C. (Comment, never msg).’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2014)

C. (Comment, never msg).’s comments from the Gentle SPECTRUMS group.

Hi Kerri! Any thoughts, perceptions, questions, favourite parts of your own to contribute? I always get a lot out of your perspectives.

Yes, that "Jumanji" scene and anything featuring Jack black is hilarious, including the music videos of he & his Brother's personal band, "Tenacious D". I am glad you enjoyed my Matthew Perry memories along with me, whose book was far funnier than most people (Americans? British?) picked up on. Exactly like Mike Fox, his whole way of speaking is to be wry even in times of stress: Canadian humour!

Recent interviews of Matthew's said his book was received and reviewed VERY positively so it must only be the usual "I don't get it" of Goodreads users that we often see. One thing that pisses me off is how small people treat their brain capacity, when they insist that stories "jump around". Oh, for fuck's sake: Matthew told his story from conception onward! You have to dip here & there to explain or update the content you are sharing or to draw an example! Nobody gets this: in real life, when we listen to anyone's story over coffee or the telephone, do we need them to cite a year in order? No! We just listen to each story being told!

If an author did forgo a timeline, so what! If people's attention span is that fragile, they need to put away their cell phones fast and only use them sparingly on a schedule. Yesterday, a religious lady from the USA complained about the word "fucking" in my Martha Grimes review and said she couldn't bear to read anymore. Oh my gosh, is her life so dainty that THIS is a difficulty? I looked at her profile and remarked that she ought to protest instead, the murder mysteries she was four-starring!

I love and need the uplifting wit and lightness of comedy. Have either of you seen "The King Of Queens"? I got into it in reruns about ten years ago and Ron had only seen a bit when I had it on. He loves the Kevin James movies we have. On new year's eve, we watched the blu-ray I gave him "Top Gun Maverick", which was fantastic. Then we relaxed to a "The King Of Queens" marathon on a satellite channel until we went to bed. Yesterday, Ron mentioned that he loved it and hopes we buy a box set sometime. He loves and needs laughter too. A happy spouse, a happy life both ways: amen!

Speaking of the lake, you have the ocean around you. Are you a swimmer or sailor? Is your Nan's beach a good one for swimming or soaking up your vitamin D? I wondered if you would dive from a rowboat with the ease of Blue and her cousin; calm waters than an ocean.

I have a good memory for most scenes, unless rushed by or blocked. I know TV shows by heart for example, after seeing them a couple of times. It is good the satellite changes what it airs, which is my background to lunch alone at home. I remember Adam laughing at a magician tarot card but did not read anything important into it like Shirin did. I am sure Adam was not laughting thinking "Yes, how uncanny, that feels like me". I felt that he was laughing in ridicule "Come on, as if I would be a magician". I don't sense he is going to be; only that his proficiency in nurturing and partnering with something as special as leylines is a marvel.

Thank you for explaining the change in the spider to me, Kerri. It could have killed him or Richard. Was it always perception he could change in the nick of time, or was the visit to the forest required? It would be terrible to lose a life over perception.

Kerri, I don't know if Niall was pushing Ronan outside the box. If a Dad wanted to teach a Son anything, he would discussing having a talent and recognize the same in his Son. This was explained at the beginning of the novel as the most profound family secret, level three. Once again, I pride myself in wondering if I have discerned plot points that the authoress forgot and misused, or if there is another way to look at it. This will be the benefit of discussing it with you friends!

Tempers are strange things. The Son may have been the only person his Father dared to attack physically. We have heard of other cases in which a spouse is attacked too. However, tempers and the worst part of personalities are usually selective. Most folks don't see my Brother's antagonisitic or religious intolerant side. I would trust Maggie's grasp of major concepts if she hadn't skipped the grief of Noah & his family. When an author covers natural emotions and behaviour right away, I know she is writing realistically.

Gosh, Persephone is not a one time guide. She contributes her impressions all the time and lives with Blue & her Mom. I do need Maggie to stop stating that she spoke quietly. We get that she is not bold like the other woman. Don't repeat that and make it annoying. A person with a good memory winces. I enjoy Alexander McCall Smith's mysteries in Botswana but he needs to stop calling the protagonist's vehicle "tiny white van". Sometimes it can just be "the white van" or "van".

Why would Ronan waste forest energy by pulling things for Adam from it, when he has all the money they need? No, Adam would see it as help anyway. Accepting good fortune in life is what he needs to do. I am happy he has a car from Helen.

Another realization came about the scenes with Joe. Even if you like the car scenes, I wonder if you agree that those scenes were too numerous in a story that usually sparkles with wonderment. Maggie could have depicted what she wanted to in one scene, with the follow-up. When Joe had several cars, I see that she wanted to convey waste. No one can contemplate having more than a couple of cars, the way Marty McFly's 1955 Grandparents couldn't fathom having more than one television. It is strange that Maggie didn't consider giving one car to Adam! It was a good getaway for Dean.

Ronan brought things to life unintentionally. Now he has been taught that he uses energy and will only ever do it out of need. Did he learn how to stop items from entering the waking world unintentionally? It appeared that he learned how to imagine objects into being but how about stopping stowaways before he woke up? Maybe learning how to use your ability generally branches out to control overall.

For example, I have heard for years, not only from Donna Eden since 2021: the more we use prayer, energy healing, and animal communication via our mutual intuition; the more we will tune into subtle signs and information. We are supposed to be able to better feel and see energy, such as aura colours. I don't yet but won't that be nice! I can understand that. For example, a lot of actors were anonymous to me when I saw their films as a kid. After I know who they are, I recognize them with surprise.

Yes indeed, it is our hope from the beginning that Blue can love whomever her heart desires and build a life with them, including kisses.

I want the fun and revelations to simmer and do prefer to read "Linger" first. I am waiting to know if Shirin is interested. I don't mind if it takes a month or two for you. I only need to know if you or Shirin are ordering a copy. I pre-ordered the sequel to "Call Down The Hawk". :) Is anyone keen and able to read "The Time Machine" any time? I want to read it soon and notice it is short. I would tuck into it soon, if getting copies took effort for either of you, or you weren't that interested.

