Sera’s Comments (group member since Aug 27, 2015)

Sera’s comments from the ♥ Nothing Better Than Reading!! ♥ group.

Hi Anna,
I sent you a private message with a bunch of options for which book we can do based on our shared to read shelves. Let me know which one and we can get started :)

About 10% in and completely confused. Hoping it gets better soon.

#1 Alexander- The Bronze Horseman series
#2 Jamie- The Outlander series

I would love to do this again. Sign me up please :)

Yes Dawnie this was a great first buddy read experience, thank you. Anytime you want to buddy read something in the future send me a message I would live to do it again :) And I am enjoying the series. This second book has a bit more political stuff in it so it's taking me a bit longer to get through but it's still good. But I really just want a reunion ASAP, LOL :)

I really do understand what your saying. I'm not sure what makes some stories like this where it seems like insta-love work for me, and some not. Sometimes in a story it feels forced and fake but in this story it just felt like they were fated for some reason, so to me it didn't feel fake. Tatiana made some stupid decisions that day the war began. By wasting time reading and waiting to go out and get food, and then after realizing the stores were running out food stopping off and getting an ice cream and sitting around waiting for a bus like she didn't have a care in the world and I thought how immature she is. But those decisions somehow led her in the path of Alexander and they meet and there begins him "saving" her and awakening something inside her. It just felt like soul mates to me.
I'm really glad you read this with me, and it was good to hear the differences we felt about this story and I can definately see your point of view because I have felt the same way about other stories when others seemed to love them, I felt they were fake and forced.
And as for the sister thing I am not close to mine so I couldn't relate the the sacrifice Tatiana was tryig to make. I feel like I would have been more selfish but I also felt Dasha was yet another obstacle that was needed to make this story so achingly good for me.

Sorry I am going back through your thoughts keep adding things and what you say about the brother being more important to the parents I did understand why they felt that way the men being the ones to carry on the family name and such back then but my heart still broke for Tatiana because it never felt any of her family loved her as much as she did them, no matter what she did for them it never seemed to be enough for them to really see her or to sacrifice for her they way she did for them.

I can understand what your saying about it being "jumpy". But for me I almost think that is what made me love it more, the angst made me ache for Tatiana and Alexander with their seemingly impossible situation. She loves her sister so much (even if she doesn't deserve it sometimes) that she can't be selfish and keep Alexander for herself even though she feels things for him that are so strong she can't even understand them.
I loved that this story was so many things all in one. Coming of age, historical, romance, family it had it all. I have read plenty of cheesy, stereotypical romances and I can see how some of the romance could annoy you or make you roll your eyes and I think the same story with different characters would have probably felt that way to me. But I loved Tatiana and Alexander seperately even aside from the romance. Tatiana is young and naive but she also shows so much maturity in taking care of her family through all the horrible things going on. And Alexander has that mysterious loner thing going on, a strong alpha male than can sometimes be overdone but works for me with him somehow.And the way he took care of Tatiana and her family feeding them and trying to keep them safe.
There were definately times I wanted to smack Alexander for carrying on with Dasha even though he knew he was in love with Tatiana and she with him but like I said I think it just added to the buildup and made me ache for them to be together so that when they finally were I was so releived and so happy for them even though there was so much death in the wake of it. The time they spent after they got married together was so refreshing and fun after all the heartache. And then when Alexander has to leave again it tore my heart out all over again.
Yes, Tatiana was stupid and reckless for going back to Leningrad after not hearing from Alexander but I felt her love for him so much I could almost forgive her for that. Just like when she went to look for her brother. It was dangerous and stupid but when she loves she loves fiercely and completely and I really felt that.
I cried SO MUCH during this book it's almost embarrassing. That is one thing that will make a book memorable for me, is how much emotion I felt while reading. The author was able to make these characters so real for me that I went through the things they did right along with them. I think I really related with Tatiana in the way first love can consume you. I felt that way myself. My husband and I have been together since I was 16 years old (20 years now). He was also in the US Marine Corps and went away on deployments and I had to keep things together at home with 2 small children and while it's nothing like it was in this story, or this dangerous or extreme circumstances I remember how it felt for me to miss him and worry for him while trying to be strong and take care of my family. And how it felt when he came home and the relief. I think the absence can really magnify your feelings.
Was this story perfect? No. Were there things that annoyed me, or that were over the top? Of course, but the good far outweighed the bad for me. I hated Dimitri, but I understood the purpose of having him by adding yet another obstacle for Tatiana and Alexander.
I'm sorry if these thought are all over the place I just don't know how to explain myself very well. But I know this is a story I will remember forever I'm sorry it was not the same for you, but I do understand what your saying. There have been plenty of books that others loved and I just felt "OK" about. You either feel the connection with the characters or you don't and if you don't the things they do and the things that happen can seem ridiculous. And I think thats what made it different for me I loved the characters so much I felt immersed in the story with them and that is what made me feel so much for this book.

