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This is a discussion forum topic for the November 2023 Book of the Month, The Impossible Mock Orange Trial by Thad G. Long.



How did you like the ending?

I mentioned in a spoiler free thread that I agree with the jury. I appreciate their struggle to logically determine a fair verdict while emotionally wanting to support the victims of the accident. One of the jurors, Jimmy Washington, sums it up best when he says, "I knew in my mind already the defendants weren't guilty. It was just my heart, that's all. My heart went out to 'em." This insight into the jury's minds and hearts highlights a struggle of conscience that I think defines humanity and makes the ending more impactful.

I only wish Fred Bates received some type of punishment as a stereotypical, money-hungry lawyer with no real compassion for others. He pushed the lawsuit and manipulated those he was representing, then rode off into the sunset.

Still reading the book, will comment when I'm done reading

In my opinion Fred should have faced some Legal Consequences: like disciplinary action from the legal authorities, potentially leading to the suspension or revocation of his law license. This would prevent him from practicing law and representing clients.

I liked the ending. It came to a good place with how jurors came to their verdict and reconciling the emotions of some of the main characters. I agree with the other commenters though that it felt like Fred Bates and Jack Ripps got away with too much and there should have been some consequences for them.

The ending of the book is a surprise twist that reveals the true identity and motive of the author. The last piece in the book is a redactive poem that erases most of the words from the author’s introduction, leaving only a few letters that spell out a shocking message. The message is a confession of a crime that the author committed, and an explanation of why he wrote the book as a way of expressing his guilt and remorse. The message also hints at the author’s plan to end his own life, as a final act of atonement. The ending is a stunning and unexpected conclusion to the book, that challenges the reader’s perception of the author and his work. The ending is also a clever and creative use of the redactive form, that shows the author’s skill and mastery of the visual poetry genre. The ending is a powerful and memorable finale to the book, that leaves the reader with a mix of emotions and questions.

I love what I've read so far... I'm currently about to read this book, this ending propels me further. Thank you.

The conclusion pleasantly surprised me, especially the revelation that the mock orange was a genetically modified real orange by the defendant's company. The protagonist's resolution of identity struggles and the embrace of peace with family conveyed a powerful message: the impossible can be possible, and justice can triumph unexpectedly.

I liked the ending. I felt that the jury came to the right conclusion and, in the same spirit of brotherhood that we find throughout the story, the defense lawyers and the family that lost their daughter are united in front of the mock orange tree. I think that the story leaves us on a note of compassion and hope.