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

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

Bit of a late start, but I need some accountability. I just wrote the review for my last one for October and have one left from September. However, I have 32 that are published already that I am behind on.

October Netgalley Challenge

Beginning of month
Books on shelf: 36
Feedback ratio: 74%

Past Publication:
2018-2019:

2020:

Jan - Aug 2021:

September 2021:

Nov 2021:

2022:

Just under 4 hours to go

Wheel starts tomorrow!
Let us know if there are any other questions before we start and feel free to ask questions any time.

Countdown to the start of Wheel:
https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown...

Jenn, car tires definitely work, and I would accept film wheel as well, as the spin on an axis like a wheel. I would also accept gear wheel, but Sophie may have some thoughts on this.

For page number and cover, always use the version you actually read. (Unless you are reading large print and then you use the standard page count and same for audios.

How is everyone doing? Anyone got any last minute book plans before Wheel starts? I have a comic I mean to read since I cannot prove word count - Aya: Life in Yop City.

Sophie wrote: "Between that and one of the characters being called Riley, it would be usable BUT it's tagged as a children's book which means we have to be able to verify the word count is over 40,000 words. Unfo..."

I also checked and there is no audio so you would need to wait and see if it gets added to arbooks if you want to use it.

I just put a library hold for as well if anyone wants to volunteer for backup DQs

Good choice for November. I'll vounteer for DQ's for Team Max.

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Oooh,, glad my nomination got up.

Nominating for Team Max. 😍"

I'll be Lisa's backup just in case

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "The November BOM's are up.

I'm really pleased because the one I chose for YA got chosen. So I nominated for DQ's as well. "

Nice, my nominations came in 3rd for both, but I want to read both already so that's good. I can be your backup just in case.

Audrey Jane wrote: "Cat wrote: "Incidentally, I don't really recognise the image on the cover as being a willow. They are usually spindly sorts of trees, being helpful for baskets and fencing so needing flexible whipp..."

I am still not sure about the one on the cover, but Osier Willows are a Asian and European variety of willow which (view spoiler)[ makes perfect sense considering they are first seen in Germany (hide spoiler)] and is not a weeping willow. See this site and click on the top image to get more pictures: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/tree...

DQs Day 2 - Chapters 8-12

5. We have horror elements now, specifically body horror, with Them and the bus and park ranger. How creepy are you finding them? I often feel let down by the reveal in horror books, especially when you wait, and the ending seems lackluster. Does this book work for you so far as horror or creepy if not full out horror?

6. What do you think of the phrase "Pray they are Hungry"? Did you have an idea what it meant before being told?

7. Willows, let’s talk about the willows. I think in the first section they were supposed to seem familiar. How do you think that familiarity and imagery with the willows has shifted in this section?

8. We aren’t told what Simon is using to not think of Them , but Kara uses petty grievances (her ex, sister-in-law, fanfiction community). Do you think this is more effective than singing, and if you feel like commenting, what do you think would personally be effective for you to not think about Them ?

Section One
1. Uncle Earl, what a colourful character! And it seems he has some interesting friends as well. What's your opinion of him? Do you think he knew about the secret hallway?

I agree that he did not know about the hallway, and I think he is a great character. It is nice that the MC has such a good relationship with him and sweet how he set the room up.

2. What do you make of Kara and Simon's reactions following the discovery of the dead body in that "bunker" ? And their decision to not call the police?

I agree especially considering the situation. How do you even start explaining that and poor Simon?

3. Do you think there might be any connection between the carved corpse-otter sent by Woody and the hidden hallway or is it just a coincidence that the hole was there?

I have read this before but I think the connection is fairly clear for the reader but less so for the characters.

4. Maybe a random question but what's with all the maple trees ? Seeing as a tree is depicted on the cover as well, do you think there's any significance to this ?

They are willow trees in the book and I always found them creepy. There is a sense of being recognizable and thus safer because they are known in this section and that shifts in the next section.

Just spreadsheet please

Welcome everyone,

We will use a planning spreadsheet as a team. You all just need to add your books to the SS with date read and add them to your Wheel shelf. Please put down reasons for any letters that work, and Sophie and I will spell out the words. (Our first-round word is Neon Carrot). I added my first two books as an example. If anyone needs help or has any questions about using Google spreadsheets, feel free to ask.

Here is the link to the sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Love that our team is from all different parts of the world.

By the way, I've volunteered for BOM DQ's for "

Great, I'll be your backup

I’ll happily be backup for Team Max.

Welcome, everyone

Yes, we are based of the series and the main character is Max so you will also see us referred to as Team Max (so much shorter to write)

Sophie wrote: "Team St Mary's is ready for everyone! Quick message in the midst of bedtime, so not up to a link, sorry!"

Link is Here

Hi all, My name is Lexi (she/her/hers). I just moved to Northern Indiana (EST), and started a postdoc. I especially enjoy reading fantasy, sci-fi, and mysteries and am trying to read authors from a wider range of countries this year. This is my 4th Wheel.

Welcome to team Team St. Mary's Institute (aka Team Max). Please introduce yourself (include your preferred pronouns), your shelf name and if you have played wheel before.

My shelf is: WheeloWheels2021

Also, just a reminder that all books must be started after Wheel starts, so you have over a week to finish anything you already started and catch up on those books under 160 pages or less than 40,000 words before we start.

Please feel free to ask any question now and throughout. You can ask here in the thread of message me.