Hi, Kerri! What new thoughts occured to you, questions or favourite parts? You mainly replied to me, which is gratifying. I look forward to new inspirations.

It will be interesting to see if Adam is gender flexible, needs to discover his preference, or is heterosexual and merely a plot interest pertaining to Ronan.

I hope Blue & Richard have permission to date without offending Adam, with whom Blue had only went out a few times. If they are afraid to kiss, there is no rush but my gosh, their passion seems genuine and strong! To be willing to press your heads together is intimate and sweet instead of sexual. To not require sexuality to want nearness, is the trait of love.

We all love seeing the childrens' home lives, which is the best way to acquaint anyone. My favourite visits with friends is in my home or theirs: intimate, in control of what we want to eat, how we want to share the time, which music we want to listen to, and it saves money. A true friend gets to know my home, family including my animals, plants and gardens, and browses my book and music collection. :)

I am torn about Adam's Mom. I do understand wanting to resolve problems, including violence without involving police and having family in jail. It is hard I know, if they provide your home and income. However, the violence was out of hand and continued to occur. Mrs. Parish had no way of getting it to improve, unless she threatened a separation until he sobered up but the dude needed anger management regardless. I don't remember if he had alcohol, do you ladies? I think he attacked from his temper.

I feel like I dislike Mrs. Parish because she could speak with her Son privately to show unity. Say "I love you but you are safer out of the house until I decide whether or not I want to stay with your Dad, even if he gets a professional behaviour adjustment". In the year 2012 when these were published, adults know not to say attacks occurred because family did not tiptoe around violent people correctly. With police already there to help Adam, wanted or not, I am disappointed in her for thinking Adam should blame the helpful friend, to spare the violent Dad any trouble. That is the epitome of "enabling bad behaviour".

Shirin, I reread your observation that the novel should not need spend much time on Adam feeling insulted that Blue decided to stop dating him. I think the coverage it got was okay, especially when it lead to the emotional and mental clean-up Persephone gave him while he was there. I agree, however, that I hope Maggie stops depicting Adam as doubting his friendships and the stupid refusal to take some money. It is tiresome and enough was said.

Kerri, I don't think Adam needs to pay them back, even if it is the incentive to get him to accept a boost. A few thousand dollars is pennies to them and would make life easier for Adam that year. He is clearly going to make his own way throughout life and a bonus is all right. I wouldn't object to an advantage, unless it was a disadvantage to a generous person who was not wealthy. Rich friends like those, one of whom obtained wealth magically? I would happily thank them for free tuition and rent. Life produces other expenses.

We love Adam's new purpose and new confidence. I hope his ear heals too. We all wonder how Noah's afterlife will go next. The murderer was known by Noah all along and discovered by his friends, wasn't it? I don't remember if the teacher died or was arrested; please refresh me on both of these details.

My favourite part is Ronan caring about pinkies (baby mice) and sharing that wonderment with his friends. I loved meeting his Mom and how much Ronan & Matthew loved being home. I loved the intelligent dream with their Dad, whereupon Ronan is given permission to use the loophole he saw in Niall's will.

I love the warmth of the Ganseys. I love Adam's relief at understanding why he can see spirits of unknown people and allows them to ask favours, or council him. Who are these people: usual regional spirits visible from the leyline? Messengers from the leyline lifeforce communicating with him? Is there anything either of you are wondering that you encountered in the novel?

I have a question about that giant spider. How did he become on Ronan's side, instead of attacking him before? Maybe a word from Ronan that he was in control was the ticket. However, did Ronan do much that he hadn't done before to try to avoid an attack? It was symbolic of facing a fear and removing it but why did the giant spider not listen to him before?

Do we think Dean should pay for past crimes, even though we understand his numbed care and feelings came from a sociopath, abuse sibling? I am glad he is reforming but shouldn't the lives lost, thugs or not, be confronted?

Another favourite part is the complete humour and brashness of the lake and boat! The girls had no fear of what was in the water or hesitating of disrobing a little and getting wet! This was the only action for their Welsh quest and by gum, they didn't wait to dive right in: literally! It is so funny, the boys would have debated who should leave the dry boat, while the girls were already in the water before anyone said a word!

Did you see the second "Jumanji" film with Jack Black and Dwayne Johnson? I laughed the most in the beginning. They had just arrived and noticed something dangerous approaching them. Dwayne turned to his friends to say they should leave. When the camera aims at them, they are already up the hill, running away! Is it just me, or do you find subtle little things like this funny too?

I have found a satellite dish channel that airs "Friends" all day. Witty asides are what make shows like that, "The King Of Queens", "Family Ties", "The Big Bang Theory", and "Ghosts" (US version) outstanding. I can't keep my eyes off of the young Matthew Perry, who ties for my favourite with David Schwimmer. Joey's and Phoebe's characters were stupid and sometimes Rachel. For me; Chandler, Ross, and Monica made the show. I am glad I met Courtney Cox, although she was not Monica yet!

I just saw Joey showing his Italian Grandma a TV show he appeared in. They saw that his scene was cut and he thought she would be outrageously disappointed. He quickly ran to his apartment, used a videotape to film himself, and ran back to Monica's & Chandler's apartment to play it. You two know that videotapes cover up previous recordings, right? Where the new material stops, old material past it keeps on playing on videotapes.

It is the funniest thing I ever saw when Joey's faked recording ends and we suddenly see Chandler onscreen, obviously playing around in a moment that was private! He ran to the TV to shut it off as we enjoy a recording of him suddenly singing "Space Oddity" by David Bowie! It is so well done, these little additions that make funny shows spectacular and unforgettable. Matthew Perry was a sensitive, well timed genuis.

I am adding these parts after breakfast. What follows below this part about Matthew, was already written: coincidental but wistfully a propos.

