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

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

The Future Present is Now
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The future is now! Well, really the present is now. The future can't be now. It's impossible. Unless... time travel. If you time traveled back to the present then the future would be the present, or at least the future self would be the present but now the future self is the present self and drat... The present is now!

Queen Skye has asked you to review future copies of books. You assure her that you'll try your very best to review the closest to future books that you can acquire.


Read 3 books that are advanced copies or first published after 4/1/16.
Receive 5 experience and 1 potion token for your almost future reviews.

Should I Know This? (Repeatable)
Do you have burning questions about the game? Perhaps some rules seem as mysterious as a wizard’s shopping list, or a magical item's properties are as vague as a prophecy. Now’s your chance to ask!

Ask 3 questions about any of the following in the Local tavern:
• Rules or game mechanics
• Unclearly worded tasks
• Properties of weapons, equipment, or magical items
• Anything else that seems puzzling

Your Feedback Matters! If something is unclear, we want to know. With your help, we can reword confusing rules, clarify task descriptions, or expand the Ye Olde FAQ thread with explanations that will help other players.

Reward: 1 XP + 1 Gold for each question you submit (up to 3 questions per round). This task is repeatable every 3 months, because as the game evolves, new questions are bound to arise.

1. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... +1XP; +1Gold

The Bone-Afide Problem - Published 1/9/25
“The skeleton in the ballroom closet is dancing again,” whispers the footman. “And now it’s brought friends.”

It started with a single rogue skeleton doing the waltz at midnight. Now the entire east wing of the castle is overrun with jubilant bones—jigging in the hallways, clacking through the kitchen, and using the throne room as a conga line.

Nick the Necromancer is absolutely certain he didn’t summon them (this time), which means someone else is tampering with bone-magic. It’s up to you to get to the bottom of this rattle-happy invasion.

To banish the ballroom bone brigade, complete these tasks:
1. The Skeleton Key – Read a book where hidden doors or a secret room are involved.
2. Brittle Bones – Read a book where a main character is recovering from injury.
3. Bone to Pick – Read a book featuring a long-standing feud.
4. Dance Macabre – Read a book with people dancing on the cover.
5. Cursed Marrow – Read a book with a curse word in the text. Quote the sentence containing the curse word.
6. Bag of Bones – Gather 25 Bat Wings and 10 Balls of Wool to stitch together a sack big enough to corral the reveling skeletons.

You did it! The castle is once again skeleton-free. Nick the Necromancer is grateful for your help in containing the bony bedlam, and rewards you with 5 XP and 3 Potion Tokens.

Sir Bargainbeak's Rare Finds - Published 1/9/25
Just as you’re basking in the glory of completing the “Cheep-skate” quest, you hear a loud squawk followed by the clink of coins. Turning around, you see Sir Bargainbeak, the legendary book-dealing magpie knight, skating toward you in his tiny chainmail tunic and a gaudy feathered hat.

“Ah, my favorite treasure hunter!” he chirps. “Your impeccable taste in acquiring books for next to nothing has caught my eye—or, well, my beak! I’m in search of rare tomes to stock my shop, The Feathered Tome Emporium. But not just any books, mind you. I need the special ones: stories that whisper secrets, legends with gilded edges, and, er, a cookbook or two for my lunch breaks.”

He leans in conspiratorially. “Help me track these down, and I’ll reward you handsomely. But remember—these books must be as rare and unique as my noble feathers!”

Sir Bargainbeak has a list of rare books he’s searching for. All books must have fewer than 1,000 ratings on Goodreads at the time you started reading them.

Find these treasures:
1. Books Bound in History – Read a book featuring a hidden treasure, or an ancient or historical artifact.
2. Secrets of the Lost – Read a book about a lost civilization or forgotten place.
3. The Fabled Tome – Read a book that prominently features a particular book.
4. Epicurean Adventures – Read a book with food or cooking as an important theme. (“Even knights need to eat!” Sir Bargainbeak squawks.)
5. Feathered Friends – Read a book with a bird on the cover or a bird featured prominently in the story. Bargainbeak insists this is a personal favorite.
6. The Discount Diamond – Read a book you acquired for under $5 that feels like a rare and priceless treasure to you.

For completing the quest, you will be rewarded with 6 XP, and 2 of Sir Bargainbeak’s Lucky Feathers (Sir Bargainbeak’s Lucky Feather guarantees a 50% discount on your next item purchase from Jack’s Store)

The Prince and his Date-scapades Published 1/9/25
Following the surprisingly tolerable success of his eighteenth birthday celebration, Prince Rowan—bookworm, introvert, and occasional window-sneaker-outer—has decided to explore something new: romance. Not for alliances or courtly pressure (he dodged that speech from Queen Skye by pretending to be asleep), but simply because… well, he’s curious.

The challenge? Being both royal and shy makes traditional courting awkward. Fortunately, the Kingdom's scribes have recently revived an old tradition: "Heart & Heir", a scroll-circulated romantic directory where young nobles share poetic profiles, vaguely flattering self-portraits, and endearing tales of their pet swans. Rowan’s interested in a connection—be it with a princess, prince, or just someone who appreciates quiet libraries and long walks between hedgerows.

He’s asked you, the one person he trusts not to make this weird, to help him prepare. This means books, research, and possibly rhyming. There may also be an awkward tea date or two.

