So I have an essay due soon and we have to write at least three life lessons we learned from the book. Silly me chose Linger. lol. So I'm wondering if you've got some ideas on that. I'm not sure if there is anyone who knows the book as well as you do. So yeah, :3 it'd be really cool if you'd give me your opinions~ —much love.
That’s a very interesting assignment! I’m not sure about Linger in particular, but I’ll definitely say what I think I’ve learned/gained from the series.Â
I think I really learned how important it was to recognize that it is okay to put ourselves first. Grace’s relationship with her parents was really harmful to her, and the fact that she had to raise herself was echoed throughout the series. And while I love that she did try to take care of her  parents/the house and didn’t take the freedom for granted (until she let Sam stay hehe) I think it’s also really important that she chose to leave
The scene where Grace’s dad hit Sam- that was really powerful for me. Sometimes parents only begin to realize how much they love us when circumstances are dire. Sometimes they they know us better than we know us. I don’t know that Grace’s father could have loved her as much as Sam. And the fact that Sam didn’t lash out.. he refused to hurt Grace, even when he was hurt. Idk Sam’s repeated selflessness and his beautiful love for her.. I get emotional just thinking of it
Okay so the character of Beck raises a lot of questions. Sam questions how he can be both god and a devil.. he tried to do things that he believed was the best for the pack, but he took a lot of choices away from people. The whole theme of the dignity of life and the choices we make to escape life (like Cole wanting to be a wolf forever) are huge themes, and I don’t know that they have real answers
Sorry I’m thinking about Sam and Grace sharing a toothbrush and moving in together and I am crying a little bit
Sam’s parents. My darling Sam. I think the book shows how horrible it is when parents can’t accept their children, whether it be for religious extremism or whatever. The scars and memories Sam had from his parents will stick with him forever. He is still triggered by the site of the bathtub. The books helped me realize how impactful negative childhood memories are, and how they can completely shape a child’s memories. Parents must be mindful to always love and accept their children
On the other hand, Sam remained true to himself, while he was a wolf, and even after his parents’ horrible treatment of him. Beck said Sam was he best of all of them. He chose, over and over again, to cling to his humanity, instead of the easier life of a wolf- one that relies on bestial impulses instead of moral decision-making
Personally, Sam and Grace’s love has shown me that enduring and sweet and passionate love is completely possible. But we have to wait for it, and make sure we don’t accept anything less.Â
So those are some of the thoughts that immediately come to mind. I wish I could help you more, but I haven’t read the series in so long! Good luck, darling! Let me know if you want to talk more- I’d be happy to :)  (Posting in case anyone wants to add anything)
