Saar The Book owl’s Comments (group member since Jun 26, 2020)

Saar The Book owl’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Euhm, something strange happened in the sheet. I've put my book in the Book - tab and almost all the reading dates and the info in the green column dissapeared. The same thing happened with the task - tab and the colors in the collated - task. I swear I didn't do anything wrong :( Is there a glitch?

I'm planning on finishing Gardens of the Moon. Then I've got 3 books left to start and finish before the end.

Thanks, Jenny :)

Jenny wrote: "OK guys!
While the story is being finalized, here is a list of potential tasks that can be filled out for the Jackanory. These are only suggestions, but if you have read a book that fits one, go ah..."

Hi Jenny,

can you add for me Blameless for 'Cameos: vampire' to the sheet? Thanks :)

Tammie wrote: "

I'm doing a bit of SS maint this eve...a few specifics and some general for ALL

@Saar - Please add The Fifth Season to your TT Shelf
@Alma - Please add Firekeeper's daughter to your TT Shelf...i..."

@Tammy: thanks for reminding me. I've completely forgot. I still need to read 2 books and a half for the challenge, but I can make it :)

I've read the Dutch translation of The Fifth Season and used it for E4 Bingo.

I highly recommend it. It's uncomfortable, but it makes you think deeper about the relations with your children and partner, but also about your past. It was a bit of a rollercoaster.

Thanks a lot, Jenny :)

Ok, thanks, Rosina :)

DQS - Day 4

13. Simon was kept very much a mystery character throughout the book. What is your opinion of him? How will he be able to support Esk in the future (or will he)?

I think Simon will support Esk. He seems a bit of a flat character, but there's more into it. They became good friends after Esk rescued him.

14. The meeting between Granny and the Archchancellor and their actions afterwards are a pivotal part of the book. What were your impressions?

That was hilarous and sweet at the same time. They'll do well together.

15. With duality of witchcraft vs. wizardry being one of the main themes, what do you think about the ending? Was it satisfyingly concluded?

Yes, I think that it was the ending that it needed and the confirmation for Granny that she's equal to wizards and that girls and women can become a wizard too.

16. How did you rate the book?
If you are new to Terry Pratchett, do you consider checking out more of his books (NOT just because of BOM points :)?
If you are familiar with his books/a fan - any changes in your earlier impressions/opinion?

I gave the book 4 stars. I'm new to the series, but I've started the first book and stopped after a few pages, thinking it wasn't for me, but I've read in the group that the best way, for a new reader of the series like me, is to start with this book. I did and liked it enought to read the next.

BONUS: Any favourite scenes? :)

Esk and Simon encoutering the creatures in the other dimension and the staff just being itself.

DQs - Day 3

9 . What do you think on the creatures from the dungeon dimensions? Do you find them creepy?

I found that you can't hardly make an image of it, because they excisted out of so many different parts. It made me think a bit of the creature from the movie 'The Village', before it was reveiled what the creature actualy was. But they were creepy.

10. I enjoyed the Esk’s thoughts about being both witch and wizard and wanting to defend the one to the other. Do you sympathize with this view (more in general than in specific regards to magic fields)?

Yes, there shouldn't be a border between witches and wizards. It's all about magic and spells. Indeed, why can't you be both?

11. Why do you think Esk’s magic did not work?

I think that her magic is still unbound and raw. If she needs how to control and work with it, her magic will be more controlable and will work.

12. Esk is supposed to be precocious but also nine years old. Do you think she acts in a way you could see a nine year old acting?

Yes, Esk is just like any other child that age: curious, adventurious and asking a lot of questions, but also thinking far on some matters.

As a member of Team Ook, the bonus question is: Is not the librarian wonderful and would you want to be turned back in his place?

The library is a wonderful place and I would want to stay there, but in my own human form.

I've finished 'Equal Rites' and answered the questions.
In the SS I'm not mentioned on the BOM's - tab. Do I need to put myself there and can I use the book for a task or not?

Tammie wrote: "CHERRY MOJITO

8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
6 to 8 fresh cherries, pitted
1 tablespoon sugar
juice of half a lime
1 1/2 to 2 ounces white rum
4 ice cubes
sparkling water

You could substitute ice for ..."

This I got to try out. It's sounds so good now with the heatwave we've got.

Angela wrote: "Saar The Book owl wrote: "I've finished The Push, but I don't find a place on the task list. Can someone look if it can fit elsewhere? Thanks!"

