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

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

I hate to do this butI think this challenge is too much for me right now. I am listening to audible books , it seems it is the only ones I have time for right now. I have 2 grandchildren which I watch 2 days a week. I don’t have any time to sit and read. Sorry guys , hopefully you can find a replacement.

The Violin Conspiracy
9/26/22

Characters

Ray Mcmillian r,m
Nicole selling. N,s
Anderson cooper a,c
Nora marks n,m
Bob Evan’s b,e
Isaac stern I ,s
Tina reed t,r

Rebecca NJ wrote: "I'm reading the ebook for The Four Winds but I agree, audiobooks have been very difficult with this challenge."

Since I mostly listen to audio as I go about my day, it has been hard

Suzanne wrote: "Completion Post
The Four Winds
Author: Kristin Hannah
Pages: 464
Date Read: 9/21/22

I listened to the audiobook and boy that makes this particular challenge difficult. I'll fill in..."

I listened too, been searching with the Amazon search. Loved the book

Completion post
The Four Winds
9/16/22
Pages:464

Questions answered: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Characters for sio:
A- Anthony
E- Elsa
J- Jean, Jack
L-Laredo
R-Ruth

Scavenger hunt
(view spoiler)[
Page 28 potatoe, biscuit, pork,bacon, green beans (hide spoiler)]

Day 5 - Twenty-Nine - Epilogue

21. A lot of themes in this book resonated with me especially as the UK is undergoing strike action in a lot of industries and Uk history is full of strike action and it’s effects. Have you been involved in strike action? Are strikes an effective demonstration tool?

I have never been involved in a strike. I do think it is an effective tool.

22. Migration is a big theme in the book with the thought of migrants instilling fear in the general populace. How would you show these people how to overcome that fear.

I really think that the only way is to educate and lead by example.

23. Elsa finally allows herself to become the woman in the red dress and seduces Jack. How has Elsa changed through the book?

Elsa has grown to love herself and therefore able to love in return.

24. The final scenes brought a tear to my eye especially as Loreda reflects on what she didn’t do. Is there a book that left you feeling this way?

I have read many books that have made me tear up. I love to feel emotions when I read. The books that make me laugh and cry are always 5 star books. I gave this book 5 stars , so well written.

Day 4
Chapters 24-28 (78%)

16. My heart sank when Loreda got into that strange man's truck in the middle of the night. Anyone else concerned for the young lady at that point? Did you think he was meeting a group of communists in the middle of the woods?

I wasn’t too worried, I thought she could take care of herself. I was completely surprised about the communists.

17. The hospital and the police department had little time for the migrants. What a picture of America at the time. I struggle to relate with this situation. Do you think there are parts of America that still feel this way? Even toward fellow Americans?

I had heard about the oakies growing up. Your an oakie was a slang word in my early childhood. I think that there are still parts of America that have hateful feelings to others. However having traveled and lived aboard we are not the only country that has these problems. Spain has Catalonians who have their own language but have been forced to be part of Spain. Ghana has the Ashanti’s who sold other tribes to the slave traders. Hate born of ignorance is out there. Each decade , I feel it is getting better.

18. The communists swoop in with places to stay, food, clothes, friendly faces and yet, they are the enemy. I thought it was interesting that Elsa said, "we're proud. We believe in hard work and a fair chance. Not one for all and all for one." Does it have to be one or the other? Can we all work hard and get a fair chance, and still want our neighbors to succeed and get a hand up when they need it? Why is what Jack doing different than what Elsa and Jean and the other wives who handed down shoes and potatoes (or whatever was needed) were doing?

I think Jack’s help has some price tag with it , ultimately accepting the Communist way of life. Else and Jean help is directly from the heart with love of the fellow beings.

19. What about that Welty Farm? Seems too good to be true. And maybe it is. I have thought a village that keeps people employed, housed and fed would be a good thing, but I guess it only takes a few bad (greedy) apples to make it terrible. Will Elsa and her family find a happy ending?
I was ver suspicious of the Welty farm help. I have finished the book so no comment .

20. On another note. While reading this book with this group,
am also reading The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl. I do this from time to time when reading historical fiction. I happened to have this book on hand and found it really interesting to get a little more information on what happened before the Dust Bowl started and what else was going on. Does anyone else do this? Do you read non-fiction and fiction about the same topic at the same time? Do you have any non-fiction books about the Dust Bowl you can recommend?

No , I have never done this but it is a great idea.

Bonus: There was a lot to talk about in this section! I picked out a few things and my own habit. Were there different things that stuck out to you?

No, I like what you picked out to discuss

Leslie’ s tracking
Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

dQ’s Day 3:Sixteen - Twenty-Three (62%)

11.) When the family stops at the gas station, Elsa and kids get their first try realization of what they are in for, and you get to see some of Lareda’s true grit when she is prepared to kill a man to save her life. Do you think that you could pull the trigger if you had to? Could you put your kids through the crossing of the Mojave dessert on your own like that?

I think I could pull the trigger in that situation. I can imagine this journey. I grew up in Southern California. I remember as a little kid seeing radiator bags on the front of cars. The older cars didn’t have the cooling system that newer cars do.

