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

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

Yes, congratulations for your wedding, Redshirt! I hope the day goes exactly as you hope.

My weekend wasn't as relaxing as I had hoped due to the pain I've been having. I'm going to the doctors in a bit so hopefully they will be able to help me with it this time.

In regards to reading, I did very little over the weekend. I will try to finish a few books this week though.
I enjoy tasks, but I probably would still stick to what I plan to read anyway, especially if we won't get any extra points for them.

Laurie wrote: "I'm reading Mort right now for Tower Teams (and shamefully neglecting this challenge, lol) and I'm really enjoying it. I'm glad TT finally got me to read some Discworld because now I have lots of b..."

I'm in the same position. I'll probably add most, if not all, the Discworld series books onto my TBR which will make it go up a lot, but I definitely want to continue the series after TT.

DQs Day 3 Chapters 16 - 23

11. Gramma Pearl shared many wonderful legacy stories with Daunis. I loved the reference Daunis makes regarding the storm and the thunderbirds bringing loved ones from the other world to check on them. As a result, Daunis has happy memories about storms versus being afraid and she consistently refers to Gramma Pearl when deciding what to do. Do you have any advice, stories or traditions passed down from family that you often think about? Something that you would share with your legacy...if so, share if you are comfortable.
I can't say that I have anything like that. However, I am going to be moving to a different country soon and when the time comes to raise a family there, I would like to keep some traditions from my home country that they may not do in the other country.

12. "The FBI is interested in learning what caused the group hallucination. I want to know if the kids are okay." Daunis obviously thinks the FBI isn't investigating for the right reasons. I observe all the time that young people have a different view on things than more experienced/older people. Who's right? What do we learn from situations such as this? Other thoughts?
Sometimes when you do something for a long time your judgement can become clouded. It's not until an outsider comes along and suggests a different way of looking at or doing things that things might change.

13. Heather is clearly not liked amongst the girls at the beach party...why do you think Heather approaches Daunis about buying drugs? Do you think this has something to do with why she turns up dead, washed up at Duck Island?
Maybe because Daunis seems caught up in drug related things that Heather thought she might be able to acquire some from her. Her death was probably drug related, maybe too much or a bad batch.

14. In chapter 20, Jamie asks Daunis about the meaning of 'Firekeeper's Daughter'. It's her job to lift up the sun every day. What do you think about this explanation? Do you find additional meaning in this as it relates to Daunis and her role in the plot of this story?
Daunis seems to be taking a lot upon herself to try and solve the mysteries. Maybe it is her way of lifting the sun or it's just the sort of person she is.

15. Daunis finds Heather during her mushroom sleuthing on Duck Island. During her thinking she has an 'ah-ha' moment regarding her Uncle's journals. When she goes to look for them, she's quick to assume that they don't exist because of the connection to the FBI and the confidentiality required...do you think she's right...thoughts?
She might be on the right tracks.

DQs Day 2 Chapters 9 to 15

6. I thought that the opening scene with Daunis and the gun would show up again towards the end of the book. That’s usually what happens when authors use this kind of device. Were you surprised that it happens not even a quarter of the way in?
I was surprised that it happened so soon into the book. I expected it more towards the middle or even the latter half of the book.

7. We knew there would be a murder but we’re you surprised that it was Lily who was killed? Did you suspect something bad would happen between her and Travis?
I was surprised it was Lily. I expected something to happen especially when Lily wasn't replying to Daunis' texts, but nothing that extreme.

8. The synopsis also hinted that Jamie was not all he seemed. I thought he would be something to do with the murder but not that he would be an undercover agent. What did you think it was that Jamie was hiding?
I'm not sure what I thought he was hiding, but I did not expect him to be an undercover agent.

9. If you were Daunis would you have agreed to be a confidential informant? I’m not sure I would be brave enough.
I would like to think I could be brave enough to get to the bottom of things, especially in the situation in the book. But in reality, I'm a really bad liar and give things away too easily so I don't think I would be very good.

10. Being a confidential informant seems to be very complicated with Daunis being expected to really investigate what is happening rather than just let them know if she comes across anything suspicious. How well do you think Daunis will be able to do this as it’s her own community and perhaps members of her own family that she will be investigating?
Daunis seems strong and she'll want to get to the bottom of the murders of Lily and her uncle. She won't be happy about it, but I think she can do it well.

Thank you, it's nothing major just some pain that sometimes wakes me up or keeps me awake which is making me very tired which in turn makes reading a lot harder.
But after visiting the doctor, it hasn't been as much of a problem so hopefully I'm back on track to getting back to normal.

Also, I will be away this weekend on a trip that was planned for this time last year, but for obvious reasons got pushed back. I don't know if I will get much reading done. It is meant to be a relaxing trip but that may end up being more TV/movies than books :P

I will be reading it but probably won't start for a day or two yet.

