L Y N N’s Comments (group member since Nov 10, 2018)

L Y N N’s comments from the Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge group.

Trish wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "Dea wrote: ""I read a lot of scifi and fantasy. Most commonly, it's all human POV or all one non-human species POV. I like the broad mix in this book."
That was one of the aspects I...

If you've not read it yet, try Translation State from that perspective."
I have not read any of Leckie's writing yet, but it is on my TBR! (Of course it is! LOL) Thanks for the recommendation!

K.L. wrote: "What was your initial reaction to [spoilers removed]? Did your reaction change at all by the end of the book?"

I have to admit that I had a really hard time with this part of the book, because the characters are faced with the question of what is more important... a person's life, or their religious convictions. While I certainly didn't want (view spoiler)

That being said, I think that this moment shows the way in which Corbin's personality has grown throughout the characters' journey. The Corbin we meet at the beginning of the book would not have been in a position to make the decision he does, given his apparent disinterest/distaste for interacting with others. The fact that he is in a position to make this decision shows how much he has come to care for the people around him. The decision he makes (view spoiler) But the question remains...does a positive outcome make Corbin's decision morally right?"
Your reasoning is very sound. My thought as I read this the second time was that any extremist brainwashing can accomplish the same results as the virus did. Does that mean we allow a being to self-harm since they believe they are doing the right thing? It's a very gray area, IMO, and I think I'm usually on the impetuous side of it since my initial response is "No! Do whatever it takes to bring the being back to reality..." Though I'm uncertain that is the "morally right" reaction as you put it! 🤔

I think I did realize the evolution this represented in Corbin, but not sure I would have articulated it as clearly as you have. Thank you for pointing it out!

**I can't believe I overlooked asking about Corbin's actions with regard to Ohan. What was your initial reaction to (view spoiler)[Corbin administering the antidote to Ohan without permission (hide spoiler)]? Did your reaction change at all by the end of the book?
Although I was initially shocked, I admit I felt someone should have done exactly that once they returned to the Wayfarer with the syringe. Though I could also understand everyone acquiescing to Ohan's stated wishes regarding the antidote... But by the end of the book I did feel as if (view spoiler)[Corbin was vindicated as Ohan did admit he saw things very differently in the aftermath of the injection and was confused and/or unbelieving that his prior beliefs had made sense to him at the time... (hide spoiler)]

I was (view spoiler)[very happy (hide spoiler)] for them/him! And sometimes it takes another person with the fortitude to do the unthinkable to create a positive change... At least that was my thought.

**I can't believe I overlooked asking about Corbin's actions with regard to Ohan. What was your initial reaction to (view spoiler)[Corbin administering the antidote to Ohan without permission (hide spoiler)]? Did your reaction change at all by the end of the book?

1) Did you pick this book up for the Popsugar challenge, or was this already on your tbr?
I honestly probably would not have read this had it not been selected for the monthly group read. I don't know why I've not been particularly interested in it...

2) What are your expectations for this book?
Nothing specific. Just hope I enjoy it!

3) The author is in the band Japanese Breakfast- have you heard of them before? If not, are you planning to check out their music now that you're reading this?
I have not, and perhaps that is a main reason I wasn't especially interested in it... I may, but seriously doubt that I will check out the music...

4) Are you a fan of memoirs, or is this genre outside your comfort zone?
I enjoy reading about other people's lives and experiences!

5) Do you have a preference for how you read a memoir- audio vs physical?
I'm not much of an audio book 'reader', so a real book in my hands is my definite preference!

K.L. wrote: "1) What overall theme do you 'take away' from reading this book?
I definitely think that the most tangible theme of this book is the importance of respecting other people and their cultures.

But I also felt like the author really encouraged the acceptance and celebration of people's differences. The crew of the Wayfarer is very diverse, not only with respect to their species and cultures, but also their personalities. While there are some personality clashes, ultimately it's their differences that allow them to work so effectively as a team (view spoiler)"
Ooohh, yes! You state that so very well! Thank you!!

