I went into this one expecting it to be my perfect summer read. I even read it on a solo beach getaway, using all my precious alone time to read. And what was the result?? (I know it is mixed for people) I find myself in between wildly disappointed and a fun read.
I deeply related to the whole theme of the book: a family’s annual vacation to a special place. My family’s northern Michigan island cabin stuck in my mind, reminding me of my favorite childhood memories. But what resonated with me most were the well-crafted layers of the story and the metaphor of the “sandwich” throughout. The literal and figurative. The sandwich of life can be applied in many ways: the past and present holding together the “devastation and the blessedness.” As a mother, the simple, sweet moments mean more to me than ever before (my bread), knowing the power they have to hold me together through the mixed-up joys and sorrows of life.
And then, of course, the setting of Sandwich, Massachusetts, a small, simple seaside beach town vacation? Can’t get enough of that vibe. And the making of literal sandwiches to eat at the beach? Honestly, the glory of life.
The other stuff? Rocky’s drama and the whole crew of characters screaming privilege can be off-putting at times.
Where are you with this one? I overall “liked” it. Are you on team love, like, or hate? Let’s chat!
First, take a peek into how I imagined the cottage. The discussion questions to follow.
How do these images compare to the cottage in your mind?
On to our discussion. Like any book club, these questions are just to start the conversation. Ignore what you’d like and add what comes to mind! I am sharing the questions below, but I will add each to the comments section. Click reply to discuss.
- Did you know from the start Sandwich was an actual town? What did the name mean to you?
- What do you think of Rachel’s nickname, “Rocky.”
- Does the book actually have a plot? How would you describe it?
- There is a theme of secrets throughout the story. On page 64, Rocky says, “This is how it is to love somebody. You tell them the truth. You lie a little. And sometimes you don’t say anything at all.” Do you agree with this? Do you choose to keep certain things from your kids? Is keeping these secrets to prevent pain, or is it our own avoidance and denial?
- Did you relate to Rocky in any way? Her mood, experience of menopause, anxiety, relationships, etc.?
- On page 152, Rocky comments how her parents raised their children: “It was easier then.” Her father worked, and her mother stayed home. She then says (as two working parents): “Nick and I both scrambled through our children’s childhoods.” Can you relate to this? Do you think it was easier “back then?”
- Why do you think the author set the story during the family’s annual vacation rather than an ordinary week of their life?
And last but not least, i’ll share some some favorite quotes from the book:
“I would pick this life too, I know. I’d even pick the way that pain has burnished me to brightness.”
“I am full to bursting in every way.”
“This absolute devastation and blessedness, rolled up into a lump in my own throat that I have been trying to swallow for my whole life.”
“I was gutted with love for these sparkling children. Bodies of my body. Inside and out– brain, heart, uterus; mouth, skin, breasts–not a single part of me was my own.”
“And this may be the only reason we were put on this earth. To say to each other, I know how you feel. To say, Same.”
“The children’s features shattered me a little bit– as if someone had siphoned love out of me and tattooed it onto someone else’s face.”
“This day contains multitudes. Maybe every day does.”
photo credits: the design files// house beautiful// cozy little house// designer glenn ban and photos by weston wells for remodelista// design by justine hand and photos by matthew williams for remodelista// janet maccausland
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01. Did you know from the start Sandwich was an actual town? What did the name mean to you?
02. What do you think of Rachel’s nickname, “Rocky.”
03. Does the book actually have a plot? How would you describe it?
04. There is a theme of secrets throughout the story. On page 64, Rocky says, “This is how it is to love somebody. You tell them the truth. You lie a little. And sometimes you don’t say anything at all.” Do you agree with this? Do you choose to keep certain things from your kids? Is keeping these secrets to prevent pain, or is it our own avoidance and denial?
05. Did you relate to Rocky in any way? Her mood, experience of menopause, anxiety, relationships, etc.?
06. On page 152, Rocky comments how her parents raised their children: “It was easier then.” Her father worked, and her mother stayed home. She then says (as two working parents): “Nick and I both scrambled through our children’s childhoods.” Can you relate to this? Do you think it was easier “back then?”
07. Why do you think the author set the story during the family’s annual vacation rather than an ordinary week of their life?