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    The Book of Love

    by Link, Kelly
    Set in the coastal town of Lovesend, Massachusetts, Kelly Link’s “The Book of Love” follows three teenagers who mysteriously return from the dead. They must navigate magical challenges to secure their continued existence. The novel explores themes of love in its many forms—romantic, familial, and platonic—alongside grief, identity, and resilience, blending magical realism with coming-of-age drama.
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    The Book of Love

    The Book of Laura 6

    by Link, Kelly

    In this chap­ter of *The Book of Lau­ra 6*, Lau­ra reflects on her imag­ined future, pic­tur­ing a tri­umphant return to Lewis Latimer High School after con­quer­ing the world with her tal­ents and charm. She envi­sions recog­ni­tion and cel­e­bra­tion, imag­in­ing the famil­iar sur­round­ings and peo­ple appear­ing small­er and less sig­nif­i­cant after her achieve­ments. How­ev­er, this hope­ful sce­nario is inter­rupt­ed by the real­i­ty that she died, a set­back that reshapes her under­stand­ing of those around her, includ­ing Mr. Anabin, who turns out to be less dis­ap­point­ing than she expect­ed. The chap­ter opens with Lau­ra grap­pling with her changed cir­cum­stances and the com­plex­i­ties of her rela­tion­ships.

    The nar­ra­tive then shifts to a tense con­ver­sa­tion between Lau­ra, Daniel, and Mo, reveal­ing fric­tion and dif­fer­ing atti­tudes toward mag­ic. Daniel refus­es to engage with mag­ic, describ­ing him­self as a “quit­ter,” while Lau­ra chal­lenges his neg­a­tiv­i­ty. Mo light­ens the mood with a sar­cas­tic remark about stereo­types sur­round­ing white boys and mag­ic, high­light­ing the tri­o’s dynam­ic. The dis­cus­sion turns seri­ous as Lau­ra reports the dis­ap­pear­ance of Han­nah and Kyle from the Cliff Hangar, a mys­tery com­pound­ed by strange cir­cum­stances like the place being left unse­cured and oper­a­tional. This inci­dent rais­es ques­tions about Laura’s pos­si­ble involve­ment with mag­ic, espe­cial­ly after Mr. Anabin hints she has used it.

    Laura’s uncer­tain­ty about her own mag­i­cal abil­i­ties is a core ten­sion in the chap­ter. She admits to feel­ing pow­er­ful and angry while singing a song for a threat­en­ing fig­ure, Malo Mogge, but is unsure if her actions caused the dis­ap­pear­ances. Daniel and Mo pro­vide dif­fer­ent per­spec­tives, with Daniel affirm­ing that Malo Mogge is respon­si­ble for the trou­ble, not Lau­ra. This reas­sur­ance is tem­pered by the rev­e­la­tion that both Daniel and Lau­ra can per­form mag­ic with­out for­mal train­ing, sym­bol­ized by Daniel’s restored ears and Laura’s real­iza­tion she can wear ear­rings again. This unex­pect­ed devel­op­ment deep­ens the mys­tery and sets the stage for fur­ther explo­ration of their pow­ers.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with plans to inves­ti­gate the events sur­round­ing their deaths and magic’s role in their lives. Mo men­tions an upcom­ing meet­ing with Rosamel Walk­er, who was present dur­ing their demise, intend­ing to inter­ro­gate her for answers. Lau­ra feels a mix of curios­i­ty and awk­ward­ness about Rosamel, illus­trat­ing her ongo­ing strug­gle to con­nect with oth­ers in this altered real­i­ty. An invi­ta­tion to con­tin­ue the con­ver­sa­tion lat­er that evening under­scores the char­ac­ters’ deter­mi­na­tion to under­stand their sit­u­a­tion and the mag­ic entwined with it, leav­ing read­ers poised for the next chapter’s rev­e­la­tions.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does Laura’s initial vision of returning to Lewis Latimer after graduation contrast with the reality she faces in the chapter?

      Answer:
      Laura initially envisions returning to Lewis Latimer as a triumphant homecoming where she is celebrated for her achievements and recognized by former teachers who once held authority over her. She imagines the school as smaller and less significant, a place she has outgrown, and feels she would have a sense of relief and accomplishment. However, the reality is starkly different—she is dead, which she acknowledges as a major setback. Instead of a celebratory return, she is navigating the complexities of death and magic, dealing with confusion and threats like the disappearance of Hannah and Kyle. This contrast highlights themes of expectation versus reality and the unexpected challenges life (and death) can present.

      2. What does the interaction between Laura, Daniel, and Mo reveal about their attitudes toward magic and responsibility?

      Answer:
      The interactions reveal a spectrum of attitudes toward magic and responsibility. Daniel is reluctant and resistant, explicitly stating he does not want to do magic and showing a strong aversion to involvement in magical events, even when faced with serious consequences like disappearances. Laura, on the other hand, is conflicted—she fears she might have caused harm through magic but also seems drawn into the magical world despite uncertainties. Mo appears more accepting and even amused by the magical elements, suggesting an ease with the concept and a willingness to engage with it, as seen when he plans to interrogate Rosamel about their shared experiences. Together, their dynamic reflects tensions between fear, denial, acceptance, and curiosity about magic and the responsibilities it entails.

