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.

Harmke wrote: "Happy Thanksgiving for those who are celebrating. In the Netherlands we’ve copied Black Friday for we like to make or save money (I guess, I don’t get the point of Black Friday)."
IMO, "Black Friday" is all about unbridled consumerism. Sales! Lots of sales and supposedly unbeatable low prices. I went out shopping on one of the first Black Fridays decades ago and swore never to do that again. Way too many people, especially rude and pushy ones! LOL

"Leak detective is scheduled for tomorrow, so this mystery continues next week."
I really hope the repair is simple and doesn't involve anything major...

"Finished
Queen by Alex Haley ⭐⭐⭐
This book was written based on Haley's notes and stories. He didn't wrote it himself. I think because of this the message that was in Roots was missing in this one. That book was compelling. This book is entertaining. Due to the focus in the first part on father and son Jackson, the second part is somehow less interesting as it could have been. Because the story of father and son Jackson is a common story about self-made wealth. Which makes that the story only comes alive when the perspective shifts to Queen."
I'm rather intrigued. Although I should read Roots first. I remember the TV series. I imagine the book is a good read.

"Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse ⭐⭐⭐
Nice and easy read. And well done Monica Hesse for correctly picturing Dutch society and customs."
What an excellent recommendation!

"Currently reading
The Story of a New Name by Elena Ferrante"
I have yet to read one of her books.

"QOTW
Easy question. I’m most grateful for the fact that our families are safe and quite healthy. Although we do have our cracks and issues, it’s not life threatening.
Second is my interim teammanager. She did the right things when I mentally crashed last month. Yesterday we had a good talk and she said: you’re shining again! Sometimes you need to take 2 steps backwards to get 3 steps forward.
And third I’m grateful for books and that I can read.."
What a great list! I'm so glad about the second. It can be difficult to find good support like that!

Lindsey wrote: "27. How does learning that her Uncle David hadn't relapsed and was helping the FBI shake Daunis's world and shape her future decisions?"

I felt as if it restored her faith in humanity and the ability of people to (view spoiler)[stay clean and participate positively to society. I think it also gave her motivation to carry on as a CI in the wake of his death and complete his task. (hide spoiler)]

Lindsey wrote: "Nadine wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "23. What were your thoughts on Daunis and Jamie's relationship? Did you like them together?"


Despite all my complaints about how unprofessional Jamie was ... YES I liked them toge..."

Lol Nadine, i know!!! I'm excited to see what direction she goes with the sequel. I loved them together, and totally agree it was unprofessional. I still loved the relationship."
I agree with both of you as well. Interestingly, I just finished The Water Dancer today and overall, it included this very strong feminist theme of I must be my own person, independent of being anyone's "woman" or possession, etc. I really like that! I believe it is very true...

I love them together. I thought in many ways they complemented each other well. But I was reminded that it is possible to meet people with whom you are an immediate soulmate and nothing else really matters. That happened to me twice in my life. And I am grateful and feel very fortunate for those experiences.

Lindsey wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "6. What character traits does Daunis have that make her good (or bad) for going undercover?"

Daunis is very brave and confident for her age. She has a very strong connection to her community which helps with this job, but also makes it difficult. In a way, Daunis is already leading a double life, so this transition to undercover seems natural. And she has a strong science background."
I had not considered that fact that Daunis already has a dual-identity and that might make it easier for her to assume yet another identity... Thanks for that insight!

"9. Daunis talks about keeping her various “worlds” separate, saying, “My life goes more smoothly when Hockey World and Real World don’t overlap. Same as with my Fontaine and Firekeeper worlds.” What are ways in which we see Daunis acting to keep her worlds separate? Do you think she feels a stronger connection to one world or the other? Do you agree it’s easier to keep worlds separate?"
I do believe it is easier if you can separate worlds as much as possible. I think perhaps the most common example, unless you're an immigrant in a different culture than your own native culture, is work vs. personal. Although I have practiced that to a great degree in the past, I still have several lifelong best friends with whom I worked in the past... So we may try, but I'm convinced it is virtually impossible to succeed at separation in the long-term.

"10. Have you ever felt like you belonged to different worlds and if so, do you agree it's easier to keep worlds separate?"
I guess my answer above answers this question as well...

