Trinia’s Comments (group member since Mar 29, 2015)

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

Day 3 Questions end: "Then Cutwell sighted carefully ... [spoiler removed]" (p151 / 58%)

Q11. Do you think Mort is physically changing? When it says, "The gargoyle looked up into his face and suddenly felt like a very frightened doorknocker indeed, Mort's eyes glowed like crucibles, his expression was a furnace, his voice held enough enough to melt iron. It didn't know what he could do, but felt that it would prefer not to find out." - it seems these may be actual physical manifestations. With the photo Mort sees soon after with the wizard Cutwell, do you think that was originally Death in the photo before a transformation?
~~~Definitely , it seems like he is transitioning into Death's role

Q12. What do you think about the plot point where Keli is dead, but is not? Do you think this was a clever twist of the author or do you find it a confusing jumble? How will this affect the story and will Death find out what actually happened and react?
~~~ I liked it, technically it makes sense. She didn 't actually die, but as fate has it, she should be dead. I like the whole confusing jumble ;)

Q13. There suddenly seems to be sign that Death may be playing matchmaker of sorts with Mort and his 'daughter'. Are you surprised, and what do you think will happen with the relationship between him and Ysabel?
~~~ I am not surprised at all, I think the scene where they are insulting each other is a bit of foreshadowing to a possible relationship.

Q14. Do you think that before Mort was chosen by Death, that he was a normal boy? Do you think he must have some wizard properties buried or are his "abilities" gathered from being Death's apprentice? What do you think about Mort attracting death's attention - what is so special about him?
~~~I think he was even less than a "normal boy". he was pretty hapless and hopeless. But he seemed a good fit for a job that no one in their right mind would want to take.

Q15. Mort seems to be getting a bit homesick after his day off, and Death is changing his tune as well. What do you think about Death's new adventures to experience some human experiences, try to understand fun and how humans behave?
~~~ I found this so funny, Death's experiences cracked me up and it was a way to step back and see how stupid people really can act.

Sorry all! My day off and I’m running around watering trees, smokin hot here in Texas!
I’ve got a few more BOTM questions to answer, which will help and probably a few more books to add. I’ve finished Mort and started a new one which I hope to finish before the weekend starts.
Sorry I’m not more chatty, work keeps me busy 😣 I’m still reading just slow to post.

DQs Day 2 - start: "Five minutes later, Mort was lost"
end: "Sooner or later, everyone remembered the magic word (p98)


Q6 - Mort walked through the walls a few times but couldn't when he tried to get into the castle. Why do you think this happened?
~~~ I had assumed he over thought about it. When he didn’t think about it, he was able to do it.

Q7- What do you think of Ingneous Cutwell's character?
~~~ He ironically reminds me a bit of Mort. Like a young and starting out Wizard.

Q8 - The Abbot has been reincarnated 53 times. The concept of reincarnation is an interesting one. If you were to be born again what life would you choose?
~~~ I would have like to live in the United States during the 1940’s and 1950’s. It seemed like a much simpler life, where the new age of electronics wasn’t around to complicate things. I’d be happy being a woman during this time.

Q9 - Death sent Mort to reap three souls. In light of how he performed do you think Mort was ready for the job?
~~~ heck no! He was not prepared at all. But all things considered I think the job was going to happen no matter what he did.

Q10 - Mort found Ysabelle's handkerchief in the library. Why is she reading other people's life?
~~~ I think Ysabelle is unhappy with her current life , and she is seeking adventure through others lives. Reminds me of my reading habit, not that I’m an unhappy person, I just like adventure!