Kerri, we have spirit guides and guardian angels who are not necessarily relatives from past lives. Spirit guides have had Earth lives, so they understand the challenges of physical humanity. Angels can be ancient entities who precede our physical lifetimes. On these positive notes, I join Ron for our vegetarian, week-end breakfast!

Hi, happy new year! It is nice to see you both! Shirin, are you keen on "Lament", an older fairy novel, or would you prefer to proceed with "Blue Lily, Lily Blue"?

Shirin, you are saying exactly what I was trying to convey! That is right, I was never bored but that car racing and boy rivalry brought down the quality of a magical novel. It was ugly, unpleasant, and had nothing to do with the exciting quest directly. You also expressed beautifully with Kerri's interpretation, that Ronan had things to learn from Joe. We concur that contrast between characters was helpful. However, you added soemthing I had not thought of, Shirin, which is why your input is awesome! You are right: Joe has no friends, family, or fans! He hangs around with a few boys but has no actual support! I learn so much from you ladies and am glad we collaborate.

I don't think Adam has knowledge but great perception. He and Persephone can read and interpret information that comes to them and sense it better than others. Persephone certainly knows how psychic and metaphysical things work, because she knew Adam's energy needed balancing, or something needed clearing from his overwhelmed system. I don't think she has any information about the Owen Glendower quest. I think like Maura, she just is really good at reading what is around her.... Unless she is the orphan child from the forest.

Hmm, Shirin.... time travel! I thought time might be bent, flexible, fluid around the forest and that land. Might they actually time travel, which could explain why they can't see Neeve, Maura, and Blue's Dad? That is an interesting idea! I don't think he died. Was that said anywhere?

I think your conclusion is the same as mine, that there was mystery, magic, and information discovery in this novel but that the rebel boy parts dampened it. Yes, it is a good way to put it, Shirin. Those parts, while helpful like Kerri discussed, lasted for too many pages and chapters, in place of more sparkle and pizzazz. I also don't think we needed so much of Dean in the story, unless he is going to become an ally.

In conclusion, you enjoyed this novel at four stars. I shared your critiques but find it better than many books and still allotted five stars to its quality and originality. I started by answering Shirin's very enlightening opinions and now I will read Kerri's. :)

I like to keep the best stories ongoing. I might read "Lament" this new year soon, in case it is not as special as the Raven friends and family. Are you interested, with access to a copy? As for "The Dream Thieves": finishing books is what really opens our freedom to talk about everything. So my friends: bring it! :-)

Postponing a bulkier Gmail until February is good. Goodreads page updating was back last night. I would know, since I use it daily like one is supposed to! It is useful besides for myself, only if you lot regularly update your reading for me to see! ;>

Google is giving customers until February before enforcing "standard view" e-mail. I tried it and it is slow, although thankfully I can load it. I hope there are protests on behalf of slow internet users so that they keep their "basic view", or push back its removal. There will be decent ISPs in rural Canada eventually.

What we need today, is for Goodreads to put page progress back! It is my #1 activity on this website. Setting my page progress is gratifying to do every morning. Personal friends reach me by e-mail. When group members don't write updates, it helps to see where in a book they are. Daily page progress needs to come back and book pages need to revert back to the format they had previously.

I hope Goodreads allows slow-speed internet customers to access their standard format with ease. They remove the light e-mail version many of us have been using, tomorrow. If I take time to reply by e-mail, please advise this might be why.

Happy, wonderful, glorious New Year 2024 to us all! Love, your friend, Carolyn

I love our conversations and guesses as we read together, Shirin & Kerri. When we are finished a book, is when exhilarating discussions get grooving! I have great ideas about subjects to ponder. I hope you are inspired by them, as much as I will relish answering yours.

I am in a position of agreeing and disagreeing in various ways, which makes it fun to see what we consider next! For example, I agree with Shirin that it is more compelling and magical to work on the Owen Glendower mystery and to be among the talking trees and unique forest. Plants and animals are always sentient but these are obvious to everyone, without needing to train ourselves in extrasensory perception sensitivity, you know what I mean? The way some places are haunted so anyone could see a spirit, even if they do not normally; or the way Noah is visible to everyone because of leyline strength.

I also agree, Shirin, that ugly parts like Dean Allen attacking Duncan, Joe stealing Matthew, racing and crashing cars, Adam refusing money and working three jobs while being a pupil..... take away from the joy of mystery questing and the fun and humour among friends. I thought Kerri was insane for saying she liked Joe!

I meet Kerri in the middle on these observations by agreeing that instead of questing progress, were answers and developments to the big events of volume one. I disagree with the cliché of there being more questions. We got a lot of answers and Maggie Stiefvater simply built on it, with more food for thought to. We are accustomed to authors rushing through plots but major ones like these merit exploration. There was enough discovery and action that justified a book in itself. Besides wishing the ugly threats and dangerous car nonsense was done: I was never bored, I was compelled by the humour, romance, and discovery that did arise, and I still loved enough contents to give five stars again.

Shirin, when you said "you had not reached the part about Persephone", I reassure you that there was no scene to spoil. I wonder where she came from and the rest of the 400 Fox Way women because they are not relatives. Now that everyone has finished reading "The Dream Thieves": I wonder if Persephone is so special because she was the orphan girl in the magical forest. Time twists and who knows at which points Ronan visits it. She might be like "the nexis" in the Star Trek film "Generations"; a place where memories are replayed, with which we can interact.

My only other criticism, besides replanting roses, is that I dislike repetitive things. Dean Allen seeing the psychics connected with the people he sought, resembled Noah's killer finding them. Maggie should avoid that. However, the exception is that Dean develops a purpose and a heart. Maura vanishing the way her stepsister did in the first novel, seems dry instead of exciting. I especially do not like new questions as novel endings. I like a resolved novel with only the major mystery to work on during the series. We do not need the drama of Maura being out of sight, to be invested in the story of Blue's family.

