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

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

Book: Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett
Date Read: 22nd of May
Pages: 288 (default page count)
BOM/Participation: Yes
Comment 1
Comment 2
Comment 3

Tasks:

Discworld bonus
15. W - Book where all the words in the title are the same length
42. O - author has initials TP or PT
93. D - with a character representing Death (DEATH)
137. W - MPG Fantasy
189. TA - hat on cover
237. IR - features an epic journey (should be significant part of the plot) (Granny and Esk searching/entering for Unseen University)

DQs - Day 3

9 . What do you think on the creatures from the dungeon dimensions? Do you find them creepy?

Not really. They are kind of abstract in my mind. The shapes personify the person's inexplicable fear but no idea how they would look like.

10. I enjoyed the Esk’s thoughts about being both witch and wizard and wanting to defend the one to the other. Do you sympathize with this view (more in general than in specific regards to magic fields)?
I do and I completely stand behind her decision. It seems she wants to be seen as an equal by both. Both are gender biased and take over the stereotypes of women/men. Why not try for the best of both worlds?

11. Why do you think Esk’s magic did not work?

It has to do with her staff and not understanding its usage.

12. Esk is supposed to be precocious but also nine years old. Do you think she acts in a way you could see a nine year old acting?
It depends on the child. I've had some interactions during summer camps with children who were quite mature. I'm sometimes suprised by how opinionated they are and their answers on life questions. I wasn't like that as a 9 year old though, I was way too busy being silly and having fun.

As a member of Team Ook, the bonus question is: Is not the librarian wonderful and would you want to be turned back in his place?

We don't know much about him yet but seems nice and an interesting character. Although amusing at first I would want to be changed afterwards. There are lots of other things still to do in human form.

Yasmine wrote: "Audrey Jane wrote: "Awesome, Yasmine ! I will be participating to the discussion as well.
It seems our team hit the jackpot for June's BOMs. Louise got picked for [book:Firekeeper's Daughter|523464..."

I wish you good luck with your exams ! You're almost done ;)
May I ask what you're studying ?

DQs Day 2

Starting with a Bonus question...
“They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it is not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance.” (Granny said)
First off, who are “they”? I have always wanted to know. Secondly, do you agree with “them”?

It seems to me that 'they' refers to different group of people depending who is talking. In this case, since Granny is talking, I would say 'they' are the wizards. 'They' often referring to the general/popular view or opinion in a society.
And I agree with Granny.

5. Esk went ahead and did not follow Granny’s advice, and thought since she had a feeling she could get into the bird’s brain, then why not do it.
When you were a kid, did you jump off the swing, or touch the hot burner? If so, give us examples.
Do you think she learned something from it, or are we looking at shades of her future University life?

We had quite a strict upbringing at home; but when we were left unsupervised we got into al kinds of tricky situations. Luckily my mom knew first aid. Living in the countryside during most of my childhood, I used to play on the streets & fields until midnight. I also didn't come home for lunch, busy having too much fun playing.

I recall one day when I had this 'awesome' idea to speed off a hill with 5 people on a 1 person go-kart. Needless to say, it didn't go well.

6. What do you think of Hilda and her version of Headology? What do you think of Headology in general?

Hilta's version is just a bit more flashy/showy. I know that Granny disapproves since witches don't necessarily have to go through all this. I think it can be nice, I gives them a mystical vibe which some people like.

7. Esk finds herself on a moving barge. Loved loved loved the resume of talents beyond washing and sweeping that Esk rattles off in an attempt to stay on the boat. What skills could you bring to the barge?

I'm a good swimmer ! I reckon that might be important on a barge. Also a good sense of direction. Last but not least, I stay optimistic and never ask 'are we there yet' more than once per hour. As a volunteer travel/hiking guide, that's something I find quite important.

8. Speaking of the barge, what do you think of Esk’s decision to just leave Granny? Did she mean to leave on her own adventure, or was it an accident? Do you think her matter of fact attitude is a product of her magic, or just her personality or upbringing?

It was an accident, she didn't mean to leave Granny behind however she's quite independent and has a free spirit. She doesn't mind to continue her adventure on her own.

Awesome, Yasmine ! I will be participating to the discussion as well.
It seems our team hit the jackpot for June's BOMs. Louise got picked for Firekeeper's Daughter and I was chosen for Mort :)

Congratulations with the new job, Jenny ! Good luck !

DQs - Day 1

1. If you are new or relatively new to Discworld, what do you think of Pratchett’s world and writing style so far? For more experienced Pratchett readers, what are your favorite things about his writing style or Discworld in general?

This is the 4th book I've read in the Discworld series (previously read 2 Tiffany Aching and 1 Witches book). I like the world Terry Pratchett created and the flow of his writing style, it reminds me a bit of Diana Wynne Jones' books.

2. So we have our plucky heroine Esk and her witchy mentor Granny Weatherwax. What do you think of our two main characters and their relationship with each other?

Personally I like Tiffany Aching (a witch in training) more than Esk. But it fits that Esk is meant to become a wizard since she doesn't seem to be much interested in the art of headology.
Liking all the scenes with Granny Weatherwax, she's even better/funnier in Wyrd Sisters.

3. A major theme is witch magic vs. wizard magic (and women vs. men), and I can’t wait to learn more about these different magical theories and world views. What do you think of this dynamic, and which type of magic are you more drawn to?

I like it that Terry Pratchett made this distinction, it makes for interesting & fun discussions between witches and wizards.
I'm definitely an advocate of headology ! Wouldn't it be awesome to be a witch in training with Granny Weatherwax as teacher

4. Oh dear. Esk went a bit too far with the borrowing. What do you think is going to happen next? And what will Granny say or do?

I read on.