I'm hoping to catch up on my reading over the next few days as I've fallen behind due to some health problems and starting work.

Judith wrote: "Keely, it is and the book also works in a couple Jackanory spots.

Redshirt, keep your plans as is. We can work with whatever people read"

Okay, I'll let you decide where it's best to use it. I should finish it sometime in the week.
I have other books I could read for the free option if needed.

Technically I got Firekeeper's Daughter for free as I used a free trial on Audiobooks.com for it. Would that be enough to count as free?

DQs Day 1 Chapters 1 to 8

1) Was this book on your TBR before it was announced as a BOM and were you hypnotized by the beautiful cover art? Were you familiar with Ojibwe culture prior to reading this book?
This was not on my TBR until it was nominated as a BOM. I had not heard of this book before. The cover art alone was enough to interest me. I was not familiar with Ojibwe culture before this book.

2) Several social issues have been touched on so far including racism (including within race (skin tone) and within families for biracial children), enrolled v. descendant tribe membership, substance abuse, illegitimacy, and mental health. Does the author seem to be pulling this off so far or does it seem like too much to have it work for the story?
I think there is a good balance so far.

3) Characters. Any favorites so far? Does anyone else want to be adopted by Granny June, or is that just me?
I can't say I have any favourites yet, but Granny June is a great character so far.

4) The author weaves tribal culture into the story and makes it an important aspect of Daunis's life. Including having her work in the tribal language into her interactions with the kids. Language is such an important part of culture, loosing a language means more than just a loss of vocabulary words. Are you enjoying this aspect of the story?
Yes, I find language fasinating. If I could, I would learn every language.

5) The quote "when someone dies everything becomes past tense, except for the grief. Grief stays in the present." really hit home. How did you react to this statement, did is resonate with you as well?
I have been fortunate in life and have not experienced much grief so I can't say I felt it hard, but I have seen what grief does to people.

I could probably find a book with MPG Mystery, but I feel like I should finish some of my books before commiting to anything else.

DQs Day 5 - The Game - end

21. Even though Nora loved her life with Ash and Molly she still returned to the library. Were you surprised that she didn’t stay? Did you want her to stay in that life?
I expected her to return to the library. I had a feeling from the beginning that she would return to her root life.

22. When Nora reconnects with her brother Joe she finds out that the reason he had been avoiding her was nothing to do with her decision not to continue with the band. I think that Nora’s experiences in her other lives helped her to accept that this was the truth. Her old self was so wrapped up in thoughts that she was responsible for other people’s happiness I feel she may have thought he was just trying to be kind due to her suicide attempt. What are your thoughts?
I think Nora was very lonely and just lived in a kind of bubble that people with depression can get caught up in and then they feel unloved/unlovable. Sometimes it takes just one person to reach out to realise someone still does care about you.

23. Were you happy with the ending? Where would you like Nora’s story to go next?
I was happy with the ending. I would love to see how Nora's life pans out after.

24. Nora got to experience so many lives and possibilities - different careers, different relationships and the chance to live in places all over the world. If you were able to experience another life what would you want to experience?
I would be curious to see where things had ended up if I had gone to a different university or if I had pursued a career with animals.

25. Did you enjoy the book? Was there anything in the story that resonated with your own life? Is there a message you will take away with you?
I did enjoy the book. I gave it 5 stars in the end. I resonated quite a lot because I have previously dealt with depression and anxiety and I do often find myself thinking about things I regret, even though I try not to because they are done and I can't change them now. I like the message of not knowing what's around the corner. Just when things seem at there worst, someone could reach out and make things seem not so bad anymore. You just never know.

Bonus: While reading the story certain parts reminded me of films and TV shows I’ve enjoyed. Films like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Sliding Doors’ or tv shows like ‘Sliders’ and ‘Quantum Leap’. Are there any films, shows or books that you were reminded of?
I haven't seen any of those... I guess the closest I can think of off the top of my head would be Bruce Almighty. Maybe a little bit of The Lovely Bones too.

Just to let you all know that I've been offered work at a retail store I worked in previously. I'll only be contracted two shifts a week but they will be preparing for their big summer sale and my manager assured me there would be plenty of overtime/extra shifts to pick up. I plan to pick us as much extra as I can so that I have more money for when I can finally begin my move to Norway.

This could mean that the amount I read could go up or down. If I am able to get shifts where I work out the back in the stockroom then I can listen to audiobooks, if I end up more on the shopfloor then I will not be able to do that. I will probably be out back more as that is what I did previously.

I doubt it will make my reading go down too much, if anything it is more likely to go up. But just in case, you know why.

