Lexi’s Comments (group member since Jul 27, 2016)

Lexi’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Day 3 Chapters 14-20

11. Whether the stories are true or not, are you interested in the back stories of Margaret’s family? What did you think of Freddy’s first interaction with Bernie? (The one that contained the only laugh out loud line so far “Because of your wardrobe?”)

Bernie was good fun and feel sorry her life did not work out with societal expectations. I think there is likely going to be a second round of stories that will add another level at some point as the quote was three sides and we are only given two.

12. Who exactly is Jodi? Will she be a part of the BIG REVEAL?

I assume so or that she is related somehow to the entire story.

13. I do not have kids, but Hayden’s list of “what ifs” to worry about was a lot. Do you parents worry about that stuff?

I have nieces and nephews and yes, there seems to be a lot of worry. I know my sister worries on school violence but that is likely common for US parents.

14. Why do you think Alice thinks that Margaret’s tales of her childhood are true, as opposed to the stuff about her family before she was around? Do you find her insightful or naive?

I think there is a difference between true and selective omission of things. As I said I think there will be a second round for the same stories. I don’t find her particularly insightful or naïve.

15. Think the visit to Alice’s family will go well? Think we will meet Hayden's family also?

Mother is going to say something hurtful about being too good for her writing and everything will be awkward. That is my prediction. I assume we will meet his or a part of it at some point.

DQs Day 2
The Story to Chapter 13

5. Margaret is lying – and probably not just about one singular thing. Do you think she’s even telling Alice and Hayden the same story? Personally I’m also really curious where Margaret’s sister Laura is – to me it feels like she might be key to the whole story… anything specific that made you perk up?
I haven’t really thought about Laura but I kind of wonder if she is testing to see if they talk to each other by giving different facts or aspects. I kind of assume they will write it together in the end.

6. Similarly, it was kind of an aside but I thought it was interesting when Margaret mentioned the Ives family’s rivalry with the Pulitzers. Is it just a random coincidence that Hayden is a Pulitzer-prize winning author who now also gets to talk to her? Especially since she requested him? And he has a bunch of family issues too?
I think it is just the general prize given to show someone is a “real” journalist to make Alice feel insecure since she is our POV character.

7. I was a little shocked when they were already kissing 25% in – and then not surprised when Hayden rejects Alice. Do you think he’s telling the truth when he says “I’m not going to hook up with someone whose dream job I’m about to take from them”? Or is there something else going on?
It was a bit fast to me and has happened quite a bit so far. I think the beach scence is the next section but really people.

8. We get quite a bit of detail on Alice’s job and research process as a journalist: what she’s searching for, working with fact-checkers, etc. Do you enjoy these types of details, i.e. minutae of characters’ jobs and hobbies?
Yes, otherwise, it would not seem like the author had any idea about the real job. (I have read books like that such as a vet who drives around town to pick up boxes of kittens as only job description b/c yes, I am sure they do that every day).

9. I’ve been to Hearst Castle, but long before I actually knew anything about him. The Ives family seems to be quite obviously inspired by him (and I guess he was name-dropped for plausible deniability). Is there a specific family dynasty you’re really interested in?
No, not at all.

10. Bonus question: So… anyone else feel like they’re reading Evelyn Hugo 2.0?
it and any of the other books about the time period and based off those kinds of families. I wanted to smack more of the characters in Evelyn so this book has that going for it.

DQs Day 1
Chapters 1 to 7

1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
I tend to like Emily Henry more than most but considering I actively dislike contemporary romance I am more here for the historical backstory. I liked the Book one but wasn’t impressed as much with Funny Story. The 2/3 to ¾ communication break down and break up is always a pain. Just act like adults and communicate. However, he books read quickly and I generally enjoy them.

2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
Alice is sweet and very bublly clearly carrying some childhood insecurities and I like her early attempts to be polite/social though I would not have since men always seem to get a pass on being rude more than women in these kind of situations.

3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
I would. It gives her a change that she otherwise wouldn’t have. I think Margaret may have been surprised by her meeting on both people and that may have changed some pre-conceived notions. They both can work remote, and it seems a lovely place to stay for a few weeks. No one mentioned pets or children so there isn’t that to worry about.

4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
I am about half-way so I know more about him and him opening up. I have never known someone who was a mayor’s son but lots of pastor’s kids deal with this.

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue – Part 1, Chapter 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, a cheesy start, or are you indifferent?
It didn’t particularly register one way or another. It is a fairly expected way to start a book with a letter and starting a trip.

2. Why do you think Tío Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and insist they be chaperoned and taken care of?
I figure he is not entirely trustworthy but also dismissive likely play a large part as well.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses about its significance?
I figure it will or the author would not have made it stand out so much in this scene so early in the book.

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions, or do you prefer a more fast-paced story?
Not my favorite but I don’t read a lot of YA these days and this feels very YA so far and repetitive. Lots of saying how you feel and then saying it again.
5. In Chapter 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you, or will you feel bogged down by the details?
I have slightly low expectations even though I had it on my TBR list. I don’t expect it to be too deep and to have insta-romance because YA. I hope it is fun though.