"2) How does it resonate for you in your daily life? Or does it not at all?
This is definitely something that I strive for in my daily life. I feel like it would really benefit society if more people would put forth the effort to respect other people, learn about cultures other than their own, and celebrate diversity."
Yes!! 👍

"3) Were your opinions, attitudes, or insights changed at all by reading this book? (e.g. toward AI, technology, society/culture...)
I wouldn't say that any of my opinions or attitudes were changed by reading this book. I have consumed a lot of science fiction over the years though (both through print and television/movies), so I've encountered a lot of similar ideas and themes before."
Cool!

"4) Do you want to read more of Chambers' writing? Why or why not?
I definitely want to read more books by this author! I really enjoyed the world building and characters in all four books of the Wayfarers series, so I'm looking forward to diving into her Monk and Robot duology as soon as I get the chance."
I loved that duology as well!

I really took my time and savored this second reading of this book and am so glad I did. I had forgotten quite a few details and I think I was even more impressed upon a second reading!

1) What overall theme do you 'take away' from reading this book?
As someone commented above, I think we are to relate to Rosemary's status as a very inexperienced/innocent being among all these different species. I think that made the book even more relatable since we're also new to this whole world.

My 'take away'--no matter who or what, respect must be first and foremost when dealing with others, period! And each being needs to drop their own cultural/societal standards to better understand and relate to others. Be open to acceptance of others' experiences, differences, but especially be ready to site all the commonalities/similarities among us all!

2) How does it resonate for you in your daily life? Or does it not at all?
I do try my best to accept, respect, and appreciate others in my daily interactions, no matter the circumstances. I try...

3) Were your opinions, attitudes, or insights changed at all by reading this book? (e.g. toward AI, technology, society/culture...)
As I recall, this was really one of the first books that got me considering AI could basically become sentient. This was an eye-opening concept for me, but I feel it is possible....

4) Do you want to read more of Chambers' writing? Why or why not?
Oh, YES!! I plan to reread the second and third installments in this series and then finally read the fourth and final book.

I will forewarn you that the further sequential books do not deal with all the same characters, etc. There are some recurrent characters, but completely different settings, etc., so each book is, IMO, a very different adventure!

1) What overall theme do you 'take away' from reading this book?

2) How does it resonate for you in your daily life? Or does it not at all?

3) Were your opinions, attitudes, or insights changed at all by reading this book? (e.g. toward AI, technology, society/culture...)

4) Do you want to read more of Chambers' writing? Why or why not?

Wow! Just WOW!

I loved this even more the second time around!

Which character is your favorite character? Why?
I believe one of the aspects I appreciate most about this book is the4 fact that each character develops from the beginning of the book to the end. They all evolve..
Perhaps Ashby struck me overall since he was not only the captain/leader of the ship, but also in love with a being from a different species, which was a no-no. So he had his own complex aspects to his personal life...

Is there any one character with whom you can identify? Why?
I just adore Kizzy and can see myself in her to a great degree, especially my "younger" much more impetuous self... She just evinces energy and effervescence that I think is much needed everywhere!

Is there one character who reminds you of someone you know in real life? In a good way or in a bad way?
Corbin. I have a very good friend whom others would probably say is 'crabby' or always in a bad mood, just like Corbin is in the beginning. Though he has never seemed that way to me. But he and I both share a wickedly cynical sense of humor that many others tend to 'not get', so there is that!

On this U.S. "Independence Day" I admit I keep putting this thought out into the Universe: "Please assure this democratic experiment called the United States will continue to strive toward attaining the democratic ideals that form the foundation of this political entity." This country is far from perfect, but, IMO, we just need to keep trying harder. Let it be so...

