Vicki’s Comments (group member since Sep 08, 2018)

Vicki’s comments from the Challenge Corner group.

Trisha, I'll join you for these three:

Not much more! 😂

Through Charles and Diana

(view spoiler)[I think Griffin's character is so sketch up to this point. He seems to see and sense far more than the adults assume he does. He's very aware of mood shifts, especially between his parents. Griffin is pretty good at actually interpreting events he witnesses.

I think the pacing is very slow but I think it's deliberate because of Griffin's inner processing so to speak. But it's DRAGGING.

I think one reason I'm not into this book too much is because it doesn't seem plot nor character driven to me. It's more reflective and literary. There doesn't seem to be big dramatic turns or twists of the nature I enjoy. While the world around Griffin looks glittery and stable, he's also really beginning to understand how messy, confusing, and fragile adulthood is. We all are SO anxious to get there whenn we're young! lol (hide spoiler)]

The End

(view spoiler)[All the loose ends tie together in the final pages. These chapters absolutely shift to danger. I was shocked by the appearance of Elizabeth and WHY she'd gone missing.

It's disgusting that the system itself enables the wrongdoing of powerful people. They silenced victims, ignored red flags, and only cared about protecting reputations.

The book definitely doesn't sugarcoat how "uneven" justice can be. It's sadly too realistic about how systems protect privilege. (hide spoiler)]

Through Ch. 31

(view spoiler)[Sade's journey isn't just about solving Elizabeth's disappearance, it's about confronting her own fears. This section definitely kept me guessing. It appears that trust can be dangerous at ANA. Quite a few revelations in this section. The suspense is much more intense in this section. If there's a heart to the story, this section was it. (hide spoiler)]

Through Ch. 20

(view spoiler)[Persephone is sharp, defiant, and openly challenges others which I thought could get her in trouble.

It's become clearer (to me) that the boarding school is NOT just a backdrop but a character. The school's reputation seems to matter more than the truth, which sadly to say is TOO TRUE in many cases of authority. (hide spoiler)]
I agree not a lot happened in these chapters.

Through Ch. 10 - I'm going to try to comment on the correct chapters, but I read it a while back. If anyone is currently reading, be aware that it's possible I might inadvertently spoiler it but I tried not to.

(view spoiler)[These chapters set up the mood and built a suspenseful boarding school mystery. Sade Hussein is new at the school and already grieving over personal loss and then her roommate goes missing. I don't know why the school is being rather dismissive about Elizabeth missing, which seemed to make them complicit.

Sade is a thoughful character and very observant. She's pretty quick to notice the inconsistencies of her roommate's disappearance.

Secrets abound EVERYWHERE and in EVERYONE! I think it was in chapter 10 where I thought the book pivoted. During English class when she's defending Lady Macbeth, I think that set up a theme of misogynistic power when Francis (?) takes a different POV of Lady Macbeth. (hide spoiler)]

Through The Agony of Defeat

The Prologue(view spoiler)[ Holy moly! Did I read that right? Jeez, a 36 year old and 14 year old? Disgusting! Even Griffin realizes that's totally inappropriate.

He seems to be trying to balance his life as a child actor, wrestling practice AND being a student. He's in a hard spot because his acting is really essential to his father and Griffin's school tuition. Typical boy (even men) lies about his "sexual conquest" trying to impress her. And she listens! Yeah, I would not be okay with that!

Obviously there's a danger to a child/adult relationship of their nature. And, as you said, who the heck wants to read about a 14 year old boy's sexual experiences! UGH (hide spoiler)]

I'm so sorry to hear that! I think I'll take my sweet time with it unless I feel differently. Or maybe that would be more torturous. lol IDK I guess we'll see.

Oh no! I'm still going to read it since I paid for the book. I hate it when we totally dislike a book we're reading. Do you ever DNF a book?

Because I left for a month to Florida, I didn't want to pack my hardbacks, so I will start this one sometime during the next couple of days. I need to see what to prioritize.

Oh no!!! And it's SO long! Let me know if it changes from boring to totally doable!

I'm so sorry I've been pretty much MIA! I am finally home now but I need to write reviews, which I'll do as soon as my shoulder and back quick hurting me. I slept on a recliner all month and it took its toll on my body.

Review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Pages: 288
Dr. Facilier SKULL in title
How it Fits: The letters SKULL are in the title

Review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Pages: 318
Ursula Features a witch
How it Fits: features witches

Elizabeth, good luck to you and especially your mom. I hope all goes well for her.

Trisha, thanks for posting our books.

Trisha, I think you know that my shoulder is VERY PAINFUL (from my torn rotator cuff) and it's too difficult to type on my laptop, so I will post some comments here when my shoulder is better.

I totally agree with your final comments as well as your rating!

How is it so far?

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Buddy Read: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... 304
Shan Yu: 'Invader' in text (pg/% & quote)
How it Fits: "he embraced the intruder" (50)

The End

(view spoiler)[I feel like the motif of the elephants came full circle. The ending is hopeful, so what started as the elephants being a symbol of unspoken memory and burdens is reframed as a kind of inheritance of strength. I love it. Their choices around family, loyalty, and identity crystalize. There's still pain, still unfinished business, but the tone shifts toward acceptance.

Yet, I think the conclusion is bittersweet. The "elephants" remain, but they no longer only are obstacles. They're witnesses, keepers of memory, and quiet companions to whatever lies ahead.

Hope I make sense. lol (hide spoiler)]