I have a nice U book with tango that I can work on. I should have lots of reading time this weekend but won't claim it yet if someone gets there first as I have 3 to finish before then. (The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam)

Cathy, sorry, you did not enjoy The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. It is one of my favorites.

I started Great Big Beautiful Life yesterday and it is fun so far. My copy is due back to the library in five days and the wait list is huge now. I was lucky to get in line for a copy right after they bought it.

I just added my planned country books for the next month or so. I am not claiming an entire itinerary but wanted to make sure I wasn't going over double on any country. I will move them down to later itineraries as other people read too and I decide what order I am reading them in. Please let me know if you have any concerns on this.

Also, countries where we already have two books claimed (you can see this in yellow on the planning sheet):
Hard
Tanzania
Uganda
Kuwait
Ethiopia

Medium
Taiwan

I will also keep this updated at the top of the thread.

Maria Jo, I moved your Fiji book and one of mine that I will read later to the next itinerary.

Everyone, there is room in the currant itinerary for more books and we will move books around as they are finished so read whatever countries you want (preferably hard and medium).

Nicely done, everyone and thank you, Judith

Hi all, we are on to itinerary 3 now so books in itinerary 3 can be finished now.

So close but still no

Glad you are home and sorry about the delays

We are done with another cheese, great job everyone

New cheese everyone, we have every letter but the Q or U covered. Please comment if you read since May 20th or are reading a book with a Q or U charecter. Thank you

We are off to a new country. Great job, everyone. We got Korea.

Author born in Korea
Red, Blue, White and Black on cover
character goes to the spa
letters SEOUL in title (any order)
MPG Science
character works in technology
K
O
R
E
A

Thank you, Erin.

Polls are open through June 7.

Books nominated by team members if you are having trouble deciding which to vote on are:

Mountains:
Adult:

Maria Jo, I have a book with Notre Dame in the background that I will finish tonight if you are not near to starting/finishing your church on cover book. This will allow us to get a new spin for Spain this evening. Just wanted to check with you first.

The White Girl by Tony Birch

"A profound allegory of good and evil, and a deep exploration of human interaction, black and white, alternately beautiful and tender, cruel and unsettling."--Guardian

Australia's leading indigenous storyteller makes his American debut with this immersive and deeply resonant novel, set in the 1960s, that explores the lengths we'll go to save the people we love--an unforgettable story of one native Australian family and the racist government that threatens to separate them.

Odette Brown has lived her entire life on the fringes of Deane, a small Australian country town. Dark secrets simmer beneath the surface of Deane--secrets that could explain why Odette's daughter, Lila, left her one-year-old daughter, Sissy, and never came back, or why Sissy has white skin when her family is Aboriginal.

For thirteen years, Odette has quietly raised her granddaughter without drawing notice from welfare authorities who remove fair-skinned Aboriginal children from their families. But the arrival of a new policeman with cruel eyes and a rigid by-the-book attitude throws the Brown women's lives off-kilter. It will take all of Odette's courage and cunning to save Sissy from the authorities, and maybe even lead her to find her daughter.

Bolstered by love, smarts, and the strength of their ancestors, Odette and Sissy are an indomitable force, handling threats to their family and their own identities with grace and ingenuity, while never losing hope for themselves and their future.

In The White Girl, Miles Franklin Award-nominated author Tony Birch illuminates Australia's devastating post-colonial past--notably the government's racist policy of separating Indigenous children from their families, known today as the Stolen Generations--and introduces a tight-knit group of charming, inspiring characters who remind us of our shared humanity, and that kindness, hope, and love have no limits.

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

In Daretana’s most opulent mansion, a high Imperial officer lies dead—killed, to all appearances, when a tree spontaneously erupted from his body. Even in this canton at the borders of the Empire, where contagions abound and the blood of the Leviathans works strange magical changes, it’s a death at once terrifying and impossible.

Called in to investigate this mystery is Ana Dolabra, an investigator whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricities.

At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol. Din is an engraver, magically altered to possess a perfect memory. His job is to observe and report, and act as his superior’s eyes and ears--quite literally, in this case, as among Ana’s quirks are her insistence on wearing a blindfold at all times, and her refusal to step outside the walls of her home.

Din is most perplexed by Ana’s ravenous appetite for information and her mind’s frenzied leaps—not to mention her cheerful disregard for propriety and the apparent joy she takes in scandalizing her young counterpart. Yet as the case unfolds and Ana makes one startling deduction after the next, he finds it hard to deny that she is, indeed, the Empire’s greatest detective.

As the two close in on a mastermind and uncover a scheme that threatens the safety of the Empire itself, Din realizes he’s barely begun to assemble the puzzle that is Ana Dolabra—and wonders how long he’ll be able to keep his own secrets safe from her piercing intellect.

Featuring an unforgettable Holmes-and-Watson style pairing, a gloriously labyrinthine plot, and a haunting and wholly original fantasy world, The Tainted Cup brilliantly reinvents the classic mystery tale.

I meant 3. Thank you and fixed above.