Vikki’s Comments (group member since May 25, 2014)

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

Hi everyone! I am Victoria. I am going to read through the 10 pages of posts when I get home to get caught up but I am excited to be on the team.

February 7 Discussion Questions: Chapters 13-14

20. I don’t know what to think of Ani’s relationship with Mr. Larson. Do you think she just wants his support because she had a hard time, or does she want more from him?

Definitely more.

21. In chapter 14 we read about the aftermath of the shooting/bombing there are so many things wrong there let’s start with the psychologist. What did you think of her behavior towards TifAni?

I think she thought TifAni was involved or had prior knowledge of the attack.

22. The reaction of TifAni’s mother when she heard her daughter was raped. I wondered why their relationship was bad but I can understand now. What did you think?

I think her mother is a horrible, self-absorbed, social climbing person.

23. I can understand where the detectives were going by thinking TifAni was in on the shooting. Do you think she is hiding something from us?

Yes.

Chapter 15-17

24. Ani and Mrs. Finnerman kept in touch throughout the years by letters. Do you think it was strange? Why do you think they both chose to do so?

No. They were the only ones to remember the good in Arthur but it was too painful to see each other in person especially with the complicated issue of Ani killing Arthur.

25. Does it surprise you that the police determined that Arthur was the mastermind behind the attack? What do you think of the assessment they had of Arthur - do you agree or not?

No. I disagree. I think if Arthur wasn't unfairly expelled he would have never done the attacks. I think he just snapped and the planning of it made him feel like he was in control and that he actually thought he was helping TifAni and getting his dignity back in the shootings.

26. Ani says to Andrew, "Luke Harrison wouldn't marry a murderess skank. He fixes me." Do you think Ani every loved Luke or do you think it was simply the final piece of her puzzle? How does that line make you feel about Ani and the way she sees herself?

I don't think she loves Luke and still feels the need to prove herself to everyone.

27. Nothing happened between Ani and Andrew but it was obvious they both wanted to. What does this tell you about Andrew as a person? How did you feel about their exchange in the restaurant?

That he had feelings for TifAni back then and now.

28. Do you like Ani's mom? How do you feel about the way she treats and talks to Ani?

I still really dislike her.

29. Ani and Dean's interaction - thoughts? I loved that she made him say what he did to her. Do you believe his apology? Do you think he really is sorry for it?

I think Dean is a sociopath and doesn't regret anything.

30. The wedding - do you think Ani would have made the decision to leave Luke if he didn't destroy the picture of Arthur and his dad? Do you agree with her decision and the way she handled it?

Yes. Yes.

31. Did you enjoy reading the book and the message the author was trying to send? Do you agree with it?

I enjoyed the book overall and agree with its message.

I just finished the book too and I liked Ani a lot more at the end of the book than at the beginning. And I think my favorite character went from none of them to Nell.

February 6 Discussion Questions: Chapters 10-12

15. The meetings of Arthur and Ani were quite disturbing writing those comments on those pictures. Do you think they may be planning something?

No, just blowing off steam.

16. Teachers like Mrs. Hurst shouldn’t be allowed. I got really angry during that scene in the classroom. What did you think of her?

A hateful woman. She disgusted me.

17. ”You know people don’t care about you as much as you think they do.” She laughed. “That sounded bad. What I meant was it might only be in your head that you have something to prove.” So true what Nell is saying to Ani here. What do you think?

I think Nell is right.

18. What a brave thing to do to stay with Peyton and keep talking with him. Would you have done the same considering what he did to her before?

Maybe.

19. Some of you guessed right when predicting a school shooting, were the shooters a surprise to you and what Ani did to Arthur?

The shooters were not a surprise but what Ani did was.

Day 3 Questions
Chapters 7-9

Well......

11. How do you like the book so far? Do you feel that the suspense is mounting?

I like the way the story pulls you in. Yes.

12. Do you feel differently about Ani now that we know more about her?

Not really. I still don't like her.

13. Were you surprised that she did not turn Dean in when she had the chance?

No, because it would ruin her little chance of staying popular.

14. Who is your favorite character so far and why?

I don't really like any of the characters right now.

February 3
Chapters 4-6

Comments and Questions

Q6. We are 1/3 of the way through, are you enjoying the book? Have your views changed from the first set of questions to this part of the book?

Not really

Q7. Do you like the flashbacks to Ani’s high school memories? Do you find them reliable? What’s there anything you found interesting or disturbing?

Not sure if they are reliable but it is disturbing.

Q8. In Chapter 4 when Ani went to the party and the events she woke up to, did you expect something like that to happen? How do you feel the author, Jessica Knoll, tackled this issue in chapters 4 &5?

Yes, there were only guys and alcohol there. And they seemed like they were trying to get her drunk.

Q9. Ani talks about her relationship with Luke, his money, his breath, and the engagement. How are you’re feeling about that?

I think she resents rich, upper class people and hates herself for trying to be one.

Q10. At the end of Chapter 6 Ani goes to the clinic. I’m so disappointed in the Doctor answer to Ani about “if you can’t remember anything is it rape?” To me I feel Ani was crying out for help but it was ignored. What are your thoughts about this part of the book?

I think she was hoping for sympathy from a person that could had to keep her confidence/secret.

February 2
Chapters 1-3

Comments and Questions

1. There are so many "girl" books at the moment. (The Good Girl, The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, etc.) Have you read these books? What appeals to you about them? Why did you decide to read this book?

I read Gone Girl and I liked it for the twist in the plot. I have wanted to read this book for a while because it sounds like it has a plot twist or mystery involved.

2. On page 39 of my copy (overdrive ebook), in chapter 2, they are discussing The Catcher in the Rye;
"Could Holden be any less self-aware? Here he is calling everyone a phony, when he's the biggest phony of them all"
Is this a clue about our narrator being unreliable?

Maybe. It seems like she is too worried about what others think and has things she wants to hid.

3. Ani seems very.... complex? I'm not even sure how to describe her. The antithesis of a narcassist? She seeks approval and compliments despite her apparant self loathing ; wanting to be 'perfect' and yet recognising how futile that is. What are your thoughts on her?

She is so worried about what others think and it seems like she is hiding something. What is the documentary they are talking about?

4. How are you finding the style? Do you like the first person POV?

It is easy to read and keeps me interested in the story. I like the first person POV because it helps me relate to the author.

5. Any guesses about the event from TifAni's past? Seems to be something to do with a gun, but I'm guessing it can't be too awful or her future mother-in-law would not have approved of the marriage.

Her so-called friends die or disappear?

Thank you Karsyn!

Good game (or challenge) Team Loki! Hope you all again in other challenges or BOMs.

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Hi Team Bastet! I just wanted to say good game (or challenge?). Congratulation on 4th place for Most Improved Team and 14th in Overall Points and Pages Read. Hopefully see you in TTV and the BOM discussions.

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Thanks Tea, Joanne, and Diane from Team Odin!

Hi Team Odin. I just wanted to say good game (or challenge?) and hopefully see you in TTV and the BOM discussions! Team Sedna made Team Anubis step up their game by beating them in the January Crossword Challenge and taking the #1 spot for a bit. I think TTIV would lasted longer if that had not happened... I am sorry it is ending so soon too.

Hi Team Raven. I just wanted to say good game (or challenge?) and hopefully see you in TTV and the BOM discussions!