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@Jade: I think these book club discussions are casual, no need to feel bad when there’s a gap between posts. I’m looking forward to @Logan and @Marlo and @J.R. jumping back in when they have a chance. And I hope maybe even some other Forum readers will post, even if it’s just once or twice to drop a different perspective or to pose a good question. In the meantime, I think we fell behind schedule, so I’m going to catch up through chapter 16!

Chapter 13

> Shoshanna has got to feel bad about lying (or at least misleading) her brother about Chase. You know that whole situation is going to boil over at some point.

> Mr. Solway’s yelling insults at the newspeople on TV reminds me of Gramps and his love/hate relationship with the Weather Channel (A SEMESTER IN THE LIFE OF A GARBAGE BAG).

> Every good story recounts how characters work their way out of a predicament. Part of the fun of GRK’s writing is there’s usually a fun way they got INTO the situation to begin with. Shoshanna would never team up with Chase. No way, no how. But, when it’s the only way Mr. Solway will give her the interview she needs to compete in the journalism contest… well, it looks like the inglorious partnership is going to need to happen. (That’s a lot more fun than just having Ms. DeLeo assign them to be partners!)

Chapter 14

> Chase is feeling conflicted—his memory flashes are reminding him it was pretty good being king of the school, but that feeling is inextricable from all the bullying he did.

> Shoshanna “sometimes slips up and treats [Chase] like a fellow human.”  😉

> The missing medal! Chase’s realization it was probably stolen! And his worry his buddies may be the culprits! We just dove deep into the central story, with defrosting enemies Shoshanna and Chase right at the heart of it.

Chapter 15

> Brendan never fails to surprise, and a Casablanca paraphrase is definitely unexpected. But a fun way to say he’s got a crush on Kimberly!

> Leaf Man!

> I love that Chase is unable to contain his laughter while manning Camera Two. I firmly believe a truly bad guy could not have a good sense of humor.

Chapter 16

> The Webers’ dog Mitzi needing a bath after mysteriously returning home covered in syrup and leaves: classic!

> Whoa, are Mr. and Mrs. Weber m-a-d about Shosh and her secret video project partner!

> Will Joel get to come home? What a great chapter-ending cliffhanger to have Shoshanna start a new “come clean” text message to her brother.