"11. "I'm reminded that our Elders are our greatest resource, embodying our culture and community. Their stories connect us to our language, medicines, land, clans, songs and traditions. They are the bridge between the Before and the Now, guiding those of us who will carry the future." What roles do Elders play in your life and community? Share something that an elder in your life has taught you and/or shaped your perspective on something."
Fortunately, my grandmother was my main caregiver throughout my childhood. (My mother was uptight and not a nice person overall...) My grandmother's main teaching was 'unconditional positive regard', by example. Although my mother drove her (and me) crazy much of the time, she still loved and cared for her, regardless...

"12. Both Daunis and Jamie struggle with their identities—while Daunis feels torn between many, Jamie doesn’t have any sense of where he comes from. Are there similarities in the way they consider their identities? Differences?"
They both consider themselves to be native. However, Daunis has actually lived that part of her life in reality, whereas, I gather that Jamie has never been immersed in native life even though he is aware of his cultural heritage.

Nadine wrote: "Britany wrote: "Would one of the moderators mind adding the book into the thread? That way the links to the commenters reviews will populate. I'm always curious to click on those during a discussion! Thanks!"

done! it took me a bit to remember how to do that!!

(And now I can see that you didn't like the book much. Bummer.)."
I tried posting an apology multiple times last night with no success...
But I am sorry to have forgotten to do this! I'll do my best to do so with others in the future.

6. What character traits does Daunis have that make her good (or bad) for going undercover?
I had to kinda laugh about the fact that even Jamie saw right through Daunis' interaction with Ron. She thought she had such a poker face. Reminded me of me. My emotions are right there and it is extremely difficult for me to even attempt to mask them. As Daunis states at one point, "It turns out that lies, in whatever form, are exhausting." (page 466) I would agree. I thought her rational and sequential thought process in the scientific method was a strength that helped her focus and remain calm in stressful situations. Plus she was a person of action. She was certainly not shy and would rather act than not...especially for justice.

7. Daunis starts every day with a prayer and a morning run. What is the significance of ritual to Daunis? What other rituals does she engage in?
Just as any other 'ritual' is to anyone else. For me, a cup of black tea, feeding my feline herd, doing Taichi, and listening to meditation while I ice my knees and back. Those are my morning rituals. I think everyone has them. For Daunis, they are part of her native heritage which I think makes them more spiritual than not. Though I suppose anything can impact us spiritually if we believe in it. Also, she tosses tobacco in the river when crossing. And the annual Grand Entry and sweat lodges and use of medicinal plants. Oh, and the blanket parties. I like that she let Auntie know there needed to be one for just-call-me-Grant and Daunis would be included. I really liked the 4-day journey following death. I thought that was pretty cool.

8. Daunis often seeks wisdom and guidance from the Elders. Can you describe the role of Elders in the Ojibiwe community?
They serve many roles. But mainly, carriers of knowledge and wisdom, and warnings to the younger members. Who couldn't love that scene on the (view spoiler)[ferry when they boxed Levi in? And I wanted to kick that boy senseless for running over Seeny! What a little shit! Group texting for the win! LOL (hide spoiler)]

I'll answer some more questions later. I have a lap full of cat and am tired!
And Goodreads is evidently tired as well. It took 3 tries for me to post this! Ugh...

Some of my thoughts upon finishing:
Levi was (view spoiler)[nothing more or less than a smarmy little actor, IMO. I immediately felt Dana MUST be involved when she was making large donations left and right. Then when Daunis first learned of the money going in and out of the shared Canadian account I assume Dana had involved Levi as well.

I would love to see Mike get his just desserts, as well as just-call-me-Grant. What a slimeball he is! And having read before how non-native people can do anything they want on Indian land and never be prosecuted, I assumed he knew that and felt free to do whatever to whomever as long as they were native. (If you've not read The Round House by Louise Erdrich, I can highly recommend it...) I want to be in on that blanket party!! Please?!? 🤨 I loved learning about blanket parties. What a great idea!! Can we institute those now? LOL

And that damn coach! I knew as soon as she described his house with brand-new everything and real estate investments, then his insistence to Daunis' mother that Daunis was safe with him. So obvious! Yet another asshole male! (Sorry, I just couldn't resist!) (hide spoiler)]

Personally, I loved the loose ends. I feel it is a valuable tool to force a reader to consider the possibilities and implications of each one...to truly mull over the book moreso than when all the details are tied up nice and neat.