12.) The squatter’s camp is hard to fully fathom. People dying of dysentery. Children picking to be able to have enough money to not starve to death. Being able to only survive off of previous season’s pickings and living in such terrible conditions with trying to purify water as best as possible. What was your initial reaction to this new way of life? What would you do if faced with this situation?

Having been in the Peace Corps in a 3rd world country, it is very easy for me to imagine it. I am pretty sure I would adapt, I served my 2 years and many volunteers did not.

13.) “$0.40 for 10 hours of work.” Man was I mad for Elsa when I read this! What a piece of crap to take advantage of people like this. How would you have handled this situation? Could you have walked away as easily as Elsa?

I would of been extremely angry , but what could you do. They had the power in this situation.

14.) “Do you ever get tired of being strong?” How have you found resilience when dealing with a time that seemed insurmountable? When you looked back on that time, was it better or worse than it felt at the time?

I am a survivor and I survived my upbringing by being strong. Looking back I marvel at how both my sister and I survived, virtually with out help. It was a lot worse than it felt at the time.

15.) The small spots of kindness that breach the darkness in life are essential to mental survival. Jean and her family, as well as the man and woman at the beauty salon have helped add kindness into Elsa and the kid’s worlds. How did you feel when reading the beauty salon section> Is there a random act of kindness that stands out as making a different in your life that you would be comfortable sharing? If so, what it is it?

Random acts of kindness are really what keeps people going.

D2 - Day 2 | Eight - Fifteen (38%)

6. Early in this segment, Elsa sees Rafe crying and they experience the ground visibly cracking. Rafe asks Elsa “How can you not break?” Elsa replied incorrectly saying “Because the kids need us not to.” What do you think Rafe expected her to say? Do you have an opinion on what she should have said? ...and would it have made a difference?

I think every person deal with hard times differently. She said what she felt. There is no right way.

7. After trying to convince Elsa to leave behind the farm, and then he agrees with her they can’t leave…Rafe still abandons his family. Justified or cowardice? Was Elsa right in not supporting her husband to leave the farm? Do you think they’ll ever see Rafe again?

Pure cowardice! Elsa was thinking about the kids and his parents.

8. In chapter 11, Elsa and Rose commiserate about Loreda blaming Elsa for Rafe leaving.
“I want her to go to college, Rose. To be brave and have adventures.” “A Girl?” Rose laughed. “Ant will be the one. Loreda will settle down. You’ll see.” “I don’t want her to settle down, Rose. I’m in awe of her fire…”
Should Elsa be sharing her dream for Loreda with her? What is your prediction for Loreda 10 years from this point in the story?

Rose was expressing the feelings of the time. Unfortunately this idea of women not going to college persisted for many years. I am the first one to go to college in my family. I remember very well what my father said to me when I expressed that I want to go to college “ you only want to go to college to get a MRS degree” I can relate ,I went to college. Lorena is a survivor , she will do well.

9. The government expert shows a movie and delivers some startling facts about the state of things. This reminded me a bit of what we all just went through with Covid…warnings not believed, fear of misinformation and lack of trust in the government. What did you think of the approach of the government rep and the denial that seemed to radiate from many of the residents attending the meeting? Any mirrors to our recent experience with Covid come to mind?

It was a very similar reaction to Covid times. There will always be a subset of the population that distrust the government.

10. Ant experienced extreme sickness from the impacts of the dust storms, and Elsa has indicated they must leave Texas. What do you think of Elsa’s decision and what do you think will happen next in the story?

I think that Elsa is making the right decision. I have finished the book so I won’t give anything away.

DQs Day 1: Chapters Prologue - Seven (18%)

1.) Did you like the opening to the story? Did it draw you in and help set the stage? Are you familiar with this part of US History (Dust Bowl)?
I have read the Grapes of wrath so I do know about the surffering during the dust bowl

2.) What are your thoughts on Elsa's family and early home life? What do you think the long term impacts of this environment are? How do you think that affected her initial choices involving Rafe?
Her parents are very cruel and I feel for Elsa. Elsa just wanted someone to love her and she really didn’t know how to go about it.

3.) The Martinelli family seems a different type of family compared to the Wolcott's. Do you agree? What do you think of the relationship that develops between Rose and Elsa especially?
I love the relationship between Rose and Else. I love how it changes.

4.) Loreda. Oh the wisdom of 12 year olds. What do you think of her POV, does it add to the story? Do you think at some point she'll clue in and appreciate her mother?
Lorena is a typical teenage girl , love he feisty nature.

5.) Does the author do a good job describing the transition of the land and life from the post WWI boon to Dust Bowl bust for both Elsa's family and the town as a whole?
The author does a wonderful job with her descriptions and with her chapters. Loving the book!

I finished my book questions , could one of you add it to the ss. I also just started
I am loving it!

Day 5 - Jess - epilogue

17. The wrapping up of this was very hectic, with bonus tear-gas fueled bathroom sex! Was the ending satisfactory to you?

No, totally lost me with that bathroom scene?

18. Jess blackmails Sophie into helping out the sex-trafficked girls. What did you think of this plot line?
I did not like the plot line, seemed very contrived.