While Persephone has crazy psychic skills, such as sensing a card 14 places into a deck, Maura is very special for just seeing people as emotional and mental beings, instead of good or bad. Most of us would avoid someone who admitted to being a killer. Maura pitied Dean's heart being dulled by a terrible Brother.

It is the same way I am someone who does not see colour: people have never been colours to me. I grew up with people from all over the world, as a Canadian and in some special situations as a child. Other people don't see gender and are willing to have a romance with anyone. These examples helped me picture Maura's flexibility.

Maybe she feels safe around people generally because she can read their dispositions and intentions enough to get out of the way if need be. She must also have experienced that when you are compassionate to everyone, even mean people calm down or feel their best selves rise to the top of their comportment.

I felt like Joe was needless to the story and got in the way. I guess the wrecked camaro is why we found Richard's steering wheel in the pond, although it should not have been old. His presence was justified at the end, when we learn he can dream things into being. Ronan only carried things out of lack of control of the bizarre ability. Too bad his Dad had not been open about it, to share how much he learned about those experiences. Ronan only took an item or two as needed, or for practise.

I saw reasons to agree with Kerri that Joe was a warning and I add too, a contrast. We thought Dean Allen was terrible, until we heard of his Brother. We thought Ronan was a jerk, with a loveable side affected by grief, until we met Joe. Most importantly, we learn that having a similar ability is meaningless, if you do not use it to a good purpose. I do not know if Niall was a Greywaren while he was alive but Ronan is the only one now.

Did you catch why, ladies? It seems to be because Ronan can speak with them, he cares, and he listens, about how to be respectful and follow the forest's council. I don't think Joe heard the orphan girl, animals, or trees.

Shirin, I am glad we were right about Adam not being in peril, after Persephone helped adjust his energy or whatever it was. He was metamorphosing into developing leyline and spirit reading talents! We presumed "a sacrifice" meant something sinister or a loss. I am happy it mean instead being dedicated to helped, just as the boy offered. He only needs to come when the leyline calls, like a beautiful ally that such a strong energy needed from a humble human. It was a wonderful moment for me, to watch Adam travelling two hours to fix the leyline with Persephone's assistance.

I suggest Tarot cards were needless and cheapened that moment. I don't know if Maggie believes in extrasensory abilities or has learned how they work in reality. I have learned a little. We are born with all the tools we need to read atmospheres and situations. Indeed, Ronan is correct that there is a negative connotation with Tarot cards for those of us who grew up religious. Simply using our perception however, is natural.

In conclusion, I miss the quest but understand we needed a good whole book, to catch up and explain big events and changes for the whole team of friends. It was a very imformative novel in my opinion to visit Ronan's, Richard's, and Blue's home lives.

I never thought the Ganseys were snobby. The aeroplane ride from Helen and brief conversations with their parents in the first novel showed they are sweet people. He simply felt he had a home and purpose elsewhere. Now we know they are lovely, like Blue's family and Ronan's. I loved how they cancelled whatever had been planned, when a friend of their Son's needed help. I hope Adam visits his Mom, who might be a good person too, confused and caught between a Son and husband like no one wants.

It is also nice to balance dynamics. Blue empowers other people and is wonderfully self-confident and intelligent. Richard too is confident in personality, a loving background, plus financial ease. Ronan is confident in family background, self-defense training, and financial ease. Now Adam too has a purpose besides work, school, and feeling separating from a home and family. How unique, to be a leyline guardian and ally. He should not feel like "the odd friend out" any more.

I don't know if Adam has established an orientation preference, or if he is open like Ronan might be. Richard pushed him to pursue Blue. It will be interesting if these boys bond in a romantic way. If they do, it will be my first time reading LGBT romance content! Maybe they both acted tough to conceal or postpone their orientation, in a world that is still unsure how to be comfortable with it. I hope everyone keeps the group friendship balances, no matter whom they choose. It is nice for Blue & Richard to ensure they do not disrespect or offend Adam, until they are sure he adjusts to Blue's decision not to pursue a romance with him.

An additional contrast occurred to me: a warning that drugs are unnatural and never the approach to anything. Although Ronan needed to learn to control his dreams, he did not remove anything on purpose. He learned how to choose one item at a time, with the trees' permission. Joe passing out via drugs made his attitude ugly and unmagical. Staying in harmony with nature is always a good message.

What interesting and amusing thoughts occurred to the two of you, my friends? Merry Christmas, God bless you both, and happy New Year 2024! Love, Carolyn.

Merry Christmas to my friends and reader's community! God bless you all. May we all be happy, healthy, safe, and at peace at home and where we travel. Happy, wonderful, glorious New Year 2024 to us all! Love, your friend, Carolyn.

Shirin, of course I want to have a copy of "Opal" well before we read it! We do not wait to obtain them. I have bought pieces of series for twenty years before opening them. I am glad I will easily procure a copy. Congratulations on your job option!

I think Crabeswater is a real place, which Ronan happened to visit while sleeping. Joseph might teach him how to steal but he has no respect for living entities or spiritual ones. It is better to only use what we need and to ask those from whom our helpful items come. There is no reason, not even a rare skill in common, to be anywhere near that dangerous kid. There is no loyalty, wisdom, intelligence, or caution in him.

No crashing vehicles or any other objects for me, thank you. I saw a demolition derby and hated it. I respect building and do not believe in damaging anything. I disapprove of the danger of horse or car racing too. An animal galloping for fun at their own pleasure and skill, sure. Never for money, where they make jumping and other challenges more difficult. You get injured eventually and entertainment is never worth it.

I am glad you loved every part of the novel. I wanted to get past fighting, crashing, attacking, and monsters to return to the mystery quest. Since there was no mystery quest, I was satisfied to see characters develop and to answer smaller mysteries and to see spectacular phenomenon. I hope we stick to that and the quest from now on. I still enjoyed this at a five star level. That is right, "filler" does not mean empty of a plot. It put the Welsh paranormal mystery on hold.