How about the postcards at the end?

And I adored Daunis' insistence that (view spoiler)[Jamie find himself and his identity before they can ever resume a relationship. It reminded me of a relationship expert's presentation many years ago that a "good" relationship looked like an H with each person being themselves and having their own strong identity and interests. As opposed to an A where each person is leaning on the other constantly with little to no strength of their own. Oh, and I'm certain Jamie was no longer going to be working undercover. As I recall, about halfway through the book Ron tells Daunis this was only Jamie's second undercover operation and he blew it both times, so he was definitely OUT. (hide spoiler)]

Lindsey wrote: "Nadine wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Nadine wrote: "Britany wrote: "I think that's where most of my issues stem from. It seemed like it started really strong and then slowly just threw way too many things in and I thin..."

It's been a minute since i read the book, so my memory may be wrong on this point.... you asked about what hapoened with Uncle David. This is what i thought - (view spoiler)"
I totally agree with you, Lindsey!

Lindsey wrote: "Nadine wrote: "Britany wrote: "I think that's where most of my issues stem from. It seemed like it started really strong and then slowly just threw way too many things in and I think it took away from the strengt..."

Not aure if this helps any with the loose threads, but she planning to write a sequel from my understanding."
I just finished reading it and this is some of the best news I've had in a while! YAY!!

Lindsey wrote: "Hey everyone!!! I am so sorry I'm late getting this discussion going. I live in Atlanta and its been a madhouse with us winning the World Series!!! I'll get the discussion going to today. I hope yo..."
I must admit that upon reading this posting my first thought was "There was a world series?" My second thought was "And Atlanta was in it?" And then my third thought was "Sports really don't matter to me." So you helped educate me! LOL

Dubhease wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Dubhease wrote: "I'm not an American so today is just another work day. Besides Thanksgiving is my least favourite holiday."
Is there no "harvest"-type holiday where you are?
..."

Hi Lynn.

I'm a Canadian. We do Thanksgiving the second Monday in October. My family didn't actually do Thanksgiving this year since my dad was in the hospital. I bought my kids a pumpkin pie (which is their favourite part) and they were happy. Dad got released the next weekend and I'm pretty thankful for that."
I'm so sorry about your father's illness and making him miss a family get-together! I hope it was a complete recovery.

"The Thirteenth Tale relates to my favourite person, place, or thing because it was about a mysterious author. She invites an introvert (I love characters who are introverts - we exist and are exciting) to finally write her biography. It involves writing, reading books, story telling, as well as some mystery. (A lot of my favourite things.) Plus it's kind of a gothic story, which are some of my favourite books. I gave it 5 stars."
I really need to dig out my copy and read this!

"The Last Closet: The Dark Side of Avalon is intense. She skips over some of the gory details, but it's maddening and sad. I loved the Mists of Avalon when it came out."
A friend of mine loaned me her copy of The Mists of Avalon many years ago and I got 2/3 through and just never picked it up again... Now I admit I am reticent to read her books...

"Emma - I have seen one movie version and I loved Clueless, so it seemed good to go to the actual book. My 19 year old is struggling a bit with the language, but I think some of the scenes are funny."
Sounds as if you might be able to help your child enjoy it a bit more...

"The great thing about "A Slow Fire Burning" is that I have the perfect 2022 ATY prompt for it. (Hopefully there's a good PS prompt, but I won't know until Dec. 1). So, if I don't finish until 2022, it might work out anyway, since I already used up the "book published in 2021" prompt."
Oh! Is that "A book that uses all five vowels in the title and/or author's name?" I had it listed as a possible book to fulfill that prompt.

