Alysa’s Comments (group member since Jun 27, 2015)

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

Stacey wrote: "I'm not sure I can fit in another, probably a quick one but not positive. There are at least 2 books on the list that have been read.

I read The Galaxy, and the Ground Within wich is tied for #19. It was used for Jackonary. I know at least 1 person read Equal Rites, it is #28"

We'll leave it to Tina, but most likely the best thing to do would be to move The Galaxy, and the Ground Within from Jackonary to Task #18.
We've still got more than enough unassigned books to replace it in the Jackonary.

Nevermind! Website wasn't refreshing for some reason.
@Tina, I'm glad you were able to pull in Jessi's books.
I'm worried about her. It's not like her to be so distant from GR unless something bad is going on. :/
*sends good vibes*

DQs Day 3 (ends: "Ah, thought Vimes. Jolly good. He slumped forward.")

9. If you were confronted with Lord Mountjoy Quickfang Winterforth IV’s ominously rumbling tummy and the prospect of more dragon fire, how would you react?
Not sure I would have stuck around as long as the mob leader did!

I'd probably be frozen like a deer in the headlights!

10. If you witnessed a massive dragon being vanquished in one sword hit, would you entirely believe it or do you think you may hold suspicions on the “neatness”? I think I would wonder about the lack of dragon lumps.

The lack of dragon lumps and mess would be an issue for me. Super suspicious, as is the whole "rando with a sword just happens to show up at the right moment" thing.

11. This section cemented my love for Lady Sybil, with her no-nonsense stern reproach of the dragon. If she had maintained eye contact, do you think her approach would have worked?

I don't think maintaining eye-contact would have worked, no, because this huge dragon is just not like the little ones that Lady Sybil is used to. I guess it's possible for a human to build a relationship to a large dragon in this story-world, but not so quickly as that.

12. Since the beginning of the book, has your opinion on Captain Vimes changed? If so, why?

At the beginning I thought he was going to be a drunken loser, but he's really turned things around. Deep down he's got that detective spidey sense and he's gotten a little surer of himself about letting it out.

Has anybody seen Jessi lately?

It looks like may need somebody else to cover Task #18 (book from the "From Against Discrimination" Listopia) if she's unable. I know she was sick a while back :(

I didn't get to read anything other than Guards! Guards! this weekend, so I'm on track to finish all my remaining claims, but no more...

Do we know DQ breakdowns yet?

Tina ❣ wrote: "Alysa wrote: "Tina ❣ wrote: "There's 26 books left for Jackonary and about 26 books that we have read that I haven't popped in yet."

So there's a set, limited number of books we can use in Jackano..."

Ah, okay, phew. I was confusing set limit to Jackanory/Tasks/BINGO with their being a set limit to the total # of books we can read for TT. Which there is not. Yay.
😜

DQs Day 2 (ends: "And awoke to the sound of a mob.")

5. In this section, TP is shedding some light (or dark?) on the Patrician's character. What is your opinion about him? Would you prefer him to rule your country instead of the "real" politicians?(A question to DW Veterans: do you remember any other books where V's aversion to mime artists is mentioned or we are given an explanation why?)

Clever, but ethically challenged. In that sense, not so different from many politicians in real life. I would not prefer him to lead my country, generally, but might prefer him to certain specific politicians, depending.

6. What about Lady Sybil as the "heroine" or female MC of the book? She certainly seems to be the complete opposite of how "classical heroines" are represented in fantasy or other books. Have you met her counterpart / someone very like her in non-DW books or films? Would you get a pet dragon if you had the chance?

She's awesome, and definitely rather different! She reminds me a little bit of the female scholar/noble in K.M. McKinley's Gates of the World series (ugh, cannot remember her name!), though those are quite dark high fantasy books.
If I were to get a pet at all, and had the option of a small dragon, I might consider it.

7. If you are familiar with the detective fiction/mystery genre, do you think Guards! Guards! has been following a similar structure in its idiosyncratic way so far?