Discussion Questions - Day 4: Ryan Bailey - A Pearl in the Shell (79%)

16. What were your thoughts on the interview Nora did? Did she handle it well? What do you make of her thoughts on life in this interview compared to the speech she gave as a champion swimmer?
It went about as well as I expected. I almost expected it to be worse actually.

17. Nora tries for a simpler life working at animal shelter. Did you see this as a life for Nora at all during the book? Do you think she will incorporate this into her chosen life? If not, what will she take from this life if anything at all?
It wasn't one of the lives that first came to mind, but she obviously seems to care about animals. I think she will always have an animal of some kind in her life.

18. In 'The Many Lives of Nora Seed', we are given a large summary of all the other lives she tried. Did any stand out to you? Did you think any of these lives would have suited her? Do any relate to what you would want to experience or have thought about experiencing? I was amused by the life where she only ate toasts and like hearing about her lives abroad. Though was a bit concerned with all the lives she chokes on something.
There were some that I could definitely see myself having. The toast one was a bit strange.

19. The life with Ash was the one I was waiting for when reading. What do you make of it so far and what do you think will happen? I thought she would stay in this one and was intrigued about the family life she had built.
I knew Ash would play a part at some point. They seem to be happy. But maybe she will feel guilt about taking away the 'other' Nora again and that will take her back to the library. Or she finds out other terrible news.

20. What are your thoughts of Mrs Elm as her guide? Do you think she does a good job or could do something better? What advice would you give if you were in her position?
I both like and dislike Mrs Elm. She could be more helpful, but then it kind of sounds like she is apart of Nora's subconscious or something. If Mrs Elm was more 'helpful' then Nora wouldn't learn as much from the experience.

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 Simon will be a supportive role for Esk. I'm not sure how I feel about him yet. He's definitely not my fav charater.

14. The meeting between Granny and the Archchancellor and their actions afterwards are a pivotal part of the book. What were your impressions?
I enjoyed the way they interacted with eachother.

15. With duality of witchcraft vs. wizardry being one of the main themes, what do you think about the ending? Was it satisfyingly concluded?
It was a nice ending, but left open ended for more adventures. It concluded what was necessary for this book.

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 gave it 4 stars. I am new to Terry Pratchett but have considered reading some of his work before. What I have read so far, I have enjoyed so I'm a little annoyed I waited so long, but I will be continuing with the Discworld universe (it may take me a while to get through it all though).

BONUS: Any favourite scenes? :)
Basically anything with Granny in.

There was some things I thought was strange about the main character. She annoyed me a bit at times. But overall I found the story enjoyable.


I think I refer the sound of The House in the Cerulean Sea to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue so I will aim for that one, but I still hope to acquire both.

I'm on a role. I finished both Equal Rites and A Deadly Education over the weekend and hopefully The Colour of Magic next week some time.

I'm struggling to get a hold of July's BOMs that aren't Discworld, but I will use a Audible credit (when I get my next one) on one of them so I will at least be able to participate in 2 of them.

DQs Day 3: The Tree That Is Our Life - Wild and Free (59%)

11. Regarding the system error, that occurred when Nora tried to return to the library after that speech. Do you think Nora could have trouble returning to the library from one of the next lives that she visits?
I feel like Nora is beginning to want to live more so I don't think the system error will happen again. It seemed like it happened because she was almost ready to give up

12. But you will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life. (p. 151) Do you think Nora is going to "find the meaning of life", "be happy forever in a parallel life", or "will want to die and leave the library forever"?
I think she will end up back in her original world but with a new perspective on life. But I could be wrong.

13. Are you surprised about Nora meeting Hugo, another Slider, as he calls people like them in the in-between?
I guess I was at first, but it helped shed some light on what was happening and that it happens to other people too.

14. For Nora it's a library, for Hugo it's a video store. What do you imagine would your variant of the in-between be? (And obviously you are not allowed to say library now, because I'm guessing most of us would go with that answer. Be creative and let me know what else you would feel comfortable with.)
Eh, I would have said library even before reading this, but if not that then maybe a wool shop or somewhere with lots of cats.

15. We finally get to see Nora's life as a rock star. In what direction do you think this will go? Is it going to be the life Nora is happiest with and stays the longest/forever? Or do you think that she's going to leave it rather soon again?
Something is going on with her brother and maybe whatever that is is enough to take her back. She would have stayed and become a rock star for him afterall.

167 pages
1,017 pages
24 pages
185 pages

Current Total: 730,279

I finished a couple recently but the one I am most proud of is Bleak House. It's been on my TBR since 2012 and I kept putting it off because it was so long. But now I have finially read it. Unfortunately I can't really say it was worth the wait. I was okay, but I doubt I would attempt to read it again.

For F1 Bees I can recommend The Murmur of Bees (sorry I'm on my phone so can't add the link) I read it last year.

Or The Time Paradox book I am going to read will work for that as the cover is yellow and black.