Cornerofmadness wrote: "Thankful I found some time to read"
Ha! Ha! Thank you so much for stating the obvious, which I overlooked! 👍

"For the prompt The book on your TBR list with the ugliest cover
I read The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix Boy I disliked this prompt. Prettiest/Ugliest are subjective but I didn't mind pretty. Ugly is SO negative. I'm an author. I know how damn hard it is to get a cover and someone worked on each and every one of them. Nope, bad prompt. Anyhow this was just a metal folding chair so not pretty BUT fitting for the opening of the story. Which...I honestly didn't like much. I loved the idea of it."
I do agree with you regarding the negative wording of the prompt. My immediate thought upon reading it was "Why couldn't that have read 'A book with a cover you do not find particularly exciting?" Or "appealing"? Sorry that didn't prove to be real enjoyable for you.

"I also read Penance on the Prairies by R.L. Syme but didn't much enjoy it either (I don't like amateur sleuth stuff where the law enforcement is anti-the sleuth)"
Hopefully this next week will include books you enjoy more than these!

"QOTW I'm going to avoid the politic stuff because it's right now doing damage in my family and so many others. (But definitely agree on the ending of the whitewashing of history)"

I apologize. It was not my intent to make anyone uncomfortable. I am sorry to hear that about your family...

"I am grateful for my friends who did their best this year to keep my spirits up. I had a terrible accident this year leaving me having to relearn how to walk and without that support who knows what might have happened."
And I'm sure everyone here echoes your gratitude for the support and your ultimate recovery. What an accomplishment! YAY YOU!!😃🤗

Alex wrote: "Happy Thanksgiving! I think the United States needs to reframe this holiday. Having a day devoted to gratitude is great, but yes the whitewashing of history should be avoided especially where Native Americans are concerned. I'm happy my daughter's school just focused on turkeys and gratefulness surrounding the holiday and not the typical glossed-over history. I don't doubt that the historical version of Thanksgiving happened, but I think that was an anomaly in the midst of the more common aggressive exploitation that was happening across the country at the time. We can't focus on this one peaceful instance as if it were the norm and ignore the plethora of abuses we've heaped upon Native Americans for centuries. Anyway, that's my two cents."
Couldn't have said it better! Glad for your daughter's school emphasizing the more generic aspects.

"Currently Reading
The Apostolic Fathers for "ugliest book cover on TBR". I have not made much progress on this at all. Holiday prep has taken all my time!"
Totally understandable! I hope it find it a rewarding read when you get back to it!

"QotW
I won't go into detail because I know there are a variety of religions represented on here, but I'm most thankful for the Eastern Orthodox Church. I've been on quite the spiritual journey and have finally found fulfillment and peace. :)"
So glad you mentioned this. As I have mentioned, I had the opportunity to attend an author event with G. Willow Wilson. She is a (white female) American/US citizen who discovered Islam. And I marked this quote from page 76 in the hardcover version of her autobiography The Butterfly Mosque: A Young American Woman's Journey to Love and Islam:
Faith, to me, is not a leap but an affirmation of personal experience. With Islam I gave myself permission to live in the world as I saw it, not as I was told to see it.
What specifically struck me about this was what I believe should be the underlying foundation for any belief system--that it verifies your perceptions and experiences, providing enlightenment and a clearer understanding of the world. I just thought that was apropos no matter what your belief system.

Ashley Marie wrote: "Happy Thursday and happy Thanksgiving! Husband and I are staying home and doing our preferred scaled-down dinner, just the two of us."
You and me both!

"Finished:
My Body - I left this one without a star rating because I don't know how to rate it. A deeply honest and very human memoir."
This looks intense, but I bet it is a rewarding read.

"PS 49/50"
Oooph! So close! 👍

"Currently:
Where White Men Fear to Tread: The Autobiography of Russell Means"
My favorite used bookstore has a copy of this on hold for me...

"A Tale of Two Cities"
I really really should tackle this one someday... 😋

"QOTW: Thankful for the life I have and the people (and critters) in it <3"
Awwww... 👍

Tania wrote: "Happy Thanksgiving! I always look forward to this as a day when my family sets aside their busy schedules and makes time to get together, that's the best thing about holidays because we all slow down and celebrate time together."
Sounds great!

"I'm 45/50 for the challenge."
Getting close!

"Finished this week:
My Dear Friend Janet by Keke Palmer
From the Desk of Lady Miss by Keke Palmer
Chelsea's Werk Weekby Keke Palmer"
These look to be quite humorous!