DQ’s Day 1: (end: "'I want' he said firmly 'a very fast horse.'"19% / Page 52)

1. Mort is nothing if not determined. He refuses to give up on being a “prentice” until the last stoke of midnight. Then at the very last second, Death arrives for him. Do you think Mort was quick to take the apprenticeship perhaps from feeling humiliated at the days events or was it something that truly intrigued him? Would you have been willing to work for Death?
~~~I think he just felt like he didn’t have a choice, take it or he would have nothing. I would definitely be curious about working for Death! Especially because he didn’t seem so bad upon first impression

2. Death has a sarcastic tone during this first section. What do you think of his fawning over Mort to ensure he gets new clothes and food and Death eating with him like a regular guy? Is he up to something sinister or does he just want to make Mort comfortable?
~~~ I think Death just wants Mort to look normal, like he is an extension of Death’s reputation.

3. Mort may be a bit gangly and lost in his own head at times, but he seems to have a lot of compassion. Upon realizing that he was talking to Death, he asked him to spare his Dad. Later he tries to intervene and warn the King that he was about to be killed and finally on that same trip he wanted to tell the King’s daughter not to trust the Duke. What did you think of all that? Are these normal reactions to someone who is the apprentice to Death? Do you think it will continue as Mort sees more and more of Death’s duty?
~~~ Aww, Mort just seems like a nice guy. Just simple minded. But I think I would be the same way in his position. I would definitely want to warn people to “run for the hills!”

4. What is up with the constant utterance of “Mort” every time someone calls our MC anything other than Mort or Mortimer after arriving at Death’s House and meeting Yasbell? Is there some significance to this or is it just rather annoying?! Lol!
~~~ Ha! I didn’t notice until I read this question but I think he is just trying to clarify his name, rather than being called “boy”’or “lad”. Like
He wants to be visible and known. There might be a significance, but it’s something I read about later in the book, so I’ll hold my tongue.

5. Mort, surprisingly, asked Death for an afternoon off. I think our dear Mort is growing up! He explains to Death that he wants to meet people for more than a few minutes. When he arrives in his own time and finds out where he is, he asks if he is near Sto Lat. He seems to have a plan when he says he wants a very fast horse. What do you think he intends? Will it work out like he plans
~~~ I had no idea of his intentions, it did seem out of character for Mort to strike out on the town…

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?
~Not really, I figured it was going to slowly unfold. The story really seems to pick up speed.


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, we just barely got to know her. I definitely felt like something bad was brewing....

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 did not think he would be an agent, we were led to believe he was young, so I didn't think of that. I did assume he would be a love interest though.

9. If you were Daunis would you have agreed to be a confidential informant? I’m not sure I would be brave enough.
~ I think I would, at that age I thought I was invincible and would not have had the foresight to see how dangerous it could get. And if it was one of my family members involved I would want the inside scoop.

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?
~ I thought this part was really unrealistic... She was put in very dangerous situation and I cannot see real investigators trusting a teenager with their investigation.

lol, I get that Erin. Today is my day off but my teenager is following me around the house talking about the excellent Amazon deals in electronics. He has a birthday next week... hint hint I guess . LOL

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Great!! Another task reserved :) Hope you enjoy the book. The cover is adorable. I read Harper's paranormal vampire series."

Thanks Erin! So far super cute, as expected ;) Harper is guaranteed for an easy listen

Trinia wrote: "

I started Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper. Margot is hired on by her family as Administration for her family's f..."

Just met the undertaker Frankie! I'm sure it will work, I've put it in that slot. :D

I started Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper. Margot is hired on by her family as Administration for her family's funeral home.
Do you think this would work for the task #62 : MC is a funeral director/undertaker. ???
Maybe we could ask the mods?

DQs Day 2: The Penultimate Update - Peppermint Tea (39%)

6. Were you surprised that Nora's second choice was related to her cat? What did you think of the outcome?
~~~ no, I think she really cared for that poor cat. It was pretty pathetic

7. How did the reality of Nora's Australia line up with what you imagined it would be like?
~~~ I enjoyed that story and would like to have seen it played out longer.

8. What did you think about the similarities between Nora's life in Australia versus her original life?
~~~ I would have thought her life would have been much different yet she is ultimately the same person , even with a different life choice.

