Andreea’s Comments (group member since Aug 14, 2020)

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

Questions for Part 3 / Chp. 01-05

27. I wasn't too surprised since he seems to be the only to care about her...

29. I think the neighbor has rather impolite. If it was me... well let's just say I am good at ignoring everything, including rude people.

30. I was thinking that maybe (by the way, I finished the entire part 3 before answering) Some was mad because she didn't work just for him and maybe he was losing her and losing money and fame so he paid guys to kill her and dress her in his creations for publicity. But I am not too sure about this theory, it seems pretty weak.

32. I think he doesn't take them too seriously and he probably should - maybe in a sequel they'll play a big part.

33. I love Robin. I just love her!
c) I think it was the rapper... forgot his name. Or maybe her uncle...

34. Of Charlie's? That's interesting, it didn't even occur to me. Guess I didn't pay enough attention to those scenes.

Questions for Part 3 / Chp. 06-10

37. I loved him. I think it's pretty awesome that Strike has not only a Robin (if you know what I mean) but also a cool techy guy.

38. I think she likes drama... and when she gets bored she needs more drama and maybe she creates it herself. Just a theory.

39. I think she knows more and maybe she is afraid to tell more... like, she tries to look fierce and strong, but she might be scared.

40. I hope they'll be alright soon. And... I love Robin - and I think this is my third of fourth time I say this.

22. Of course! I am still scared of "shadows" like when mind plays tricks on you and you think you saw something in the corner of your eye and then you look and it's nothing there...

23. Yes, we lie to children a lot but I don't know if we are really doing them a favor. I go along with lies when it comes to the little kids in the family because I respect their parents' decisions. But I still don't know if I'll do the same with my kids (and I am not close to having kids right now...).

27. Definitely. Don't we all?

28. I didn't really think about Coraline while I was reading the book. They aren't written for the same public, but they aren't that different.

29. I don't think I read YA... so I don't really know.

30. I really liked it. Especially because the supernatural effects, the magic and everything peculiar wasn't explained in the end, and that kinda makes it more real for me.

I am in for The Graveyard Book!!

7. I do. I did so since forever.

9. I think it's some kind of supernatural power. Definitely not a human ability.

10. I think we live with the constant idea that kids have a wild imagination they can't control, but we should pay attention to them because they might just be able to see more than us.

11. She's a "immaterial" girl-thing in a material world. Kiddin. I think her powers have something to do with material desires.

16. @Renee - I always have my porridge with jam!

19. I loved it! Especially the parts with the moon.

20. Maybe he isn't necessarily cruel, he wanted to do something violent to the boy, but not really drown him. Maybe she just intensified his intentions.

Lisa Kay wrote: "Yes, Andreea, but we all understand University comes first.

That said... Did you start? Did you start? LOL!"

Start the book? Yes! I just started part 3 and I will read some more until I go to sleep.
I also started Uni and I already have 4 projects to finish until the end of the month :(.

Questions for Part 2 / Chapters 8 - 11
19. I think he doesn't want to admit all of his failures in front of someone else.

20. I am curious how all these parts of Strike's past and issues with family will play out in the end. I am really interested in the murder, to be honest.

21. I don't know... a guy with a wolf mask attracts attention, doesn't avoid it. Maybe it wasn't Duffield under the mask.

22. Or maybe she was heading somewhere else? I don't see why the killer would bother to change her clothes... unless the designer payed him to do so? Wait, what?

23. I don't know, I just want to meet that girl - they keep talking about her, she must play an important part, right?

24. Not really...

25. I think there is some truth in what she's saying. But it's hard to believe her because they don't really add up.

26. Did anything stand out to you in Strike’s interview with Tansy Bestigui? For me it was:
a) Alison is obsessed with Tony, John Bristow’s handsome uncle. Yes! I am quite curious about this... and I guess where gonna meet Tony too, right?
c) Freddie Bestigui wanted to do a film of Lulu’s life! Comments. Her death sure plays in his advantage, right?
d) Why wouldn’t Tansy make eye contact with Strike when she said her husband had been asleep? Maybe she's trying to protect the husband she... is divorcing? Doesn't really make sense.
e) Isn’t Ciara Porter the supermodel who was in that ‘angles in the alley ad’ with Lulu? And she was sleeping with Duffield? Some friend. I expected this to be honest.
g) Appears Alison told Crypian May (Ursula’s husband) that Tansy was talking with Strike. There's something suspicious about Alison, isn't there?

Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Andreea, I’ll discuss your answers with you, if you want to post them. I may have to listen to the book again – I loved it that much!"

Thank you. It's hard to keep up with reading and University, but I try.

So when do we start?

1. I think it's a well-known fact that kids are braver. At least I used to be a lot braver in my childhood than I am now. Your question made me think about why kids are braver and I think it's more than "not understanding how dangerous some things are", maybe it's also because they don't really understand the impact their action can have on other people. I'm rambling too much, sorry.

2. Not my first book and I am already used to his writing style. Despite being an adult novel, this one feels like a children book - might be because the narrator is a kid but I don't think it's that.

3. I read the book when it was released and I forgot about this.

4. I thought the death of the kitty was sadder than no one showing up to his party.

5. I think they are old... really old.

Well I have a silly question. Can I still reply to the discussion questions if you guys finish the book? I am really behind and really busy (final year of Uni and tons of shit to get done), but I love the book, and talking with you.

Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Andreea

#17 – Sort of like Murder on the Orient Express? LOL! May"

That's exactly the book I was thinking of. Ha ha!

6.Who is this “ordinary girl” that was in rehab with Lulu? Will she be found? Be of help? Have any insight into Lulu’s state of mind?
I hope she'll help the investigation.

7.Did anyone in the funeral pictures or videos grab your attention? Is there significance in Deeby Macc sending that particular flower arrangement? Impressions of him?
Well he is on my suspect list. Not sure he did it, but I think he was in the building at the time of the crime and the driver might have let him since he had access and he seems to love stars so much.

8.Strike’s worries about Charlotte (if he returned for his things) were a bit appalling, right? Or would you use another word?
I am really curious about what happened between those two!.

9.What of the evidence of no ‘foreign DNA’ in Lulu’s apartment? Did they miss something? Or did someone just clean-up really well?
I think it was someone close to her. So it probably wasn't her brother's "runner".

10.Interesting effect Robin’s engagement ring has as a “STOP” sign to Strike and in increasing his comfort with her. Comments. Yet he hasn’t told her about his leg and how he lost it. Will he?
He probably will and they'll probably become close friends. I am not sure about romance or anything like that.

11.What of the neighbors, the Bestiguis? Does Freddie Bestigui’s profession of film producer pique you suspicions?
At this point everyone seems suspicious. I think Mrs. Bestiguis is right about hearing someone in Lula's apartment.

12.Was someone already in Lulu’s apartment? Was the doorman, Derrick Wilson, paid off to look the other way, or did someone just gain access during that quarter hour? What of the back alley, Serf’s Way?
I think someone was already in her apartment. You can't really plan that the doorman is gonna have diarrhea, can you?

13.Oh! What of Matthew jealousy? He is right, though; Strike is a little weird. True?
Matthew annoys me. He should be supportive of Robin. Plus, she really likes her temp job!

14.Rock Star Jonny Rokeby is Strike’s father? Comments. How did you feel about Strike’s interaction with Mrs. Hook and his and Robin’s handling of her?
All I can say is that Robin is really awesome!

15.Well, I was pretty sure Robin would somehow continue to work for Strike. You? Do you think she’ll take another permanent job, or continue to work for him?
Hihi! Me too! I hope she stays forever!

16.Do you buy Derrick Wilson’s reasoning for not taking a weapon up to the apartment? What of his suspicions of Evan Duffield, Lulu’s boyfriend? Your impression of Wilson?
Everyone seems so sketchy right now. And I still have 300 pages more to read and figure things out...

17.Also, it sounds like there were a lot of places someone could have hidden, until they made their escape later. Right? Are the knocked-over vase and flowers – and the problems that arose later because of that – anything to focus on? And the security alarms just happened to be serviced that day? Suspicious, right?
A lot of suspicious things happened that day! Hwe driver is busy with Deeby, the doorman is changed, the security alarms, more paparazzi than ever (well, that's because of Deeby). I don't think these are simple coincidences. Maybe they are all in this together? Ah, that's crazy, right?

18.Kieran Kolovas-Jones, Lulu’s main driver, was chauffeuring for Deeby Macc that night. He also didn’t like Duffield. And he auditioned for Freddie Bestigui. Anything else stand out to you in Strike’s interview with him?
He likes to brag...

Lisa Kay wrote: "#5 – Alison is John Bristow’s girl-friend. Yes, she goes up and down on my suspect list. LOL!"