You could use it for the Spell out's..."

Thanks, I've put it there, but I accidently made a mistake: I've changed the title and date of line 149. Can this be corrected? Sorry!

I've finished The Push, but I don't find a place on the task list. Can someone look if it can fit elsewhere? Thanks!

That's a good idea, Tammie, I'll delete one.

DQs Day 2

Starting with a Bonus question...
“They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it is not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance.” (Granny said)
First off, who are “they”? I have always wanted to know. Secondly, do you agree with “them”?
I think that Granny is talking about the other witches or maybe just the people in general. I think having a lot of ignorance is bad, but also a little konwledge can be bad too. It's mostly what you do with both.

5. Esk went ahead and did not follow Granny’s advice, and thought since she had a feeling she could get into the bird’s brain, then why not do it.
When you were a kid, did you jump off the swing, or touch the hot burner? If so, give us examples.
Do you think she learned something from it, or are we looking at shades of her future University life?
I was a wild child growing up, so I did things that were a bit dangerous: climbing trees, jumping of things on the playground. Sometimes that child comes peaking again. Maybe Esk learned from it, but she'll always be tempted to do what is forbidden or just atractive, I think.

6. What do you think of Hilda and her version of Headology? What do you think of Headology in general?
I think Headology is something like the fortunetelling of Hilda. It's more what you believe or your own perception of what it's told. Maybe it's not 'real' magic.

7. Esk finds herself on a moving barge. Loved loved loved the resume of talents beyond washing and sweeping that Esk rattles off in an attempt to stay on the boat. What skills could you bring to the barge?
Realistic cat noises to chase away the mice.

8. Speaking of the barge, what do you think of Esk’s decision to just leave Granny? Did she mean to leave on her own adventure, or was it an accident? Do you think her matter of fact attitude is a product of her magic, or just her personality or upbringing?
I think it's both: following her own will and not thinking about the consequences. It's more the innocent of a child's adventure. I don't think it's a product of her magic, but more how Esk is.

DQs - Day 1

1. If you are new or relatively new to Discworld, what do you think of Pratchett’s world and writing style so far? For more experienced Pratchett readers, what are your favorite things about his writing style or Discworld in general?
I'm new to the Discworld and it seems to be a totally mad and hilarious world to live in. There are no rules and everything is possible and can happen. I really like the humor in the book and the writingstyle is totally off, but that's what I love after getting used to it.

2. So we have our plucky heroine Esk and her witchy mentor Granny Weatherwax. What do you think of our two main characters and their relationship with each other?
Granny Weatherwax isn't used to children around her. Of course, she's a midwife, but that's it. She's used to living on her own. Esk is pretty mature for her age of 8 and she has a big mouth when she talks, but in a positive way. She's curious about the world and has that total openess in gathering everything that there is to know. I think Granny Weatherwax and Esk like each other in their own way. They grow fond of each other.

3. A major theme is witch magic vs. wizard magic (and women vs. men), and I can’t wait to learn more about these different magical theories and world views. What do you think of this dynamic, and which type of magic are you more drawn to?
In the Discworld it seems to be of big importance that men practice wizard magic and women witch magic, ad if women don't need to think and aren't smart enough. The balance is off as it seems to be that wizards are the more respected persons with the most power. To me witch craft is much more important than wizardry. You are more connected with nature than a wizard. I would choose to be a witch, with a little hint of wizardry ;)

4. Oh dear. Esk went a bit too far with the borrowing. What do you think is going to happen next? And what will Granny say or do?
I've allready finished that part, but Esk was curious like any other kid would be. Granny Weatherwax came to the rescue as expected.

Bonus: I am really enjoying Pratchett’s wit so far. What is your favorite quote from this first bit? Mine is:
“What’s an elephant?”
“A kind of badger,” said Granny. She hadn’t maintained forest-credibility for forty years by ever admitting ignorance. I liked that one too. There are so many funny quotes, but one of my favorites is also about the marzipan ducks.

Jenny wrote: "Apparently, yes. The poll is here. Get ready.

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/2..."

It seems that I don't have permission to view the poll? Ow, sorry, I must be a member of the group. Didn't noticed that.

Jenny wrote: "I need to read the next books in that series. I thought the world building was amazing. It probably wouldn't hurt to reread the first one. Hmmm...

I am trying to decide which audiobook to start to..."

@Jenny: the world building is so interesting and complex, like the characters!