      3. Analyze the significance of Laura’s feelings while singing “The Lady with the Alligator Purse” and how this moment contributes to the chapter’s development.

      Answer:
      Laura’s feelings while singing the song are pivotal—they convey a powerful mix of strength, anger, and conflict. She describes feeling “kind of powerful,” more so than during a performance, but also “pissed off,” as if engaged in a fight with Malo Mogge, the “scary woman.” This moment signals Laura’s latent magical abilities and emotional connection to the magical conflict unfolding around her. It also marks a turning point where she begins to acknowledge her own power and the potential consequences of wielding it, especially since she fears she might have caused Hannah and Kyle’s disappearance. This scene deepens the narrative tension and character development by revealing that magic is not just an external force but tied to Laura’s emotional state and agency.

      4. How does the chapter explore the theme of identity through the characters’ experiences with magic and death?

      Answer:
      The chapter explores identity by showing how magic and death complicate the characters’ sense of self. Laura’s reflection on her potential greatness and how she would have returned to her old school contrasts with her current dead state, challenging her identity as a living, accomplished person. Daniel’s refusal to engage with magic suggests a struggle with accepting a new, magical identity, while his restored ear symbolizes a physical and symbolic return to wholeness and acceptance of magic. Mo’s casual attitude toward magic and his plans to question Rosamel indicate a more fluid or confident identity in this magical context. Together, their experiences suggest that identity is not fixed but shaped and reshaped by extraordinary circumstances, especially those involving life, death, and supernatural powers.

      5. If you were in Laura’s position, how might you approach the uncertainty and fear surrounding your possible magical actions and their consequences?

      Answer:
      If I were in Laura’s position, I would approach the uncertainty and fear by seeking clear information and support from trusted allies, much like Laura does by discussing events with Daniel and Mo. It would be important to acknowledge the emotions involved—fear, guilt, confusion—without letting them overwhelm decision-making. I would try to understand the nature of the magic I might have performed, its limits, and its effects, perhaps by researching or consulting knowledgeable individuals like Mr. Anabin or Rosamel. Taking responsibility where appropriate, while also recognizing the need for guidance and learning, would be crucial. Embracing collaboration and open communication would help mitigate isolation and empower me to act thoughtfully in the face of magical and real-world challenges.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Of course what had happened instead was she died. Which was admittedly a setback. And Mr. Anabin was slightly less pathetic than she’d always assumed. That was probably a useful lesson. Always be nice to people, especially when it doesn’t cost you anything. Really, it doesn’t cost you anything to be nice.”

      This quote captures a pivotal moment of ironic self-reflection and growth for Laura, emphasizing the unexpected twists in life and the simple wisdom of kindness. It sets a tone of humility and learning amid adversity, framing the chapter’s exploration of character and consequence.

      2. “I guess I felt kind of powerful. Like during a show. But more so? And also pissed off. Like I was having a fight with her. Malo Mogge.”

      Here, Laura articulates her complex emotional experience while performing magic, revealing how power, anger, and conflict intertwine in her awakening abilities. This insight deepens the reader’s understanding of her internal struggle and the personal stakes involved in her magical journey.

      3. “It wasn’t that she didn’t want to do magic. It was just she didn’t want to do it without knowing that she was doing it.”

      This statement distills a key theme of the chapter: agency and awareness in wielding power. Laura’s hesitation highlights the importance of consciousness and control in magic, symbolizing a broader concern with responsibility and self-knowledge.

      4. “I guess I can do magic.”

      A succinct, momentous declaration signaling Laura’s acceptance of her newfound abilities. This simple sentence marks a turning point in the chapter, shifting from doubt and denial to recognition and potential, opening the door to what magic—and the story—might bring next.

      5. “Not only can you and me both do magic, but apparently we can do magic without even learning how to do magic! This is either very good news or else the opposite.”

      Mo’s observation underscores the mysterious and uncontrolled nature of their magic, suggesting both opportunity and danger. It reflects the chapter’s tension between excitement and uncertainty about their powers and foreshadows the challenges ahead.

    Quotes

    1. “Of course what had happened instead was she died. Which was admittedly a setback. And Mr. Anabin was slightly less pathetic than she’d always assumed. That was probably a useful lesson. Always be nice to people, especially when it doesn’t cost you anything. Really, it doesn’t cost you anything to be nice.”

    This quote captures a pivotal moment of ironic self-reflection and growth for Laura, emphasizing the unexpected twists in life and the simple wisdom of kindness. It sets a tone of humility and learning amid adversity, framing the chapter’s exploration of character and consequence.