I still have her on my list because the same thing happened last month with the Agatha Christie book!

I am a bit late, guys, sorry. Uni started last week and I'm in my final year and lots of things to do. But I am happy I get a catch-up day (I hope I can make it!) I'm gonna answer the first set of question, then eat my lunch and read some more! I really enjoy the book so far!

1. The initial crime scene gives us some glimpses about the detectives Warble and Carver. While Warble seems dealing well with the press, Carver seems eager to pronounce the death as suicide and get out of there. Do you think they rushed their conclusions? Will they cooperate with the PI investigation? It looks to me that Carver will make Strike's investigation harder.

He probably rushed, but at first sight it does seem like a suicide: famous girl with a drugs addiction.

2. Robin seems young, intelligent and way too competent to be a temp. I'm wondering why she got so excited when she found out she was working for a PI. She goes to a new job. Gets bumped, twice, is hurt in the process, and still does her job. No reactions to Strike's behavior. No thoughts about it, nothing. Isn't that weird?

So far I really like Robin and it's easier to relate to her because I'd be just as excited to work for a PI!

3. Thoughts about Strike? He runs over Robin, calls her Sandra, is more preoccupied with Charlotte's outbursts than the case and the image he's passing... not a professional one.

I think he's having a hard time with the breakup, being homeless and all that Jazz. I do like that he apologized for the name thing and that he appreciated Robin for being very resourceful.

4. What do you think about the writing style and the changes of POV between Robin and Strike?

I love it! It makes it easier to understand both of them better.

5. And how about the case? The "evidence" compiled by the brother? The retelling of events doesn't strike nothing unusual. Any guesses?

At first I thought it was the brother's wife or girlfriend (is her his wife?) but now I think she's a red herring. I don't know, she seems obvious. And I thought she did it because all the family paid so much attention to Lula. Now I think it's too soon to say who did it. Did this ever happen to you, guys? To suspect someone but at the same time to not suspect them because they seem the perfect suspect? Oh, I just have to wait and see.

I just got my book and I'm ready to start reading it!

@Liandethza 16. Because the "other father" doesn't really exist. He is just the creation of the other mother.

16. Ughhh a dead spider the side of a cat?! *shudders* Well, the cellar scene was creepy. The other mother really seems not to care about her creations after they aren't useful anymore.
I found it a creepy scene as well as a sad scene. I really felt bad for the other father.

17. And once more, the cat saved the day! Or at least he thinks so. I confess I didn't like the cat that much - he looked a bit snob, like all cats - but he did helped save the soul. Would you expect it the soul finding to be that easy?
I loved the cat. Most cats are like that and I live with a cat and did so for the most part of my life. I find the soul finding pretty easy and obvious - one on every apartment with ppl, but it's a children's book so it might not be as easy for the them."

18. Parents saved, souls found, back to the safety of her own world. Were you surprised that it wasn't over yet?
Actually, I was. The first time I read it.

19. Caroline, although small for her age, had a brilliant mind. Setting up a false picnic to use the well to trap the mother. Brilliant, don't you think? But I feel a little unsettled. How did the other mother's hand travel trough a locked door? And if the locked door wasn't enough of a barrier, how does the well and the little boards on top of it be?
Brilliant, indeed!

20. So, did you like it? First Neil Gaiman book like me or were you already familiar with him. More important, will you join us for the Neil Gaiman buddy read challenge one book at a time?
It was my first Neil Gaiman book... but a long time ago and I loved it because I'm an adult with a big passion for children books, especially the creepy ones. I'm in for the Neil Gaiman challenge!!

And I want to share my favourite quote from the book with you:
"I don't want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted? Just like that, and it didn't mean anything. What then?"

Karen wrote: "9. Oh I loved cooking too. Almost burnt down a friend's kitchen once! oops!"

Oh, dear, I almost did that too. We were cooking french fries.

9. The fist night Coraline's parents are missing she buys her favourite food (limeade, chocolate cake and apples), writes a story, draws a picture, runs a bath with too much bubble bath.... This made me giggle as it seems to be exactly the kind of thing a young child would do if left alone. Did you agree?
Coraline home alone reminds of me when I was home alone and I quite enjoyed it because I was able to do things I wasn't allowed to do normally like "cooking" or watching TV before finishing my homework.

