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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 the Second Morning

    by Link, Kelly

    The chap­ter opens with Susan­nah leav­ing the house ear­ly, prompt­ing Lau­ra to wake abrupt­ly, dis­turbed by the pres­ence of Bogomil the lamb and Susu the dog. Lau­ra’s reluc­tance to face the day is pal­pa­ble, as she remains in bed, dis­tract­ed by videos and music reviews until she receives texts from friends check­ing in after a dif­fi­cult night. The unset­tling atmos­phere is height­ened by Mo’s report of see­ing a strange fig­ure out­side his house, which imme­di­ate­ly trig­gers con­cern and ten­sion among the char­ac­ters.

    Mo’s encounter with the mys­te­ri­ous fig­ure deep­ens the intrigue. After step­ping out­side, he finds no one, only to see the fig­ure appear inside his room, vis­i­ble through the win­dow. This appari­tion unset­tles Mo pro­found­ly, stir­ring a mix of fear, anger, and hope. He spec­u­lates it might be the ghost of his grand­moth­er, reflect­ing his long­ing and con­fu­sion. The ghost’s elu­sive behav­ior frus­trates Mo, who is caught between dis­be­lief and a des­per­ate desire for con­nec­tion amid his iso­la­tion.

    The dis­cov­ery of a cryp­tic mes­sage hid­den in his grandmother’s nov­el adds com­plex­i­ty to the nar­ra­tive. The note, warn­ing “YOU SHOULDN’T TRUST THEM,” sug­gests hid­den dan­gers or betray­als, pos­si­bly involv­ing friends or super­nat­ur­al enti­ties. Mo grap­ples with the mean­ing of the mes­sage and its impli­ca­tions, espe­cial­ly as it hints at mis­trust among those around him, includ­ing Bogomil and Mr. Anabin. His pri­vate music, sym­bol­iz­ing a per­son­al sanc­tu­ary, remains untouched, under­scor­ing the ten­sion between vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty and secre­cy.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Mo shar­ing his expe­ri­ences with Lau­ra and Daniel, empha­siz­ing the uncer­tain­ty and mis­trust per­me­at­ing their lives. The dia­logue reveals the char­ac­ters’ strug­gles to under­stand the strange events and their rela­tion­ships with one anoth­er. Despite sus­pi­cions and fears, they remain con­nect­ed, nav­i­gat­ing a shared real­i­ty fraught with mys­tery and emo­tion­al com­plex­i­ty. The chap­ter sets a tone of sus­pense and intro­spec­tion, explor­ing themes of trust, loss, and the super­nat­ur­al.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does the chapter portray the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear experienced by the characters, particularly Mo and Laura?

      Answer:
      The chapter creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear primarily through Mo’s encounters with a mysterious figure and Laura’s reluctance to face the day. Mo’s experience of seeing a ghostly figure first outside his house and then at his bedroom window evokes a chilling sense of unease. His conflicted emotions—ranging from anger to hope—highlight his vulnerability. Similarly, Laura’s refusal to get out of bed and her distraction with videos and music reviews emphasize her dread about the day ahead. The ominous presence of Bogomil the lamb against the door and the cryptic message “YOU SHOULDN’T TRUST THEM” enhance the sense of threat and confusion that pervades their world.

      2. What is the significance of the note found in Mo’s grandmother’s novel, and how does it influence Mo’s perception of the mysterious events?

      Answer:
      The note, “YOU SHOULDN’T TRUST THEM,” found in Mo’s grandmother’s novel, serves as a cryptic warning that deepens the mystery surrounding the characters’ situation. It implies that there are untrustworthy forces or individuals involved—possibly Bogomil and Mr. Anabin, or even people close to Mo like Laura and Daniel. The note’s ambiguity fuels Mo’s suspicion and mistrust, complicating his understanding of who or what to believe. The PS about “the one about Duchamp and the rocking chair” adds a personal, almost playful touch, suggesting the ghost or presence behind the note has some familiarity with Mo’s private world, especially his music, which he fiercely protects. Overall, the note intensifies the tension and Mo’s internal conflict about trust.

      3. Analyze how the chapter uses communication methods (such as texting and calling) to develop character relationships and advance the plot.

      Answer:
      Communication via texting and phone calls is central to character interaction and plot progression in this chapter. The text exchanges between Laura, Mo, and Daniel reveal their shared anxieties and fragmented understanding of the mysterious events. Mo’s delayed text response and Laura’s immediate phone call indicate urgency and emotional intensity. Phone conversations allow the characters to share firsthand experiences—Mo’s ghost sighting, Daniel’s updates about Susannah and Bogomil—thus building a collective narrative and heightening suspense. These digital communications also expose the characters’ emotional states, such as Laura’s frustration and Mo’s isolation, illustrating their reliance on one another for support while underscoring the growing uncertainty in their world.