"In Progress:
Life of Pi by Yann Martel - beautifully written but somehow I keep setting it down"
Isn't it curious how that happens sometimes? I feel like that with The Souls of Black Folk.

"Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty - this one I can't put down! I'm halfway through and I just have to know what happened, it so suspenseful! I've never seen the show that spun off it, and I've avoided all spoilers, so I was taken by surprise with how it's going and I can't wait (although I also dread) to see how it ends."
I have yet to read a Liane Moriarty book, but now have Nine Perfect Strangers. But this looks like a good mystery!

"QOTW: I'm so grateful for so much! I try to remember that, but some days it gets by me and the pettiness of life and slow lines get in the way. Thanks for the reminder to start each day in thankfulness. I'm grateful for my relationship with God, for my wonderful husband, and for the blessing of our friends and family and the memories we make together above all else."
This is a superb list! 👍🤗

Theresa wrote: "I am enjoying Thanksgiving with an extended stay with friends in PA, and it is lovely. Even got together with 2 orhe PA friends while here! It is all very low key but wonderful after 2 years of not seeing and hugging each other."
Congrats for getting to see and hug friends!!

"Thanksgiving for me is about food, family, friends, and food. Always has been!"
I like those four Fs of Thanksgiving! LOL 👍😊

"I am at 47/50!"
You're one ahead of me! 😉

"Finished:
Crashed - my book I got for free. Great fun.
A Lakeside Thanksgiving
The Loneliest Cottage
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood - this was a rare audio read for me and I do think the author reading it contributed greatly to my enjoyment.
Turkey Trot Murder"
Quite an eclectic collection! LOL

"Currently reading:
A Suitable Boy
Silent in the Grave"
Wow. That first one is quite a brick at almost 1500 pages! And I have a copy of Silent in the Grave but am holding off until 2022!

"QOTW: I am thankful for my family and friends, my Good Reads community, Feminerdy IRL book club. Also for a profession I love tgat provides stimulating and challenging work. And I am so very grateful to be living in a state and city that took COVID seriously. We may have endured the longest lockdown and still have many restrictions in place,but we had only one lockdown, and over 80% of NY residents - that is New York State - have had at least one vax shot. That is something to give thanks for."
May I just note that I LOVE the term "Feminerdy"? 😊 I am glad for you (and somewhat jealous of you) for pursuing just such a rewarding profession! While my own state is one of the ones somewhat lagging behind, it is not one of the worst. I keep masking any time I am around other people. The vaccine does nothing to prevent transmission of COVID. It wasn't developed for that at all. (As with most vaccines.) It simply mitigates symptoms, which is great! But we need to remember the precautions to prevent transmission such as masking which has proven to be 50% effective, and along with that, hand washing and physical distancing when possible. Sorry. Stepping off my soapbox now... 😁

Ellie wrote: "Just a normal day here, though it has turned chilly these past few days and had to apologise to the planet for putting the heating on at last.

My employer has decided to wind down the business next year so we're in a weird redundancy consultation period where there's not much we can do about it. I suppose someone could swoop in and buy the business but I think we're all accepting of the situation. I'm planning to take a bit of time off between jobs, as I'm in a much better position than I was last time I was made redundant. So while I'm dreading eventual job hunting I can at least look forward to a break.

Still reading really slowly, I have finished Popsugar and have two left for ATY.

I finished The Winter Garden by Alexandra Bell for ATY (connected to ice). This was charming, I liked the story of these two women chafing against Victorian rules and their magical gardens. It's a bit slow and descriptive at times, so I wasn't really in the right mood for it for much of the month, but that's not the book's fault."
That title reminds me of Kristin Hannah's Winter Garden which was an amazing book, IMO! But this book also sounds amazing!

Dubhease wrote: "I'm not an American so today is just another work day. Besides Thanksgiving is my least favourite holiday."
Is there no "harvest"-type holiday where you are?

"Finished:
The Thirteenth Tale
ATY prompt: Wildcard used
Popsugar prompt: 47. A book from your TBR list you associate with a favorite person, place, or thing"
I'm just curious, what was your "favorite" about this one?

