is convinced she is, it is hard to imagine they would ever do something to put you in harm's way. I think back to myself at 16 and I don't think I would have been able to bring myself to do anything illegal for a boyfriend.
3. Why do you think CeeCee is so eager to please Tim?
I think CeeCee is very vulnerable and NEEDS Tim to love her so she wants him to approve. I think she is afraid of losing him, therefore there is the constant need to please him.
4. Who do you think has it harder? Tim or CeeCee?
Harder in terms of their lives? I think CeeCee has it harder because she lost her mother at such an early age and has been on her own at such a young age. I admire her positive outlook on life and the fact that she has goals. However, I think stemming from the loss of her mother has come her insecurities, vulnerabilities and need to be loved. Tim has it rough in a different way though. I mean, the loss of his mother, his crazy brother and sister in jail are not easy things to deal with, but he is also an adult with more life experience than CeeCee.
5. What character trait(s) about CeeCee stuck out the most to you in these first ten chapters?
Her positive attitude, honesty, sense of sweetness about her, trusting and willing to go the extra mile for those she loves.
6. Do you think CeeCee is as mature as she seem?
I definitely do not. CeeCee has dealt with some tough stuff in her life which has definitely matured her more so than a girl her age who has not experienced such life changing events, but she still has a lot to learn.