Louise’s Comments (group member since Aug 29, 2015)

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

September Log
After taking a much needed break Lady Louise returns to the kingdom ready to face the challenges ahead.

Lady Louise: Level 27; XP: 419; HP 13/27; Sword: Level 9 (AP 15); Staff Level 11 ( AP 17); Gold: 65

7th September
Easter Bunny: +3HP
Pot of Gold: + 1Gold
Puppy Fetch: +1Gold
Lady Louise: Level 27; XP: 419; HP 16/27; Sword: Level 9 (AP 15); Staff Level 11 ( AP 17); Gold: 67

• Great Sewer Rat attack: 8 Attack 20 Health - Reward: 2 Experience, 1 Rat Tail
Lady Louise : Lvl 27, HP :16/27; Sword: Level 9, Magic Staff: Level 11, XP: 419
>Lady Louise attacks with Magic Staff (17 AP) => 20 - 17 => 3 HP remaining
> Great Sewer Rat attacks 7AP (8 - 1 rocky the rock) => 16 - 7=> 9/27HP
>Lady Louise attacks with Sword (15 AP) => 3-15 =>Great Sewer Rat is dead
Gain: +1 HP (Rocky); 2XP; 1 rat tail
Lady Louise : Lvl 27, HP :10/27; Sword: Level 9, Magic Staff: Level 11, XP: 421

• Completed: In the beginning zombies ate brains and more brains - + 1 shotgun; + 3XP
Lady Louise : Lvl 27, HP :10/27; Sword: Level 9, Magic Staff: Level 11, XP: 424

8th September

Completed - Puppy School - Beginner Combat Training Gain: Beginner Combat Certificate Puppy: AP 1

Added my last book to the sheet

DQs Day 6, July 7
Chapter 53 - 59 88-100%

24. For most of the first half of the book, I kept picturing a lot of tragic endings for multiple characters. Did the book end happier than you figured? Are you happy with the way everyone's lives turned out and do you think it matches their upbringing and experiences?
It turned out happier than I thought it would


25. We now know the final fate of the painting. Do you agree with the choice? Did the result end up fitting the artist mentality and the magic of the friendship or was it illogical?
It was perfect

26. Louisa starts the book and much of it is her journey, but Ted surprisingly takes over as a big main character as well. With the past history it mainly seems to be Joar's experiences that are told the most. Do you think the book has a main central character that stands out the most? Do you think some of the other characters are not mentioned enough equally?
Ted stands out the most for me

27. We learn what happens with Ali. Spoilers if you have not gotten to this part, so I'll get it general. It was stated in a way that there is also beauty in a sense of also going out a certain way while they mourn and talk about tragedy. Did you think Ali would walk in alive also, such as when the car with the woman pulled up?

I kind of knew she was no longer in the picture, it fit with her storyline

28. If this is your first book by Fredrik Backman, are you planning to now read more? If you have read another book by this author, was the style of this one with the writing similar to the other(s) you have read?
I enjoyed the book and will definitely return to this author

Fiona wrote: "Mel, ask and you shall receive - a cheese quiz:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/jbennett300/..."

It would seem I’m a Brie.

Day 2 July 3
Chapter 12-19 18-37%

#5. Joar mentions that his mom thinks the best invention in the world are pockets. I have seen a Meme that says a woman, when complimented on her dress will reply “It has pockets.” I love a good pocket. How do you feel about pockets?
I agree pockets are useful

#6. I must admit I am confused and intrigued about the artist. Who do you think the artist is? What is his or her significance in the story?
Not entirely sure but I’m sure we’ll find out

#7. I am loving the banter between Louisa and Ted. Louise is so precocious. What do you think of their relationship? Any ideas of what is to come between the two?
I too am enjoying their banter and through their friendship they will help to heal each other

#8. In Chapter #19 we find more about the mentioned Ali. What is your impression of her?Any guesses on what happens next?
definitely hiding trauma with her wit

#9. Fredrick Backman has a way of pulling at your heartstrings. In Chapter 19 I both cried and laughed. The children's stories are both heartbreaking and heartwarming. How are you feeling about the book so far? Are you enjoying it?
I am really enjoying it and powering through

Dq Day 1
Day 1, Chapters 1-11 (1-18%)


1. Warm-up question: have you read any other books by Fredrik Backman before? If yes, what do you like/dislike about his themes/style, etc?

