Heli’s Comments (group member since Jan 23, 2015)

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

DQs Day 4: Chapters 21-25

12. At the start of this section, Din is experiencing some type of battle shock after the fight, and Strovi helps him deal with the situation. He’s quite gentle and especially after their drinks earlier with the whole “we’re too formal” thing, do you think he’s (romantically) interested in Din? Or what else could be going on there? Do you trust him or do you think he’s spying on them, especially as it’s revealed he’s gentry?
I think there is a romantic spark there. Strovi seems nice. On the other hand he is in an excellent position for spying. We'll see.

13. Din’s engraving skills seem to be a bit different to what is usual, based on the reactions of everyone else to his fighting skills, and also the lockpicking before that. I wonder how that interacts with his dyslexia, and also how it’s connected to his performance on the exams… what do you think?
I'm wondering about the exams too. How did he do it when he has hard time reading any text? No idea. Maybe we'll get the answer later.

14. One of the things I always find interesting about fantasy is figuring out what technology exists and what doesn’t. Aristan and Suberek were quite obviously killed by gunshot wounds, yet neither Din nor the rest of the investigation team seem to recognize that, so guns aren’t a well-known weapon in this world – however, Ana seemed to have an inkling… something the might of the Empire is hiding from us? What do you make of this? Is types of technology also something you pay special attention to in fantasy?
The technology is not very advanced compared to ours, since they do not recognize a bullet wound. It feels more like a plant-based technology with grafts and suffusions etc.

15. Speaking of technology – I’ve also been thinking about its relation to social class and especially fertility in this world. We have Strovi, who’s gentry which is why he doesn’t have any augmentations, as they impact fertility, and then we have Fayazi Haza who’s so heavily modified there doesn’t seem to be anything “natural” left about her, surely leaving her infertile (but maybe this doesn’t matter when you’re part of the Haza clan. Or maybe they found a way around that.) And then there’s people like Din who seem to undergo these transformations as a way of improving their situation in life (not that we know much about his or other regular people’s backgrounds – but him sending almost all his earnings back to his family does suggest a significant degree of poverty), where it seems like nobody considers infertility a negative impact… I’m not sure I have a concrete question here, so: thoughts?
It's clearly a class society with the wealthy on top and the likes of Din in the bottom and the Iyalets in the middle.

16. It seems very neat that Jolgalgan, from the Oypat canton, would be the one behind this plot and all of these murders. Do you think it was actually her, or do you think there’ll be a big twist? If it was her after all, what do you think she knows?
Ana seems to be sure it's Jolgalgan. Maybe there is a conspiracy to revenge the ruin of Oypat after all these years.

DQ 3
Part III Chapters 13-20

9. Were on the move now and hearing more of the environment. Are you able to imagine the world and How do you feel about the mix of genres - fantasy, sci-fi, mystery?
The cover of my book has an image I think pictures the world very well. That's what I see in my head when I'm reading. I like the blend of the genres, especially mystery. But the world bulding is so detailed that my reading is quite slow sometimes.

10. Were seeing Ana showcasing her skills and abilities more and seeing Ana and Din interact even more. Have your thoughts changed about them and what secrets do you think Ana and Din is hiding from one another if any?
I like Din more now, but I'm not sure about Ana. Din is hiding the fact that he can't read very well (I think), but I have no idea what Ana's secret might be.

11. Knowing this is book one and we probably wont get much how are you imagining the Leviathans so far? What is your closest comparison to what they may be/look like?
For some reason I'm thinking dragons without wings.

DQs Day 1: Chapter 1 -5

1) Do you have any expectations going in? This book is one of the 6 novels up for the Hugo award for Best Novel this year: https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-hi.... Did you know that and do you try to read the Hugo books or winners or have no interactions with the awards?
I was expecting a detective story set in a fantasy world, and that's exactly what I got.
I had no idea it was up for the Hugo award. I only read award winners or nominees if I think they sound interesting to me.


2) What do you think of the world building so far? Are then any particular details that stand out and if this is a reread, is anything standing out more on your re-read this early in the story? (please use spoiler tags if applicable)
The world building is simply amazing. I love the plant-based setting with grafts etc.

3) So this runs right up to the edge/ crosses over into body horror between the murder scene and modifications to people? Do you read body horror or books with that theme in it? Do you have any favorites?
I don't read much body horror, but I did read Maeve Fly recently and it was pretty good.

4) Does your version have a map? If it does, did you look at before reading or at any point when reading this first section? Do you like maps in books? (Map under spoiler if you were audio only)
Yes, there is a map in my book. I usually check the map every time a new place is mentioned. I do like maps in books. I like knowing where the story happens.

No worries, Kelly.

Kelly (Maybedog) wrote: "Heli, would you please add Sand to your Tower shelf? Thanks!"

