Keely’s Comments (group member since Aug 30, 2013)

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

I've swapped Laura's book over and added the code for your book Sana.

304 pages
216 pages
387 pages
835 pages
59 pages
206 pages
295 pages

Current Total: 1,222,989

It looks like Audible Plus has most of the James Bond books (if not all) now. I'd be willing to read The Spy Who Loved Me to get us the #10 in series. Unless someone else has something they want to read for that. Otherwise, I will just work my way through the books and have them in the bank as they are all pretty short.

I've put my Mockingjay book down for the district one with the author's initials. I've been putting off finishing it for the mini so I only have a little bit left. I'll finish it soon after the mini begins.

I just finished part 2.

There was a lot in this part that I didn't remember. Especially with Joanna. I hate the way Katniss is treating both Gale and Peeta. Love triangles are generally annoying anyway, but I don't know how either of them are still interested in her after the way she has been acting towards them. I know Peeta is still confused after having his memories messed with, but Gale knows he's not going to win. He even said it himself.

I kinda want him to win...

I just deleted a book that I added in 2014. That leaves me with just 8 left that I added in 2014. I am going to try and get those done by the end of this year, but I am not sure I will quite manage all of them as there are a couple I don't currently have access to. My realistic goal will be at least half so that's 1 a month and I currently own that amount on kindle.
I will definitely get 2014 cleared off by the end of 2025.

I just finished my battle book. A day later than planned, but still finished!

I started my battle book today. I'm hoping to get it done today, but if not it will be tomorrow.

I received some bad news last night. One of the cats that lives in the house my boyfriend's parents own (we have the downstairs appartment) was run over yesterday and had to be put to sleep. I had bonded with him during my visits there so it was hard to not be there for him and to know that he won't be there when I next go back. As a result, I didn't get much sleep during the night so I expect to nap at some point today or get an early night.
Reading is helping distract me, but I am putting off reading more of The Mockingjay for a few days as a certain part was upsetting for me the first time and I'm not ready to read that part again now.

I just finished part 1.

Like I said for book 2, I seem to remember Katniss moping around a lot more. Maybe it felt longer when I was physically reading the book.

I understand District 13 needing to be strict on rations especially in times of shortages and everyone playing a role to ensure survival. And I understand people from the outside who aren't used to living like that may struggle, especially those from the Captiol who are so used to luxury. But coming in and fighting the rules straight off the bat? If I were Katniss, I'd be happy to have small tasks that made me feel like I'm doing my bit.

I am dreading what is going to come.

I am travelling back to the UK tomorrow from Norway. I've got a lot to get sorted today so I don't expect much reading, but I have about a 5 hour wait at Oslo airport so I should be able to get some reading done then. It probably won't be my battle book as I tend to get distracted when I am in public places, so I'll start my battle book once I am back home. I should be able to read it in a day as it is a shorter book than what I have been reading.

I have read the first and second book, but they took me a while to get through. I recently started the first one again as an audiobook and it is going a lot quicker.

Yasmine wrote: "Keely wrote: "I ended up looking after a very small kitten for the past couple of days. He is very small compared to his siblings and so he would get pushed out of the food and not really get any. ..."

He got taken back to the shelter earlier, but I've been told the other cats there a bullying him now, so it's looking like I'll get him back soon. At least I had a chance to do some of the louder chores like vacuuming while he was away. I should still be able to get some reading done later when he wants cuddles (he always wants cuddles apart from when he is eating)

I ended up looking after a very small kitten for the past couple of days. He is very small compared to his siblings and so he would get pushed out of the food and not really get any. I've been told his siblings have now all been adopted so he might go back to his mother today. I've been able to read in small doses, but not as much as planned. If he does go back today, I have a lot of chores to do which I'll do while listening to an audio book.

Day 3 DQ's Chapter 24 - 33

9. We keep hearing how people smell. Luzia of orange blossoms, Perez of plums and amber. Why do you think the author keeps mentioning this? Do the smells mean more than just an odor?
I hadn't really thought much about it. To me it's just a way to help bring characters to life.

10. We are over halfway through the book. What has been your favorite part/scene/person/line so far?
I'm not sure I have a favourite.

11. Valentina and Marius seem to be rekindling their marriage, finding love where there wasn't before. Why do you think the author is adding that part of the story when she could have left it out?
It could have more meaning later.

11. Now we are over halfway and know more of Luzia, the competition and this world. Why do you think the publisher and possibly the author chose this cover over any other possibilities? If you could remake the cover, what would you want it to look like?
I don't usually read too much into book covers as they don't often give accurate depictions of what the book is about.

For those that have read The Familiar, what did you think of it (without spoilers)? I've just got to the end of the Day 2 section and I don't really care about it. I will, of course, finish it for the points.

DQs Day 2 Chapter 13 - 23

5. Luzia’s refranes combine elements from diverse cultural traditions, creating a powerful form of magic tied to her Jewish heritage. Does the portrayal of Luzia’s magic suggest that blending different cultural traditions enhances personal power and resistance, or does it emphasize the delicate balance and possible loss of identity in such a blend?
I think is shows that deep down, we are all very similar.

6. Characters like Valentina and Hualit demonstrate varying levels of ambition and moral compromise on their paths to security and success. Is pursuit of personal safety and financial security a justifiable reason for ethical compromises, or should ambition be tempered with moral integrity?
In my opinion, moral should always play a high part.

7. Have you done other reading set in late-16th-century Spain? If not, are you having any problems following the political intrigues and social mores? What’s your favorite time period to read for historical fiction?
It is not something I have read much about before. Thanks to my history degree, I have a little knowledge of the politics. My favourite period for historical fiction is early to mid 1900s.

8. What do you make of Santángel? At one point we get the line, “And Santángel would be free.” Free from what, do you think?
I like him so far. I'm not really sure about his freedom.

Nosy bonus question. Are you reading this book for historical fiction, for fantasy, for romance, and/or for DQ points for your BG team? 😉
Mostly DQ points. If it wasn't for that, I don't think I'd be continuing with the book. It just isn't grabbing me.

Day 1 DQ’s
1- Although Valentia feels shame in her actions to confront Luzia and her magic she still threatens her to use it at her dinner party. What were your thoughts and do you feel bad for Valentia and her desperation?
I'm not sure I feel bad for her, but I probably would have done the same thing in the situation.

2-Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house and gave her extra chores. Why do you think Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house?
A show of power perhaps.

3-How did using music and song to make Luzia magic work make you feel or think of.
Music is always thought to have strong mental and spiritual connections.

4- Don Victor(De Paredes) shows up at Casa Ordobos to make sure Luzia has a room with and even hints at having her join him if not. Why do you think having Luzia in her own room benefits either of them?
Again, probably another power play.

It sounds like a book I would enjoy so I'd be happy to read it.

I'm hoping to really step up my reading game this round. I should have A LOT of free time from next week so I will be able to dedicate more time to reading. My goal is to finish a book at least every 2-3 days. It will be a mixture of length books, but I'm excited to see how many books I can get finished from my TBR by doing this!

I can get a copy of One by One by Freida McFadden if needed.