Trisha’s Comments (group member since Aug 01, 2022)

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

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I LOVE our team name!!

Want me to do any tracking??
I'll save a couple of spots just in case.

NetGalley February 2023



Start of the Month:
Books on shelf: 219
Feedback Ratio: 75%

Book Read/Review link for February:

- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

End of the Month:
Books on Shelf
Feedback Ration:

Netgalley Challenge: January:
Start of month:
Books on shelf: 193
Feedback Ratio: 77%

January Read/Reviews:

- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


End of Month:
Books on shelf: 219 (Ugh!)
Feedback Ratio: 75% (ugh lol Wrong direction!)

My goal to get through my backlog of Netgalley:

Read Pile
Completed: 11/85

1. The Newcomer 7/18
2. Above the Bay of Angels 7/23
3. I Will Make You Pay 8/4
4. Stories We Never Told 8/5
5. The Darkest Flower 8/8
6. Dark Farm 8/9
7. The Blackhouse 9/13
8. Since You've Been Gone 9/25
9. Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery 11/28
10. Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche 12/13
11. Great Circle 12/14

My Pile to Pull From:

2013:


2014: (3)


2015: (3)


2016:


2017:


2018:


2019: (7)


2020: (11)


2021: (54)

I got through 22 and went up another point! Not as many as I'd hoped but another point is always worth it! 74 - 75% yay! slooooowly going to get to 80% lol

NetGalley December 2022




Beginning of the month
On my NetGalley shelf: 205
Feedback ratio: 75%

Books Read This Month
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

c: Your updated shelf count - 191
e: Your updated ratio - 77%

** I have a big goal this month! Cross your fingers for me!!

DQ ?'s

Day 1
Day 2
Day 5

Day 5 Discussion Questions

17. Let's discuss the fight that Joy and Stan had in Chapter 53. Joy is arguing that Stan didn't support his own children because his focus had always been on tennis and elsewhere - whereas Stan argues back that they were given everything and had no idea how lucky they are. What are your thoughts on this argument and its relation to the memory question that was asked earlier on?

This argument broke my heart. I hate thinking for so many years, that any of them held resentments and frustrations. They would have wasted so much less time if they'd let them go years ago and talked about this stuff!

18. After reading the whole book and seeing all of the different sides of this family, what are your overall thoughts on the marriage between Joy and Stan? Was it has happy as they tried to portray or were the frictions too hard to ignore?

No, it was not as happy as it could have been. Joy stepped up in ways that Stan never did. And she bridged gaps and he just took her for granted - as did her kids. I loved the change in dynamic with cooking after they talked.

19. A small surprise to me was that Liane Moriarty included current events as the novel went on. I wasn't expecting the covid references or the Australia fire references. Were you as surprised to see that show up? Do you think that will become the norm for authors moving forward in the upcoming years?

It felt so weird, that the COVID was introduced so late. But I thinkin allowing her in to the house would have had a very different thought/feel if during the pandemic.

20. Joy is alive?! There was no murder? There was no violence? That final twist took me by complete and utter surprise. When I say that Liane wrote a book that I was not able to guess, that isn't an exaggeration. What were your thoughts on this massive reveal and the oncoming explanation? Were you expecting this?

I'm just so glad Joy got a good time away and that she found her piece with the other girl and had that retreate. I'm glad she came back clear headed and was willing to work on things with Stan but also stand up for herself and some things she needed to be happy.

21. Any other thoughts on the other characters endings? Were you satisfied or dissatisfied with the novel as a whole? Will you read more Liane Moriarty novels?"

I disliked this one a lot. It's the first one from this author that I disliked so much. I love her other ones so I'll definitely still read more from her!

Day 2 Discussion Questions
ch 13-22

5. The list of characters continues to grow. Although, I do think we are getting more views of the family. Have you been able to form opinions about the family members, yet? Do you have any favorites?

No, I can't say I have a favorite. I really don't like Stan but the sons aren't impressing me either. I definitely don't like Savannah either and I'm still uneasy about her. The daughters aren't as bad but I don't think anyone is on their best behavior yet! It's hard to like any of them.

6. The scenes with the brownies struck me as strange. The family all seem to know that the brownies are important to Amy, but Stan is weird and seems to be making it into a competition. Everyone else seems to be trying to avoid the show down. As a family that has been competitive for so long, is it weird that they seem to shy away from it?

No, I think it's a sign that the family - at least the kids - are trying to have a different relationship (one that isn't competitive). You get the feeling that their were some awful moments about the compeititions that seemed to really define these kids - maybe how they acted - and they want to stop having this weird dynamic in the family. Plus, it was just so uncomfortable!

7. Savannah continues to stay just out of focus for me. I don't know what to think about her. Any thoughts on who she is or why she is working so hard to ingratiate herself with Joy and Stan?

Ugh, she just gives me goosebumps. I just don't trust her. It's so odd, how hard she's trying.

8. "Why not rewrite the memory and remember it as a perfect day? What was the actual benefit of accuracy when it came to memories?" (p157) I like this quote. It gives a bit of insight into the collective memories of the family. I think it offers a bit of unreliability to all of our narrators. What do you think about this view of memories?

I think the fact that more than one of them has the memory keeps them from morphing the memories too much! It makes me think that sometimes, someone can help hold a memory for you. Like, maybe looking at them, they make you feel a certain way - like you're reminded of a shameful or embaressing moment. You might avoid that person to avoid that memory. . .

Trisha's BOTM Participation:

Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQs Day 3 Chapter 10 to Chapter 13

10.) Another glimpse at Oliver's life. What the heck is he doing with those people? I'm exhausted just reading about Garland and her 'friends'. Do you think he'll find his way back to Mallow Island?