The last canine I had, Miss Sadie, was petrified of fireworks. We literally had to medicate her quite heavily to get her through the whole week of fireworks in this town. I was so glad not to have that stressor in the years after she left this earth. Two of our three cats get upset, but not drastically. Our little Sissy is stone-cold deaf, so it doesn't bother her a bit! 😃 And amazingly, within the past 3-4 years there have been fewer and fewer of them let off throughout the town, for which I am grateful. I admit the amount of air pollution caused by such displays is a concern to me... Honestly, I feel about fireworks as I do much in my life in later years--I've seen enough of them in this lifetime. I'll let others enjoy them now! 🎆🎆🎆🎆

My time has been so pre-occupied with appointments, etc., and then, like Doni stated, I allowed myself to start reading four new books! What?!? So, I really must buckle down and finish some!! Soon!! As in today!!! 😋
With that said... LOL
Another Bookperk listing! https://link.harpercollins.com/view/5...

Another Book Riot listing!
https://bookriot.com/?p=571896

Penguin Random House Editors listing of New Books to Read in July: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/th...

Wait! Did you hear that?!? That sound…as if something was exploding?!? Yeah…it was just my TBR listing after reading through these lists! *sigh* LOL 😊 (Not the neighbors' fireworks! LOL)

Meanwhile, I ended up not finishing a single book this week although I read at least 500 pages!! LOL That’s what happens when you just keep starting more books! It's Doni and me for the win in that regard! LOL 😁😯

ADMIN STUFF:
THE SEPTEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS STILL UNDECIDED!!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #6 A book about pirates. Talk Like a Pirate Day is September 19! John Baur and Mark Summers created this international day in 1995.

We ended up with a two-way tie!

Cast your FINAL final vote to select ONE book for the September 2024 Monthly Group Read HERE! These are two quite different books!
Fable (The World of the Narrows #1) by Andrienne Young was originally published in 2020
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Steven was originally published 1882

This poll will only be available through July 9! VOTE NOW! 😊

THE OCTOBER MONTHLY GROUP READ NOMINATION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #8 A book written by a blind or visually impaired author.
October is White Cane Awareness Month! White Cane Awareness Day is October 15!

If you do not see the title you would like to nominate, please write it in. Please add in the comments what the author's visual impairment is, so we can be sure the book will fulfill this category.

Nadine checked the authors of the first few books she grabbed from our Listopia to start this poll:
* Richard Osman was born with nystagmus, an eye condition that significantly reduces his vision.
* Alice Walker was injured in her right eye from a BB gun, and she eventually became permanently blind in that eye.
* Helen Keller became blind and deaf after a childhood illness.
* Homer was too long ago to know for sure, but legend says he was blind and recited his poems as he traveled from one place to another.
* Jennifer Armentrout has retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder that causes gradual retinal degradation leading to blindness.

Also please check that book's eligibility first! Only books that have NOT been discussed within the past two years (2022-present) are eligible. Remember to consult the listing of these books that are NOT eligible for this month HERE before nominating! :) There is an alphabetized listing by title as well as a chronological listing.

NOTE: This is the NOMINATION round, which is step one. This poll will be open for two weeks. We will select the top results from this round to create a new poll for a Final Vote to select ONE book for the October 2024 group read.

Books nominated thus far:
The Color Purple
The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club #1)
The Story of My Life
The Illiad
From Blood and Ash

VOTE FOR OR NOMINATE A BOOK HERE!!

THE JUNE MONTHLY GROUP READ IS The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers #1) by Becky Chambers!!This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #18 A book set in space. This is one of my all-time favorite books and series!! And who is the "cool Captain" who will volunteer to lead this discussion? Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer! I got bogged down with life and was unable finish reading before the end of June, but the discussion is ongoing in the Current Monthly Group Read folder HERE! I am loving this even more the second time around!

THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner!! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #44 An autobiography written by a woman in Rock ‘n’ Roll. Erin is the “savvy superstar” who has graciously volunteered to lead July’s group read!! Thank you, Erin! 😊 Join the discussion HERE! I plan to read this one over the weekend. Hopefully after I finish a couple of others! LOL

THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP READ IS The Tea Dragon Society (Tea Dragon #1) by Kay O'Neill!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #23 A book that features dragons. National Lizard Day is August 14! And who might be the "official organizer" willing to lead this discussion? Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer! My copy arrived and I somehow missed that this is actually a graphic novel! Very cute illustrations, etc.!

The comprehensive listing of 2024 Monthly Group Reads resides HERE for your perusal and reference throughout 2024!
***
Question of the Week:
From Theresa: What free or inexpensive subscription resources, besides Kindle Unlimited, Project Gutenburg and library ebook borrowing, have you used or found to download and read ebooks? Especially classics or other books that are in the public domain or OOP?
Uhm. I have used Project Gutenberg a couple of times. Only because there was no other way I could discover to obtain a copy of a book reasonably priced. (As in cheap! LOL) Other than that, I’m clueless since I purchase used books. Real books. 😊 Yes, I’m old and set in my ways!

2024 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 30/50
Around the Year (AtY): 50/52
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 42/52

FINISHED:
None

CONTINUING:
*The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers #1) by Becky Chambers
*All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely starts with a bang! Just as I would expect!
*Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking has me thinking so very much that I have delayed reviewing it until I can finalize my thoughts…
*The Birthing House by Kathy Taylor
*Wool (Silo #1) by Hugh Howey for the July meeting of the IRL book club I facilitate My copy arrived and allthough our meeting isn't until July 30, I went ahead and started reading it! LOL) And at just over 100 pages in I am fascinated!
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer

PLANNED:
*Minor Detail by Adania Shibli for an IRL book club meeting next Tuesday. I expect this to be intense...
*Fear No Evil (Alex Cross #29) by James Patterson
*11th Hour (Women’s Murder Club #11) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

Great to see use of the questions to help prompt discussion!! Thank you all!

One of the things I had rather forgotten about this book that made me love it so much right at the beginning was the vocabulary. Chambers is a genius IMO at creating words!
Some examples that I noted:
ANSIBLE
MED
SCRIB
SMASH
SAPIENT
STIMS
HARMAGIAN
DEEPOD
VOX
HANTO
IMUBOTS
GLOBULB
REDWEED
I have made notes as to what I believe the definitions may be for each and will check as I continue reading.

I also love the characters' names!!

I will try to post a few more questions tomorrow.

Trish wrote: "I loved this book when I read it several years ago.

I have to say, the UK cover is way cooler! In my view, anyway.

"

You'll get absolutely no argument from me! Definitely cooler IMO!

Kerry wrote: "6) Do you typically read books in this genre/subgenre?
(e.g. Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction Mystery…)
No not really, my husband occasionally suggests Sci-Fi books to me but I usually struggle with them (Battlefield Earth!), this is pleasantly different though and I'm enjoying it"
Yes, I felt it was a bit different for typical sci-fi and in a good way!

K.L. wrote: "SciFi is one of my favorite genres, and I think what made this book really stand out for me as one of my favorite SciFi novels (of all time) was the character-driven plot."
I so agree with you!

"Which character is your favorite character? Why?
I really liked all of the characters, but I feel like Sissix was my favorite. I thought her family structure and culture was really interesting, and I loved how affectionate she was. (view spoiler)"
I loved Sissex as well. I think I was drawn to her the most due to her truly unique-ness in almost every aspect.

"Is there any one character with whom you can identify? Why?
I think that as readers, we're meant to identify the most with Rosemary. She's our passport to the ship and the author's vision of the galaxy, and like us, she really doesn't have any previous experience with any of the situations that she encounters throughout the book."
I love the way you express that! She is indeed our "passport"!

"Is there one character who reminds you of someone you know in real life? In a good way or in a bad way?
I had a college roommate who definitely reminds me of Kizzy, and in the best way possible. They are both super outgoing and personable."
Awww...that's so great!!