Yes, Shirin, we see more proof that Adam is developing new attunement, sensitivity, awareness, and skills. I love when he and Persephone drive across miles to repair the leyline, where creeks or rocks obstructed the vibrancy of its energy. It is good for people with low self-esteem like Adam, to learn a purpose for something good.

My complaint is that they moved a rosebush to extricate a large stone in a flowerbed. Persephone apologized for removing it from the soil. It need not die: had they not heard of transplanting? Dig a new hole and replace the rosebush in the same flowerbed!

It is true that friends take care of each other. You both have been there for me as recenty as three weeks ago. However, this is not why we choose friends, it is a benefit of loyalty and care. Ronan was happy before his Dad got killed. It is very clear that Dean Allen did it, the Gray guy's name. But you are right, Shirin, that it makes no sense. They were looking for the greywaren and didn't know Niall was one of them!

Very funny about laughing at Roger's penchant for watching flying pigeons. I think pigeons and puffins are both beautiful, as are ravens and everybird I have seen.

I never expected to dislike Richard's parents because they were wealthy and wonder why you did. He is a very respectful, intelligent, likeable young man and his parents were sweet when we met them in the first book. Yes, they were phenomenal when they didn't hesitate to cancel anything they had going and looked for Adam, including Richard's Sister, Helen who had booked a flight. I would have insisted that Adam take a good car and some helpful money. They even tiptoed around his feelings. What he needs to do is live with his friends and remove the stress of working extra for rent.

I like that Blue made her romantic choice and Ronan is not shying away from his, if asked directly. Matthew is a darling. Declan is a good Brother in the short story prequels. I wonder why Ronan dislikes him as teenagers. Does you know?

Rest assured that I am happy to talk about a lot from these wonderful books, that does not spoil where you are, dear Shirin. Bonne nuit! Carolyn.

Kerri and Shirin, please rest assured what I wrote yesterday did not go past what the two of you read. I checked progress at your profiles as well, which is handy in between our conversations. Please go ahead and read everything written and I look forward to your take up to this juncture. Oh yes, there is plenty to discuss afterwards. I am grateful to have both of you to help answer questions for me that I am pondering!

I wrote that I had a good reading spurt while Ron enjoyed our new television channels in the early evening. I gave fair warning that I was close enough to the end where any of us would have to coast through to the last page. I was free to begin a new book at bedtime but chose couples' snuggling and sleeping. Ron & I looked forward to a peaceful embrace and early sleep and I needed time to assimilate the last quarter of this wild novel.

I can offer one serving of food for our next thoughts: it felt like a filler novel but a useful one. I do not employ "filler" as a usual synonym for the words "pointless" or "meaningless". We did no questing and it is a set-up novel, however in a powerful and informative way that merited a book. Our characters spent the whole of it reacting to "The Raven Boys" events and resolving some of them but we made movement forward. I feel the effects of a wild and bumpy ride that I will have to contemplate awhile, thankfully with the two of you sharing my amazement!

I am curious and invested in the next events, featuring Blue and the beloved, talking forest. I am even interested in seeing who our four main, living friends date next. Kissing Noah was funny. However, what we have ingested by the conclusion of these volume 2 stories is so big, I think I can wait until about February to reprise them. I am certainly invested in a lot of wonderful healing tutorials that I am grateful to recently have acquired and new fictional story treasures.

Perhaps Leeanne will join us for the next Maud Montgomery and Maureen Jennings in this new year. Love, your friend, Carolyn.

I pay my respects tonight to Myles Goodwyn, from Nova Scotia. He retired this year, at my Mom's age of 75, as lead songwriter and singer of April Wine over issues with diabetes. He was the only founder who was not a Henman Brother: David, Ritchie, and Jim! They were together 50 years and are very familiar to me and everyone else with ears, on Canadian radio.

Ron & I were excited to watch April Wine in a festival in about 2001. They are fantastic: good, hard rock to dance to, with real singing. Easily, they smooth into lighter songs to balance out their work, make way for romance, and suit every mood. Some of my favourites are “Tonight Is A Wonderful Time To Fall In Love”, 1975 and “Just Between You And Me”, 1981. I am glad Myles published a recent autobiography, using this name.

I scored their 1979 and 1981 albums at a charity sale this summer and loved hearing every track. They have albums going from 1971 to 2006. I am going to go used CD album shopping with a heavier heart but appreciate the joy Myles has left for us. Rest in peace, old friend! With love, Carolyn & Ron.

Girls, I am on page 372 in chapter 52. I stopped to sleep because it was very late. I also knew a few chapters earlier that I had read along through enough dense detail for a day. I continued because this was my best reading spurt in awhile, only achieved at night. I have Christmas and other birthday cards and packages to prepare.

I have been thinking about each portion I have read every time, after the first couple of sessions. I am glad we are slow about absorbing it and here regularly to discuss small parts. It is just exactly the focus of sharing I looked forward to with you. :) I still have that feeling that I want to reach every part slowly and think about the events and meanings. Every revelation is massive and a truly new, fictional possibility for us to contemplate. This is the joy of fiction, building good roots for your world but not needing to draw from the logic of ours.

With 65 surely exciting pages remaining, I am likely to breeze to the end. I hope Maggie Stiefvater finishes a proper story and does not cut off a stream that we feel pushed to leap into to know what it means. I had a thought that it would be nice to hold off on the third novel until perhaps February. Tell me how you feel when you conclude this novel. I hope to wait until the new year.

The lilies were mentioned twice: seen at home and Ronan discussed the kinds of dreams he had, I think at the novel's beginning. Interestingly, Blue's name features in the lily novel. I hope it will be about her Dad.

Vegetarians always what kind of food is around. I thought less of Maura and of the authoress for awfully saying she pulled apart a bird at a restaurant. Many animal lovers like me started out eating them because that's how we were raised. We block what happened to them to arrive in our stores and fridges, so the authoress was too crass, in case you wonder why it disturbed me.

