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

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

Impressive, Trinia. I was happy with my under 600 page book. I just finished. My next one is almost as long but I expect it to be much more to my style.

Yep, we had a good chance of getting DQs with how many from our team volunteered for the Backroom BOM. Happy to do it, but if someone who signed up earlier really wants to, let me know. Got to love the extra points!

Just finished my 3 days of DQs. Will finish the book tonight. I started with a longer book to try to up my page points. The book has an interesting premise, but it is just not my style. I've continued upping the speed of the audiobook and will finish this week.

I'm still on track for my 3-4 books this month. I can easily be 4 with the BOMs being so short. I'll look for something a bit longer than normal, but I hope to choose more wisely.

DQ: 18 May - Sugi and Chikako's Hotel for Pets & Between Friends


9) Considering Satoru seems to be quite perceptive overall, do you think he knew about Sugi’s less charitable feelings about him, both in the past and during this visit?

I am sure he had some idea. He knows Sugi was interested in her and even wanted him not to say anything once they were dating. I am not sure he understood the extent though.

10) So far, the chapters have all been combining Satoru and Nana’s journey with Satoru’s past with several other people, as well as their backgrounds. How do you feel about this interlude (chapter 3.5) focused entirely on the man and his cat? What does it add to the story?

I loved it. The book really is about the two of them. I did like how the perceptive cat realized that it was the human who was lonely and not the cat.

11) For the first time, we got a hint of what’s going on with Satoru when the dog said “he smells like he isn’t going to make it” in chapter 3, and this came up again in chapter 3.5. So it sounds like Satoru is ill… was that your prediction for question 4?

Yes; I wasn't positive but I was guessing it had to be something like that.

12) Squabbles between cats and dogs were really present in these sections. So: Are you a cat person or a dog person or both (or neither)?

I love how the dog reacted based on how he sensed his owner. This is so real - minus the actual reasonings. I used to consider myself a dog person, and I do love them and have one now (she's my avatar). After college I got a cat since I didn't have the lifestyle for a dog. I now have a huge appreciation for them and may be more of a cat person, although unfortunately my husband is not.

Wow, some of you are so fast! I should have 2 done later this week. And I'll have to look into the Backroom BOM. May have to look into KU for it as I tend to be more of an audible person for most other things.

DQ: 17 May - The Unsentimental Farmer

5) I really like reading the cat's thoughts. It can be quite funny. Do you think these are convincing cat thoughts?

Overall, yes, but I think sometimes there is much too much reasoning. I agree, cats are all about them. I do like the idea that cats adopt people, not the other way around, because it definitely seems true.


6) In this chapter we are introduced to Yoshimine, another potential owner for our cat. What do you think of him and his backstory?

I think it is very interesting to see these characters, each with their own family issues. Again, we see Saturo as a kind, sometimes misguided, friend (and cat lover).


7) Do you think Yoshimine would have been a good owner for Nana ?
Nana would have been able to hunt which would have been good. I think he got used to having someone care, which Yoshimine wouldn't have. He would have been ok, but clearly not the best owner.


8) Yoshimine has already a kitten called Chatran, and Satoru makes fun of him for naming his cat with such a cliché name. What is for you the most cliché cat name(s)? In french it is quite common to call a cat Chaussette (meaning sock), Mistigri or Felix (actually a cat food brand).

I'm struggling here. Boots or socks maybe.

DQs 16 May: Prologue - The Husband Without a Wife

1. How are you liking the way the story is written with its alternating POVs ? Is there a POV you prefer ?

It is fine. I do like Nana's POV as it is so different than usual.

2. Through the flashbacks we get to know Satoru's personality a bit more. What do you make of him so far ? What did you think about his way of helping his friend Kosuke?

Satoru seems pretty kind, maybe not super sharp, but a good friend. I like his idea for helping his friend, but I wonder if it had more to do with Nana's well being than Kosuke's.

3. Talking about Kosuke, what's up with his parents ? It seemed to me that Kosuke was genuinely convinced that his father would agree to keep the cat (Hachi). What did you think about his backstory ?

They seem not too out there. Hard dad, mom with no voice, typical for some families. I think Kosuke was wishful but not convinced. His backstory seemed to be more for learning about Saturo than to learn about him.

4. Why do you think Satoru can't take care of Nana anymore ?
It has to be serious. I'm guessing serious illness.


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Ok, I found my first read that has multiple musical performances.

I have 2 books to finish before the start. One is a super short one. I'll pick out my first read here soon and will make sure it fits one of the mini challenges.

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Audible is doing a 2-for-1 Credit Sale right now.

Unpauseable Sale: Listens You Can't Get Enough of
https://www.audible.com/special-promo...

More than 600 titles included. Sale ends 5/15/22."

Let me know if you see any good ones on there! So far I either have read them already or don't know a lot about them.

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "I was able to get a copy of The Traveling Cat Chronicles, so can join in for that BOM this month. Still waiting for what they decided in the Backroom group."

Ok, I have to know. Are you in the 'continue the series with hot prof' group or the 'please let's read something different' camp for Backroom? Either way, at least the conversation is good!

I don't tend to plan other than BOMs. It also allows me to look for anything that we still need. I'll be able to help with at least 1 of the items on the mini; I'll commit when we are closer. I'm also trying to find a few longer books that would work.

I'll be back-up for team Circe.

I love Simone St. James. Unfortunately that means I already read this one and it came out less than 6 months ago. So, I guess I'll just read the other.

Louise - I totally get the points thing. I'll read the back room BOM for points. I'm really hoping they switch from the dino series, but I will read it.

Hello! I'm from Ohio. This is my second tower teams but I've done several other group challenges and love them. My goal is to try to read a few longer books than normal for this challenge.

I've already signed up for DQs for the book of the month, although at least one of you beat me to it.

My book shelf: tt9

Volunteering for DQs. (Team Circe)

Jenny, you always find the most interesting books. And here I was expecting you to consider the girls the muses for the hot prof so we could read Dino Island 3. (Thanks, Lisa, for remembering)

Cordelia, I just read Kindred and really liked it. I'm planning on reading more Octavia Butler.

Tammie, I may take over making a cookbook for my mom. She has the ideas and the recipes but gets easily frustrated with computers. She is also super busy making quilts for everyone, it's her main hobby.

Anna, I'll think of you when we visit Louisville. We are in Cincy and my in-laws are all in Louisville. Its a great city.

This has been fun, you have all been a great team. Have a very happy holiday season!

I'll have my 1 finished today. I can try to squeak in another short book.