9. On the surface, Nora's life with a swimming career seems to be the most successful so far. Do you think the positives will outweigh the negatives this time around?
~~~ I would like to believe that her positives will outweigh the negatives but her record so far hasn't been so good :(

10. Any predictions for how Nora's speech will go in the next chapter?
~~~ I've finished so thinking back, I was thinking "this will work out somehow. How ? I have no idea!!!! lol, she was just stuck in a hard place.

DQs Day 1

1. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
~~~Yes! I was hearing so much about this book. And it's high rating made it attractive to me.

2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
~I enjoy the fast chapters but am finding the start slow. I actually had ran out of time on my loan and had to borrow it again.

3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
~ I like her so far, she seems to have made terrible life decisions.

4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
~ Ooh yes! not knowing, yes I would like to... However, I would probably regret it afterwards.

5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
~ I wasn't surprised by the book she chose but I was surprised at how quickly she was disappointed and pulled back to the library

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?
~~~ YES! I had it as an arc audiobook. LOVE the cover, so interesting. I had not heard of Ojibwe culture but have listened to other Native American Indian books, I love learning about their cultures and dislike hearing how they were oppressed throughout history.

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?
~~~ It seems like a lot, but I think they are all issues that can be addressed.

3) Characters. Any favorites so far? Does anyone else want to be adopted by Granny June, or is that just me?
~~~ Still early so no, but Granny June is adorable.

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, losing a language means more than just a loss of vocabulary words. Are you enjoying this aspect of the story?
~~~ Yes. I enjoy having the richness of history included in a story.

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 not lost anyone close to me, but several of my friends have and this is so true. Grief is something that will never go away, it will change with time. But I don't think it ever disappears.

Hey ladies! Just finished and will put it in for the task "Go to the Cinema". Emira takes Briar to the movies for her first time. I'm pretty sure that is the same thing, if anyone feels otherwise we can change it.

YW! And thank you for the tip … I found it on YouTube!

Judy wrote: "Trinia wrote: "I'll do that! Give me a few minutes and I'll post it. I couldn't find the audiobook, who did you get it through?"

It's pretty easy to find on youtube"

Thanks! I'll check it out

Cat wrote: "Trinia, you're a superstar! Thank you so much for doing that :)"

No problem!

Date MPDQs start/end quote
22 Jun Angie (Moist) end: "'I want' he said firmly 'a very fast horse.'" (p52) = end 19%
23 Jun Sana (Ridcully) start: "Five minutes later, Mort was lost"
end: "Sooner or later, everyone remembered the magic word (p98) = end 37%
24 Jun Erin PBH(Sybil) start: "Keli had been to official functions..."
end: "Then Cutwell sighted carefully ... [spoiler removed]" (p151) = end 58%
25 Jun Audrey Jane(Rob)start: "The night shed its early casualties"
end: "'Now - are we going?'" (p200) = end 76%
26 Jun Eldarwen(DEATH) start: Albert sat on his narrow bed..." == 76% to end

Christina wrote: "If it's not too much trouble, could someone pretty please tell me or add the % of when each Day ends? 😇 The sentences are a bit hard to find when you listen on audio haha."

I'll do that! Give me a few minutes and I'll post it. I couldn't find the audiobook, who did you get it through?

I'm in the this read! Looking forward to this one :D

Hey team!

Sorry I haven't been chatting, everyone sounds like they are having lots of fun! I've been chugging through a long book , trying to rack up points... but I think I get more by reading shorter books. Of course this one is sort of boring... Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. It's a library audio, so I hope I can finish before it's due back. If not , I'll finish on my kindle. It's so dragged out... ugh....

Been busy getting kids ready for college! EEK! got one in Florida and the other going to Missouri all in the same week. Needless to say, I'm stressed out!
Good stuff though, so I shouldn't complain ;D

I started reading at night , but I fall asleep and don't get very far.
Either way, I promise I will be contributing ... just slowly for now!

Happy Big 2️⃣1️⃣ Shannon! 🥳