Shannon's Story

[livvy]

I didn't understand what Shannon's problem with her mother was. I thought it was nice that Mrs Kilbourne wanted to spend time with her daughter. Shannon was bit of a brat I thought. Typical thirteen year old.

[hurricanebill]

I like this book and re-read it the other day. It was refreshing to read about a different character. It’s sad how frustrated she was with her family all being so disconnected from one another with their own work and activities. And sadly, her Dad was an overworked lawyer probably trying to pay their massive mortgage and school fees.

Her Mum needed the trip to help her get out of a bubble she felt stuck in as much as the trip was Shannon’s not hers. It was shocking that Shannon failed her exam on purpose so she couldn’t go to Paris but she obviously needed her own space and she must have been going crazy to get to that point. And Shannon was 13 not in University. As long as she never did anything like that again with her education. Middle School but what a risk. Ha

She learnt a lot of lessons and gained more appreciation of her Mum looking after a few tasks at home. I liked hearing about the running of a rich family’s mansion.

I think she would have been ok on the trip with her Mum though. The same kind of thing happened to me when I was 15. My Mum came along on a big trip as a nurse. I was so stressed out by the idea of her being there. She was asked and then told me she was coming along just like in this book haha. I just wanted to be myself with my friends and feel a little freedom.

Mum was so busy fixing up all sorts of problems with the other kids, she left me alone and when I caught a cold, it was nice to have her there. She was also so great having to take one of my friends to the hospital during the trip and my friend was so appreciative. Mum was also the peacemaker when a couple of other mothers/chaperones on the trip had a huge argument in front of everyone. I admired her for diffusing the situation. My Mum is so insecure especially in social situations, but when she has a purpose (like volunteering or work), she shines. That’s how Shannon’s Mum would have been I reckon, especially finding some work to do 😀

I liked how Shannon mentioned she would have other trips to look forward to by herself. So true.

Sorry if anyone is stuck in a bad situation with their parents through adulthood. That can be really hard.

[oldhickory]

Nov 22, 2022 5:10:51 GMT -5 hurricanebill said:

My Mum is so insecure especially in social situations, but when she has a purpose (like volunteering or work), she shines. That’s how Shannon’s Mum would have been I reckon, especially finding some work to do 😀

This is so sweet. I'm glad you had that experience with your mom! I def agree that Shannon's mom needed an identity outside of her household. I wish Shannon had gone on the trip and maybe had the same revelation you did, but I was expecting them to have a breakthrough and it's kind of nice having an unconventional ending.

[oldmeanie]

I liked this more than I remember. It's an enjoyable read and the Kilbourne family feels like one of the more realistic ones. The relationships are very strained, meals are tense, and I get the feeling that the parents are mostly together for the kids.

I thought that Mrs. Kilbourne did work though, in the early series. Maybe she quit, but the way this book was written, it's implied that she was a SAHM for years and lost her identity a bit. Also, idk why she doesn't volunteer or something instead.

I liked the idea of a mother's day softball game. It wasn't particularly exciting to read about, but I do think it is something that could take off irl.

So here's what I don't like: from what we know about Shannon, I absolutely do not buy her purposely failing a test. I get that maybe she figures she'll go to Paris later anyway because she's rich (still absolutely crazy to me to turn down that opportunity, but alas, I am not rich), but I don't buy her failing a class on purpose. At all. I think this is absolutely bonkers. I'm not sure how much middle school grades affect your permanent record, but it can't be good. Maybe she felt that's the only way she could avoid her mom, but STILL. Honestly, her mom is annoying, but it's still a major overreaction. I also think that Shannon should have regretted it and had an "Ohshitwhathaveidone" realization later on. I think everyone's reaction to her failing was totally unrealistic.

So I guess I overall like this book, it's just that the major plot point sort of falls apart for me. Maybe if it had more development or if Shannon had more books, idk.