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

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

I'm going pretty quickly. Helps that I am enjoying it. Not sure if that is the right description but I want to keep reading. I'm a good way through part 3.

It was hard but it is a book about war. It wasn't completely unexpected. It definitely makes you feel and think.

Laura, glad to hear from you. I am about 1/2 way through and it is definitely interesting. I don't want to slow down unless I need to as I know you two are much faster readers than me.

Jenny, where are you now? I know you learn a lot of the answers to your questions early in part 2. It has really made me feel like the stereotypical American in ways that I don't necessarily like.

I just started part 2 and all I can say is wow. Don't look at the next part until you finish part 1.

(view spoiler)[I thought the part with Rajela was hard, the end of part 1 was so much worse. I can't say that I am surprised but it was fairly mild up until there. I am curious as to what happened to her after that. I was listening in my car and am not sure I should have. I can't imagine being that strong. Amazing how her dad saved her. (hide spoiler)]

Well, I know I read more slowly than you two so I started a bit early. It is definitely interesting getting a child's perspective of the events.

I got my book today. Look forward to starting!

I'm not really complaining. I'm usually pretty flexible and I love recommendations. I'm also happy to have someone to talk books with. I just had a few to read lined up and I don't read as fast as you two!

I'm also try my first real challenge with the Mad Hatters challenge and have to figure some of that out too. So, I'm waiting on Coraline (retelling) and have to read a book with a tea cup on the cover. The rest I can figure out.

Yes. I’m up for any or all. Should have all 3 by Feb 1. Just not sure which one you want to start.

You two are rough on my to read list. I think it’s growing a lot.

Sounds good

I should have the grace years soon. I can get girl at war quickly as well

Ok, I’ll request both. Hope it works out.

Jenny, I’m happy you joined us!

I usually get my books from the library as well, so new things aren't always quick. I put a hold on The Other People tonight. I have no idea how long it will take once it is out. There is a long line but they are ordering more books. I won't know until closer to the time. Hopefully timing will work out.

I currently have this book:
I chose this one and picked an earlier one, so I'm happy to read something either of you pick.

Jenny, interesting selections. I tend to read a lot of mystery. I like some sci fi and dystopian selections. I like to find good stories and I am happy to take recommendations to keep me out of a rut. I like your selections. Most are not what I would have chosen but there are elements in all of them that could make them good choices.

Laura, I am enjoying Children of Blood and Bone. It is a really interesting story and overall well written. Fantasy isn't what I usually go for, so probably not my favorite but I like it. The characters tend to have pretty real responses and the main character isn't perfect (which I like). She does a nice job setting up the feelings between most of the characters. Two of the main ones though have a really complicated relationship and I don't feel it as much. I'm more than 75% through and there has been an interesting twist but we will see.

Laura wrote: "Thanks Stacey and Jenny for reading this one together. If you are up for another buddy read month I'd be interested"
It's been fun. I'd be happy to buddy read again. Any thoughts on books? I may wait a bit. I'm still finishing Children of Blood and Bone and am going to reread In the Woods. But both of those are print and I always listen to one as well.

I didn't really notice the good cop/bad cop as much as you two did, but looking back there was some.

I can imagine covering up for a loved one, especially if I new the situation. Toby's reaction is strange though. He is mad that he wasn't included at the same time that he is confused as to why they did the things they did. I do think he had severe memory issues; however, I do think that you are right about him a bit. I think he used it as an excuse at some points - even to justify things to himself.

I get why Susanna didn't tell. First, she was very young. Second, the few times she tried didn't go well. I think that this is real. There are many instances of high school or college athletes behaving badly, often with more evidence than this. In those instances the girls are threatened, they aren't believed, and it is a mess that often leaves them worse off.

I am not sure I liked it as much as her others, but I definitely think it was thought provoking and she brought in some interesting themes.

Ok, I'm finally finished. I think I need to digest awhile before I rate it. I really liked it up until the Raftery thing. I liked how things twisted around and related. I kind of felt that there was something with Dominic harassing Susanna, so not a huge surprise. I'm still not sure what to think. Susanna lies and manipulates everyone.

I liked the way the break in wasn't related to the murder but seemed to mirror it in some ways. It also helped Toby understand things.

I also liked Toby (the brain injured one) and how he really helped you to see and understand privilege. Susanna seemed to drill it in a bit too much and the Dr. thing was weird (partly I am sure due to the different health systems). At time this seemed a bit forced but I liked it.

My biggest issue was Melissa. Man, I liked her. I really wanted there to be something there because I didn't like that she would be in love with the original Toby. The more we learned the more I didn't like him.

Ok, lots of thoughts there. I enjoyed it overall. The ending makes you wonder about all of it. Wish it didn't go so crazy at the very end.

I can't believe how quickly you two read! I'm in chapter 11 and there is a lot going on but there is still about 25% left! I have some thoughts but still lots of unknowns. Definitely something going on with Susanna. Don't tell me!

Jenny, oh wow! I’ll try. Won’t get done today. I take it you enjoyed it? Her books always have enough doubt that the twists are hard to see but are believable

Laura, no problem. I thought I told you to. I am reading more than expected and am now in chapter 10. Wow, have there been so many twists and questions. There is still enough left that I am wondering what will happen. I feel like there is still something missing, being as how the story is told from Toby's perspective and he has had a brain injury it makes it likely.

I have been noticing that this book isn't quite as different from her others as I thought. It is different in the fact that it is from the viewpoint of the suspect rather than the detectives. I think it was fun to think about during some of the middle chapters.

Laura, I just read the spoiler. I've hidden my comments below as I am not sure how far Jenny is.

(view spoiler)[ Leon and Suzanna definitely seem to know something. Especially with how badly they didn't want the house sold and Suzanna's conversation with Toby. Dec (or however you spell it) is still a question in all of this. Hard to say about Toby. He seems genuinely surprised; however, he likely has memory issues as well.

I really like Hugo. I'm almost wondering if he will choose to take the fall to save folks since he doesn't have much to loose. Melissa also seems too good to be with the old Toby. (hide spoiler)]