I do, in its way! There's something weird and illegal afoot, there's various players with various bits of knowledge… There's Vimes on the case, and the other Watch members doing their thang. I am quite enjoying the way it's put together so far.

8. Maybe it's too early to ask this question, but I am not a character to able to resist the temptation of it. Please forgive me.
So, any ideas, who which actors/actress would you choose as Lord Vetinari / Sam Vimes / Carrot / Lady Sybil. ...etc if you were a casting director?

Oh dear I am terrible with this sort of thing. Chris Evans for Carrot, because as Captain America he'd be playing more or less to type.
Lord Vetinari... John Hannah.
Lady Sybil… Helena Bonham Carter (not very inspired choice, I suppose).
Sam Vimes… maybe Michael Harney? ETA: nope, make that Idris Elba.

Christina T wrote: "90% of my books are audio. Which page count do I use again?"

Default edition :)

Tina ❣ wrote: "There's 26 books left for Jackonary and about 26 books that we have read that I haven't popped in yet."

So there's a set, limited number of books we can use in Jackanory???
I thought it was unlimited for some reason.

If we end up with more books than we are allowed to use, I assume you would exclude the shortest ones, yes? So we can maximize points from longer ones...

Completion Post




On spreadsheet

DQs Day 1 (ends: "'That means you too, Sergeant' the captain added. 'Yessir.'")

1. For the newbies: what did you expect before opening a police procedural written by Pterry? For re-readers, how does this sub-series line up in your order of preferences?

Haven't read the City Watch subseries before! I had no expectations beyond my limited knowledge of Ankh-Morpork from other Discworld books, but I like fantasy-world-based procedurals, so I knew it would be good.

2. The first person we meet in this story is Vimes, meet collapsing, drunker, into the gutter... What does this mean for the story? For newbies: how do you feel about Vimes?

It's a pretty good introduction. Certainly sets the tone! Vimes is pathetic.

3. The Brethren (and I loved the elaborate exchange of codes!) have a disussion of the Lost King trope. Do you think the Supreme Grand Master will be able to find Ankh-Morpork's Lost King???

I don't think the Supreme Grand Master will see his plans work out the way he wants. Something's bound to go terribly wrong with the magic and/or the dragons. The story also has not connected the Brethren to Carrot or the Watch yet, and that's obviously got to happen sooner or later.

4. Carrot is our route to discovering Ankh-Morpork. Do you find this an effective way to understanding the city and its issues?

It's effective, in that other people have to explain things to him, or in how we can infer things based on other people's responses to him, and misunderstandings (e.g. being at Rosie Palm's every night, etc. LOL) . It's also really funny when Carrot writes home and we get into his head.
I'm glad the entire book isn't from Carrot's POV though. It wouldn't be as effective. He's such a Dudley Do-Right, it would be a bit dull.

Okay, I'm down for "Elf Archer" then!

I finished last night. I'll be finishing 2 more books today, and I'll get started on my remaining claims over the weekend. Depending how it goes, I can probably squeeze another (as-yet-unchosen) book before TT ends. Especially if I take a day off work next week, hehehe...

Is anyone reading for “elf archer” on bingo?
I have something I can read next week, but there are different (and longer, so more points!) books that I would prefer to read instead if “elf archer” is covered…

DQ Day 5 - Chapters 15-16

18. Is it DICOMY that is using Linus? Or is Charles Werner personally involved because of his history with Arthur? He is the only one responding to the reports Linus sends. Do you think he is jealous of what seems to be happening between Arthur and Linus?

It definitely seems like Charles is personally involved in this whole thing. Maybe DICOMY as a whole legit wants to know what's going on on the island, but Charles is abusing his position. Defintely a conflict of interest, whether extra-nefarious or not. And based on the letter, he sure seems jealous and petty!

19. The secret is out…Arthur is a phoenix. Wonderful power or a curse? Why would DICOMY want him to keep it a secret from the children?

