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

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

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?

I don't know that I had an expectation, and I am sure it wasn't a 6'6" man being raised by dwarves.

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?

I am still unsure of Vimes. It can go either way for me. He is definitely is a hard position being head of a group that is essentially defunct.

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???

The codes were amusing. It definitely is intersting times. I hope the Supreme Grand Master will find a lost King, I assume he will and that interesting shenanigans will occur. Is it Carrot? That would be my vote. He would fit the bill for obedient too.

4. Carrot is our route to discovering Ankh-Morpork. Do you find this an effective way to understanding the city and its issues?
It is definitely one way. I do like that they explain how they got there but Carrot seems very set in his ways and very set of right and wrong with no in betweens.

DQ Day 6 - Seventeen - Epilogue (end)

22. Were you expecting Linus to leave the island? What were your feelings while reading the different goodbye scenes?

I loved that he found ways to connect with all of them as individuals.

23. Linus has gone through a journey of self-discovery throughout the book. The Linus from the beginning is a completely different person to the Linus defending the orphanage case to the Extremely Upper Management and challenging the people surrounding him. Do you think his speech was the reason why they approved the orphanage to remain open? Were you expecting him to change that much? What do you think that are the things that have impacted him the most?

Well, I am guessing it was more to do with the evidence he collected and sent out. They were probably unsure of how to proceed without completely disregarding his opinion. Plus they probably aren't used to being stood up to.

24. What do you think about the ending? Our beloved characters got their happy ending and it seems that things are starting to change in society. Would you have changed anything or are you happy with how things ended?

I think the ending was sweet and appropriate. It leaves room for things to change but left us happy.

25. What is your final rating for this book? Did it deliver the story you were expecting? If you had to summarise your review for a friend in one sentence, what would it be

4 stars. I don't typically read YA and this one seemed written for someone younger. I enjoyed but it wasn't super complex. 'An interesting story of growth and understanding of differences'.

Day 5 Chapters 15 and 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?
A little of both, I think. DICOMY seems to want to treat the magical people differently and Charles probably exploits this.

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?

Don't we all have something that feels like both a power and a curse? I think DICOMY is afraid that of the children embracing their powers and instead want to stop them and keep them separate.

20. Theodore shows Linus his hoard, what did you think of it? What does it represent to you?
It is definitely a sign of trust and acceptance.

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?
I always expected that he would go home and then return later. I did expect some sort of repercussions.

DQ Day 4 - Chp Eleven - Fourteen (p282)

14. Did you enjoy the visit to town? What are your thoughts on Helen? Does she seem like a real character or too convenient?
I liked the visit. The kids were great as were their reactions. I am not sure about Helen, I mean she is convenient but I do think that there are people like this that do exist. She also knew Arthur before which is more believable.

15. Why do you think that Sal trusted Linus to move his desk?
I think it is a sign of him feeling more comfortable and at home. How nice that Linus could help with this.

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?
A little of both? He is a child who gets scared and who needs help dealing with his powers. But clearly the others aren't scared so with help he has been able to control it to some extent.

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?
Home is more than a place. I think that Linus is starting to realize this and that the stark description of his life back at his home in the city helps to show this. I didn't think about the DICOMY part, yes, words definitely invoke different feelings.

Finished. BOM and probably for Jackonary. Lots of great characters and topics here. I'll look later to see if I can come up with better.

DQs Day 3 ~ Eight - Ten (p195)

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?

It was very thorough and about what I expected based on everything. I am pretty far through, so I won't comment on future reports.

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. (view spoiler) Did your opinion of Linus change when he suggested they send a message back? What did you think of his message?

Linus always seemed to care albeit also naïve and strict regarding rules. I think he surprised himself a bit there too.

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?

There are comments on both sides.

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?

Yes and no. Linus follows and loves rules, but he also truly cares about the welfare of children and I also think part of him wants to be included.

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?

To me this was the first sign of his really being accepted and appreciated. I loved his reaction, so awed and happy. It's really about seeing peoples gifts.