10. The cat comes to her in the wee hours. I love the line ""Calling cats," it confided, "tends to be a rather overrated activity. Might as well call a whirlwind"". The cat seems to be an anomoly, able to come and go into the "other world" as it pleases. Do you agree with the reason he has no name? What do you think of it's character?
I loved the cat and the whole "we don't need names we know who we are quote" has been my favourite for a while now.

11. When Coraline calls the police (very nice man!) it seemed to show how adults never really "listen" to children. Do you think this is an intentional theme?
It sure seems so. I also liked that the policeman was pretty understanding and tried to calm Coraline instead of accusing her of a prank call or something like that.

12. I loved the wasp story about being brave when you know what you are walking into. If we consider Coraline to be a fairytale, is this one of the morals of this book?
Bravery seems to be a major theme in the book.

13. The fairytale quality continues with "The toys in the toybox were mosly asleep, and they stirred and muttered as she moved their box". Is this what you expected from the book? Do you think Coraline appeals to adults because it is Neil Gaiman (author appeal), or is there another reason?
I think Coraline is a great book for kids because it's mostly about fear and being brave and it's also creepy, but fun. It's the first book I read by Neil Gaiman and it's the book that got me into him - I had no idea he had adult novels when I first read Coraline.

14. The other father doesn't want to speak to Coraline when her other mother isn't there, the snow globe on the mantlepiece with 2 people in it, the house is all that is in that world, you can't see other mother in mirrors... So many clues! How do you feel about the world that has been created?
The other father isn't allowed to speak to Coraline, but he doesn't mind to do it. I feel bad for the other father a bit. I think the world is perfect for a children book.

15. Did you agree with Coraline's bargain to find the 3 'ghosts'souls and her parents?
It seems like a hard thing to do, but she's a smart and brave girl.

@Kristie 4. She gets another kid to hang out with in the film.

Kristie wrote:
"6. I still think that Coraline, being a little girl, would have been scared. Just like a lot of kids are scared of Santa or mascots. I think those button eyes would freak out most people. I would expect her to have nightmares about those eyes!"
But Coraline isn't that small. I don't remember if we learn about her age, but I am pretty sure she is older than 8.

1. One of the recurring themes in Gaiman's works is that there's a thin divide between everyday life and the fantastic. What do you think of this plot device? Do you like the idea that a bricked over door can lead to somewhere magical?
I love it. It's a plot device met in many other stories and it does wonders every time (remember the rabbit hole in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland?). And what's not to love about secret magical places hidden in our ordinary world?

2. I love that the first thing Coraline does when told to stay away from the well is to go search for it (so that she can properly keep away from it, of course). Does this ring true for you, or do you think most children would listen to the warning? What do you think this says about Coraline's personality?
I think most children do the opposite of what you tell them too. Coraline is smart and brave.

3. Coraline wondered why so few of the adults she had met made any sense. She sometimes wondered who they thought they were talking to.
All of the adult characters in the book so far are really colorful (Misses Spink and Forcible, the crazy Mouse Circus man, even her parents), so much so that I wasn't totally thrown off by their "other" halves. It made me wonder if that's how all children view adults - are we all crazy to them? What do you think of the characters so far?
Adult act in ways kids don't understand and kids act in ways adults don't understand. But I love all the peculiar details about the characters - and even Coraline's parents.

4. Coraline's parents don't seem to have much time for her. What do you think of this? Do you think they're a bit neglectful, or is this just normal parenting behavior and Coraline just doesn't get that grown-ups are busy?
I think they are neglectful. Since they work at home they should spend more time with Coraline.

5. What's the deal with the stone Spink and Forcible give to Coraline? Do you think it will matter later on in the story?
Can't say cause I'm not at my first reading of this book.

6. Button eyes are so creeeeeeepppppyyyy! What do you think of how scary/creepy the book is so far? Is it appropriate for children?(Fun fact: Neil Gaiman wrote Coraline for his daughters, who liked scary stories when they were young. It's now the work he's most proud of.)
I loved spooky stories as a kid (especially the Goosebumps series). And the buttons are indeed creepy!!

7. When I was young, I used to wish my pets could talk. What do you think of the cat, rats, and dogs speaking on the other side? Do you think these abilities will matter as the book progresses? Are they friends or foes?
Who didn't? And I can't tell you about anything else.

8. What do you think so far? Liking it or lukewarm?
I am loving it! I am in my twenties and I still read a lot of children books because some are great no matter what age you have.