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

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

DQ 6 July Chapter 34 -44

12. Have you read any of Baduga’s books before? I’m finding this quite different for her dipping into HF. Your thoughts if you have read the others? If not, are you interested in picking up some more of her books?
I have read Shadow and Bone and Ninth House which I thoroughly enjoyed. I have enjoyed this book and will always read more from this author

13. Many of the characters are changing from what they were first presented as. If there anyone you are finding you like more than you did originally?

I am liking Valentina more as she starts to live her life as she should without wanting what isn’t hers

14. Do you believe there will be a HEA here? Or is Luzia doomed?
I’ve finished so know the answer

15. Bardugo’s family were expelled from Spain during the inquisition and she said in a People interview “This was something I was passionate about learning about, because it's my own family's history”. Do you think this adds to the story that she has a personal connection ? Is there anything in your family history you wish you could research more?

A personal connection always adds depth

Day 2 Chapter 13 - 23

5. Luzia’s refranes combine elements from diverse cultural traditions, creating a powerful form of magic tied to her Jewish heritage. Does the portrayal of Luzia’s magic suggest that blending different cultural traditions enhances personal power and resistance, or does it emphasize the delicate balance and possible loss of identity in such a blend?

Interesting question, blending cultures is obviously a good idea but persecution and prejudice can bring out the worst of these cultures causing divisions rather than unity

6. Characters like Valentina and Hualit demonstrate varying levels of ambition and moral compromise on their paths to security and success. Is pursuit of personal safety and financial security a justifiable reason for ethical compromises, or should ambition be tempered with moral integrity?

Different people have a different moral compass, what one person deems acceptable, another person will not. The path to achieving our ambition will always provide opportunities where our own moral compass is tested

7. Have you done other reading set in late-16th-century Spain? If not, are you having any problems following the political intrigues and social mores? What’s your favorite time period to read for historical fiction?

I haven’t read this time period, I tend to lean towards Regency historical, WW2 and recent history 50s; 60s; 70s and 80s

8. What do you make of Santángel? At one point we get the line, “And Santángel would be free.” Free from what, do you think?

I liked him initially at this point I didn’t know what he would be free from, but I have finished and know the answer.

Nosy bonus question. Are you reading this book for historical fiction, for fantasy, for romance, and/or for DQ points for your BG team?
for points

Day 1 DQ’s
1- Although Valentia feels shame in her actions to confront Luzia and her magic she still threatens her to use it at her dinner party. What were your thoughts and do you feel bad for Valentia and her desperation?

I felt sorry for Luzia given how she is treated


2-Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house and gave her extra chores. Why do you think Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house?

She would lose the little bit of power she has over Luzia and can’t afford for her to go

3-How did using music and song to make Luzia magic work make you feel or think of.

It reminds me of the scenes in Mary Poppins, it focuses the mind

4- Don Victor(De Paredes) shows up at Casa Ordobos to make sure Luzia has a room with and even hints at having her join him if not. Why do you think having Luzia in her own room benefits either of them?

For Luzia it offers privacy for Don Victor it exerts control

@melis can you add A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel to the BOM tab it is the Backroom BOM for July

@Maria Helena please add Goodbye Again

@Nick please add Warbreaker to your shelf

@Roe please add Things You Save in a Fire to your shelf

@StaceyC please add Burn for Me to your shelf

I finished and once again thoroughly enjoyed it. This was so action packed and emotional. (view spoiler)[Peeta’s slow recovery from his torture and mind hijacking at the Capitol and Gayle’s thirst for revenge became the decider for Katniss as to who she couldn’t live without especially following the death of Prim. How the author wrote about Katniss grief and ptsd was excellent. Katniss realises the truth at the moment of Snow’s “execution” and surprises everyone by taking out Coin knowing that Snow is dying sends Panem into uproar and Katniss into exile. I’m glad the way things turned out in the end. (hide spoiler)]

I’m nearly at the end of this and thoroughly enjoying it. There is a lot going on here as they try to go in and kill snow. I feel sorry for Peeta being used as a Pawn between Coin and Snow, both using him as a pawn to kill Katniss. Boggs explanation of why Coin does this is spot on.

