Leslie Ann’s Comments (group member since Mar 24, 2016)

Leslie Ann’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Way to go team and to all of you who read for those countries. I was fairly useless reading for those this time….. Good Job team!

Thanks everyone! It was a fun challenge , now on to TW!

Jenny wrote: "Isn't The Tainted Cup good? I need to start the next book in that series."

I loved it! I thought the writing reminded me of Brandon Sanderson, whom I love.

DQs Day 4: Chapters 21-25

12. At the start of this section, Din is experiencing some type of battle shock after the fight, and Strovi helps him deal with the situation. He’s quite gentle and especially after their drinks earlier with the whole “we’re too formal” thing, do you think he’s (romantically) interested in Din? Or what else could be going on there? Do you trust him or do you think he’s spying on them, especially as it’s revealed he’s gentry?

I do think he was hitting on him, but not sure Din is interested at the momement

13. Din’s engraving skills seem to be a bit different to what is usual, based on the reactions of everyone else to his fighting skills, and also the lockpicking before that. I wonder how that interacts with his dyslexia, and also how it’s connected to his performance on the exams… what do you think?

Din thinks this is normal not matter what others think. He seems to have adjusted to his dyslexia.

14. One of the things I always find interesting about fantasy is figuring out what technology exists and what doesn’t. Aristan and Suberek were quite obviously killed by gunshot wounds, yet neither Din nor the rest of the investigation team seem to recognize that, so guns aren’t a well-known weapon in this world – however, Ana seemed to have an inkling… something the might of the Empire is hiding from us? What do you make of this? Is types of technology also something you pay special attention to in fantasy?

Not sure where the gun shot wounds could of come from. Maybe they can cause gun shots telepathically?


15. Speaking of technology – I’ve also been thinking about its relation to social class and especially fertility in this world. We have Strovi, who’s gentry which is why he doesn’t have any augmentations, as they impact fertility, and then we have Fayazi Haza who’s so heavily modified there doesn’t seem to be anything “natural” left about her, surely leaving her infertile (but maybe this doesn’t matter when you’re part of the Haza clan. Or maybe they found a way around that.) And then there’s people like Din who seem to undergo these transformations as a way of improving their situation in life (not that we know much about his or other regular people’s backgrounds – but him sending almost all his earnings back to his family does suggest a significant degree of poverty), where it seems like nobody considers infertility a negative impact… I’m not sure I have a concrete question here, so: thoughts?

I admit I am confused about this, maybe I need to reread this section.

16. It seems very neat that Jolgalgan, from the Oypat canton, would be the one behind this plot and all of these murders. Do you think it was actually her, or do you think there’ll be a big twist? If it was her after all, what do you think she knows?

Oh,I hope there is a big twist... love them

Day 2: Ch 6-12

5. In this world, many choose enhancements that facilitate their selected jobs - and it seems like most have some sort of Monkey’s Paw negative effect as well. On one hand, an enhancement like Din’s enables his perfect memory, so he never forgets anything. On the other hand, he CAN never forget anything, even if he wants to.
If you were to be augmented with a skill/ability, what would it be and why? Alternatively, what, for you, would be the worst or most dreaded skill/ability you could get?

I wouldn't want Din's ability, some things are better forgotten. I would either like to be able to fly or be able to travel in time

6. I thought it interesting that the leviathians are getting bigger every year, and that most of the special grafts and suffusions are from collected titian bits and bones. Do you have any theories about how this will come into play going forward?

Not sure , but I don't think it will be good

7. “...I no longer formed normal memories. For a memory is just a sketch a mind makes of one’s experiences, imperfect and interpretive; yet what my mind made, from that moment on, was perfect, absolute, and endless.” Do you think this robs Din of the ability to be fully human, from the standpoint that one’s subjective take on the world around her/him is what makes a person "human"?

Din does experience things , not just reading or hearing about them. I think he is a human with a good memory.


8. I’m enjoying the evolving relationship between Ana and Din, especially Ana’s humor. Despite Ana joking that Din had “lost his sense of humor in some tragic accident,” what is your take on the twosome? Do you think Din cheated somehow to pass his tests? Or do you think it's something else?

Loving the relationship between the two of them. Ana is too funny. Not sure if Din cheated?

DQs Day 1: Chapter 1 -5

1) Do you have any expectations going in? This book is one of the 6 novels up for the Hugo award for Best Novel this year: https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-hi.... Did you know that and do you try to read the Hugo books or winners or have no interactions with the awards?

No expectations , haven't heard of this book.