    2. “I guess I felt kind of powerful. Like during a show. But more so? And also pissed off. Like I was having a fight with her. Malo Mogge.”

    Here, Laura articulates her complex emotional experience while performing magic, revealing how power, anger, and conflict intertwine in her awakening abilities. This insight deepens the reader’s understanding of her internal struggle and the personal stakes involved in her magical journey.

    3. “It wasn’t that she didn’t want to do magic. It was just she didn’t want to do it without knowing that she was doing it.”

    This statement distills a key theme of the chapter: agency and awareness in wielding power. Laura’s hesitation highlights the importance of consciousness and control in magic, symbolizing a broader concern with responsibility and self-knowledge.

    4. “I guess I can do magic.”

    A succinct, momentous declaration signaling Laura’s acceptance of her newfound abilities. This simple sentence marks a turning point in the chapter, shifting from doubt and denial to recognition and potential, opening the door to what magic—and the story—might bring next.

    5. “Not only can you and me both do magic, but apparently we can do magic without even learning how to do magic! This is either very good news or else the opposite.”

    Mo’s observation underscores the mysterious and uncontrolled nature of their magic, suggesting both opportunity and danger. It reflects the chapter’s tension between excitement and uncertainty about their powers and foreshadows the challenges ahead.

    FAQs

    1. How does Laura’s initial vision of returning to Lewis Latimer after graduation contrast with the reality she faces in the chapter?

    Answer:
    Laura initially envisions returning to Lewis Latimer as a triumphant homecoming where she is celebrated for her achievements and recognized by former teachers who once held authority over her. She imagines the school as smaller and less significant, a place she has outgrown, and feels she would have a sense of relief and accomplishment. However, the reality is starkly different—she is dead, which she acknowledges as a major setback. Instead of a celebratory return, she is navigating the complexities of death and magic, dealing with confusion and threats like the disappearance of Hannah and Kyle. This contrast highlights themes of expectation versus reality and the unexpected challenges life (and death) can present.

    2. What does the interaction between Laura, Daniel, and Mo reveal about their attitudes toward magic and responsibility?

    Answer:
    The interactions reveal a spectrum of attitudes toward magic and responsibility. Daniel is reluctant and resistant, explicitly stating he does not want to do magic and showing a strong aversion to involvement in magical events, even when faced with serious consequences like disappearances. Laura, on the other hand, is conflicted—she fears she might have caused harm through magic but also seems drawn into the magical world despite uncertainties. Mo appears more accepting and even amused by the magical elements, suggesting an ease with the concept and a willingness to engage with it, as seen when he plans to interrogate Rosamel about their shared experiences. Together, their dynamic reflects tensions between fear, denial, acceptance, and curiosity about magic and the responsibilities it entails.

    3. Analyze the significance of Laura’s feelings while singing “The Lady with the Alligator Purse” and how this moment contributes to the chapter’s development.

    Answer:
    Laura’s feelings while singing the song are pivotal—they convey a powerful mix of strength, anger, and conflict. She describes feeling “kind of powerful,” more so than during a performance, but also “pissed off,” as if engaged in a fight with Malo Mogge, the “scary woman.” This moment signals Laura’s latent magical abilities and emotional connection to the magical conflict unfolding around her. It also marks a turning point where she begins to acknowledge her own power and the potential consequences of wielding it, especially since she fears she might have caused Hannah and Kyle’s disappearance. This scene deepens the narrative tension and character development by revealing that magic is not just an external force but tied to Laura’s emotional state and agency.

    4. How does the chapter explore the theme of identity through the characters’ experiences with magic and death?

    Answer:
    The chapter explores identity by showing how magic and death complicate the characters’ sense of self. Laura’s reflection on her potential greatness and how she would have returned to her old school contrasts with her current dead state, challenging her identity as a living, accomplished person. Daniel’s refusal to engage with magic suggests a struggle with accepting a new, magical identity, while his restored ear symbolizes a physical and symbolic return to wholeness and acceptance of magic. Mo’s casual attitude toward magic and his plans to question Rosamel indicate a more fluid or confident identity in this magical context. Together, their experiences suggest that identity is not fixed but shaped and reshaped by extraordinary circumstances, especially those involving life, death, and supernatural powers.

    5. If you were in Laura’s position, how might you approach the uncertainty and fear surrounding your possible magical actions and their consequences?

    Answer:
    If I were in Laura’s position, I would approach the uncertainty and fear by seeking clear information and support from trusted allies, much like Laura does by discussing events with Daniel and Mo. It would be important to acknowledge the emotions involved—fear, guilt, confusion—without letting them overwhelm decision-making. I would try to understand the nature of the magic I might have performed, its limits, and its effects, perhaps by researching or consulting knowledgeable individuals like Mr. Anabin or Rosamel. Taking responsibility where appropriate, while also recognizing the need for guidance and learning, would be crucial. Embracing collaboration and open communication would help mitigate isolation and empower me to act thoughtfully in the face of magical and real-world challenges.

    Note