It clicked for me in about 2004 that I shouldn't need to block where my food came from and would never kill, therefore why pay for the result of someone else doing it? It was my lightbulb moment, just to share how people sometimes change a major part of their life. I never missed it: animals stopped being acceptable as food to me. I like it when authors write characters who match their hearts.

There is no doubt the Gray asshole, I know his name now, killed Niall. Maura I think may be drawn to him as someone who needs care, like I wanted to hug the Ukrainian technician. I knew he had survived something terrible and like every caring person, we wished we could hug and welcome those war survivors, didn't we? So I didn't hesitate and Boris seemed unsuprised. :) He knows their plight was on the news, like we pray for everyone around Gaza now.

I sense that Gray asshole (I'll use his name when you are okay with it) could change for the better and needed someone who would befriend him as he is. He tested honesty about being a hit man. I wish he meant making music. He had a terrible, sociopath Brother and that does not excuse him being a killer but explains why he became dead in some parts of compassion and feeling. Turned good, he would be an interesting character and ally but I hope not a rival of Blue's much missed Dad.

Seeing a place we miss, especially a home, brings out heavy feelings but making our wish true to see it is very positive. It brings relief to our missing and wondering. It sustains you until you can see a place or visit a loved-one again. You don't not go because it is hard. What you are feeling is the strong positive emotions pushing aside negative ones. Like a very cold had or foot hurts when it warms back up. I run around without mittens often enough in the yard. Fair warning to winter travellers: I am smart enough to go even on a short car ride with all the coat, boots, mittens, scarf, toque I could possible need. To stay safe, you have to think of being dressed to walk outside the car if a need arose; not how warm or brief the ideal ride is.

Yes, that pond must have made all of us laugh and was fun! I didn't know or care about Orla and what Maggie did was extricate her from being a background cardboard figure. Blue's distaste for Orla's voluptuousness informed us about herself too. Ronan not being chivalrous is no surprise but may his goodness return to the top too. We see him laugh and feel relief later and Adam certainly finds a surreal kind of relief from helping hands.

I have a question about Persephone for when you reach the 50s chapters. I wondered about Calla's and Persophone's origins, who are unrelated to the Sargents. It is no surprise to make good psychically sensitive friends and forge a business together. Making a family and home with them is something else but nice. They are like Aunts to Blue. Maggie is creative and I love the mystical moments.

I clarified for myself that the raven king's name is Owen Glendower and also know what a greywaren is. I am puzzled about Crabeswater. We confirm that it is an old forest. Is it real and merely its mystical aspects are sometimes concealed or disrupted? Ronan suggested at home that he invented the place but I don't think so. He wants to learn how to retrieve something more substantial than objects. Bringing home his baby raven must have been an especially inspired, strong, rare night. I think what Ronan said is that Crabeswater is where he had been going in his dreams for years and sometimes leaving his mark there in reality, like the Latin note that the trees talk. What of that? I can only think that he has built an intimacy with the forest and inhabitants from his dreams and would be familiar with the place if they need to traverse it in real life.

I dislike the criminal, creature attacking, and car racing aspects. I also dislike that we have not traversed Crabeswater. The negative aspects and missing mystical, pleasant, wondrous discoveries and experiences make me wonder if I enjoy this novel less. However, we are learning a lot and a fair bit of different mysticism returns past the centre of the story. Would you agree?

Perhaps I like the books equally: no more wondering simple information, Adam's Dad is away from him, Noah's killer is gone. I always like progressing past the uncertainty of a story's beginning and reaching the good, central elements. So some negative things and lack of questing, balances out with the stage of knowledge we have reached. Adam resolving problems is a very good step to put the friends in good stead later. Be like running horses my friends and fly with full head until the end!

I didn't read last night and stand before chapter 28. There is always the reading and replying of our friends to enjoy. Our new TV channels will take time to learn and don't seem to follow numerical order but we have music videos, a favourite for Ron & I, animal shows, which I kid you not that Angel & Petal walk up closer to watch, and a good variety.

I had an unexpectedly special experience. The satellite installer is an escapee from the Ukrainian war! I knew we received many of them and wanted to hug them and say we were praying for their safety and success. He appreciated the respect and care I had for his story, in brief bits while working. When Ron came home, I said he was the second Ukrainian I hugged today! Now we pray for relief for Gaza.

Ronan & Matthew met for a tuna sandwich lunch. As discussed of Andrew Davidson and Maureen Jennings, I do not consider authors incapable of miscasting people or settings. However, we know in real life that people can be religious without spirituality. Ronan's love of animals and belief in the impossible make him likelier to be spiritual under rage. He does not follow religion at all. Sitting in a church weekly proves nothing of how you live life, which perhaps millions of people ought to educate themselves about. I do think Maggie wrote that incorrectly.

I did not interpret Maura as being attracted to the Gray asshole. She can sense bad vibes immediately and was keeping things comfortable. How else to react if someone admits to an illegal job? Avoiding fear and displaying disinterest is the way. He is intrigued by her and perhaps to keep enemies close as you said, Kerri, she might consider it. I am sure the women advertise if readings are their income. Orla answers a phone line after all. He probably has instincts too but did not appear to know they were connected. Blue walked by him with the coin steering wheel from the pond.

The pond, marsh, or small lake is my second favourite scene of the whole novel, so funny I could quote it all! There, the ladies prevail and the men gape at their daring! Orla looks dazzling but is unhelpful. Blue dives into the water unhesitatingly. Richard looks away because her wet outfit is "clinging in all sorts of places that are not typical of her wardrobe", haha! I love this sentence enough to quote: "Where the boat had been filled to capacity before, now there were only three boys and some of the girls' clothes". This was fun! If they couldn't go to Crabbeswater, they had to have an outdoor outing!

Kerri, when I asked what "Greywaren" meant, it is not from any reading that is ahead. The word has been used since the first novel. Shirin, is it a synonym for the raven king or something else?

