Audrey Jane’s Comments (group member since May 27, 2014)

Audrey Jane’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

DQ Day 5 Part 3, XIII to Part 4, XII

18. We learn more about Henry. What do you make of his "broken heart"? What about the way the author described it?
The way it was described I thought he had a serious medical condition. Turns out he's a sensitive person.

19. Now we know why Henry isn't affected by Addie's curse. Did Luc make a mistake like Addie thinks?
I can't tell but I will guess and say no. It might be planned.

20. What do you make of Henry's "curse" where everyone loves/admires him? Is this the kind of love Henry is after? Do you think the same happens as with Addie, that when they don't see him anymore they are out of love with him?
It's definitely what he wanted but seems to regret it. Since he was drunk he didn't really believe it was all real. I think so yes.

21. We have a few side characters, any favorites among them or one you might want to get to know better?
Not really. I wonder how large their role will be further in the story.

22. A small interlude in where Addie and Henry visit The Artfact. And Addie still gets surprised after 300 years. Do you have a favorite museum or art you like to go see?
My all time favourite museum is the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. I initially visited it because a lot of paintings of the Flemish school and Flemish primitives are displayed in the Kunsthistorisches museum (van Eyck, Bruegel, Rubens, van Dyck). Back then Flanders was under the rule of the House of Habsburg (called the Austrian Netherlands) that's why they ended up in their art collection in Vienna. History forced me to travel you see ;-) In the end I was really impressed by the museum's art collection. I really need to go back.
Their website: https://www.khm.at/en/
However I would like to visit The Metropolitan Museum in the future.

Alysa wrote: "Some of the French/France bits feel contrived for sure. Including the way language is used.
But, hey, Schwab is writing to an American audience that has a kind of set expectation of stereotypes!"

Haha, if that what makes people happy I'm all for it :)

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Also... and this is my logical brain kicking in... how on earth does someone without a passport get from Europe to the US? And if she did it before the days of passports how did she get there by ship if her face would be forgotten everyday? Could she really stowaway for that long?
Ah. Now I've let go of those thoughts I can continue the book. lol"

Good catch, Karen. Didn't think of that. Maybe this gets clarified later in the book and we get to read her adventures as a stowaway ;)

DQ DAY 4 Part 3, II - Part 3, XII (p253)

14. Why do you think Addie puts herself through interactions like she had with Remi? It must be hard to see "lovers" grow old without you and not remember.
I'm not sure, it's not a long term relationship based on mutual experiences. In the end it's still just a one-night stand.

15. Do you like Addie or Henry more so far? Why? Are you finding their stories interesting?
No. Henry needs help asap. And for someone who lived on Earth for 300 years, Addie is pretty bland. Never thought that maybe visiting the African, Asian or South-American continent might be interesting. She only visited major cities. It never occured to her to enjoy the rest a country has to offer. All her experiences/travels come accross as superficial.

My favourite characters so far have been Estele and Luc.

16. So Addie is going to tell Henry the truth! How do you think this will go? Do you think he will still accept her or even believe her?
I've read further but at this point I thought yes. The book is about these two so he will stick until the end.

17. We're halfway through the story. Do you have any fun predictions or guesses about what will happen in the second half? Not really. Just waiting for the confirmation of my previous guess that Henry also struck a deal.
It has been quite a tedious and depressive read so far. Hope the author is going somewhere with this.

What bothers me is that I have to suspend disbelief regarding Addie. It's hard to believe Addie is French let alone European. The way she describes Paris in the 2014 timeline is ridiculous, it seems a copy/paste out of a travel brochure.
At some point she says she speaks "Swiss". Which language is she talking about ? Switzerland has 4 national languages (none of which are referred to as "the Swiss language"). As a French living 300 years isn't she supposed to know.

Jammin Jenny wrote: "I'm not sure how long or if it will last but we are now in first place!!"

Way to go, team ! Definitely living up to our team's name.
*Virtually high-fiving you all*

Jammin Jenny wrote: "Audrey Jane, this book has an MPG of childrens. Can you tell me please the word count? Also, where did you find the term "morris dancer" / "morris dancing" in text? Page # or location will do. Thanks!"

