Sally Rooney's 'Beautiful World, Where Are You?' read-a-long recap #2, p.47-146

Pop Fiction Women

** After our brains cool off, we dive into the next section of our read-a-long recap, starting with what we’re loving about the very particular attraction between Alice and Felix. They push each other out of their comfort zones simply by being themselves. (01:30).

** Alice and Felix talk about their past mistakes and forgiveness, which helps Carinn clarify what she loves about the thin line between love and hate. And because it’s Sally Rooney, it is subtle and nuanced and totally illuminating. (08:40)

** Alice & Eileen’s emails are messing with our heads in the best possible way. We start by talking about how Alice pushes back on Eileen and how much the exchange reminds Kate and Carinn of their own email back and forths. Somehow we relate it to our fixed and cardinal astrological signs! (14:55)

** Carinn is speechless for a moment, but then gathers herself to actually discuss the mind-bending email exchange about sexuality. Leave it to Sally Rooney to provide the words to discuss a topic in a way that we have never heard before. We were blown away. (22:00)

** Sally Rooney’s struggle with the fame she has garnered post-Normal People is clearly on display in these emails, and although it may not sit well with some readers or fellow authors, we do feel her pain. But we’re still not dropping our “What She Said” segment from our regular episodes -- sorry, Sally! (34:13)

** Sally reminds us of the meaning of life and what matters in the end. It may be self-serving, but we happen to agree wholeheartedly. (40:35)

** Simon & Eileen continue to frustrate. Eileen won’t let herself be fully vulnerable and still can’t directly say what she wants. Simon knows who he is, which is appealing, but we’re struggling with the games between these two. (44:43)

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