Just checking in to see how your doing.Are you loving it? I have finished the book and have started Tatiana and Alexander so whenever you want to discuss anything I'm ready.

Well it seems I can't actually put the book down so i guess it's best if we finish it and then talk about it. I don't even know where to begin so I will wait for you to tell me your thoughts and go from there. I will say it is one of the best books I've read in a long time, truly epic.

How are you getting along Dawnie? I'm not really sure what to say so far. I'm 25% in. I thought I would just pick it up and read a chapter or 2 and then I just couldn't stop. I need to know what will happen next. I LOVE all the characters especially Tatiana and Alexander. Even though she is young and naive I can really relate to they way she is handling things. I can really feel the pull she and Alexander feel to each other and I want everyone else to just get out of the way and let them be together. But I still like her sisters character as well and the way they care for each other, although Dimitri seems a bit slimy. Of course there is so much more going on. I love the way the balance of romance and history is written. I can tell I will finish this quickly I can't seem to stop reading. I already have the other 2 books in the series waiting to go as well.

OK I will probably get started today. I usually read more than one book at once lately so take your time. I will post something once I get through the first 20% or so :)

Yes that's fine lets give our selves plenty of time for this one since it's so long. I will wait to see your post when you are ready :)

You are right I do think telling the story in a 15 year old girls POV makes a lot of her reactions make sense and would make it more relateable for a YA audience. And I know anyone in a situation like this would react this way or worse. It was just a bit annoying to me to read the really naive way she saw things. But I think its just the nature of the book. It's just supposed to be told that way. It just makes me feel cold in some way because I really wanted to connect with Lina but mainly she just annoyed me.
Anyway I do think it is good that we agree it had an important message about events in history that are lesser known and now often talked about.

As for The Bronze Horseman, how do you want to do it? We could just continue discussing in this thread the way we have been? Do you want to start off by saying we will post after a certain # of chapters?
It looks like it's broken into Books, and then parts. I say we could check in when we get through book one, part one thats about 20% in is that OK?

I also wanted to ask you since we finished this book so quickly if you would like to read another one? I am dying to read The Bronze Horseman and I think I saw it is on your TBR as well. I know it's long (650pgs or so) but I think I could get through it more easily if I had someone to discuss it with. Let me know if you are interested :)

I agree 100% with everything you said, and you worded it probably better than I would have.
Overall I thought the book was just OK for me. I assume the high reviews are because of the subject matter and the way it's told. As for making me really feel the emotions it fell short somehow. I hope that doesn't make me sound frigid or anything I just think I wasn't a huge fan of Lina in general. the story itself is a sad and harsh one and I did like the honesty in which it was told even though it is a YA book. I just got kind of annoyed with Lina at times and how she just thought her dad would come and save them or that Andrius would save her somehow. It was like she never fully grasped the bigger picture of the situation, how many people and countries this was actually affecting but I guess that is part of the reason the story was written from a young girls perspective and not an adult. If it was it would have been a different story entirely. Lina definately showed her immaturity throughout the book and I thought her brother showed more maturity than she did most of the time.
I think it was such a quick read for me because I kept expecting something big to happen and for me it just never really did. Until maybe the end of the book where they could have elaborated more on how they got back home and reunited with the others, etc. I think an opportunity was missed to really complete the story by the way the author chose to wrap it all up the way it was.
In the end I'm glad I read it I think it is an important story to tell and now I know more about the horrible things that happened to these people and the history in general. But was it life changing and emotional for me? No. Am I crazy? Did you really connect with the characters emotionally?

Yes guilty, it was a quick read so I did finish already. We don't have to answer all those questions I just thought they would be a good way to get us thinking about what to discuss. We can just wing it, and talk about whatever you want.

After I started reading I looked over the reviews and came across this video about the book http://www.betweenshadesofgray.com/ that gives a good back story from the author. It helps explain the history and other things a bit.

Also on this website I found these discussion questions that I thought I would post on this thread in case we need some prompting for our discussion and thoughts.

• As the novel opens, Lina explains that though the signs were in place, she has little understanding that her parents had planned to attempt to escape Lithuania. What can be inferred about her understanding of the political climate in her country? Do you think her surprise is a typical reaction for a teen? Why or why not?