To help the Prince in his search for a kindred spirit:
• Read 3 books on or about courtship or dating (fiction or nonfiction—he’s open-minded).
• Read 2 books written in prose that include a quoted poem or song (minimum four lines). The Prince insists his Heart & Heir profile must include at least one sincere stanza—and no, it can’t be about potatoes again. Slightly offended by the potato comment, you decide to share the poems in the Local Tavern to gauge whether they’re romantic enough based on the patrons’ reactions. (Don’t forget to share the poems for this task to be complete.)
• Read a book where a character suffers from social anxiety but manages to befriend someone—whether the relationship turns romantic or remains platonic.
• Gather 3 Roses—take a flattering picture of the Prince while he’s scenting the flowers. It’ll make a smashing profile picture.
• Read a book that genuinely satisfied you—one that earned a 5-star rating. You won’t know beforehand, of course—but that’s the beauty (and gamble) of dating someone you’ve never met. Rowan wants examples with positive outcomes. (This book must be fresh, that means read after the quest was published)

Success! With your help, Rowan sends off his profile—tastefully illustrated, mildly poetic, and entirely sincere. Several responses arrive within a week, including one from a charming Paperville prince and another from a Kindletopia princess who’s also allergic to large crowds. Rowan is quietly thrilled. Courtship might not be so terrifying after all.

Your reward: 15 XP and the satisfaction of being such a good wingman—or wingwoman.

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 Archived Books: +9XP

13th September
Should I know this Question 1 asked Gain: +1XP; +1Gold

•14th September
Lady Louise : Lvl 27, HP :10/27; Sword: Level 9, Magic Staff: Level 11, XP: 432
🐰Easter Bunny: +3HP
Pot of Gold: + 1Gold
🐶Puppy Fetch: +1Gold
Lady Louise : Lvl 27, HP :13/27; Sword: Level 9, Magic Staff: Level 11, XP: 432

•Brown Bat Attack: 3AP; 15HP; Gain: 1XP; 1 Bat Wing
Hero 13HP; Sword 15AP; Staff 17AP; Puppy 1AP; XP 432
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Bat: Dead
Gain: +1HP (rock)
•Drop Bear Attack: 8AP; 15HP; Gain: 1XP; 1 Drop Bear Meat
Hero 14HP; Sword 15AP; Staff 17AP; Puppy 1AP; XP 433
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Bear: Dead
Gain: +1HP
•Greater Sewer Rat attack: 8AP; 20HP; Gain: 2XP; 1 Rat Tail
Hero 15HP; Sword 15AP; Staff 17AP; Puppy 1AP; XP 434
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Rat: 20 -15-1=4HP; Rat Attacks 8-1AP(rock)
Hero: 15-7=8 HP
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Rat: Dead
Gain: +1HP

Lady Louise : Lvl 27, HP :9/27; Sword: Level 9, Magic Staff: Level 11, XP: 436

Imp attack (3)25AP; 5HP; Rewards: 1 Shield Potion, 6 XP, and Essence of Tricks
Hero: Hero 9HP; Sword 15AP; Staff 17AP; Puppy 1AP; XP 436
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Imp Dead;
Gain +1HP
Lady Louise : Lvl 27, HP :10/27; Sword: Level 9, Magic Staff: Level 11, XP: 442

•18th September
Magic Staff Levelled up
Lady Louise : Lvl 27, HP :10/27; Sword: Level 9, Magic Staff: Level 12, XP: 442

• 21st September
Easter Bunny: +3HP
Pot of Gold: + 1Gold
Puppy Fetch: +1Gold
Lady Louise: Level 27; XP: 442; HP 13/27; Sword: Level 9 (AP 15); Staff Level 12 ( AP 18); Gold: 72

Brown Bat Attack: 3AP; 15HP; Gain: 1XP; 1 Bat Wing
Hero 13HP; Sword 15AP; Staff 18AP; Puppy 1AP; XP 432
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Bat: Dead
Gain: +1HP (rock)

•Drop Bear Attack: 8AP; 15HP; Gain: 1XP; 1 Drop Bear Meat
Hero 14HP; Sword 15AP; Staff 18AP; Puppy 1AP; XP 433
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Bear: Dead
Gain: +1HP

•Greater Sewer Rat attack: 8AP; 20HP; Gain: 2XP; 1 Rat Tail
Hero 15HP; Sword 15AP; Staff 17AP; Puppy 1AP; XP 434
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Rat: 20 -15-1=4HP; Rat Attacks 8-1AP(rock)
Hero: 15-7=8 HP
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Rat: Dead
Gain: +1HP

Lady Louise : Lvl 27, HP :9/27; Sword: Level 9, Magic Staff: Level 12, XP: 446

•28th September
Easter Bunny: +3HP
Pot of Gold: + 1Gold
Puppy Fetch: +1Gold
Lady Louise: Level 27; XP: 446; HP 12/27; Sword: Level 9 (AP 15); Staff Level 12 ( AP 18); Gold: 74

Brown Bat Attack: 3AP; 15HP; Gain: 1XP; 1 Bat Wing
Hero 12HP; Sword 15AP; Staff 18AP; Puppy 1AP; XP 446
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Bat: Dead
Gain: +1HP (rock)

•Drop Bear Attack: 8AP; 15HP; Gain: 1XP; 1 Drop Bear Meat
Hero 13HP; Sword 15AP; Staff 18AP; Puppy 1AP; XP 447
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Bear: Dead
Gain: +1HP

•Greater Sewer Rat attack: 8AP; 20HP; Gain: 2XP; 1 Rat Tail
Hero 14HP; Sword 15AP; Staff 17AP; Puppy 1AP; XP 448
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Rat: 20 -15-1=4HP; Rat Attacks 8-1AP(rock)
Hero: 14-7=7 HP
Hero attacks: Sword 15AP; Puppy 1AP
Rat: Dead
Gain: +1HP

Lady Louise : Lvl 27, HP :8/27; Sword: Level 9, Magic Staff: Level 12, XP: 450

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.