Sure ! The word count is 87523.
I completely forgot to add the page/location. I don't know if "Morris dance" counts as well but I have one mention of "Morris dancer" :) Here you go:
Page 32 - "No one likes an unexpected Morris dancer."

DQ Day 3 - Part 2, IV - Part 3, I (p 153)

10. In these parts the darkness comes and checks up on her a few times. What do you make of those conversations - what the darkness says and Adeline's reactions? Who or what do you think Luc is? Do you think something romantic could happen between Luc and Addie?
So far I like their interactions the most because Addie seems to be more responsive & shows more emotions when she's with Luc. And it seems there's a point he wants to make.
I hope nothing romantic happens because it would be quite toxic; so far Luc seems to have the upper hand every time.

11. Addie and Henry meet up for coffee which seems to go well. What do you think will come of this relationship? Will it last? Will it be fulfilling for the both of them?
I think they both struck a deal and will come to realize when they gradually get to know each other.

12. Will it be significant considering Henry could utter Addie's name? Would it be possible that Henry made a deal with Luc thus enabling Addie's and Henry's relationship? Do you think they have met or will meet in the story?
Yes and yes.

13. If you had a lifetime to do as you pleased, what would you do? Where would you go and what would you see?
Knowing that some friends never left their village, I'm already grateful for all the travelling I've been able to do so far.

If I had a lifetime to do as I please, I would try to grow my own vegetable garden and orchard. As well as keep some chickens around. I can guarantee you that it takes a lot of time and effort to tend to it properly. There won't be a day I will have the luxury to be bored. And if that day does come, I shall go for long hikes with my dog in the surrounding countryside. Or I shall buy a donkey because why not and they are adorable!

DQ Day 2 - Part 1, XIV - Part 2, III (p129)

5. At about a fourth of the way through the book, how do you like Addie LaRue as a narrator/person?
Boring and bland. My mind keeps wandering while reading her artsy/poetic narration. So far I can't seem to root for her. I wish she was less self-pitying. She seems to live in a kind of fantasy world of hers. Hope she improves further in the story.

6. Are you more interested in Addie’s past or present life (or both)? Why?
Past. Because I like stories set in historical Europe & France. And more interesting things happen in her past.

7. How do you think she handled the start of her "curse"?
Quite well. She was discovering the boundaries of her curse. She learnt and coped with it pretty fast.

8. Addie seems to have serial one-night stands with the same person. Why do you think she does this, and do you have any concerns with the potential for manipulating the other party? (I am still thinking on this as a power imbalance).
There's definitely a power imbalance however I think it's her only way to find some human connection. She already knows that they are good people to hang around with, just like with Sam. She knows that they are each other's type. In any case, not ideal.

9. In this section, we meet Henry. What is your initial reaction to Henry and his ability to remember her?
So far I'm not impressed by him. Maybe he gets more interesting further along the book. I think he struck a deal as well.

DQ Day 1 - Part 1, I - Part 1, XIII (p67)

1. Other than BOM points what attracted you to this book? The rave reviews? The cover? The blurb?
I was not planning to read it since a GR friend's opinion I trust gave it 2 stars. I tend to distrust overhyped books, especially YA. So far I'm 39% into the book. If it wasn't a BOM I would have DNF it.

2. Have you read any other books by V.E. Schwab/Victoria Schwab? If so, how does this book compare? If not, what do you think of the book so far?
I've read Vicious years ago. I gave it 3 stars. Don't remember much but the main characters were unlikeable.

3. What are your thoughts on Addie and the bargain she made?
Not much. She seems quite immature and self-absorbed. I hope Addie redeems herself at some point. So far I can't sympathize with her since her situation is all due to her own selfish doing.

4. Obviously, selling your soul is going too far but if you were able to get a wish granted what would it be?
Peace of mind. I want to ban stress, overthinking, and unnecessary worrying out of this world.

I will read and join the discussions of all the BOMs this month. Hope I can finish them all by the end of the month. Will pick up The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue next. Hope it's a good one.