      4. What role does the motif of ghosts or spirits play in this chapter, and how does it reflect the characters’ internal struggles?

      Answer:
      Ghosts and spirits in this chapter symbolize both literal and metaphorical hauntings. Mo’s speculation that the mysterious figure might be his grandmother’s ghost indicates a longing for connection beyond death, as well as a struggle with grief and unresolved feelings. The ghost’s elusive presence—appearing then vanishing—mirrors the characters’ uncertainty and desire for certainty in their confusing circumstances. The frustration Mo expresses about the ghost’s “annoying” behavior reflects his internal conflict between hope for reunion and anger at being manipulated. This motif also highlights themes of trust, memory, and the blurred boundary between past and present, emphasizing how the characters grapple with loss, fear, and the search for meaning.

      5. Considering the chapter’s events, how might the themes of trust and betrayal influence the characters’ decisions moving forward?

      Answer:
      Themes of trust and betrayal loom large in this chapter, particularly through the warning note and the characters’ suspicions of each other and supernatural entities. Mo’s distrust of “them,” whether referring to Bogomil, Mr. Anabin, or even close friends like Laura and Daniel, sets a tone of paranoia that could isolate the characters and complicate cooperation. Laura’s hurt reaction to the suggestion that she might be untrustworthy underscores the emotional toll of this mistrust. Moving forward, these themes are likely to drive characters to question alliances, test loyalties, and make cautious or defensive decisions. The tension between the need for connection and fear of betrayal may shape their strategies for confronting the mysterious forces at play and seeking resolution.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Why not? It could be. Why couldn’t it be her? Who else would want to see me this badly?”

      This quote captures Mo’s tentative openness to the supernatural possibility that the ghostly figure haunting him might be his grandmother’s spirit. It encapsulates a central theme of longing and the human desire for connection beyond death, setting the tone for the chapter’s exploration of trust, presence, and the unknown.

      2. “Nobody ever mentioned how fucking annoying ghosts were. Showing up, making you do shit. Come outside! No, wait, never mind. Come back in! I’m here! And then when you came inside they’d fucked off again, like ha ha funny, you fell for it again, Charlie Brown.”

      Here, Mo’s frustrated internal monologue provides a darkly humorous and relatable perspective on the disruptive nature of ghostly encounters. This passage reflects the chapter’s blend of supernatural intrigue with grounded, human reactions, emphasizing the emotional turmoil caused by these mysterious experiences.

      3. “YOU SHOULDN’T TRUST THEM”

      This stark message, found mysteriously left in Mo’s grandmother’s novel, is a pivotal moment in the chapter. It highlights the theme of distrust among the characters and forces, possibly including Bogomil and Mr. Anabin, underscoring the uncertainty and tension central to the narrative’s unfolding mystery.

      4. “Fuck ghosts. Unless.”

      This brief, defiant statement encapsulates Mo’s conflicted attitude toward the supernatural events surrounding him. It conveys skepticism mixed with a reluctant acceptance, symbolizing the chapter’s broader tension between disbelief and hope, fear and the yearning for meaning.

      5. “So far, Bogomil and Mr. Anabin seem more likely, but it isn’t like we trust them right now, so as far as advice goes, it isn’t very helpful, is it?”

      This line reveals the complex interpersonal dynamics and mistrust among the characters and entities involved. It serves as a critical reflection on the difficulty of discerning truth and allegiance in a confusing, possibly hostile environment, emphasizing the chapter’s exploration of suspicion and alliance.

    Quotes

    1. “Why not? It could be. Why couldn’t it be her? Who else would want to see me this badly?”

    This quote captures Mo’s tentative openness to the supernatural possibility that the ghostly figure haunting him might be his grandmother’s spirit. It encapsulates a central theme of longing and the human desire for connection beyond death, setting the tone for the chapter’s exploration of trust, presence, and the unknown.

    2. “Nobody ever mentioned how fucking annoying ghosts were. Showing up, making you do shit. Come outside! No, wait, never mind. Come back in! I’m here! And then when you came inside they’d fucked off again, like ha ha funny, you fell for it again, Charlie Brown.”

    Here, Mo’s frustrated internal monologue provides a darkly humorous and relatable perspective on the disruptive nature of ghostly encounters. This passage reflects the chapter’s blend of supernatural intrigue with grounded, human reactions, emphasizing the emotional turmoil caused by these mysterious experiences.

    3. “YOU SHOULDN’T TRUST THEM”

    This stark message, found mysteriously left in Mo’s grandmother’s novel, is a pivotal moment in the chapter. It highlights the theme of distrust among the characters and forces, possibly including Bogomil and Mr. Anabin, underscoring the uncertainty and tension central to the narrative’s unfolding mystery.