Bonus: I am really enjoying Pratchett’s wit so far. What is your favorite quote from this first bit? Mine is:
“What’s an elephant?”
“A kind of badger,” said Granny. She hadn’t maintained forest-credibility for forty years by ever admitting ignorance.

I highlighted this bit as well ! I laughed out loud.
I also liked and as being the older sister related with:
"If you don't want me to come then I'll come'" she said. This sort of thing passes for logic among siblings.

Also enjoyed Granny's explanation of the goats' names.

Haha, Karen, not at all, I understand you. I feel that about a lot of Eurovision songs over the years.

Yes, totally agree with Malta and Croatia (pity they're not in the finals). Others of my favorites are Greece, Portugal, Italy, Finland, Israel, and Belgium.
However Isreal didn't sound as well live as I had hoped.

My predictions are that Ukraine and Malta will do well but might be in for a couple of surprises. Ukraine's song is not for me but it's very Eurovision-y and they sing in their own language which will win a lot of votes.

Have a great Eurovision night & morning with your friend ;) !

Just a friendly reminder that the Eurovision final is tomorrow :) ! Looking forward to it.

@Karen: I thought Australia's entry was quite catchy ! A pity they are not in the finals.
I have a couple of favourites. I like this year's belgian entry, they won't win but I hope they get in the top 3 *fingers crossed*. No idea who will be the public's favourite this year. Exciting !

Edit: I admit lately I am listening to Israel's 'Set me free' on repeat though :)

Book: Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
Date Read: 21st of May
Pages: 269

Tasks:

98. R - Set in China
119. D - someone makes a new friend (Lily and Snowflower)
190. TA - Spell out Sky - S
196. IR - recommendation from diff team (Michelle from team Luggage)

Book: From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty
Date Read: 19th of May
Pages: 257

Tasks:

64. D - Skull on cover
118. D - title has all the letters in D-E-A-T-H
131. R - letters N-O-W-O-R-R-I-E-S in title
97. R - MPG History
38. O - Science MPG (not Science Fiction)
40. O - Mummy in text (page 60: ...a few years prior a mummy had been stolen from the village...)

Book: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
Date Read: 16th of May
Pages: 394

Possible uses and reasons/justifications:
137. W - MPG Fantasy
145. IR - spell out TRUTH - T (title and author starts with T)
148. IR - spell out TRUTH - T (title and author starts with T)
149. IR - spell out TRUTH - H (title without 'The')
164. O - Young Adult MPG
168. O - award winning book (Alex Award (2021))
171. CW - Spell out LILAC - L (MC Linus Baker)
191. TA - Spell out Sky - K (author last name Klune)

Hope you had a lovely vacation, Jenny !

I will finish The House in the Cerulean Sea tomorrow. I'm enjoying it a lot. Will check in afterwards and see where I can help with the remaining tasks. I have a couple of options for MPG history.

Book: A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett
Date Read: 15th of May
Pages: 373

Possible uses and reasons/justifications:

Discworld bonus

32. W - features a ghost
136. W - MPG Witches
182. IR - on Spec-Fic Passing Bechdel Test list (#24 on the list)
145. IR - spell out TRUTH - T
42. O - author has initials TP or PT
164. O - Young Adult MPG
188. TA - hat on cover

Bingo:
A4 - Broom - Broom on the cover
H3 - blue warrior in tartan - the way the Nac Mac Feegle dress
H8 - cheeseboard - Tiffany likes to churn butter and makes cheese

If anyone is interested by our team character - here's what I gathered from the book (no spoilers) :

Rob Anybody is adorable and funny! He's the leader or 'the Big Man' of the Mac Nac Feegle clan but they call themselves the Wee Free Men because they answer to no king or queen.
They are basically a bunch of misfits that are famous for stealing, drinking, and fighting. I had to laugh when Rob said it wasn't stealing because said object wasn't nailed down.
Understandably they don't like to tell their names because it might be written down on 'official documents' like Wanted-posters or summons or bills or writs of distrainment hahaha :p
Also they don't like lawyers and their sword glow blue when there's a lawyer in the vicinity. They are tough little guys and hilarious !

I would say we are definitely living up to our team name's reputation :)

@Yasmine: Thank you :)

Book: The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
Date read: 12th of May
Pages: 404

Discworld bonus!

Tasks:

100. R - butterfly / moth on cover (blue butterflies on the cover)
42. O - author has initials TP or PT
145. IR - spell out TRUTH - T
148. IR - spell out TRUTH - T
164. O - Young Adult MPG
167. O - title includes an adjective
237. IR - features an epic journey (Tiffany is on a journey to save her little brother)

Bingo:
B7 - "Crivens!" - word used by the Mac Nac Feegle (mentioned 28 times in the book)
H3 - blue warrior in tartan (all the Mac Nac Feegle are dressed liked that)

Thank you, Carrie :)

I read the first chapter of The Wee Free Men yesterday evening as I wanted to check if I was going to like it and I ended up cruising through the book. I liked it a lot as well as the character Rob Anybody :)

Geri wrote: "For some reason I can’t reply to messages. Ugh. Another goodreads glitch?

Audrey Jane - Wow. It sounds like you have lots of work! But fun too. I have done some remodeling in the past. It’s worth ..."

Nice, Geri ! I think what's important is to have a realistic time frame. Anything I finish well before my set 'deadline' is just bonus :)
Last weekend I finished one of the guestrooms with the help of my sister.
(view spoiler)[
Before:

After:
(hide spoiler)]

Louise wrote: "Audrey Jane wrote: "During the weekend I've been renovating my house. The previous owner had the property for 37 years. The exterior looks like an old farmhouse but the interior looks like it has b..."

Thank you, Louise ! I love watching renovation shows and it's so satisfying to see the before/after pictures :) I keep a folder just for that.

I will be reading The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Wee Free Men which features our team name character.