I haven’t read anything by this author previously

2. In the first chapter we are intorduced to quite a memorable auction scene with super-rich people who all want to possess THE PAINTING, though their intentions are questionable. Did this make you think of some similar events happening in the world right now?

Not really

3. "Artists vs Normal People" - another apsect of these first chapters is the great divide between true artists and normal people. Backman seems to suggest that most people don't/cannot get true art and artists are so much more different (possibly better people?). Do you agree with this? Or is it a generalisation?
Art is subjective and I do believe that the interpretation we put on art pieces is often different to what the artist intends

4. In a sequence of weird events, Louisa ends up in possession of The Painting.
Any guesses what may happen to her and to it?
I’m hoping she will find a way to use the painting to make a better life for herself

Bonus Q: do you have a favourite artist or a favourite piece of painting/sculpture?
Not really

Updated my books

Just logging on to let you know currently on vacation in Tunisia but internet is very spotty. Will update everything Sunday/Monday when I’m home

DQ Day 4 Chp. 11-13

16. While Joe has pretty much run away from home life, He gets a job and buys a truck. He runs into a woman who didn't feel necessary to give her name. Do you think this is Norma (Ruthie)? Do you think Joe would recognize her if it was?
This was obviously not Ruthie but a side character that helps Joe sees the world for what it is

17. Joe is gone over 8 years when he finds out he has a kid. Did you think he would actually go home to be with his family? Why do you think he can't/won't? Joe had an inate belief that they were better off without him for fear of hurting them.

18. When Norma misses that her mother is getting older and forgetful, did you judge her for not moving in and taking care of her mother?
No, caring for someone with Dementia/Alzheimers is exceptionally difficult and the choice to put her in a home was in the best interest of both of them

19. Was you losing faith that Norma would find out the truth before the end of the book? How did you think she would find out? Was hearing the truth from her Aunt a surprise?
She would always find out the truth eventually

DQs Day 3

12. When Norma tells her mother she's pregnant, Norma notices fear in her other's eyes. What do you think that fear was about? Do you think she was remembering her own past experiences and worrying about Norma, or was she fearing that this would lead to Norma finding out the truth somehow? (Thinking to all of the bloodwork and stuff that comes from this, though admittedly not sure in the time frame if that was as much of a concern.)
I think the fear was more about losing Norma, either due to her motherhood or finding out the truth

13. Ruthie was from Nova Scotia and went missing in Maine, yet Norma and Ben ran into each other in Boston of all places — somewhere his family would not be expecting her. Later, when they need some time away, Norma's husband takes her to Nova Scotia, where she feels some familiarity and connection to the land. Are these crossovers just coincidences, or do you think that in the grand scheme of the story, something more (fate, a higher power, etc.) is leading them to each other?
I’ve finished the story but at this stage I thought it was more than coincidence and that all the tangled threads would lead somewhere

14. We get the backstory in this section on why Joe didn't know he had a daughter at first. Knowing what we know now do you agree with his family's decision to keep him in the dark? Have your opinions on Joe changed with this piece of backstory revealed?
His family knew that he had to make the choice for himself and not out of some sense of duty. Joe was fighting his own demons which made him more real

15. "I would learn to love the little one." What a strange thing for Lenore to say when broaching the topic of adoption — especially considering Norma's circumstances. What did you think when you read that — especially seeing how Lenore treated Norma growing up I thought that Lenore was vocalizing her own actions

DQ - Day 1
1. What expectations do you have for the book based on the blurb or other description of the book?
Didn’t read the blurb so had no prior expectations

2. How reliable do you the think the 2 narrators are?
I listened to the audio so having two narrators worked as you instantly knew whose story you were involved in

3. Chapter 1 opens with " The day Ruthie went missing the black flies seemed to be especially hungry...Indians made such good berry pickers...something sour in our blood kept the black flies away". How does this establish Joe's view of the relationship that exists between the whites and the Mi'kmaq?
He is beginning to see that racism exists and that people react differently to them because of their heritage

4. How much is Norma dreaming vs remembering? What do you think the dreams foreshadow?
I’ve finished the book so know the answer to this, at this stage I had a hunch that her unconscious mind was remembering her earlier life