    4. “Fuck ghosts. Unless.”

    This brief, defiant statement encapsulates Mo’s conflicted attitude toward the supernatural events surrounding him. It conveys skepticism mixed with a reluctant acceptance, symbolizing the chapter’s broader tension between disbelief and hope, fear and the yearning for meaning.

    5. “So far, Bogomil and Mr. Anabin seem more likely, but it isn’t like we trust them right now, so as far as advice goes, it isn’t very helpful, is it?”

    This line reveals the complex interpersonal dynamics and mistrust among the characters and entities involved. It serves as a critical reflection on the difficulty of discerning truth and allegiance in a confusing, possibly hostile environment, emphasizing the chapter’s exploration of suspicion and alliance.

    FAQs

    1. How does the chapter portray the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear experienced by the characters, particularly Mo and Laura?

    Answer:
    The chapter creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear primarily through Mo’s encounters with a mysterious figure and Laura’s reluctance to face the day. Mo’s experience of seeing a ghostly figure first outside his house and then at his bedroom window evokes a chilling sense of unease. His conflicted emotions—ranging from anger to hope—highlight his vulnerability. Similarly, Laura’s refusal to get out of bed and her distraction with videos and music reviews emphasize her dread about the day ahead. The ominous presence of Bogomil the lamb against the door and the cryptic message “YOU SHOULDN’T TRUST THEM” enhance the sense of threat and confusion that pervades their world.

    2. What is the significance of the note found in Mo’s grandmother’s novel, and how does it influence Mo’s perception of the mysterious events?

    Answer:
    The note, “YOU SHOULDN’T TRUST THEM,” found in Mo’s grandmother’s novel, serves as a cryptic warning that deepens the mystery surrounding the characters’ situation. It implies that there are untrustworthy forces or individuals involved—possibly Bogomil and Mr. Anabin, or even people close to Mo like Laura and Daniel. The note’s ambiguity fuels Mo’s suspicion and mistrust, complicating his understanding of who or what to believe. The PS about “the one about Duchamp and the rocking chair” adds a personal, almost playful touch, suggesting the ghost or presence behind the note has some familiarity with Mo’s private world, especially his music, which he fiercely protects. Overall, the note intensifies the tension and Mo’s internal conflict about trust.

    3. Analyze how the chapter uses communication methods (such as texting and calling) to develop character relationships and advance the plot.

    Answer:
    Communication via texting and phone calls is central to character interaction and plot progression in this chapter. The text exchanges between Laura, Mo, and Daniel reveal their shared anxieties and fragmented understanding of the mysterious events. Mo’s delayed text response and Laura’s immediate phone call indicate urgency and emotional intensity. Phone conversations allow the characters to share firsthand experiences—Mo’s ghost sighting, Daniel’s updates about Susannah and Bogomil—thus building a collective narrative and heightening suspense. These digital communications also expose the characters’ emotional states, such as Laura’s frustration and Mo’s isolation, illustrating their reliance on one another for support while underscoring the growing uncertainty in their world.

    4. What role does the motif of ghosts or spirits play in this chapter, and how does it reflect the characters’ internal struggles?

    Answer:
    Ghosts and spirits in this chapter symbolize both literal and metaphorical hauntings. Mo’s speculation that the mysterious figure might be his grandmother’s ghost indicates a longing for connection beyond death, as well as a struggle with grief and unresolved feelings. The ghost’s elusive presence—appearing then vanishing—mirrors the characters’ uncertainty and desire for certainty in their confusing circumstances. The frustration Mo expresses about the ghost’s “annoying” behavior reflects his internal conflict between hope for reunion and anger at being manipulated. This motif also highlights themes of trust, memory, and the blurred boundary between past and present, emphasizing how the characters grapple with loss, fear, and the search for meaning.

    5. Considering the chapter’s events, how might the themes of trust and betrayal influence the characters’ decisions moving forward?

    Answer:
    Themes of trust and betrayal loom large in this chapter, particularly through the warning note and the characters’ suspicions of each other and supernatural entities. Mo’s distrust of “them,” whether referring to Bogomil, Mr. Anabin, or even close friends like Laura and Daniel, sets a tone of paranoia that could isolate the characters and complicate cooperation. Laura’s hurt reaction to the suggestion that she might be untrustworthy underscores the emotional toll of this mistrust. Moving forward, these themes are likely to drive characters to question alliances, test loyalties, and make cautious or defensive decisions. The tension between the need for connection and fear of betrayal may shape their strategies for confronting the mysterious forces at play and seeking resolution.

    Note