I hope so. I think he'd get along with Zoey well. And I think they are around the samg age!

11.) Zoey. This girl breaks my heart. Her coming to realize and possibly accept she was a child no one really wanted. I mean he dad didn't even go to her high school graduation. WTF? Do you think you could do what she's doing and with the attitude she has, if you were her?

I was so sad she's changing her view of her mom. I really hope she finds out more about her mom. I think there's more to the story and I want her to remain positive! I don't know if I could. I'm finding I'm getting more jaded as I get older. I definitely had a more positive perspective when I was younger.

12.) Pidgeon has been disappearing for longer periods of time. Any thoughts on what's going on there? Are you enjoying the woo-woo ghosty elements?

I really hope pidgeon is okay but I also wonder if she doesn't need pidgeon as much since she is making friends - but I'm not 100% sure what pidgeon is so . . . I like the other ghosts and their added perspective. They are definitely flushing out Mac's character

13.) We have much more of Mac's story now. Was any part of his story surprising to you?

awe, his childhood breaks my heart
and his loneliness now makes me so sad. I hope he continues to open up to friendships (and maybe something more with Charlotte)

DQ Day 2 - 5 - 9 and ghost story (stopped at 10)

6. A second ghost! Who appears to be tied to being a ghost because of Mac , and seems like she'd rather leave. Do you think that's true, or is she staying because she wants to? How does Camille's experience conpare to Lisbeth's?

oooh, that's a hard one. It does sound like she's staying for her Mac because his grief was so overwhelming at first. he still sounds very lonely. Lisbeth is staying because of unfinished business, I assume. But hers also sounds tied to lonliness. She seems to want vidication - she wouldn't have been lonely if they all knew the real story.

7. We meet Oliver. What do you think of him and his situation and decisions?

Awe, I feel bad for him. He sounds stuck and I'm not 100% sure that this girl has his best interests (or his interests at all!) in mind at all! I hope he gets the job and gets to look for work (and find those dang car keys!)

8. Roscoe Avanger - any thoughts about him and his control over the Dellawisp? Lizbeth highlighted some passages from his book (chap 9). What do you think of the selection,and what, if any, relevance do you see with the wider story we are reading ?

oooh, good question!! I don't see how he ties in yet, except he finds himself as like the steward of this small island. He seems to think it's his job to watch over it. I'm curious to find out more about him!

9. There are a lot of difficult parent/child relationships so far, but only one sibling. why do you think we haven't heard from Lucy yet?

It really is a lot of POV - I kind of wish each section was labled as to who was talking! I'm not sure what to make of Lucy. She's so closed off - I wonder why no one in the building really became friends - with Lisbeth there or not. Seems like they could have.

Day 1 discussion questions

1. Traditional 1st BOM question! What has led you to join in?
Is Liane Moriarty one of your must read authors or are you more like me, where I'm happy to read her books as I get round to them.

I would say typically she's a must read. I had preordered this one, hardback, but I took a huge break in reading so it sat on my shelf. I was really excited to read it when I saw it was a BOM!

2. Do you think we'll circle back to anyone other than the family?

It's overwhelming a bit. Lots of players without knowing what's going on. I feel like we even have some foreshadowing but. . .don't know what it all means yet. I've definitely confused who all is family or not! lol

3. Savannah has just appeared at the house. Do you think she has more of a link to the family than she is saying?What are your feelings about Joy and Stan taking her in?

I don't like her. And it must be my post-pandemic mind but there is no way I would have let her stay! I would have brought her in and got her some help but not stay! I'm so nervous for this couple!

4. There's a lot of hints towards Joy and Stan's relationship being less than picture perfect. Do you think he's responsible for Joy's disappearance or has she really taken herself off grid? With the comments in her section about memory loss, is this actually a case of a lady with relatively early onset dementia getting lost?

So torn! But this author is so good with twists so I'm leaning that he *didn't* do it but the bike and the left apples are ominous. I haven't decided yet.

Day 1 DQs: Chapter 1 – Chapter 5

1. Have you ever read any books by this author before? What drew you to read this book?

Yes, I read the Waverly duology and loved it. I typically don't like Magic Realism but the genre is changing and evolving. I like this side of it.

2. How does the book’s setting on an island influence the story so far? Would you want to visit?

I don't think the island has influenced the story at all, so far. I barely know she's on an island (in fact, I completely forgot! I don't even remember the name of the island! lol) So far, the island seems fine. We've only seen her house and the residents.

3. What do you think of the use of ghosts as a narrative strategy, in general and in this book?

I completely forgot about that little side chapter. It's odd. I'm interested to see how many we get. So far I don't love it because I'm not sure what it adds yet.

4. Do you have a favorite character yet? Why?

I guess maybe Pigeon! Although I can't believe she pushed the ball off the box!!

5. Finally do any of the marshmellow food items sound worth eating or do they seem a bit much? Does where you live have any famous food items

I think we haven't heard too much about marshmellow food so far. I've had sweet fries with marshmallow dipping sauce and it was amazing! So yes! I would say that one was great!

Gem ~ZeroShelfControl~ wrote: "Have read and done two reviews already this month! I'm finally in the groove!"

YAY! You got this!

November Netgalley



Books on shelf - 208
Feedback Ratio - 74%

3. At the end of the month, update your post and with:
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
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c: Your updated shelf count - 205
e: Your updated ratio - 75%

October Netgalley:


a: How many books on your NetGalley shelf: 218
c: What your Netgalley feedback ratio is: 72%


3. At the end of the month, update your post and with:

- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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- https://www.netgalley.com/member/book...
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

c: Your updated shelf count - 204
e: Your updated ratio - 74% !!

I love it! Sounds great!!