Which scene in the book was your favorite? Were there any passages or quotes you highlighted, and if so, which ones?
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My favorite scene is near the end when Mebel has an honest conversation with herself as to why she went to culinary school. I like the fact Mebel saw the light and also has the confronts her son too.
One of my favorite quotes: “I never had my own purpose. My parents raised me to be a wife and nothing more. And I don’t know if cooking is my purpose, but I do know if cooking is my purpose, but I do know that it’s something I myself own. It’s the only thing that is all mine.”
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I LOVED the whole book - can’t think of any part I didn’t.
The lobster scene did stick in my mind, though. 
I loved the scene where she goes to the fancy restaurant with her classmates, and they can’t get it, then Alain recognizes her and gets them all the best table. That made her more interesting in their eyes and I think they respected her more for her wisdom and expertise. There are some great passages others have highlighted here that show that Mebel never got a chance to explore her own interests, just immediately getting put into an arranged marriage and not allowed to have a mind of her own.
Mebel was so brave. I was so proud of her when she decided not to go back to her husband. Also, when she tried to explain to her son about her decision, and trying to get him to respect his wife and value her wishes.
I really liked when Mebel went to dinner with her classmates. I could relate 100%. I just finished (on Sunday this week) my Masters in Data Science as a 51 year old woman. You can imagine the age ranges of the students I’ve been assigned to work with for the last two years. I loved that she didn’t always understand the small talk, showed up and practiced the work, and also found a way to connect with her group and make a difference.
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There were quite a few that I noted - either because they rang so true or simply laugh out loud hilarious.
At the restaurant when Bruce was throwing a tantrum over the reservation misunderstanding. “Mebel has seen more than her fair share of privileged grown men losing their shit because something didn’t go their way … a universal problem”. Then Mebel saves the evening and they all get a fabulous multi-course dinner.
The discussion she has with Adam when he thought his boyfriend was going to break up with him (p166-167). No one ever wants to hear that with time things will get better, but they do.
Her conversations with Gemma, leading to a true friendship.
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Congratulations - what a remarkable achievement!
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Like others have commented above, the various conversations and interactions with Mebel’s classmates were really special. However, one particularly special moment to me was when Mebel goes out to dinner by herself (without her phone) and realizes how much she enjoys her own company. The conversation with herself from page 206 - “You are not so bad, Mebel tells herself. Thank you, her mind responds, neither are you.” A simple but powerful moment.
Way to go, @Jessica_V! That’s awesome!
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I decided to become a nurse at the age of 40! I enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at my local college and worried how I would fit in with the “traditional” college students. I ended up make friends with many of them. It was not easy at first and I am still friends with some of them to this day. I definitely related to Mebel in that way and was proud of her.
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Bravo to you, Kathleen! Kudos for tackling nursing and getting your BSN.
There are several scenes that stick out in my mind. I enjoyed the picnic that Mebel and Alain have when Mebel takes off her shoes and runs her toes through the grass. She is having an awakening after her restricted life with Henk. Mebel could get used to a man kissing her hand, opening her car door, doing little things for her that make her feel seen. Too bad Alain did not know what a gem he had!
I so appreciated the comments from readers like Kathleen and Jessica V. that shared their experiences of going to school and earning degrees at an “older” age than classmates. Much of the book was focused on Mebel’s marriage and wealth but the more interesting perspective is what it’s like to change your life in middle age. Such bravery and determination! My initial lack of interest in Mebel changed dramatically by the end of the book.
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I would say my favorite scene was when Mebel was at the Old Banks Hotel with her family and she insisted on Hannah being present for the family discussion.