Rachel's Response to Part 1

I am loving this book. I read all of PW's tales on her website about two years ago, but it's still just as fun the second time around! It's such a light, easy read. If you haven't started reading yet, it's not too late to start. I promise that you'll fly through the first section.

From Rachel:

Has this book brought you back to the beginning of a romantic relationship in your life?

Most definitely! Those first few months of any relationship are always so fun and new, and I think the way that Ree rights the book reminds me of that time in my own relationships, especially with my husband. I remember spending a whole day with him early on, and just going home at night and smelling my sweatshirt because it smelled like him. I missed him even when we'd been together for hours at a time. I think she just puts it all into words so well.

From Erin:

What surprised you about Ree? If this was your first time reading about her background, did anything surprise you about her "beginnings?"

Since I'd read the whole Black Heels saga on her blog before this, I wasn't entirely surprised, but I definitely remember my shock after reading it for the first time 2 years ago. I love that she was once a vegetarian. It was so not what I expected. I like that she's had a range of experiences in her lifetime.

From Nina:

While reading Part I of Black Heels, did you find yourself comparing your own love life/story to Ree's?

Like I said above, I definitely find connections. Not only do I see connections with past relationships and that intense need to be with that person when the relationship is new, but I could so relate to what
she said about making life choices. I think we all reach an age and point in life where you have to make a decision to follow your heart or your head. When finishing college I had plans to move one place, but in the end, followed my then boyfriend (now husband) to his first job. I guess you could say it all worked out.

Would you have handled ex-boyfriend (J) the same way or differently than Ree did?

Most likely, no. Knowing me, I would have been a sucker and gone to have seen him. I love that she followed her heart and didn't look back. She made her decision and she stuck with it.

From Stephanie:

How do you think Ree's family felt that she was just going to give up going to Chicago for a guy she had just met?

I wondered this too! I am sure they were alarmed, but it also sounds like her parents had their own troubles to worry with. I know that if I had a child, I'm sure I'd question their choice to change directions in life so quickly, but I think I'd support them.

From Rocky Mountain Wife:

If you were Ree and started to question your life plan (leaving Cali, moving to Chicago, being independent for a while)...how would you feel when this sudden romance came into your life at the 'wrong' time?

I know that with my personality, I would have been a big ball of emotions. I like having plans. And something like this would certainly throw me for a loop! I would definitely be saying "This will never work" and I would doubt everything. I think this might be part of the reason why I love the story so much!

From Meghan:

What made you relate to Ree? In what ways could you not relate to her?
Like her - I am a total dork. I total silly stories to impress my husband early on (like her lies about running each morning). I question which direction my life is going in.

Unlike her - I don't think Wranglers would have attracted me at a smoky bar! The muscles? Maybe, but not cowboy jeans!

From Meredith:

I love all the details of Ree's cooking for Marlboro Man in the early stages of their relationship. Have you ever made anything for the guy in your life that was just an utter disaster? Did he choke it down anyway?

YES! I cook all the time now, but our first month or two of marriage was rough. I cried at dinner several nights. There were some awful meals that were made. But somehow, we made it, and I think it's safe to say that my cooking got better over time!

From Amber:

How much of Ree's book do you think is truth or fiction? How much did she embellish? Do you think she omitted or added anything? Obviously she couldn't get EVERYTHING that happened during this period of her life in the book, but I kept wondering what was left out and if some of the stuff she was writing was built up just a teensy tiny bit.

Oh, I definitely think things were left out and she is exaggerating. I mean, c'mon...are his arms really THAT great?? But you know what, I am okay with it. I love the fairy tale story. Even if it's not "real life," it's the same reason I love cheesy chick flicks!