"Currently reading:
The Last Closet: The Dark Side of Avalon - about 80% done"
Wow. This looks to be very intense...

"Emma - about 25% done
(Buddy read with my daughter)"
I have yet to read this one.

"A Slow Fire Burning - 60% done. Waiting to get another copy."
Bummer. Hope you get it sooner rather than later!

"QOTW:
I'm grateful for my family. And for working at home, especially since we have freezing rain today. I used to commute 2.5 hours a day. Once I started saving that time, I decided to spend at least 30 minutes of it reading a day, which has more than doubled the number of books I'm reading a year."
That is sooooo cool! So glad you were able to rid yourself of such a long commute AND increase your reading that much more! A Win-Win!

Nadine wrote: "Happy Thanksgiving to our US members! I’ve always seen this holiday as a day to celebrate the harvest with family, I never associated it with the colonization of this country. Harvest celebrations take place in many countries and many cultures, after all. The whole story of the pilgrims and the friendly Native Americans always seemed like a myth, along the lines of Paul Bunyan stories. Somehow I knew it was not really the truth."
Upon reading this I realized that all I ever knew about the Thanksgiving holiday was the interpretation I was taught at school. And being raised in the rural midwestern US, that was the mythical "all's well" version. So I guess I was brainwashed by that since I can never remember discussing it with anyone else. My mother would have been all about the 'white-washed' myth anyway, even if we had discussed it.

"My kids & dogs & I are at my mom’s and we are having a lovely dinner for the four of us, including baked tofu for my vegetarian kid. One kid made a cheesecake and the other kid made an apple pie. My mother has been lonely and is thrilled with the company."
Awww...that is so sweet!

"This week I finished three books, and I really liked all three of them, so that’s a good week!! One book is for this Challenge, so I am now 47/50."
I call that a GREAT week! LOL

"Elizabeth and Her German Garden published anonymously, but later known to be written by Elizabeth von Arnim - thank you to those who recommended this for “published anonymously.” I LOVED this book! Finally this year, I have found a book I loved that I never would have read if not for this Challenge."
That is wonderful! This looks rather fascinating. I miss gardening and farming so much. Especially the connection to the land.

"Little Big Bully poems by Heid E. Erdrich - this was a fabulous collection of poems. I think I need to buy this book."
Ooohhh...that definitely has my attention! And a Native American author and sister of Louise Erdrich! Wow!

"Hell of a Book by Jason Mott - this was fantastic!!! Definitely deserving of the National Book Award."
Sounds like a good follow-up/companion read with Speak No Evil! Good to know. Somehow, this one wasn't on my radar.

"QOTW
I guess I’m most grateful for being able to work from home. My boss is starting to make noise about going back to the office - he’s one of those people who thinks you’re most productive in the office - BUT he and I are in two different states so what’s the difference to him if I’m at home or in the office?"
Interesting... I never cease to be amazed at some supervisors' thoughts...and actions! Not necessarily in a good way! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

"And I’m grateful for my wonderful kids, and my mom who does not meddle, and my dogs even though they are kind of smelly right now and need a bath and take up too much space in my bed when I’m trying to sleep."
All great things in your life!

"And yes I’m very grateful for Goodreads and for the reading challenges. What a gift to have found a group of readers as obsessed as I am!! I’m in a Facebook group of engineers who are also mothers - one woman asked for suggestions for an app to help her track her reading, and another mom was quite adamant that she has no interest at all in tracking her reading, it makes it seem like work. How can you not want to keep track???"
LOL 🤗 Once I learned of Goodreads I purposefully visited bookstores at least 2-3 times a week just to use the scanning function on my phone as I discovered books! But I do often declare that Goodreads is my "bible," because it is! But I realize not everyone takes their reading as seriously as I do!

And let me just say it has been so much fun to get to know some specific members better. You are one of those people, Nadine! As well as some others! *wink*

"In 2022 I’m going to try to follow along with the Tournament of Books, along with the Popsugar Challenge. I probably won’t be able to read ALL the books, but I’ll try to read enough to be able to participate throughout the “tournament.” I’m grateful for Goodreads and the Internet that allows me to find books and readers like these!!!"
I'll be anxious to learn about that through your experiences!