2) What do you think of the world building so far? Are then any particular details that stand out and if this is a reread, is anything standing out more on your re-read this early in the story? (please use spoiler tags if applicable)

So far I am intrigued , looking forward to learning more.

3) So this runs right up to the edge/ crosses over into body horror between the murder scene and modifications to people? Do you read body horror or books with that theme in it? Do you have any favorites?

Love me some horror. My favorite is Stephen King

4) Does your version have a map? If it does, did you look at before reading or at any point when reading this first section? Do you like maps in books? (Map under spoiler if you were audio only)

I am listening on audio if I see a map I usually don't pay attention.

Day 5 DQs (Chapters 17 to 21)

17. This section is deeply emotional and heart-wrenching, filled with death and suffering. The only thing that makes it bittersweet rather than purely tragic is that Mamoru finds peace and happiness in his final moments. I thought his death scene was beautifully written. Do you like how the author blends the sadness with these moments of beauty? Or would you have preferred a different approach to his death?

It was sad but appropriate


18. Takeru seems almost devoid of emotion. Could this be a result of his upbringing, where emotional restraint was expected of him? Do you believe his character is redeemable at this point or has he reached a point of no return?

I really do think it is both. We are all a product of our upbringing and the path we choose.

19. At one point, Hiroshi realizes that he is now the heir and Misaki sees fear in his eyes. Do you think Misaki will help him cope with the pressure or will she fall back into a passive, dutiful role, becoming a distant mother again

She is changed and will never be passive again.

20. What do you think happens after the imperial forces arrive? Do you agree with Tae-min’s prediction that the empire won’t actually help?

I do agree.

Day 4 DQs (Chapters 13 to 16)

13. There are multiple references to the snow and the mountain turning red. Scenes like this are for me a stark reminder of the brutality and bloodiness of war, rather than the romanticised glory of protection.

Is there a scene or a moment from your life you can pinpoint when the realities of war struck you the way it did Mamoru?

I was in high school when the draft started, many of my friends had the bad luck of having a low draft number. It was sad that they had no choice.

14. Misaki revealed herself as a fighter, and Mamoru revealed his abilities in blood manipulation to his uncle that he learnt from his mother. As the reader, how did you feel when these moments came about in quick succession in relation to Misaki?

I was happy to see this and necessary for the development of the story

15. Since the beginning, we are repeatedly told that the Matsuda family is powerful, important, etc. We get to see this over the battle as the two brothers join forces and create the Matsuda Dragon.

Powerful families put a lot of pressure on their children to carry on the legacy. We see this in Mamoru and Hiroshi, who at five years old is determined to do better than his peers at any cost. Do you think this is a practice that should be continued in today's day and age?

I think time have changed for the most part only families with wealth have these expectations.

16. Well, this has been quite the bloody section. Takashi's last order to Mamoru, Mamoru having to order his master to leave him and his having to face all the enemy himself, Misaki desperately protecting her home, the killing of all these mighty warriors of the Sword of Kaigen...

What I'm wondering though, is that if such a bloody battle that spans across six chapters and 15% of the novel is in the middle of the story, what happens after? Do you have any predictions for what happens after this battle?

I really don’t know what will happen.

DQ'S Day 3 Chapter 8 - Chapter 12

10. Mamoru is becoming more friends with Kwang Chul-Hee and seems to be rebelling more and finally has a fall out with his father. Do you think his father would have hit Mamoru again if Misaki wouldn't have accidentally interupte

For sure, he is not a very nice man.

11. Are you understanding their powers and magic system more through these last few chapters and the fighting that has occurred. Which power would you want?

I do think it is becoming clearer. I do want to know more!

12. Misaki received a letter from her friend and told her to run and get out of town. With the Emperor keeping it a secret. Do you think anyone else knew war was coming? And why they are attacking such an isolated village?

I don’t think anyone else knew. I am wondering what the Emperor’s motivations were?

Jenny wrote: "I tried searching the list feature for a list I created, to see if I could figure out why it didn't work very well, and it told me it doesn't exist.

After I got over my existential crisis, and as..."

glad you exist!! Thanks, I will try google and not use the useless list search…

Okay silly question , I was trying to find a camel on the cover. I go to
Browse lists and type in camel on the cover… results nada. I know there are books with a camel on the cover. Is there some secret to searching that I am not getting…. Most likely?

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?

I was surprised at Joar and Ali’s were both very sad. I was hoping for a happier ending.

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, it belonged to everyone.

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?