19. Any changes in your view of the characters over the course of the book?
No, I really didn’t care for them.

20. Finally, do you think the inversion of the normal view of Paris as the city of love was effective here?
No, I really did not enjoy this book. Not one of my Lucy Foley’s favorite. Too many unlikeable characters.

DQ Day 4- Nick - Mimi

13. There is a lot going on in this section with many twists. First we head to Amsterdam and the Ben/Nick encounter was this expected. What are your thoughts on how Ben treated Nick when he moved into the apartment?
At this point I was very distrustful of Nick

14. Ben and Sophie embark on illicit rendezvous courting danger, while Mimi is on an obsessive mission to seduce Ben. Where do you see this ending?
Not well

15. Jess and Theo succeed in gaining entry to the exclusive club owned by Jacques but are thrown out when they attempt to access the locked room, with one of the dancers being fearful when she spots them down there. Ideas on what is behind the door?

No idea what so ever, having a hard time staying focused on this book.

16. We learn a lot about Mimi’s heritage and her connection to the Concierge. Do you think she’s aware of the connection?
No.

DQs Day 3 - Mimi - Sophie
9. Now, we know they are one big (not so) happy family. What do you think of the family dynamics? Do you think it is odd to live in an apartment in someone else’s house? This also means that anyone could have a key.

Wow , didn’t see that one coming. I thought they were just roommates


10. We have learned about the father and his view on sex/chastity with two of his children (“becoming a man” and his daughter’s outfit). How do these two scenes reflect on the family and character development?
I think there are many fathers like him. He really is trying to what he thinks is best , but unfortunately it is all wrong.

11. Ben seems to have been investigating the family business. What do you think is really going on and is represented by the “wine” transactions? I think there is one obvious choice, but I will wait for others to comment.

Something illegal , I am sure

12. Finally, do you have a favorite character so far? Do you think the characters have developed much or are they still mostly defined relationally?

No , really don’t like any of them

Day 2 DQs Jess to Jess

5.) This section opens with Jess and Nick meeting which provides more insight into Ben and his relationships with friends. The conversation Nick and Ben had about the apartment rent seemed really odd, why was the rent for that apartment so cheap? And how could Nick really arrange it?

There is definitely something going on between Nick and Ben

6.) More layers added to the Concierge, she seemed to like Ben because he treated her like a person. Anyone else think he had an angle there and he wasn't just being a decent person? However, she's following Sophie's instructions about Jess and vaguely threatened her. Any thoughts as to why?

Very confused at this point

7.) Things are not looking good for Ben, I'm back to pondering the freshly planted flower bed in the courtyard. Any guess at what he's been up to? The blackmail of Sophie?

Not sure what happened to Ben,but things are not looking good

8.) The police station. Do you think Nick told them what Jess think he told them? Or do you think he told them "this is my friend's nutter sister who thinks he's missing when he's off getting laid".?

I think Nick is humoring Jess at this point

Leslie’s links

Day 1 : https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 4 : https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 5 : https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DAY 1 QUESTIONS - PROLOGUE - CONCIERGE

1. Lucy Foley has been a very popular author over the last few years starting with The Book of Lost and Found in 2015, this is her sixth book. How many have your read? Have you a favourite? What is it about her writing style that keeps you coming back? And if you are a newbie what are you expecting from The Paris Apartment?

I loved The Guest List. Looking forward to this one

2. Ahhh.. Voila. Paris the city of love and light. 💕 How important do you think the apartment's location will be to the story? Have you been to Paris or is it on your travel bucket list? Any memories/stories you want to share.

Loved Paris, have been only once. Not sure how important it will be in the story

3. And now to the prologue. Does is set the scene? What are your initial thoughts of Ben and what is to come? PS Isn't the key so cute with the Paris landmarks on it. I want one!

Ben is a bit of a mystery ,will wait to see what evolves

4. It's a bit of a femme fest with all the main characters at this stage women. Jess, Sophie, Mimi and the mysterious Concierge - all seem to be full of subterfuge and secrets. Compare and contrast these women and what do you think their ongoing role in the novel will be?

Concierge Is the most mysterious, but I am finding it hard to keep everyone straight.

I copied your post Suzanne. I haven’t done the questions yet , but will get to it. I was on the beach listening, didn’t have time to mark.

Book: The Paris Apartment
Author: Lucy Foley
Date Read: 9/11/22
Pages: 360 (up to 8 scavenger words/spell out letters)

**Book of the month*** verification here:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Spell Out: Jess, Nick, Mimi, Ben, Theo, Paris, Lucy

Meal Idea: Fish and Chips

vinegar (p. 36) for Fish and Chips
Salt (p. 52) for fish and chips or other things
Fish (p. 50)
chips (p. 324)
Salt (again) p. 250
Lemon p. 227
vinegar (again) p. 249

Coffee p. 50

Rebecca NJ wrote: "Kate S wrote: "Works for me! I am curious about how long we have to update the official spreadsheet at the end of the month to serve our customers. Reading through some official stuff now..."

It l..."

I was wondering about that, so no it doesn’t count. In fact my other 2 books I am reading don’t count either. I am planning on reading both bom’s.