the Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes

My responses to the book club questions for Chapters 11-20 of the Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain. Check out the book club here!

1. Where do you think Tim and Marty are at this point in the story?

I think they have abandoned their foolish plan...and running scared! They have realized that there is no way they are getting their sister back.

2. What were your thoughts as CeeCee was helping Genevieve deliver her baby?

How in the world did she get herself in this mess? Agreeing to babysit the governor's wife was one thing...but now delivering her baby...wow! Honestly, I barely knew where babies came from at 16...much less delivering one! I was thinking that she had to stay strong for her because I knew Genevieve must be scared to death!

3. After Genevieve died, what would you have done with her baby if you had been in CeeCee's shoes?

Even at 16 years old, I would have realized the right thing to do would be to go to the police and explain the situation. It's interesting how quick CeeCee's mind goes from not wanting to involve a pregnant woman with Tim's sister's problem to kidnapping her baby. Honestly, I thought she would have fought more to get in touch with Tim. He is the one that got her into this mess.

4. Why do you think CeeCee/Eve is still holding onto hope that Tim will come for her?

She is only 16 years old and Tim was her first (and only) love. She thinks his love for her is the same as her love for him. Honestly, everything in her life has changed and I think she believes her love for Tim is the only thing that has remained constant.

5. How do you think Eve will establish her new identity in Virginia?

I think she will be a very loving "mother" to Cory but be protective of her as well. She has given up everything for this little girl. Marian seems like a very caring woman and that is exactly what CeeCee/Eve needs right now! But CeeCee/Eve is a very smart girl (besides the whole kidnapping thing and trusting the wrong guy!)...she will make sure to have some type of success in her life...for herself and Cory. I think she believes that she owes that to Cory.

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 she is stronger than she ever thought she was. I remember when I was 16, there is no way that I would be able to move and forget everyone I knew...and raise a baby. I just had a baby about 2 years ago and could not imagine going through all that when I was 16...without a husband or family. Even though CeeCee did not give birth, she had the tough job of being there the days afterward...with no preparation.

the Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes

Here are my responses to the book club questions for the first ten chapters of the Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain.

1. What was your first impression of Tim?

Why the heck did he want to get involve with a 16 year old GIRL? It was made clear she was often mistaken for a 14/15 year old. Tim was in graduate school and had a promising career of social work ahead of him. I'm a skeptical person so my "antennas" went up when CeeCee and Tim starting getting more and more serious.

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?

I can say a 100 percent "no". If your boyfriend asks you to be apart of a serious crime as kidnapping, it's pretty certain that he does not care about you or your future together. CeeCee was so quick to please Tim that she did not think out her involvement with the kidnapping.

3. Why do you think CeeCee is so eager to please Tim?

She wants and needs his love. She has a hunger for it. She wants to find her place in the world. She feels that he is the one and only that can fill this need. Her questions regarding the kidnapping are related more to the next time she will see Tim rather than the governor's wife (until they meet at the cabin). She does not understand the seriousness of the situation...and Tim does a horrible job of explaining. Another thought, I think she was blinded by her admiration for Tim's love and support of his sister.

4. Who do you think has it harder? Tim or CeeCee?

My heart breaks for CeeCee. To lose your mother at the tender age of twelve, it unimaginable. She does not have the comfort of other family members. She is all alone at 12. She overcomes her situation at great odds to excel in school. She has tremendous initiative for college. (Insert: She would be the perfect guest for Oprah!) She thinks she has found her true love. And, all in one night her life has changed.

5. What character trait(s) about CeeCee stuck out the most to you in these first ten chapters?

Hardworking, Intelligent, Innocent, Loyal, Childish...

6. Do you think CeeCee is as mature as she seems?

She has gone from foster care to foster care since she was twelve...so I believe she has crafted the look of maturity but she is still a 16 year old little girl. We definitely know that she has not been wise in some of her decisions and caught up in the "glamour" of it all.

Photo via here.