I’m flying through this and already drawing comparisons between the strict regime of D13 and that of the Capitol. Have they just swapped one despotism for another. I agree with Cat, Haymitch is by far my favorite character this time round.

Just been catching up on thread, had a hectic week doesn’t seem to be getting easier

Day 5 — ch 24-end

18. Jack and Lucy have an emotional discussion about dreams — and how giving up on dreams can be a relief as it’s one less thing to worry about. Do you think there’s any truth in this? Can giving up on a dream ever bring relief?

Not quite sure that I believe this, I do understand how following your dreams can put undue pressure and stress on a person.

19. We finally got to meet Angie and learn her side of the story! Were you surprised by what she had to say? If you were Lucy, do you think you would be able to forgive her after hearing her side?
As we get older we learn to forgive easier than bear a grudge

20. Lucy mentions that she and Jack are planning to start a nonprofit to send books to foster children, but just as she’s about to say the prospective name, she gets cut off. Why do you think the author chose to leave that out? What name do you think the author had in mind, if any?

Not sure if the name but I suspect the author may have plans for a follow up book

21. In the end, even though the contest ended unlike how any of them predicted, everyone still got their wish. Since this book is all about wishing — is there anything you wish was different about the way the book ended, or are you happy with how it all wrapped up?



The way it ended allowed everyone to follow their dream and allowed Jack to meet his promise to them

DQs Day 2 Chapter 6 - 11

6. Jack replied to Lucy's letter and Lucy decided to run away from home. What did you think of his letter and would you have done the same as Lucy?
The letter was lovely and a kind gesture from Jack. I don’t think I would have run away though

7. We get more insights on Clock Island. Every 'hour' is its own section like for example a beach. Would you like to visit the island? Do you find the idea of it fascinating or could you not care less?
I find the island fascinating and would love to be able to visit

8. Every part starts with a quote from Jack's book. Do you think these parts are important for the story? Just showing off Jack's work? Something else?
I think they are important to the story else they wouldn’t be there

9. It seems like there will be a deeper connection between Lucy and Hugo. Do you agree? And would you approve of it given that Hugo had first met her when she was still a child?
I agree there will be a deeper connection but I don’t think there is an issue given that they have had no contact for years. It would be different if Hugo had remained in contact with Lucy as a child.

Discussion Questions : Day 1 (Prologue - Chapter 5)

1. We have been introduced to a few important characters - Lucy, Christopher, and Hugo. Plus the off-page persona of Jack. What do you think of the characters so far?

First of all this is a reread for me and it is just as good 2nd time around
Lucy - she has had a difficult life but this doesn’t dispel her kindheartedness
Chris - is smart as a cookie and trusts Lucy completely
Hugo - he is very protective
Jack - I love his eccentricity

2. We get a riddle right away in the Prologue:

"Two men on an island and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"

Then Hugo thinks to himself that "Five years ago, it [the ocean] had brought low the small, strange kingdom of Clock Island." Do you think the riddle is related to what happened five years ago? Any speculations on what it all means, assuming you haven't read ahead?
I can’t remember

3. At the beginning of Chapter Two, Hugo says that he used to dream about living in Greenwich Village, but now that he can actually afford it, it doesn't hold the same appeal. He basically says that success kills motivation. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
No I don’t, if you succeed at something other things motivate you. Motivation is individual to the person

4. What do you think of the wishing game Lucy plays with Christopher? Do you think this game and mindset are healthy? Do you agree with Lucy that it gives them hope, or do you agree with the social worker that it just gets their hopes up?