Surpassing the boat expedition a little for its profundity versus grand humour and the overload of information we gained, is Ronan's trip home. My goodness, I cheered for Ronan sounding like an actual loving boy, with feelings, when he insisted on seeing his Mom. That made me like him better than before, along with cudding mice.

I don't remember which chapter it is in so will leave you girls to broach the details. Whence do you think Crabbeswater comes? Is it old forest, more visibly alive than most?

I didn't know what to think about a devil until Kerri reminded us that Niall probably made him up in a nightmare and had to fight him. Ladies, it was clear to me when Declan was attacked, that Niall was killed by the Gray asshole. Declan asked "Did you kill my Father" and he replied "That is the same thing Niall asked me". Niall seemed to ask about his own Dad. I read that as admitting he killed Niall, which I guess was as recent as the previous year. The Gray asshole and professor may not be new to town but are expanding their inquiry to other Welsh legend searchers.

Kerri has brought up a revelation that clicks for me! When she asked if a wish would return Aurora Lynch to normal with her Sons (I love her name!), that makes four friends who could make life or death use of it.

Noah needs to go to Heaven, or receive a second chance on Earth. If Maggie knows spirituality at all, there are better places to be than fooling around with friends, no matter how much they really do love each other. I hope he spends time with his family first. Richard needs to know a fatal prediction is nonsense, or break it.

Ronan, Matthew, Declan need their Mom returned and the cows back to full mobile life.

We might guess Adam has otherworldly ties that need removing or adjusting and balancing. Blue will probably find her Dad needs help returning to their family and meeting her at last.

Do you have the feeling I am getting that when we reach the concluding novel, plus a PDF I hope Shirin will send us called "Opal": the friends will choose who needs help most? Or does each quester receive a wish to come true, a favour of help to receive?

P.S. Does anyone know what “Greywaren” is? I thought it was a synonym for the raven king, or location of his slumber. Might the evil people be seeking a magical tool by that name, like Niall and Ronan?

P.S.S. Shirin, I came back today, December 1, to see which chapter you noted. I see you were at chapter 26. I stopped at chapter 28. I see nothing that suggests Gray asshole might be a relative of the Lynches. What gave you that idea?

Hi Shirin & Kerri! I only read a little bit because Ron wanted another good sleep last night. He has been needed since this summer and will take holidays from work very soon. Then we rest, have fun, and do what we want, for more than each week-end! I am nearly in chapter 22.

Thankfully, I passed most of the part you are talking about, Shirin. I don't care about the Gray asshole, so it is okay that I saw those details. The most important, informative part that I have experienced is seeing Ronan's home! Thank goodness I read that far to be amazed by it and to discuss it with the two of you. It was so overwhelming and puzzling, I didn't want to read any further anyway. I want to sit with the information and feelings and think about them for awhile.

I will reply to your entries, Shirin. The only repetitive trend about this wonderful, fresh, exciting series is that for the second time: a villain visit's Blue's home. Do they advertise their business to draw clients? No, no one is attracted to him. I am sure the women mean they watch him and can tell he must not be trusted; before he candidly admitted he was a hit man. They will surely warn Blue & her friends to avoid him. He threatened Declan, who is trying to keep his Brother and friends safe.

I suspect and hope Adam is not failing or dying. I think he is developing new abilities, perhaps in harmony with the magical forest. It seems scary and emotionally stressful while he does not know what the changes mean.

Yes, I love learning much more about Matthew and also Declan. I want to know Mrs. Lynch especially. Did either of you read the Christmas prequels of this series? She is featured in them as a caring Mom. I reviewed two of them. I was surprised the boys went to church but it is nice they regularly unite their family somewhere.

Do Ronan's religious views against psychic senses feel off to you two? Someone who has a spirit for a best friend, can control dreams, and who has witnessed a sentient forest firsthand would not be closed minded by the usual "church" limitations: would they? I think Maggie added something in error that does not fit his personality. I don't know if Maggie plans her characters but off notes like this are what make the difference between "writing whatever comes to mind" and planning detailed character traits, history, and plotlines. We see hypocrosy in real life obviously but a guy who is affected by church rules should not drink, fight, or get tattooed like he does. A person who is spiritual inside their hearts should not be angry.

I am stunned by what was revealed at Ronan's house, Shirin, after we read past your November 28 entry. It changes how I answer you in message #37! I was going to suggest to you and Kerri that the Lynches do not have to choose money over their Mom and home land! Niall was a rogue who obviously cheated to gather all his wealth through dreams instead of creativity, a passion, or career. Perhaps he learned over time and reflected his maturity in his will, that they should choose family and home. I hope they do that. Their home has everything they need, is more important to them, and they are healthy, strong, smart boys with full lives ahead of them earn money, aren't they?

This might be true nonetheless but there is another possibility. What if Niall somehow acquired an education or experience about his dream ability? I loved seeing the friends explore household items that were magic, that Ronan did not consider before. The toaster, rotary telephone, blue lillies (the name of the next book!), and pencil pen worked. But what if living beings that come out of dreams go to sleep, if the person died who brought them to Earth? Did Niall know his wife and animals would fall asleep if he died, as if the dreamer supplies "a golden cord" or energy that keeping them alive? Is there a way to revitalize them without their dreamer?

Did Niall hope to chase the children away, so they would not know their Mom is not from Earth? Because Ronan doesn't mind breaking rules to solve a crisis, he discovered this secret with his best, clue solving friends. Ladies, this is a really strong conversation topic and I am excited to hear from you about it! It is a compelling mystery outside of that wonderful forest and Welsh quest! A+ for Maggie's originality.

You both liked Ronan better than me. I have read many times about angry characters who are unpleasant to be around but who are good hearted on the inside. I am tired of unlikeable people, do you know what I mean? However, I liked him a little bit when I knew he grieved a parent and loved an infant bird. Now that I see him act like a real child and miss his Mom and home, I am warming up to him. Giving Adam money for university was loyal too.