DAY 2 QUESTIONS. JULY 17. CHAPTERS 5-7

5. 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?

I'm going with fantasy location.

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

I'm listening and this didn't stick with me as much as some of the other things. Linus is definitely in a scared headspace when he gets there. It sounds overall lived in - messy but homey. The rest I assumed was just his nerves coloring things.

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?

I love Sal. So sweet. They are all great, but Sal is my favorite. I think Arthur can read minds. If not, he's very intuitive.

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.
"Sometimes our prejudices color our thoughts when we least expect them to. If we can recognize that, learn from it we can become better people."
"Because even the bravest of us can still be afraid sometimes as long as we don't let our fear become all we know."
"There are things in this world that defy the imagination."
"He'd never be a bellhop because what Hotel would hire one such as him, people fear what they don't understand."

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?

It isn't very subtle, is it? But not crazy over the top. My favorite, that is more subtle, is the idea the kids listen to expectations and often follow them - good or bad.

DQ Day 1 - One to Four (p62)

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

Well, it's the BOM and some friends I usually agree with liked it.

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.

It's ok. I am listening. The narrator isn't bad, but I don't think that the humor you found is coming through.

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?
I feel for him. He isn't going anywhere professionally and seems to have no personal life. He thinks so simply about his job, I don't think he's ever really been in a situation where he's had to see both sides or deal with super complicated things. I think this will shock him, but I hope in a good way.

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?
Is he the Anti-Christ or is that just what he is supposed to be. You know, parents pushing their agendas and all. Not sure. Very curious.

Finished. I really liked it and recommend it to folks who like sci fi that is heavy on the science.

bookswithpaulette wrote: "Im happy to take on an unclaimed task if there are any left, just let me know. Looks like they might be all covered from reading the thread."

Paulette, so glad to see you posting! How was your move? I assume it happened and hope you are enjoying the new place.

I'm pretty sure we still need a cat shifter and probably a cheeseboard.

Finished Backroom BOM. Don't recommend.

Not sure how to use. Cheeseboard - it was cheesy and I was bored?

There was a ghost, so maybe 1a. for cameos - lilac perfume.

Is mated the same are married or can they get married at the end? Or twist that one of the men ends up pregnant? I don't know.

Or puns somewhere, there are lots of bad ones. There was an 'elf' but no archery.

My thoughts on my two books for Jackonary:

Let's Pretend this Never Happened:
Twist: Chapter header: And then I got stabbed in the face by a serial killer (or stabbed by chicken)

The Galaxy, and the Ground Within:
Motivation: The mated pair are apart for some reason and cannot communicate because of the EMP. (From book: two of the main characters are each others 'other half' (although not in a romantic way) and cannot communicate because of satellites being destroyed.

I'll be reading this after I finish my book set in China. It is a Terry Pratchett/Neil Gaiman book so I am hoping it fits something even if it isn't Discworld. Does it work for men and something blue?



And thank you for the Jackonary info! Very helpful.

Tina ❣ wrote: "Stacey wrote: "
Finished.

That is definitely Hamlet holding a scull; however, it will likely need to be used for Jackona..."

Ok, I love Stanley the Squirrel as a protagonist. A few other chapters that would work with murder mystery: 'And That's Why Neil Patrick Harris would be the most successful mass murderer ever'; 'And then I got stabbed in the face by a serial killer'; or 'Stabbed by chicken'

Anyone reading or planning on reading a book set in China? I was debating on this one:

Finished. Set in South Africa


And this one.
Ice Planet Barbarians

Finished.

That is definitely Hamlet holding a scull; however, it will likely need to be used for Jackonary. So many different stories that could be pulled from....

Tina ❣ wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Alysa wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Great job, Tina. I'm still working on mopping up those last tasks and bingo. I've got a few up my sleeve but have been holdin..."

I just started a book for barbarians. It's in the title and I added it on the spreadsheet. I've read several with actors, those can be more challenging as I found out while reading.

Finished


Probably for Jackanory as well, tried to list but let me know what other info you need.

Finished.


Will probably need to be used for Jackonary. Let me know what additional info you need.