This is about building hopes and dreams. Games that inspire hopes and dreams are healthy and motivate a person to succeed in whatever they choose to do

5. Why do you think Jack finally started writing again? And what might be his motive in holding a contest for the only copy of the new book?
I can’t remember

Trinia wrote: "Melis - I still have day 3
Of The Familiar and I commented once on the Catching Fire (how many do I need?)
I’ll finish up tomorrow after my work meeting 😉👍🏼"

As with all BOMs you need 3 discussion posts 😄

For Door District 1 used Starling house for shelter if we can make it fit for a door

I’ve found a 2.5 book to read it’s only 135 pages though

@melissa please add The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen to the BOM dropdown from the Back room

Day 5
Chapters 27 - Epilogue

21. Wow what a ride! What were your initial thoughts and feelings after finishing the book?

I absolutely loved it, Everything tied together and when you thought there was an end the author has left it open for a potential sequel

<<22. An integral part to the book is the way the story of Starling House is told through many different viewpoints, with truth and lies and rumors and heresay and opinions often woven together. Did you find that you learned more about Starling House through each story? Did this type of story building and layering work for you? Why or why not?

I enjoy this type of storytelling as it mirrors real life where a story can be interpreted differently depending on the storyteller.

23. In the ending battles, the MCs were fighting beasts of nightmares and of their own making, inside dreams. Do think it's hard for good dreams to win out against nightmares? Explain your thoughts.

This is more about facing your fears and depends on your outlook on life and how you tackle and overcome those fears

24. A major theme in the book is wants and needs, and how they seemingly twist into each other if you want hard enough. In this theme exploration, what was the message you got from the author, and did it resonate with you?
This touches on addictions, whereby the need isn’t there the want for it soon becomes interlinked with a need if left untreated

25. Would you recommend this book? Explain.

Definitely

DQs Day 3
Chapters 14-19

11. Starling House reminded me up to a point with some vibes of Beauty and the Beast, although lesser now as the story progresses. Is the book reminding you of any other stories you have read before?

I can’t think of anything

12. Ch 14-19 have answered a lot of questions about Opal, the house, Arthur, the history of the place and what's going on. Has anything revealed in this section been surprising to you? Does the explanation so far of everything that has happened ring true?
The house being an entity was the only surprising thing.

13. Jasper and Opal are clearly close, although he is sometimes moody and surly. He seems resentful at times of Opal going out so far on a limb to take care of him and get him out of Eden. What do you think of the character now that he has more fleshed-out scenes and more has been revealed about him and their relationship?

I think Opal needs to be open with Jasper and let him know what she is up to and why

14. Arthur and Opal have heated a few things up. Do you think they fit each other well with these developments?

I do believe they are drawn to each other

15. There is humor in the book that is overshadowed by genuinely creepy horror like tales, What do you think about Underland "beasts" revealed so far?

I am intrigued by the “beasts” revealed so far and am keen to learn more

DQs Day 1
Ch 1 to 7

1.) Have you read other books by Alix E Harrow? Was this on your tbr list before it was a BOM selection? Any expectations going in?

I have not read any other books by this other, and had no expectations going in.

2.) Did you read the footnotes as you went along? Find them helpful? Annoying?
I listened to the audio and although the footnotes were distracting at first they soon became a seamless part of the book

3.) The discussion of E.Starling's book being too scary for children reminded me of some interviews with M.Sendalk when the Where the Wild Things movie came out several years ago about books, etc that scare children (when children are the target audience). His response was basically children should be scared sometimes and there's nothing wrong with that. And has further said, it's better to have a book full of fears than one pretending there's nothing to be afraid of. What are your thoughts on this topic?

I do think that children need to be scared in their reading to enable them to face their fears

4.) What are your thoughts so far on Eden and Starling House? Has the author done a good job so far of creating an atmosphere and setting for a good gothic story?

I have nearly finished and am finding the setting and atmosphere reminiscent of gothic novels I have read

5.) Any favorites so far in our motley cast of characters? Opal, Arthur, Jasper, Bev, and Starling House.

I have a #3