Super awesome! I actually called it in my head a bit before it was revealed. I don't really understand why he was sworn to keep it secret from the children, other than just the idea of DICOMY never having assigned a magical creature as an orphan "master" before. But how would the kids know that? And do they not want the kids to grow up thinking that any magical creature could ever hold any position of authority? Things that make ya go Hmmmm.

20. Theodore shows Linus his hoard, what did you think of it? What does it represent to you?

That was nice. Theodore is just such a sweetie. The "little things" sentiment is nice.

21. Linus is nearing the end of his stay. Do you think he will go home after everything that happened in the village? Will there be repercussions from DICOMY?

Realistically, he must go home. Even if he ends up wanting to change jobs or become an activist or something, he would still need to go back to settle arrangements. I don't see there being immediate repercussions for DICOMY (however much they may deserve some) because they're too big a part of too large an engine of power. But the book is strong on the idea of starting small and changing a few minds at a time.

DQ Day 4 - Chapters 11-14

14. Did you enjoy the visit to town? What are your thoughts on Helen? Does she seem like a real character or too convenient?

The visit to town was super entertaining. Maybe one of the best sections of the book! The record store, the bellhop… Helen. I liked Helen, though it did seem too convenient, when she shows up for the second time, that she happens to be mayor.

15. Why do you think that Sal trusted Linus to move his desk?

Sal was so wary of Linus from the get-go, so including Linus in anything having to do with Sal’s personal space would be a big deal. I’ve been impressed with how Linus speaks to Sal, so not surprised that his words about the desk coming into the larger room space would have an impact.

16. Lucy has a nightmare in this section. Did this make him seem more powerful or more like child? How do you think Linus handled the situation?

More like a child, I think, for all that his dreams have real-world power. And the way that Linus reacted seems to indicate that he thought so too.

17. What do you think of the use of the word home, as a theme for this book? It has been used by Linus, Zoe and by Extremely Upper Management?

Well, I thought it was going to be more of a “found families” thing, which it is, but there is also a sense of home as a specific physical place, and how feelings get bound up in that. I appreciate this sentiment.

Completion Post


On spreadsheet

DQ Day 3- Chapters 8-10

9. Linus completed his first report for the DICOMY; what did you make of it? Did you think he reported anything that he should have left out? How about future reports – how do you think they will compare to this one?

He was pretty judicious, considering. His is not an easy line to walk at this moment. He may start hiding more information in future reports, but it depends what happens next.

10. Ms. Chapelwhite takes Linus on a hike through the forest to show him a raft that she wants reported but doesn’t want the children or Mr. Parnassus to know about. Linus was taken aback by the message sent on the raft. […] Did your opinion of Linus change when he suggested they send a message back? What did you think of his message?

I was pleasantly surprised by Linus’s contribution to the raft situation! I didn’t quite get why they wouldn’t tell Arthur though.

11. Linus seems a bit smitten with Arthur. Do you sense there is a mutual attraction between the two? Do you think anything will take root and blossom?

I get why Linus is drawn to Arthur, but it remains to be seen why Arthur would be drawn to Linus. Assuming they do get together, I’m curious to see how the author will make that happen.

12. That was quite the adventure that Lucy led. Were you surprised that Linus stepped up and began to join in on the story? What all did you learn about the children, about Linus, about Arthur and Zoe?

All three of the adults seem to be fair and well-balanced individuals, under their various prejudices (or lack thereof).
All the kids are awesome. I appreciate what Arthur is trying to do, allowing them to really enjoy childhood, and keeping them away from the world, at least for now.

13. As this chapter wraps up, Zoe and Phee are talking with Linus listening. He can relate to Phee’s comment that she likes the trees better than she likes most people. Do you think Linus learned anything from the “lesson” that Zoe gave him through Phee’s growing the flower for Linus and her explanation of the trees and root system?

A little heavy-handed, again, on the sociological implications, but Linus is starting to see his own culpability in a system that he’ll ultimately find objectionable.

