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

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

Catherine wrote: "what language did you read them before? "

I read it in Dutch. It was the first language I learned to read (my mother is Dutch-speaking, father is French-speaking).

O?

✔ How many books you have read in 2014 (>100 pages) 82 (I'm aiming for 100 this year)
✔ How many books you plan to read 2015? around 80
✔ The continent you live in (so we can try and match time zones) Europe - GMT+2
✔ Would you be willing to be a Team Captain? Or Co-Captain? No, thanks
✔ Is this your first team challenge with NBRC? No, I've participated in Wheel-A-Thon

❀Tea❀ wrote: "...plus I'm getting reading for the release...
You're going to read it? I'm thinking of rereading LotR (not big fan of Hobbit really). It's been about year and half since I've done it last. :P "

Oh no, I just realised it, I meant 'ready'. I guess it's time for this hobbit to go to bed :p
I like the Hobbit movies as much as the LoTR movies, Martin Freeman is doing a really good job. The latest LoTR marathon I did was with the extended version, I really didn't realise it was that long!

❁ Danielle wrote: "❀Tea❀ wrote: "❁ Danielle wrote: "I'm wanting to reread LotR. I haven't read them in quite a number of years."

Just say when :P
OK, except next two weeks. I won't be reading much.

And is it going..."
I read the books years ago but haven't read them again ever since. I thought re-reading it this time in English.

❀Tea❀ wrote: "I just checked because I though I got you by one, but I've actually read 3 books this week *shock* And I actually started 4 others but didn't get past few chapters. Reason: I was rewatching StarKids ☺ "

I missed this. Lol, I remember some friends who really are a big fan. I'm currently watching all the 'behind the scenes' of The Hobbit 1 and 2 (it's their production blog). Being a hobbit myself I feel I have the obligation to be aware of such things, plus I'm getting reading for the release of The Battle of Five Armies at the end of the year :). I can't wait!

September 21
Chapters 29-end

28. Although a bit simplistic, the ending was satisfying. I hadn't correctly guessed the identity of Fox, I thought it would be someone close to Patrick.

29. Yes, every new person has to first prove herself/himself before getting accepted in the 'club'. But I agree with Renee I hadn't expected Kate to be accepted that early.

30.I think it added something more. I think Karin Slaughter wanted to convey how hard it was, in particular in the law enforcement.

31. Easily, I feel there's still room for one more book since I would like to know more about how this new situation influences Maggie & Jimmy's lives. Besides at the end of the book I expected Kate to call off the deal with Philip, since she didn't I felt kind of disappointed. I did like Maggie, she had to deal with a lot of hardships but struggled through it.

32. I gave it a 3.5 but rounded up to 4 stars. It's my first Karin Slaughter book and I enjoyed it. It was challenging but made me think, it captivated me, and was by far more interesting than the books I recently read. I'm planning to try her other series.

Finished (The Iron Duke) by Meljean Brook
Characters: Rhys Trahaearn
--> Letters: I, R, T

Finished Round 1 ! Will try for a second round.

R?

Finished by Karin Slaughter
Characters: Terry Lawson, Rick Anderson
--> Letters: T, L, R

Shelved as 'Thriller' 67 times.

September 19
Chapter 19 - 23

26. Yes, that was quite shocking and taking it too far. The workplace is better now but I guess workplaces vary. I think bullying is sadly still very much present at school.

27. He kills people that he thinks are a nuisance, the only pattern I see is intolerance.

28. Certain scenes are quite gruesome. I can deal with bad language better than violence.

29. He kidnapped Jimmy and is waiting for something but I don't know what exactly he has planned for Jimmy since he didn't kill him yet.

30. No, Kate's situation is really creepy. I think she has to follow her guts and notify it to someone in case anything happens.

31. It depends on the situation (when and where). I feel really secure where I live, maybe a bit too much I admit. It's a quiet little town, it happened that I forgot to lock up the doors at night. But once out of town, it's not the same.

32. Mmm, I'm not liking it. Both aren't being honest. Frankly, I hadn't expected Kate to knock on Philip's door.

September 20th
Chapters 24-28

33) I agree with Renee and Carmen. I think Fox knew Patrick. At the beginning I thought Fox might be Patrick but it doesn't seem likely anymore. Also it can be some sort of 'trophy', like a reminder of his victim, or he wants to 'replace' Patrick since he put the tags on.

34) Both. There's something inherent but nurture can act like a catalysis and blow things up until Fox found an 'outlet' to vent his frustration etc.

35) Maggie hasn't had any good example to begin with, she grew up in a dysfunctional family and tries her best. I think she does it pretty good given her situation, her family doesn't support her and Terry is abusive. I think she's temporarily overwhelmed and confused and that's why she needs Kate now to act as her 'rock'.

36) Yes, me too, I lost sympathy for Edouardo after what he said they did to that prostitute. Kate's father makes a good point but I think that's just human nature.

37) Yes, to the first. I think she needs Kate now. They've only known each other for 3 days. They might have turned friends later but the emotional stress Maggie is going through changes their relationship far more quicker.

S?

20. Yes, that was pretty creepy. No, I don't think it's because she's Jewish but I do think it plays a role and Fox sees it as one more 'reason' for him to kill Kate. I think he's an intolerant person on principle.

21. Yes, at some point they will have to accept Kate. Also she is smart and has a supportive family. She will persevere.

22. Mmm, not really. They are just doing their job and exchange information (and doing favours in matters where the other party might have the advantage).

23.I think (hope) that Rick and Maggie end up being in a romantic relationship. I'm not sure.