I really like the focus on Joar and Ted. I feel like they are the main characters. Louisa is a supporting character. I like how Blackman starts out the book with her.


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 was surprised at her ending. .

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 have almost all the Backman books. I am a little disappointed with this one, not one of my favorites. It was good but not great.

DQ's Day 4; Chapter 31 - 43 55-74%

15. “She wishes he hadn’t said what he did about believing in her. That’s too much responsibility. All she can give him is disappointment.” Belief is a big theme of this book. How important do you think it is to have people that unequivocally believe in you? Have you ever had someone’s belief in you feel more like a burden than support?
I think believing in yourself is far more important. Having others believe in you may be helpful but what you think of yourself is far more important.

16. This book is, obviously, a lot about memories and the happy times we look back on when the people we cherish are gone. I thought the shopping/shopping cart scene was particularly vivid and one I could’ve seen me and friends doing something similar. Do you have any particularly memorable times with a group of friends from when you were a child/teen?

Not really for me it was a long time ago. I just remember surviving those years.

17. We’ve come to the first(?) death from that summer, is it one you expected? It’s probably the most obvious one, but I still forgot it was a possibility.

Not surprising

18. While this is a story of friends, it’s also really a story of parents. From the bad ones, to the indifferent ones, to the kind loving ones. Did you expect for Ted and Louisa’s savior to be the mother? How important do you think parents are versus friends on your formative years?

Very important. I can relate to the children’s stories but for me I had no savior. I am a survivor.

19. Ted seems to think that any of the other friends would have been better to care for Louisa, do you agree?

I think Ted is doing a great job.

Jenny wrote: "Leslie, good BOM questions!!!!
Easy and fun, right? I need to read more to answer them, but I will. with pleasure."

Thanks Jenny. It was fun !

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 have read most of his books. I love his characters. He has a way of bringing out the best of even the most grumpiest characters.

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, I read to enjoy and not think about politics.


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?

No I don’t agree. I think there are many types of art to appeal to many different people.


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 think she is in for a big adventure.

Bonus Q: do you have a favourite artist or a favourite piece of painting/sculpture?

Van Gogh and his sunflower paintings and of course Starry Night.

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?

#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?

#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?

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

#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?

Angie ☯ wrote: "I had to change the book (The Berry Pickers) that was added for the World Wheel task. It was completed on 6/22 and we didn't get the new country until 6/27. We can't use banked books for these task..."

Sorry about that… thanks for catching it.

Happy with my day!

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?
not sure if it was Ruthie. I have a feeling he would recognize her though.

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?
I was surprised when he didn't, however knowing his background I do understand why he didn't

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, this is a hard decision I would never judge anyone in this position.

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?

I figured she would find out. I feel sorry for June having to do her sisters job.

DAY 2 QUESTIONS - CHAPTERS 4-7

7. "But sometimes I think that sadness drilled down deep and some of it might just be there for good"
"now get lost and leave me to my book."
"There was love in that house but none of us really knew what to do with it."
In chapter four we learn more about Norma's parents and life in their house as she grew up. Does learning about Lenore's past make you more sympathetic to her? And how about their parenting style, I can't imagine ever telling my children or grandchildren "to get lost" because I wanted to read a book. (Ok, I'm sure all parents might have thought it at times, but saying it to a child is a definite no no in my book!)

I am not sympathetic to Lenora . As a parent it is our responsibility to care for our children , emotionally and physically. I watch my two grandchildren and I will occasionally say Nana needs some quite time.I would never say get lost!!

8. In juxtaposition to Frank, Lenore and Norma, we have alternating chapters about family life from Joe's POV. Thoughts and why does the author structure the novel this way?

This seems to be the current style used by many authors.

9. Chapter 5 - the horrible incident with Frankie and Charlie. How did you feel reading about this injustice? Could anything been done to avert this tragedy? How does Amanda Peters' writing the scene add to the heartbreak?

It was incredibly sad. I can’t imagine a different outcome, Charlie did what he thought he had to do.

10. What you think of Aunty June and her role in the story? Why does she encourage Norma to interact with the Indian protesters only to pull her back when she is recognized as Ruthie?

She is an interesting character. I believe she is torn between revealing all to Norma and protecting the family from the ramifications of what they had done.

11. Joe seems to be a tragic figure as the story of his life is revealed. How he has responded to racism and trauma make you feel when reading this book? Are you enjoying the story or does it make for uncomfortable reading?

I feel so sorry for Joe and the cards he has been given. I have hope that he will overcome all. He seems to be resilient.