In the Author's Note, Harris says she feels strongly about trigger warnings. What did you think of this statement? Did it alter your approach to the novel?

In the Author's Note at the beginning of the book, Harris says she feels strongly about trigger warnings, "giving readers the option of stepping into the story or not." What did you think of this statement? Did it alter your approach to the novel? Are there other authors you've read who've issued similar warnings?

I personally find "trigger warnings" demeaning to the reader. Stories about families can be hard. There has been a great deal of controversy about "trigger warnings" in books, plays, movies, and art. Are we not grown up enough to understand that we learn from conflict in stories and conflict of any type is not easy? I am sure mine will not be a popular opinion.

I really don't like trigger warnings either - unless there is some sort of extreme situation in the book - egregious violence, abuse, etc., which wasn't the case here.

I actually appreciated the trigger warning, and because of it I kept reading the book. There are so many books I want to read and prefer not reading those that start to lose my interest once I start reading. Within the first 20 pages of this book I was not sure I wanted to continue it. However, remembering the author's note as well as her comments about property issues among descendants kept me reading. I'm so glad I did. A few weeks ago I went to the Annapolis Maryland Book Fair where Ms Harris was a panelist discussing her previous book, One Summer in Savannah, which I had not read but will do so now. She then gave a brief preview of her upcoming book, Long After We Are Gone. I got the opportunity to thank her for putting the Author's Note at the front because it helped me appreciate the book so much more. She was pleasantly surprised to see me holding up my Book Browse advanced copy which didn't have the published cover yet!

I agree with Joyce. I think there are times in your life that you have personal experiences that make it hard for you to read about specific topics. When I went through cancer it was hard for me to read books that dealt with cancer issues. Other things might be death of a child, alcoholism, suicide etc. Some people are able to get past the strong emotions that come with certain circumstances and some cannot. I think the trigger warnings are good.

I personally don't require or find trigger warnings necessary. But I understand that some readers find them helpful.

It did not make me "step away." If people are afraid to read about overeating, anxiety, death, homosexuality, rape or violence, perhaps they should find another pastime.

I do not need trigger warnings; in fact, one of the so-called trigger in this book is such a regular part of life (the death of a parent who has reached an older age), that I find it concerning that people would be "triggered" and unable to handle reading a novel with this event as a part of the plot.

I feel that Harris was trying to be kind to her audience with the trigger warnings. I know of many people who avoid books that deal with a subject that is very emotional to them. I am careful recommending books to those who I know are sensitive. I did not need the warning but it did lead me to wonder when and who.

I thought the "trigger warnings" were kind, but unnecessary. If I find a book disturbing, then I stop reading it.

I have mixed feelings about “trigger warnings.” My first reaction is that they are unnecessary and rob the reader of some agency in making the decision for herself. On the other hand, I do look at reviews before I purchase a book and often recommend books to others based on my perception of what they will or will not like, e.g., “you may find the language or the gore offensive.” Perhaps I find the label “trigger” problematic; it suggests an involuntary reaction as opposed to an informed choice.

I prefer trigger warnings. There are times in my life when I am having a hard time about something and cannot face reading about it right now, if ever. Everyone should be able to make an informed choice and not be subjected to additional trauma just because they chose a book to pass the time.
Reading fulfills many roles for me, sometimes I want a deep novel that will teach me, move me, heal me, etc. Sometimes I need light fluff to calm me, pass the time, take me away from my life at the moment.
It should always be my choice.

Based on comments made by some others it seems like a mixed preference for trigger warnings. I defer to the author's decision whether to include warnings or not. I personally don't need a warning. As a reader I decide if I want to continue reading specific content.

I know some readers appreciate trigger warnings, which is completely fine/reasonable. For me personally I didn't find this book to be triggering but this is all subject to the reader.

I've always thought trigger warnings were a good thing, and I'm surprised to see how many people find them condescending. I was discussing this with someone else and she said if an author writes a book for adults, they need to actually treat them like a adults and omit trigger warnings. I guess that does make a certain amount of sense.

The only trigger warnings I need relate to animals. You can do anything you want to people, JUST DON'T HURT THE DOG! (... Or horse, or cat, or ...) And I self-select, too; I don't read books about animals exactly for that reason, even if I know they'll be OK in the end.

I thought the trigger warning was kind and helpful. Many people read to escape their issues and knowing that a book might not be the escape they are hoping for is great. The warning made me like the author even more.

I appreciate trigger warnings although I don’t think that they ever prevented me from reading a book. I think that it is important to be sensitive to people who have been traumatized and don’t want to relive that trauma while reading a book. Reading should be enjoyable. If a person unknowingly reads a book that has something upsetting to them in it they might be less likely a pick up another book in the future.

I also do not need or like the idea of trigger warnings. Reading preferences are such a personal choice and, as other reviewers have mentioned, if the book is too upsetting, there is always the option to stop reading the book.

I didn't find it necessary and it didn't affect my reading of the book.

I find no need for trigger warnings. Maybe that is because my life has been realively I am sure if you were a victim of rape hearing graphic descriptions of rape could be upsetting. It would be easy to avoid such books without a warning. The inside cover gives you an idea what you will encounter when you choose a book.

I have mixed feelings. On one hand I felt it was somewhat patronizing but on the other hand, it’s meant to be a kindness for people who might be sensitive to a particular topic. I don’t ever remember reading a book before that had a trigger warning. It reminded me a bit of ratings on t.v. shows or when watching the news.

It did not change how I approached the book. I don't need trigger warnings. I really don't care to read about heavy drug usage, but if it is essential to the story, I can handle it. I guess it is my age - I wasn't shielded from the realities of life.

I agree with darleneb…I don’t require or find necessary, but for some it may help them decide to read or not.