Spoiler Alert: We talk about the plot points and twists and turns throughout the entire book, including the end. We are now on YouTube! Our channel is Front Porch Book Club. Our guest today, Jess Hess recommended we read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Jess likes fantasy series, but this stand-alone book captured her heart with an amazing heroine who saves her love. V.E. Schwab’s clever framing of the book leads Jess to hope to some day run into Addie or see her reflected in some artwork in a museum someday. Linda saw Addie as naïvely tolerant of Luc. Jess agreed she was naïve, especially at the beginning of her life, but recognizes that Addie wants and needs someone to remember her. Jess acknowledges the lust they share for each other, but feels Addie’s loneliness drives the relationship. Long-term, Jess sees Addie getting stronger and believes she will break the second curse. Jess sees Addie’s growth as hopeful that she, and we can conquer our demons. Jess admired her determination. Linda also like the fight in Addie. Nancy talks about how V.E. Schwab foreshadows Addie’s creativity and love of life as a young child. Jess loves Addie’s close relationship with her father and her love for adventure. Linda really enjoyed Henry and his circle of friends but sympathized with the isolated life Henry had. Jess saw Henry as a more tragic character. Linda points out that Henry developed grit through knowing Addie. Jess thinks Henry remembering Addie is what she is longing for and he gives her a sense of belonging and a home. Nancy thought Addie move out of her self-concern to reach outside herself. Nancy liked how the characters’ sexuality was not a defining feature or point of trauma, just a part of who they were. Jess liked the depiction of Henry’s depression because it was shown in a realistic manner. Jess likened Addie’s relationship with Luc as similar to a domestic violence relationship. Nancy reads several quotes that show off V.E. Schwab’s beautiful writing. We talk about how travel, like Addie’s childhood trip and her adult travels, change us. Jess discusses the symbolism of the ring Addie could not lose. Jess shares her post-Addie reading, including Mindy Kaling’s book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me. Jess shares the recent Broadway shows she has recently seen and plan to see, including Merrily We Roll Along. Jess shares her favorite NYC cookie store, too!