• Lina’s mother remains calm throughout the roundup of her family; how does her family benefit from this?

• When Jonas observes his mother smashing her beloved china and crystal before they depart their home, he asks her why she is destroying these items. She replies, “Because I love them so much.” (p. 18) Do you consider this an act of rebellion? In your opinion, is her reaction appropriate? In
what ways is she trying to control the situation?

• As Lina’s family is first placed in the truck to take them to the trains,they meet the bald man who proclaims loudly, “We’re all going to die. We will surely die.” (p. 22) How does his presence affect the other prisoners Consider and explain how Lina and her mother react to his rants. In what ways is Elena (Lina’s mother) sympathetic to his condition?

• Using textual examples, what are some of the specific ways Lina’s mother chooses to fight back against the NKVD?

• Being held prisoner on the train brings out the best and worst in some of the inhabitants. Consider and discuss some of the ways that individuals extend their assistance and support. How do their choices differ from those who are most unkind to others?

• Lina unflinchingly shares the nature of the condition in which she and the other prisoners are forced to live. What feelings does this candor evoke in you?

• How does the author use the embedded flashbacks to help readers understand why Lina’s family has been rounded up for punishment? Do you agree with the family’s choices? Why or why not?

• Though readers mostly learn about Kostas, Lina’s father, through her shared memories, a great deal can be understood about his character. In your opinion, what kind of man is he? Is he a good father? Use textual evidence to make your case.

• Why does Lina’s mother, Elena, pretend she doesn’t know her cousin Regina? What is she trying to accomplish? What can be gleaned about Elena from this encounter?

• Though Ona’s baby is a newborn, she is still considered an enemy of the state due to the actions of her father. What can be understood about the government’s policy?

• Upon arriving at the country train depot, the NKVD officers begin sorting the prisoners, and Lina asks, “Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother’s was worth a pocket watch.” (p. 35). How does this realization change Lina? In what ways does Lina better
understand her mother’s actions and motivations?

• After Jonas is selected to be separated from his mother and sister, their mother is able to save his life by using her language skills and quick wit. What are some of the specific things she does to secure his safety?

• Discuss the character traits that allow Lina, Jonas, and Andrius to ultimately persevere. How are these characters similar to each other? In what ways are they different? Which character are you most like?

• Throughout the novel, Lina uses her passion for her art to remain connected to her family and the outside world. What are some of the specific ways she does this?

• What role does Andrius play in the story? In what ways is he a catalyst for the choices made by Lina and Jonas?

• Consider the consequences of not signing the documents which charge the prisoners of counterrevolutionary activities against the Soviet Union. Does Lina’s family make the right decision by refusing to “confess” these
transgressions? Why or why not?

• Though Lina believes that Andrius and his mother are supplying information to the NKVD officers in exchange for food and shelter, she eventually learns that the arrangement comes at a great cost to his family. How does this knowledge of the lengths his mother goes to in order to keep him safe ultimately affect him? How does Lina’s understanding of these sacrifices reshape her perception of him? His mother?

• Throughout the novel, the bald man is cast as an unsympathetic character. How do his random acts of kindness help portray him as more than one dimensional? Cite specific instances from the story where you find evidence of this. Why might the author choose to include these
examples?

• Using the phrase, “This is a story about…”supply five words to describe Between Shades of Gray. Explain your choices.

OK, I decided to get started on this tonight and you are right the chapters are very short so I'm already into chapter 17 yet only 15% into the book so far.
At this point I think it is a great start, one of those books that throw you right into the midst of the story and grabs your interest right away and then slowly reveal the details to show you how you got to that point of the story. I much prefer this way of story telling and it keeps the start from being slow and hard to get into. You just want to keep reading to find out whats going on.
This is also a much different story of WWII than I have ever read about or seen in movies or TV. Admittedly I am not very good with historical facts but I know for sure I have not ever heard this side.
I can tell this story will be hard to read and so far it is shocking to hear about the conditions and the way things were carried out in this process. It really makes you think about how brave you would have to be if you found yourself in a situation like this and to be strong for your children and/or siblings and even how you would react to and treat perfect strangers that your were forced together with.
I plan to continue at least a few more chapters tonight and the way the story is unfolding I have a feeling I will finish this book rather quickly so if you want to plan on us finishing this by Wednesday that would be good. I will wait to hear back from you before posting any more thoughts regardless of how far I get so I can hear your thoughts :)

So it's decided Between Shades of Gray.
We'll post again once we get through the first 5 chapters :)