Did Maggie describe what the boys ate? Are any of them vegetarian? What makes me begin to like Ronan is that he adores baby mice, called "pinkies". He appreciates and respects their little lives so much, he doesn't expect the hesitation and fear of his friends to hold them. To be so sensitive as to cherish hearing the little mice's hearts, makes me like Ronan better than before. However, he would have to be incapable of eating animals if Maggie connects this part of his character to follow through with the logic of his natural childhood compassion.

Yes, everyone is glad to Ronan prefers to explain his complicated make-up to them, not let anyone think he was suicidal. They can leave him as a trustworthy individual in charge of himself and not put in worry or work watching him. This story is much more complicated and layered than the first novel, which is saying something. I am glad you are with me in discovering and contemplating each portion slowly. Blue & her Dad sound complicated too. She has stronger abilities than we know, I feel sure.

Shirin, it is very nice to see your new ideas. Will you please now go back and reply to everything you were cautious about not reading before? I look forward to your input and will make it easy by not writing more yet.

I finished that disappointing William C. Ryan novel, which was the war, spy thriller I hate. It was so little about spirits, it was not worth getting past those negative aspects. Ron bought it at a new, hardcover price because William's last hardcover was excellent. I will make sure it goes to someone as a gift. You can't get enough money back selling it used. Now that you and Kerri caught up to me in our shared adventure, I will go back to it tonight, with glee!

I read ahead with William C. Ryan to give you girls a chance to catch-up last night. I will write again when Shirin has a chance to read over everything and continue those conversations. I think you replied to everything, Kerri.

The good news about my new, pricey hardcover is that of course, the farther we get in a story, the more interesting they usually become. "The Winter Guest" is more interesting and finally showing dialogue and action; not musings on the dreariness of war, fading mansions, and weather. People who mention weather strongly in novels sometimes forget to stop talking about it! This novel will be less of a slog each time I go back to it and actually enjoyable. I might get farther into it tonight to give Shirin one more day to advance. If "The Dream Thieves" becomes any more pleasurable, I might blow through it but have liked coasting along.

Oh, I know all about moods in this family, my friends! Uncertainty and unresolved anger create turmoil or fear and need to be emptied out. I had this very, great conversation at breakfast this morning and I am happy to say, it went over well. Sometimes professional training is required to break bad habits and learn tools but I used the example of a vacuum cleaner. As unpleasant as it is, find out where all the dirt is and vacuum it up so it never grows mould or bacteria to harm or surprise us.

Adam's understandable fear of speaking-up needs to be cleared up and not taken out on or transferred to anyone else. Ronan's grief needs to be worked out. Those three Brothers perhaps face danger we don't know and they need relief. Kerri, did the novel say their Dad's will decreed an exodus? I thought it was their Mom's wish to be left alone, out of an emotional breakdown that she erratically made legal. Do we know anyone's ages besides Blue's? I imagine Declan to be 18 to 22 and Ronan 17 or 18. Dear little Matthew is even younger and gentler to miss their Mom and home, no matter how well they all know how to fight and defend themselves. I can tell you, when you miss one parent on this green Earth, you want the other one very strongly.

Noah certainly has the capacity to appear before his family and be heard now. I don't know if Maggie does not want to overdo what she covers in her books or if she knows readers will hope he speaks to his grieving parents. It isn't fair for him to horse around with guy pals but not tell his parents that the afterlife is real and that he still exists: let them speak to him again.

Kerri, because most people expect 'fantasy' from Maggie instead of 'paranormal mystery', I guess wondering about the Lynch's humanity is expected. However, like we said of Andrew Davidson; it depends on the author's knowledge of how spirituality works and how much they put in their stories. We are born with varying capacities and talents, as humans. We can be both. There are some things we do not consider until we are back in Heaven from whence we came, other people learn to tap into more and more abilities and sensitivities that are available to all of us.

Knowing I trebled the chapter distance from you and Shirin, I read a bit of William C. Ryan. I am disappointed because Ron bought the hardcover new. "The Winter Guest" is boring and nothing is more stupid than narrating in the present tense. It pulls you out of a front row seat to the author because stories sound natural, told in third tense. That is how you feel the protagonist is speaking to you about their feelings and events.

This book is slow descriptions of the decay, danger, depression, darkness of the Irish home war period. By the time we see one ghost, I am too bored to enjoy it. William needs to pick up the pace and my interest. In either event, I will make a dent slowly if I have to. I gave you a catch-up day. Love, Carolyn.

Shirin, do you think the Gray asshole is old too? I like that you also thought of Ronan's Grandpa, about whom this might have been a hint. I had a good night and reached chapter 18, after a week of hardly reading.

It still reveals little information, so we will be able to talk freely all the way throughout. All these chapters only show the friends interacting with each other, wondering what Ronan's dreams mean, and how Adam's bargain might affect them. I enjoy that we are not rushing this pleasurable book but talking about it in little parts at a time, regularly.

I love Maggie's subtle humour when she writes descriptions and narrations. Richard was on the phone with Adam in a serious conversation, while Ronan and Noah were browsing a dollar store (a North American concept where casual items are cheap but not only at $1.00 CDN / US). It is a fun snapshot of our our world today. Again, Richard was on the phone with Adam, with whom all conversations are serious at the moment and could hear Ronan and Noah "horsing around" (playing) in Ronan's room.

I admire this group of people so much, even though Adam and Ronan need to get rid of anger. They are very responsible and even Blue takes care of herself in her Mom's home. They are on an old quest, criminals might challenge them; they are intelligent, creative, brave, and resourceful which is why we love watching them, don't we? However, they are STILL CHILDREN having fun and being amused with small, easy, simple things. May we all always have that power and grace!

~ This might be a small spoiler, until you two are at about chapter 16. ~

At the dollar store, Noah disappeared and returned, like power flickering off and back on. I think this is an encouraging hint about the forest, which seems to be missing and maybe about Aunt Neeve and Blue's Dad too. They aren't gone but need to be located, or are here but out of sight. Ronan's dreams thankfuly seem to furnish clues about what is going on, not only physically present objects.