At several points throughout the novel Nova recalls her father saying, “No one writes books about characters who sit around waiting for life to happen to them.” What do you think he was trying to convey to her? Do you agree with him?

Book Clubs The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson Discussion
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At several points throughout the novel Nova recalls her father saying, “No one writes books about characters who sit around waiting for life to happen to them.” What do you think he was trying to convey to her? Do you agree with him?

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To me it means that one has to live their life by taking action, experiencing things, and taking risks. And yes, I do agree. Even when opportunities seemingly fall into one’s lap, one still has to be open to the opportunity and act on it.

Two of my favorite quotes from the book were related to this idea.

From her Dad
“I want you both out there, living your life in full color, having adventures, and causing trouble.” (p. 19)

And when her mom says,
“…to be the main characters in our own wonderful, messy stories.” (p.20)

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I agree that Nova’s father was trying to tell her that she needed to take action, have experiences and take risks. And I do agree with her father!

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Nova was letting life happen to her. Pamela took over the wedding and Nova thought she was going to please Craig and his family by doing things in a very traditional way. Nova’s father knew she needed to stand up for herself. She finally did by first wearing a red dress and finally realizing Craig was taking over her life.

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I believe her father wanted her to be brave and trust her own ideas. He didn’t want her to have a voice and a life she chooses.

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I think he was telling her to live life to the fullest.Take chances, otherwise you will never know
what will happen. I totally agree.

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I feel like I’ve read some books where people were sitting around waiting for life to happen. :laughing: Those aren’t the super interesting ones. I agree with Dad. She needed to get out and live her life!

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I think he was urging her to be the main character of her own life.

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I think he was trying to convey to her that one needs to go out and live life boldly and on their own terms…. I think it is conveyed to many people. I agree with it. If you sit around and wait for life to happen, it will pass you by.

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Nova seemed unsure of herself at times or timid. I think her father wanted her to get out there, believe in herself and to live life .