Kathy wrote: "I finished the book and really enjoyed it. I don't read a lot of sci-fi, mostly due to not liking a few of the subtopics (time travel, alternate dimensions). This one felt like a regular story but with some different species, customs, and space problems vs. earth problems. I really got into the characters and picked some of those questions to answer."
Excellent! Thank you for doing this!! 👍🤗

"Which character is your favorite character? Why?
Dr. Chef was my favorite due to his calm, mentor-like persona."
Awww... I like your reasoning!

"Is there any one character with whom you can identify? Why?
I somewhat identify with Rosemary. She is the outsider to start and has to find her place. I have done this a couple of times in my life. She also really likes information as do I."
It would be tough to be Rosemary, wouldn't it?

"Is there one character who reminds you of someone you know in real life? In a good way or in a bad way?
I have a few friends and coworkers that remind me of Kizzy. Outgoing, bursting with energy, ready to go. I like them as friends since I tend to be more reserved and introverted."
LOL So you are attracted to those who are different from your innate nature. That is so interesting!

Kathy wrote: "6) Do you typically read books in this genre/subgenre?
(e.g. Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction Mystery…)
I do read a lot of mystery but not ones set in space or the future."
Me as well...

Dea wrote: "My husband and I have been listening to this audiobook. He suggested it, and I had already read a space book, so it's not part of the challenge for me."
How cool that you are listening to it together! Awww... 👍😉

"It will also work as "Three or more POVs," since almost every crew member has POVs (though I have already filled that prompt, too)."
Thanks for mentioning that!

"I read a lot of scifi and fantasy. Most commonly, it's all human POV or all one non-human species POV. I like the broad mix in this book."
That was one of the aspects I most appreciated about this as well!

Joanna wrote: "Unfortunately I don't have too much more to say as I don't remember it well. I was thinking I might reread for this discussion, but I don't know that I'm going to get the chance.
Unfortunately, I didn't get much of a chance to get to it in June either. But I'm going to carry on into July and hope to finish it by sometime July 3! Feel free to join me! LOL

K.L. wrote: "Having read this book, and the rest of the books in the series, I definitely want to read more Becky Chambers. I think her writing is fabulous!"
👍😁

Britany wrote: "T-minus 12 days until I move to Charlotte, and I'm so unmotivated to pack. At that weird stage where I've packed stuff that I still may need, so the next few days will be interesting to say the least. The movers come on 7/8 and I'm driving over (12 hours) on Friday 7/12. It was also my first full week back at work and I have embraced rotting into my couch! My reading sprint has ended with the return to work, so back to being lucky to finish 1 book a week. HAH- everything has just been A LOT."
Wow. Good luck! That's a long drive, but glad your stuff will be moved for you! I would be scared for my 4 felines that I would have to transport with me!

"Finished:
1.) Gold by Chris Cleave (No PS Prompt) ⭐⭐⭐⭐: I appreciated this much more than I thought, except for how much I loathed one of the FMCs - I've never met a more atrocious character in my reading life, I mean besides straight up villains. This could work for women sports prompt. It's about Olympic level cyclists.

Gold by Chris Cleave"
I finally read this about 2 1/2 years ago after owning it for years. I hear you about the one character, but I truly admired the way Cleave told the story!

"QoTW: Do visual images appear to you as you read? Or are you a reader who doesn’t necessarily or ever have visual images in your mind as you read.
Yes, I'm a very visual reader, so it almost creates a film in my head of what I'm seeing. It makes it hard for adaptations in that way - I need years in between for an ideal experience of consuming content in both mediums."
Yes, I think this may be one reason I rarely truly enjoy adaptations. My mind's self-created images rarely mirror the actors cast in the various roles! The movie adaptation of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum book(s) is an excellent example--there wasn't even a close match, in my opinion! I felt badly for Evanovich...