Ugh I have so many books going at the same time! I need to try to finish something else tonight so that I won't feel bad also starting this one tomorrow right on BOM Day 1
:D

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "I'll start for cheeseboard today - Set in Wisconsin Biggest cheese producing State in the biggest cheese producing country .Take Me Home.

Here are..."

Hah, nice!
I visited Wisconsin in 2019 to spend time with some family there. We definitely ate a lot of local cheese, and even visited a couple of dairy farms and markets :D

DQ Day 2 - Chapters 5-7

The book is set in an unknown city and then onto Marsyas Island. Country Unknown. Do you think it is set in an alternate universe to our own eg UK or USA or a completely fantasy location? Does it matter or make you think differently about the storyline either way?

To me it seems like a fantasy city/region in a version of the real world that happens to have magical beings in it. Like the DC Comics universe has fictional cities (Gotham, Metropolis…) and super-powered people but it’s still supposed to be our world. What with the way the geography is described, I’d been thinking maybe New England or Nova Scotia, or maybe even the Pacific Northwest, but I guess the UK would work too.

6. First impressions of the house and Linus' reaction to it? What is your own reaction to it and how it is described?

So lovely! I would want to live there!

7. In Chapter 6 we are introduced to a colourful array of children and the enigmatic Mr Arthur Parnassus. Who is your favourite child and ability so far and what special talents do you think will be revealed about Arthur?

Sal is my favorite so far. I like the contrast between his human form and his animal form. He is a were-pomeranian, lol!
I like the others, though I can see Talia and Lucy maybe wearing on me as a reader. Talia is a little annoying, and Lucy’s dark comments were hilarious at first but already felt a little old by the end of the chapter.
Arthur is intriguing. Could be some sort of psychic, or else just super great at reading people. Maybe an empath? Or something I don’t see coming at all.

8. At the first dinner welcome for Linus the reader is bombarded with a plethora of notable pearls of wisdom from Arthur Parnassus which made me realize the allegorical themes of this story. [See various quotes.] What point do you think the author is trying to make through the world and characters he has imagined and what do you think these quotes hint about the story moving forward?

Heavy-handed, so I hope this is the only scene where the author states the book’s themes and goals so bluntly. Though, of course, they are admirable: understanding and respect for difference and diversity; taking care of others; found family… It’s clear that Linus, for all he believes that he believes in these things too, needs a wake-up call, and the story will most likely move towards his embrace of Arthur’s methods (and of Arthur, lol) and a good look at th consequences of his own life and work up to this point.

DQ Day 1 - Chapters 1-4

1. What drew you to this BOM? Was it the fantastic reviews it’s been getting? Or the cute cover? Or something else?

I was attracted by the description, but was a little hesitant because I did not like the one other book I’d read by this author (Withered + Sere). If not for the BOM, I probably would have kept it on the back burner until more of my GR friends gave it a try first.
I think I was put off the scent by how many people have shelved this as YA when it's clearly not. That often means, for adult fiction, that people found the writing facile. But in this case (lucky for me?), it seems only to be an indicator that there are a number of younger characters in the book, to which younger readers might gravitate.

2. What do you think of the writing style so far? I didn’t expect it to be so funny. I laughed out loud a few times at the terrible office Linus works in and at the rude neighbour. I love the way she is so rude about Linus but then keeps trying to set him up with her grandson.

I like the writing better than I thought, so far, and since my expectations were very low it's been a pleasant surprise. Especially the somewhat dark workplace humor.

3. What do you think about Linus as the main character? So far, he seems to be quite frightened of the world. How do you think he will cope in the strange situation he has been put in?

He's that uptight character type that's about to have the foundations of his world shaken. There are hints at a deeper drive or deeper intelligence there, so I look forward to seeing how the situation digs them out.

4. I was surprised that one of the children on the island is supposed to be the Anti-Christ. Heart warming stories don’t tend to feature someone like that. What powers do you think he will have?

Hmmm… Mind control? Piercing eyes? Extreme sarcasm?
I wonder if he'll a Good Omens sort of antichrist. Like, actually a good kid with little interest in antichristing.