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

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

DQs Day 2: The Penultimate Update - Peppermint Tea (39%)

6. Were you surprised that Nora's second choice was related to her cat? What did you think of the outcome?

No, the cat was important to her and was a loss that she suffered closest to losing her life. I was happy of the outcome and shows that there are some things that are out of our control.

7. How did the reality of Nora's Australia line up with what you imagined it would be like?

I think it was important that she live this `regret` it basically comes back to the choices we make and this wasn't really her dream but her friends

8. What did you think about the similarities between Nora's life in Australia versus her original life?

She's obviously not happy with her life shown by the continued depression. Until she finds what she's looking for in her original life she won't be completely happy.

9. On the surface, Nora's life with a swimming career seems to be the most successful so far. Do you think the positives will outweigh the negatives this time around?
I already know the answer to this as I kind of forgot to stop

10. Any predictions for how Nora's speech will go in the next chapter?

I already know the answer to this as I kind of forgot to stop

DQs - Day 1

1. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?

My TBR is massive so unless it’s a book in a series that I’m continuing I wouldn’t specifically single this one out. My reading is very challenge driven.

2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?

I like short chapters, it drives a story better in my opinion. I was a bit thrown by the countdown though

3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
She seems to have a lot of self esteem issues

4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
No, I’m a believer in things happen for a reason and if you changed just one choice in the past you would miss out on happy memories

5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?

When we remember people we tend to remember their good qualities, she is obviously lonely and believed that she would have had a better life with Dan, but taken that road proved that she made the right choice.

Volunteering for team Rob

Duplicate books have now been removed from the spreadsheet, thanks Geri for picking up on this.

A reminder to anyone reading the BOM's please use the official page count, this is shown in msg 8 of this thread.
Don't forget that the Backroom BOM Prickly Business begins on 9th June.

:)

Carrie wrote: "Quick question - when we are reading an ARC of a book not yet released, do we use the default edition?"

I'll need to double check this.

The Morville Hours by Katherine Swift
Date Read: 5/28
Pages: 384

Tasks:
227: MPG Memoir
Bingo
D2 - Hours in title a measure of time


Calamity under the Chandelier by Bianca Blythe
Date Read: 5/31
Pages: 197

Tasks:
103: Cora is an actress
210: Set at a manor house at Christmas

Bingo
H1: A private investigator poses as a photographer to get information on Veronica


Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel
Date Read: 5/31
Pages: 320

Tasks:
223: Black Cover

Bingo:
D5 - Title Sleeping Giants resembles the the Great A'Tuin


Love Bomb and the Pink Platoon by Ryan Gielen
Date Read: 5/31
Pages: 290

Tasks:
2: #60 on list


Beard with Me by Penny Reid
Date Read: 6/3
Pages: 352

Jackanory:


Beard Necessities by Penny Reid
Date Read: 6/3
Pages: 334

Jackanory:

Yasmine wrote: "Louise wrote: "Yasmine wrote: "Jammin Jenny wrote: "Hey everyone! We are doing great! Just a quick request that if you volunteered to do a particular task, and we put your name next to that task, p..."
That's a really great end to the trilogy.

Don’t forget if you wish to claim BOM points for reading The Foundling you only have until 2nd June to read and answer at least 3 days worth of discussion questions.

Yasmine wrote: "Just wanted to let you know that I am going to finish Lord of Shadows today or tomorrow and it's on the list for task 208 (in place 229), so I think that would be a great fit. Don't know if anybody..."

All yours

Yasmine wrote: "Jammin Jenny wrote: "Hey everyone! We are doing great! Just a quick request that if you volunteered to do a particular task, and we put your name next to that task, please either finish the task by..."

No problem Yasmine, is this the book on your currently reading shelf? If so can you post a link to the page count please so we can get a librarian to edit it.

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 he is a bit of a wildcard with his powers although I do see him helping Esk through Wizard school.

14. The meeting between Granny and the Archchancellor and their actions afterwards are a pivotal part of the book. What were your impressions?
I really enjoyed the interaction between them, they seemed to bring out the best in each other.

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, it was great to see that both schools of thought admitted that they need each other.

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 really enjoyed this book and have already reserved the first two books in the series.

BONUS: Any favourite scenes? :)
I love the scenes where Granny is arguing with the staff, especally the one in the lake.

DQs - Day 3

9 . What do you think on the creatures from the dungeon dimensions? Do you find them creepy?
They do seem creepy, quite possible the ultimate in things that go bump n the night

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)?
I do sympathize with this and understand the need to defend each side of her character.

11. Why do you think Esk’s magic did not work?
I think she was trying too hard, rather than letting her magic build gradually.

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?
You do forget that she is only 9 years old she comes across as more mature but then her true age shows through at times.

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?
To only worry about where the next banana is coming from, what's not to like.

Refusal by Felix Francis
Date Read: 5/26
Pages: 500

Tasks
19 - Horse on cover
139 - Sid Halley #5



The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Date Read: 5/26
Pages: 302

Jackanory:
Set in Georgia


Peculiar Poison by Hope Callaghan
Date Read: 5/26
Pages: 403

Tasks:
124: - Set on a Ship
214: - Dog on cover
236: - Ship on cover

Cilla wrote: "Book: The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Date Read: May 26, 2021
Pages: 172
Possible uses and reasons/justifications:

CW Task
1. Spe..."
Please add to your TT shelf :)

Cilla wrote: "I just want to let everyone that I may be quiet for the next few days. I am having surgery tomorrow. I went to the library and got some of the necessary reading materials. I will have to take it ea..."

Thanks for letting us know. Hope everything goes well for you.

Yasmine wrote: "Audrey Jane wrote: "Awesome, Yasmine ! I will be participating to the discussion as well.
It seems our team hit the jackpot for June's BOMs. Louise got picked for [book:Firekeeper's Daughter|523464..."

Good luck with your exams Yasmine 😀