Book: Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett
Date Read: 4th of July
Pages: 336

Tasks:
206. TA - "morris dancer" / "morris dancing" in text

Book: Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O'Connell
Date Read: 27th of June
Pages: 418

Jackanory:
Describe your protagonists/antagonists - title
MC is half native-american
MC is left to die but heals miraculously from his injuries

Louise wrote: "@Audrey I didn't add The Midnight Library as we need the DQ links. :)"

Aye, captain, I'm here with the links :)


Book: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Date Read: 26th of June
Pages: 304 (default)
BOM participation: Yes
Comment 1
Comment 2
Comment 3
BOM writing DQs: No

Bingo:
E5 - DEATH & cats (Book discusses meaning of life. MC wants to die and owns a cat + cat on the cover)

Thank you, Louise!

DQs Day 5 - The Game - end

21. Even though Nora loved her life with Ash and Molly she still returned to the library. Were you surprised that she didn’t stay? Did you want her to stay in that life?
No, I had a feeling from the beginning that she would return to her original life. The author had a point to make. No, I would have found it quite offending if the author would convey that the 'conventional' life (married & children & house, etc) is the 'perfect/happy' life above all others. Society often push these 'ideals' on individuals. It needs to stop. Nora needed to consciously choose for that life and work towards it.

22. When Nora reconnects with her brother Joe she finds out that the reason he had been avoiding her was nothing to do with her decision not to continue with the band. I think that Nora’s experiences in her other lives helped her to accept that this was the truth. Her old self was so wrapped up in thoughts that she was responsible for other people’s happiness I feel she may have thought he was just trying to be kind due to her suicide attempt. What are your thoughts?
Might be. But I think often it's a case of miscommunication or lack of communication. We often assume too quickly instead of taking the courage to sort things out.

23. Were you happy with the ending? Where would you like Nora’s story to go next?
Yes, it was where I expected to story would go. I'm glad it ended that way. I hope Nora won't forget the life lessons she learnt. And once she has her life together and is mentally in a good place, I would like for her to reach out to Ash and see what happens.

24. Nora got to experience so many lives and possibilities - different careers, different relationships and the chance to live in places all over the world. If you were able to experience another life what would you want to experience?
No, I'm right where I need to be. For the sake of fun I sometimes ask 'what if' and imagine how it could be but then I'm just reminded again that I did well so far and wouldn't want it any other way.

I'm often reminded of Lou Rawls' song 'If I Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda'. I love that song!

25. Did you enjoy the book? Was there anything in the story that resonated with your own life? Is there a message you will take away with you?.
I didn't 'enjoy' it but I found it an interesting read. I think Nora's existential crisis, if you can call it that, is relatabe. Nora's realization in the end aligns with my philosophy in life. In the end your life is largely under your control. Yours to do what you want with it.

Bonus: While reading the story certain parts reminded me of films and TV shows I’ve enjoyed. Films like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Sliding Doors’ or tv shows like ‘Sliders’ and ‘Quantum Leap’. Are there any films, shows or books that you were reminded of?. It seems Matt Haig might have be inspired by those. The vibe/tone of the story made me think of The Butterfly Effect.

DQs Day 3: The Tree That Is Our Life - Wild and Free (59%)

11. Regarding the system error, that occurred when Nora tried to return to the library after that speech. Do you think Nora could have trouble returning to the library from one of the next lives that she visits?
It just shows that it might be time for Nora to make up her mind. Seems that visiting all the possible lives has proven pointless so far.

12. But you will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life. (p. 151) Do you think Nora is going to "find the meaning of life", "be happy forever in a parallel life", or "will want to die and leave the library forever"?
I think she will realize that her original life was as good or as bad as all the other versions. She will find a way to be at peace with her life and to move on.

13. Are you surprised about Nora meeting Hugo, another Slider, as he calls people like them in the in-between?
Yes, I wasn't expecting that they would be able to cross each other.

14. For Nora it's a library, for Hugo it's a video store. What do you imagine would your variant of the in-between be? (And obviously you are not allowed to say library now, because I'm guessing most of us would go with that answer. Be creative and let me know what else you would feel comfortable with.)
A museum ! As an historian it would have to be a museum. Preferably the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna because I still need to check out some rooms. One day visiting wasn't enough.

