And so it begins..

So far, I have gotten in trouble in 4 out of 6 classes for having this book out durring another teachers instructional hour. I have yet to get into the juicy part of the book, but have so far been intrigued by the character whom is taking the lead role right now, Judd. He currently is the Editor in chief of the Chautauqua Falls Journal, and is writting a "good,decent,truth-telling paper" (Oates 11) and thats where his backround story comes into view. He has gone back to when he was only 10 years old, and talked about how he was never included into any of the families memories. He tries so hard to remember the times that his family always laughs and talks about, and even though he was not alive then, he tells himself he was part of it. Judd says that when he was young, and he went to bed, he was gone. He fell into a deep deep sleep, and was never awoken. Except for one night when he heard a doe outside, and went eagerly to follow it. He followed it all the way down to the pond, where a pack of dogs took her and brought her into the woods, and Judd never saw the doe again. He then went inside to clean up and runs into his older brother. But he knew that his brother would not tell on him. His secret was safe.
Later, Corinne talks about how perfect her children are, and that they are so self-dependent, that she never has any issues with them. But one day, when Marianne goes to the prom with her "date" everything turns around for the Mulvaneys, not knowing whether or not their status would ever return.