Stacey’s Comments (group member since Oct 31, 2019)

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

Celia wrote: "I feel bad that I haven't been able to add anything to the maze yet."

I'm with you, but don't feel bad. I almost got one. I read slower and with longer books it is even trickier. Hopefully there will be a great prompt for you just when you are finishing one. If not, it is only one small part of the challenge.

Jax wrote: "Our family was putting together a puzzle and started listening to AN Elderly Lady is Up to No Good and turns it could be used for the maze and it was a fast audio book. So that was fun.

Also inter..."
Did you like An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good? I've been looking at it.

11/22/63 is good. Hope you enjoy it. It's a very different book for him, but very well done.

I signed up for 7 books, my goal is that all of them are above 400 pages unless they are a BOM. I'm trying for higher, but it will vary.

Any chance we will have another Backroom BOM in June? With 3 others it is unlikely, but there is often a lot of folks asking for one. (Anything for the points....)

Wow, Maze goes too fast for me. I think I will stay out of planning unless I'm reading something that works right at that time and focus on longer books instead.

Finished Night Film and loved it. Plus I finished a big project with a deadline for work. Now I should be able to help with the maze, maybe. Some of you read crazy fast.

Just noticed that the June Mod takeover book was chosen. It looks interesting even if it wasn't what I nominated. Book will start June 8th if anyone wants to join or volunteer for DQs with me.

I'm in for DQs (Circe)

Done

Added one from this weekend. Not long, but if it helps.....

Working on a longer one that should be done in the next couple of days.

Grey Bees by Andrey Kurkov

49-year-old safety inspector-turned-beekeeper Sergey Sergeich, wants little more than to help his bees
collect their pollen in peace.

But Sergey lives in Ukraine, where a lukewarm war of sporadic violence and constant propaganda has been dragging on for years.

His simple mission on behalf of his bees leads him through some the hottest spots of the ongoing conflict, putting him in contact with combatants and civilians on both sides of the battle lines: loyalists, separatists, Russian occupiers, and Crimean Tatars.

Grey Bees is as timely as the author's Ukraine Diaries were in 2014, but treats the unfolding crisis in a more imaginative way, with a pinch of Kurkov's signature humour. Who better than Ukraine's most famous novelist - who writes in Russian - to illuminate and present a balanced portrait of this most bewildering of modern conflicts?

I have a quick read that could work for map if needed. That said, we are in great shape!

Finished my 4th book. I have a 3 day weekend, and while I unfortunately need to work, I do have time to read something shorter if we need it. It looks like we have plenty to choose from if folks finish even part of what they signed up for, but let me know if you want me to find something specific. Otherwise, I'll probably read one for fun and then start a longer one to finish in June.

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "The polls are up for the July BOM's. I nominated books for both of them for the first time :)"

What did you nominate? If they look interesting it would sway my vote.

I'm making great progress on my current book and should have time for a shorter read if needed. I'll check, probably tomorrow, but let me know if there are any tasks that are still needed.

Welcome! Glad to have you on the team

Just finished the backroom BOM. I'll finish the DQs tomorrow. I will also finish the other book I'm reading which has lots of letter options, including E. Not sure I'll be able to do more than that.

That's great! We will see where we end up. I know a few members of other teams that won't read anything under 600 pages for TT (unless it's the BOM). They are very competitive. I'm trying to up my page counts this go.

I haven't read Circe, but have hear good things.

Robin, good to hear he's doing better. Hope everyone else stays healthy.

Jax, that looks like so much fun! I doubt I'll sign up but I may try to complete the card just for me.

DQ May 19- How Noriko Learned to Love - End of Book

Do not read these if you haven't finished the book. Contains spoilers

13. In this chapter we get to know Saturo's Aunt Noriko better. What adjectives would you use to describe Noriko's personality? How did you feel about the way Noriko revealed Saturo's birth story? Were you surprised to learn he was adopted?

I love her. She is caring but socially awkward and abrupt. I think Saturo needed to know and while not ideal, I don't know if there would be a good time or way to tell him. I wasn't surprised and it may make sense for how he treated friends going forward. It also explains why he ended up with a single aunt.

14. Did you think Nana running off towards the end and living his former life as a stray was fitting for the story. Was it believable that he would come back and forth visiting Saturo in the hospital?
I am not sure it was believable. Sweet and wishful but not realistic.

15. Endings...they must be the second hardest thing to write for authors after beginnings. Did you like the ending? You may consider the Epilogue also when answering the question, if you like.
I did like it. Sad, but a good ending over all.

16. The author, Hiro Arikawa, has written other books, with very different genre. She has written books about Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). (I have to admit I know nothing about that!).
Would you read another book written by her? And lastly, would you recommend this book to others? If so, would you only recommend it to people who you know are cat lovers or would you widely recommend it?

Well, I don't think I'll read anything about the JSDF, but maybe. I liked the book but didn't love it. I might consider other books of hers but I have so many others I love to read. As for recommending it, maybe to the right person. I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it.

Louise wrote: "
@Stacey please check The Glass Bead Game the edition and page counts of the one you shelved Is different to the one tracked.


Looks to be a typing error 7(8)"

Sorry! You are correct, it was a typo.