I was on my way to add it, but it was there already. 🤔

Christina wrote: "Heli, I'm afraid the book you plan on reading for 'river on cover' does not work as it seems to be one of many canals in Copenhagen(?) which unfortunately aren't the same as rivers :/"

No worries, Christina. I'll took it off the spreadsheet.

I can read Crooked Plow for that task.

I finished it last week and forgot to add the date. It's all fixed now.

DQ's Day 4; Chapter 31 - 43 55-74%

15. “She wishes he hadn’t said what he did about believing in her. That’s too much responsibility. All she can give him is disappointment.” Belief is a big theme of this book. How important do you think it is to have people that unequivocally believe in you? Have you ever had someone’s belief in you feel more like a burden than support?
It is so really important to have at least one person that believes in you. I have that person, and it does not feel like a burden at all.


16. This book is, obviously, a lot about memories and the happy times we look back on when the people we cherish are gone. I thought the shopping/shopping cart scene was particularly vivid and one I could’ve seen me and friends doing something similar. Do you have any particularly memorable times with a group of friends from when you were a child/teen?
I did not have many friends growing up because I enjoyed the company of books more than people. I fortunately had on good friend and I still remember us sneaking into a tennis court in the middle of the night to play tennis. (In Finland we have midnight sun around midsummer, when it never gets very dark.)

17. We’ve come to the first(?) death from that summer, is it one you expected? It’s probably the most obvious one, but I still forgot it was a possibility.
No, I was not expecting that at all.


18. While this is a story of friends, it’s also really a story of parents. From the bad ones, to the indifferent ones, to the kind loving ones. Did you expect for Ted and Louisa’s savior to be the mother? How important do you think parents are versus friends on your formative years?
Both are important. Parents give guidance and boundaries as well as laying the groundwork for overall development. Friends help learning social skills and offer emotional support.


19. Ted seems to think that any of the other friends would have been better to care for Louisa, do you agree?
Any one of them would have been good, but Ted is the best.

Day 2 July 3
Chapter 12-19 18-37%

#5. Joar mentions that his mom thinks the best invention in the world are pockets. I have seen a Meme that says a woman, when complimented on her dress will reply “It has pockets.” I love a good pocket. How do you feel about pockets?
Pockets are wonderful and useful. I'm always happy when I find a dress with pockets.

#6. I must admit I am confused and intrigued about the artist. Who do you think the artist is? What is his or her significance in the story?
It's not a story about the artist, but a story about friendship and how the the painting was completed.

#7. I am loving the banter between Louisa and Ted. Louise is so precocious. What do you think of their relationship? Any ideas of what is to come between the two?
Their relationship is so lovely. I'm hoping Ted will adopt Louise and give her home.

#8. In Chapter #19 we find more about the mentioned Ali. What is your impression of her?Any guesses on what happens next?
She suddenly came out of nowhere. I'm not sure what to think, but she sure feels like a breath of fresh air.

#9. Fredrick Backman has a way of pulling at your heartstrings. In Chapter 19 I both cried and laughed. The children's stories are both heartbreaking and heartwarming. How are you feeling about the book so far? Are you enjoying it?
I'm loving it. The writing style and children's stories evoke so many feelings.

Day 1, Chapters 1-11 (1-18%)


1. Warm-up question: have you read any other books by Fredrik Backman before? If yes, what do you like/dislike about his themes/style, etc?

I've read most of his books and I really like his writing style. Ove is my favorite so far.

2. In the first chapter we are intorduced to quite a memorable auction scene with super-rich people who all want to possess THE PAINTING, though their intentions are questionable. Did this make you think of some similar events happening in the world right now?
I intentionally try not to read/watch news because they make me anxious and sad, so I have no idea what events you mean.

3. "Artists vs Normal People" - another apsect of these first chapters is the great divide between true artists and normal people. Backman seems to suggest that most people don't/cannot get true art and artists are so much more different (possibly better people?). Do you agree with this? Or is it a generalisation?
I think the author does not mean to be disrespectful, but because I don't know how to explain myself, Ill leave it at that.

4. In a sequence of weird events, Louisa ends up in possession of The Painting.
Any guesses what may happen to her and to it?
Maybe she will cherish it and keep it after she's gotten over the first shock.

Bonus Q: do you have a favourite artist or a favourite piece of painting/sculpture?
Finnish painter Kaj Stenvall's duck paintings are awesome.

DQ Day 4 Chp. 11-13

16. While Joe has pretty much run away from home life, He gets a job and buys a truck. He runs into a woman who didn't feel necessary to give her name. Do you think this is Norma (Ruthie)? Do you think Joe would recognize her if it was?
I don't think it was Norma. It was a completely random meeting that left a permanent impression on Joe.