5. How do you explain Lenore's paranoia about Norma being out alone? How do you account for the incongruity of her insistence that Norma likes to play with baby dolls when she sees Norma choosing other playthings?
She is trying to keep Norma reliant on her so that she doesn’t explore out of curiosity

6. Why did Joe act so clingy when he returned from his first "guide" with his dad?
He wants to hold on to what he believes has held the family together despite the loss of a child. Joe sees his mother as a solid rock in an ever tumultuous world

Melindam wrote: "🛩️
Mini 2 - New / Unclaimed Tasks
📕

Read a book where a character lives in a small place or in the countryside


Any unused books that may fit this one?

- One Little Mistake (Louise)
- De affa..."

Unfortunately not

June Log
15/6 -
Easter Bunny: +3HP
Pot of Gold: + 1Gold
Puppy Fetch: +1Gold
Lady Louise: Lv/27; XP: 393
Lady Louise: Lvl 9, HP : 13/27; Sword: Level 8 AP 14 (10+3+1), Magic Staff: Level 10 , AP 16 (12+3+1) XP: 419

•Upgraded Sword to Level 9 AP 15 (11+3+1)
• Upgraded Staff to Level 11 AP 17 (13+3+1)

Melindam wrote: "Denise wrote:

Great Big Beautiful Life has watermelon in text! Page 25, she wears watermelon earrings. I won't claim it yet in case anyone else reading it is closer to finished."

Yaay"
I’ve finished it

Pg25 technically a tiny bit too short, big watermelon earrings, and a white knit top. I step

DQs Day 6
Chapter 32–end

24. Lots of big reveals here in the last few chapters! We learn the truth about Jodi's relationship to Margaret, as well as some vital information about Hayden's family history. What did you think of those reveals? Did you have any theories that ended up being right, or did they surprise you?
Other than Jodi, who I was sure was more important to Margaret than we were led to believe. We were given hints early on of Hayden’s importance to her life but I glossed over it. The reveals made sense within the narrative of the story.

25. Alice finally has the hard conversation with her mother about how out of place she feels in the family and how she feels like her mother doesn't like her as a person. How did you feel about the conversation? Did it feel realistic to you? Was there anything left unsaid you wish would've been addressed?
I do feel it was realistic with Alice’s father gone the conversation needed to happen to ensure that they didn’t grow apart through misunderstandings

26. Emily Henry, the author, said that the song that best encapsulates this book is "the last great american dynasty" by Taylor Swift. I personally think there was a part that specifically felt like "marjorie" by Taylor Swift (when Alice talks about all the things she should have done when her dad was alive). If you had to pick one song that fits this book — either the book as a whole or a specific part — what song would you choose? Do you like when authors provide songs/playlists that go with their books?
Don’t really follow Taylor swift and I tend to be a bit indifferent to this promotion of music material. Music is as individual to people as their feelings on the books that they read

27. "I welcome her to this great big beautiful life" — the epilogue finally reveals the significance of the title. What did you think of the ending and how the author wrapped up the story? Is there anything you wish had been done differently?

I think this was done well and in keeping with the main characters of the book. The hea was there but not without a long struggle.

I can cover these with my next 2 reads

Read a book first published in September of any year
Read a book that is in the Books You Wish More People Knew About List

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 don’t think she’s telling the whole truth. She is possibly giving each of them parts of the truth and if they were to compare they would see which parts were true and which parts were a cover for something else



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 don’t think it’s a coincidence

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?
As a prize winning author I think he believes that he is better than her and that he has already won the competition

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?
I do it makes it all that little bit more real

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?
Not particularly


10. Bonus question: So… anyone else feel like they’re reading Evelyn Hugo 2.0?
Only in that the writing style is similar

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 enjoy this author and have read a number of her books. I am fully expecting to enjoy this one to

2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
I like Alice, although I think her happy go lucky outlook is a front to try and make herself appear as others want her to be. Not quite sure about Hayden

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?

To give them all the opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level to ensure that the resulting book is more than just a fluff piece

4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?

There would always be some historical background to his manner. Too early to tell whether my opinion has changed

Finished my kebab book.

Cap is working out fine for me. I’ve got some challenges coming to an end which leaves my reading more unrestricted

A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby works for Kebab I need to read for another challenge