24. That's the mystery I guess. It's all very intriguing, and I can't wait to read more.

25. I'm sure some of them will be pissed like uncle Terry but others will want to take credit instead of the two women. And I'm pretty convinced they will do everything possible to hinder their investigation and bully them even more afterwards.

September 17
Questions and comments chapters 12-15

13. There was something comical about the scene with the four women in various states of undress chasing each other, then came the part where Gail is questioning Violet in a rather crude manner. I didn't expect the scene to develop in such a way. Any thoughts about the whole scene, and why Kate and Maggie kind of froze and Maggie didn't want to talk about it afterwards? I thought that maybe Gail is taking Don's death personal. Do you think that's what happened?

14. Any thoughts about Edward Spivey's trial? Everyone seemed convinced that he's the cop killer. But with Fox taken into account, do you think that he might be the Shooter and killed all previous cops?

15. Fox is out to get Jimmy before he deals with Kate. Any thoughts if he will succeed? (for a second I thought Jimmy got killed when they called in the emergency call. I'm glad it didn't happen).

16. There's something going on between Maggie and her brother that happened in the past. It was a bit cryptic but any speculations on what happened and why Jimmy suddenly felt the urge to apologize to his sister?

17. What are your thoughts on the characters up till now? Any thoughts on how the relationship between the two women will develop in the future? It seems like Kate can handle the job on her first day. Do you think Maggie and the other women will accept her at some point?

18. There is a reason for all the secrecy around Don's death. Do you think the bar (Dabbler's) Maggie is asking Gail about is linked to this? Maggie and Gail seemed unaware of Jimmy and Don's sexual orientation. Do you think Kate will tell Maggie or someone else at some point?

19. We finally meet Kate's family. Her grandmother and to some extent her mother seem both pretty supportive compared to Maggie's family. Are they how you imagined them? What about Kate's "omission of the truth" to Maggie about her parents' occupation. Any thoughts about Philip's sudden appearance at their house? And what about his future intentions towards Kate?

Thanks Karen, I really liked your case study about equal pay. I didn't see it that way before.
This discussion reminds me of an interesting course ('history of sexuality') where after going through a bunch of literary material we would go into discussion. What I got out of the course is that at heart we recognized the need for equality, the thing is the way to achieve it is very tricky. Like Kelly and Amanda pointed out is that even when seeking alternatives it's not always for the best and sometimes we see the consequences on the long run. Multiple times, including myself, we would talk ourselves into the literary equivalent of a plothole. It also happened while writing dissertations, the more I dig into an issue the less I was making a point. I agree, it is a complex area.

1.The Three Musketeers (The D'Artagnan Romances) by Alexandre Dumas
2.Comanche Moon by Catherine Anderson
3. The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

Chapters 5 - 11

7. It's typical, nepotism is such an ingrained system on the workplace.

8. Yeah, it seems that Kate wants to prove herself. She wants to show that she can handle it on her own and take care of herself. She said she tried other jobs but it didn't work for her.

9. Yes, Fox does have a specific idea where a woman's place should be. I don't remember if the author mentioned how long Fox has been stalking her. If it is before she applied to the police academy or when she started her job as a cop.

10. My first thought was that he froze and distorted the truth out of fear of losing face. Yes, it could be something to do with pride. Don didn't died because of Jimmy but not following procedures like calling in the shooting is seen as a grave mistake by his peers. The question is why he didn't.

11. Definitely. I don't know how Fox came to 'know' Kate and why he has to kill her but I'm curious to find out.

12. Yes, I think so. The gun description matches the one Fox is carrying, and Fox said he would kill Jimmy just like Don.

Kelly wrote: "It's interesting what area's you see inequalities in. I think some are over stated. Personally, I believe that women should be able to take off time to care for young children (just like men could) but that when coming back to work 5 years later they shouldn't expect to be at the same place monetary wise as those who didn't take a break. Life choices affect things. However, I almost feel like we've swung the other way in some areas where minorities get so many advantages that it's unfair to the majority. I've seen minorities get hired over other candidates simply because they were minority and then not be able to be fired when not doing their jobs. So, I kindof wish everyone would just stop worrying about making everything match and focus on the individual person."

Yes, those are all examples of unequal treatment. It's offensive to both parties, someone who gets hired because he/she is part of a minority because the company/institution etc wants to make a statement is also a form of discrimination. As I see it, both parties have been wronged. Tokenism is quite prevalent. And you're right to say that in the end it might be better to look each person individually based on qualifications, regardless of their gender/skin colour/religion etc.

Your last comment made me think of when I signed up for university. The inscription form asked after my parents social background, where they were born, work status etc. I didn't see why it was relevant. Maybe for some obscure survey?

I'm glad you shared your insight and experiences. I like to hear other people's opinions, it might adjust my point of view.

Chapters 1 - 4:

1. Yes, it seems there is "preferential treatment" when it comes to Jimmy, and this I guess based on gender. I do wonder what kind of relationship Jimmy and Maggie share as brother and sister (and as colleagues). The author hinted at something going on between those two.

2. I'm glad things have improved since then but I still think that racial tensions and gender inequality are pretty relevant today. You can witness/live it on a daily basis.

3. It does smell fishy. But Jimmy might tell the truth and was just too shocked to take any action.

4. It could stand for the reforms and changes they made in the law enforcement?

5. I wonder, spy or stalker? I would go with stalker but since he kept a logbook about her and the day's events I was wondering if he was put there. But still definitely creepy. I'm curious about her secret.

6. Maybe it depends on the family or social circles? I'm not that familiar with the custom but I do think that indirectly they are influenced by the values from other generations or peers.

N?