17. Joe is gone over 8 years when he finds out he has a kid. Did you think he would actually go home to be with his family? Why do you think he can't/won't?
I did think he would go home. I think he's so broken mentally and physically that he feels he has no other choise.

18. When Norma misses that her mother is getting older and forgetful, did you judge her for not moving in and taking care of her mother?
No. It's her desicion to make.

19. Was you losing faith that Norma would find out the truth before the end of the book? How did you think she would find out? Was hearing the truth from her Aunt a surprise?
I thought that maybe her mother would eventually tell her. I always knew aunt June would know the truth. It was decent of her to tell.

DAY 2 QUESTIONS - CHAPTERS 4-7

7. "But sometimes I think that sadness drilled down deep and some of it might just be there for good"
"now get lost and leave me to my book."
"There was love in that house but none of us really knew what to do with it."
In chapter four we learn more about Norma's parents and life in their house as she grew up. Does learning about Lenore's past make you more sympathetic to her? And how about their parenting style, I can't imagine ever telling my children or grandchildren "to get lost" because I wanted to read a book. (Ok, I'm sure all parents might have thought it at times, but saying it to a child is a definite no no in my book!)
I definitely feel more sympathetidc to Lenore. Her life in that house is not easy. Mother is smothering and protective and father trying his best to balancee things between them.

8. In juxtaposition to Frank, Lenore and Norma, we have alternating chapters about family life from Joe's POV. Thoughts and why does the author structure the novel this way?
Maybe to show the impact the disappearance had on both of them?

9. Chapter 5 - the horrible incident with Frankie and Charlie. How did you feel reading about this injustice? Could anything been done to avert this tragedy? How does Amanda Peters' writing the scene add to the heartbreak?
It was heartbreaking. Not going to the fair would have prevented the tragedy.

10. What you think of Aunty June and her role in the story? Why does she encourage Norma to interact with the Indian protesters only to pull her back when she is recognized as Ruthie?
That scene was a little confusing. I'm not sure of her initial motivation, but she sure was spooked by someone actually recognizing Norma as Ruthie.

11. Joe seems to be a tragic figure as the story of his life is revealed. How he has responded to racism and trauma make you feel when reading this book? Are you enjoying the story or does it make for uncomfortable reading?
The unfairness and sadness of the story is almost too much for me.

Kelly (Maybedog) wrote: "Yes, thank you folks!

Erin, could you change the edition of Dark Earth on your shelf to https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6..., the ebook that has the correct number of pages? If ..."

Fixed it. It was the 3rd.

DQs for day 1

Some of these questions will lead to possible spoilers. Please be sure to hide any spoilers

1. What expectations do you have for the book based on the blurb or other description of the book?
Right now I would love to read a good mystery, but what I've heard and read of the book I'm going to have to settle for a slow paced, really well written and sad book.

2. How reliable do you the think the 2 narrators are?
Right now I don't think they are both very reliable.

3. Chapter 1 opens with " The day Ruthie went missing the black flies seemed to be especially hungry...Indians made such good berry pickers...something sour in our blood kept the black flies away". How does this establish Joe's view of the relationship that exists between the whites and the Mi'kmaq?
Right away it establishes that the indians are considered different from the whites.

4. How much is Norma dreaming vs remembering? What do you think the dreams foreshadow?
I think she's remembering by dreaming. We already see that the dreams make her Mother anxious. Maybe they will cause Norma even more trouble in the future.

5. How do you explain Lenore's paranoia about Norma being out alone? How do you account for the incongruity of her insistence that Norma likes to play with baby dolls when she sees Norma choosing other playthings?
She's had trouble having children and when she finally has a child she wants to protect Norma and also prolog her childhood.

6. Why did Joe act so clingy when he returned from his first "guide" with his dad?
I guess he had a glimpse of what it's like to be grown-up and dealing with the beliefs of others.

I*m fine with switching tasks. Fortunately the book works for both tasks.

Judy wrote: "Sooooo how much of Amina al-Sirafi is set in Yemen (or seas belonging to Yemen)? And how much is in Oman? (And how much is in Somalia?) Or is it all just at sea and therefore hard to say?

Even if ..."

The book begins in Yemen. From there they travel to Somalia to pick up the boat. After that they are at sea and on a couple of islands. In the end they go back to Yemen. Most of the book is spent at sea or on the islands.

Here is a map I found:

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/...

I can read The Reef. But I can't promise to finish it before Sunday.

Christina wrote: "Heli or anyone else who may have read it - do they happen to visit a reef in The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi maybe?"

No reef. They were at sea or on an island.

Judy wrote: "Has anyone read anything where a character takes the train? Specifically out of these books:

Diane: People in Glass Houses
Brittany: Not for the Faint of Heart
Heli: Dreadful, The Murder on the Li..."

In The Murder on the Links Hastings and Poirot both travel by train. In the first chapter Hastings meets Cinderella on the train.