15. We finally get to see Nora's life as a rock star. In what direction do you think this will go? Is it going to be the life Nora is happiest with and stays the longest/forever? Or do you think that she's going to leave it rather soon again?
I've read on so will probably answer that in the next set of questions.

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, it makes sense, since it was the most recent event that made her unhappy with her life. The death of a pet can be truly hard to deal with.

7. How did the reality of Nora's Australia line up with what you imagined it would be like?
Euhm, I thought it would be more positive than that. However it does show Nora that her regrets so far have been unfounded and that her original life is not so bad at all.

8. What did you think about the similarities between Nora's life in Australia versus her original life?
I think she's better off in her original life. The Australian life seems worse, all the bad stuff come up again plus she's living in a student house with a fishy flatmate.

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?
Depends on what she thinks is more important to her at that time. It seems that having her brother and a successful carreer is not enough for her.

10. Any predictions for how Nora's speech will go in the next chapter? I've read on so no predictions. But as someone with stage fright I think she did great. I would be absolutely mortified.

Yasmine wrote: "Ah okay perfect! Yes then I can read that, it's a quick read :) And tomorrow I'm finally done with my exams, and can hopefully spend much more time finishing all the books I promised :P I'm currently trying to read 5 books at the same time, and it's not working because I've had zero time. "

Yay, Jasmine, exam season over ! You can enjoy summer to the fullest now :)

Book: Mort by Terry Pratchett
Date Read: 12th of June
Pages: 320 (default)
BOM participation: Yes
Comment 1
Comment 2
Comment 3
BOM writing DQs: Yes - DQs Day 4

Bingo:
A8 - Octarine wool (unique colour in Discworld - mentioned 6 times)
C6 - White horse (the MC Death rides a white horse + white horse on the cover.)
E5 - DEATH & cats (the MC Death loves cats)

DQs - Day 1

1. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
No, it wasn't even on my TBR shelf, I tend to avoid popular books. I wouldn't have picked it up if it weren't for the team challenges. However I'm glad I joined this BOM, it seems interesting.

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?
It's a pretty easy going writing style. I like the short chapters here, makes it easier to breeze through it.

3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
Not attached but I feel for her. She has to surround herself with more positive energy. Like other readers pointed out, it's obvious she need help. It's a pity she has a low self-esteem. And it's exacerbated by her being on social media and dwelling on the past.

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?
No, thank you. Every decision I made I felt they were right at the time I made them. No need to get back to it. If you're living with constant regrets you're basically sacrificing your present. I better do something about it than dwell on it. And this coming from an overthinker.

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 was thinking she would chose something more related to her personal dreams. I'm proud she saw that in the end she made the right decision and that the relationship would end up toxic. But yes, it was pretty quick. I doubt you can make an accurate assessment of the situation within just 30 minutes.

DQs Day 4
start: "The night shed its early casualties"
end: "'Now - are we going?'" (p200 / 76%)

16. Death trying to get drunk in the Mended Drum ! I felt for him during that scene. Do you think there's a way for Death to be human ? Assuming he wasn't human before like Mort ?

17. It seems Mort is not realizing he's changing and slowly becoming the 'grim reaper'. Even his behaviour is changing. People are noticing that "he's becoming more real. Nearly as real as Death". Is it possible that anyone can assume to role of 'Death' ? For example, as weird as it sounds, could Mort eventually reap Death's soul ?

18. "What is it called when you feel warm and content and wish things would stay that way?" (has to be read in capital letters ;)) Death finally finds a job that suits him and brings him happiness. Did you expect he would be offered that kind of job ?

19. Has your opinion about Ysabell changed in the meantime?

20. So it turns out Alberto Malich succeeded in postponing his death for more than 2000 years and knows exactly how long he's going to live: 91 days, 3 hours, and 5 minutes. Do you think he will move on and live what remains of his life in this book? If you had the option, would you want to know how much is left in your 'lifetime' ?