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

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

Completion post


Book: Close to Death
Author: Anthony Horowitz
Date read: 10/17/24
Pages: 432
Rating: 4 stars

Bonus:
400+ pages

Spell-Out:
C - Title
L - ch Lynda Kenworthy
T - ch Tom Beresford
R - ch Roderick Browne
F - ch Felicity Browne

Completion Post:


Book: The Outsider
Author: Jane Casey
Date read: 10/16/24
Pages: 288
Rating: 3 stars

Spell-Out:
O: Title
C: Author's last name Casey
R, L: Rob Langton
N: Naomi Carter

Completion post


Book: Keräilijä
Author: Anders de la Motte
Pages: 360
Rating: 4 stars

Spell-Out:
L - Leo Asker
S - Smilla Holst
V, R - Vesna Rodic

Completion Post:


Book: Five Survive
Author: Holly Jackson
Date read: 10/13
Pages: 399
Rating: 4 stars

Spell-Out:
Title: F
Character: O, L Oliver Lavoy, R, S Reyna Serrano

Hi guys! I'm Heli from Finland. I'm married with two grown boys. I work erratic hours in a care home for the disabled.

My favorite books are mysteries, thrillers and suspense. I do read a wide variety of other genres too, like fantasy and sci-fi. Not much of a romance reader, though.

I look forward to reading with you.

My shelf: wheel9

Finished my last book for this challenge.

Day 3 - Chapters 17-25

11. We learn a lot more about the library in this section, for example that new head librarians create new systems to secure their power and make themselves indispensable. I know we have a few librarians in this group… how do you feel about that? 😅 If you’re not a librarian –what would you do if the library you use just changed systems whenever it felt like it?
What a wicked thing to do. In case our librarians wanted to change the system whenever they want, I would hope them also to be reasonable enough to help people find books they want to read.

12. We also finally had our stories converging, albeit briefly. Livira and Evar were exploring new places in consecutive chapters, both of them marking their origin/path (Livira with books, Evar with a knife) and then their journeys culminate in them meeting in what Livira identifies as an “in-between place”. Were you expecting them to meet so soon? What was your impression of their brief time together – and why did the meeting end so abruptly?
It was a chance meeting, but there is a deeper meaning behind the encounter. The abrupt ending was unexpected. I'm sure they will find each other agian.

13. In her time in the library, Livira acquired a companion in the raven: is he an ally or guide? Or something sinister? Do you think it’s actually “just” a (magical) animal or maybe even a character we know already?
The raven was like an assistant librarian, who wanted to put things in order again :)

14. I can’t help but constantly think of the Book of the Ancestor as I’m reading this – the young girl protagonist who’s an outsider, the school setting, navigating friendships and political machinations while also learning about whatever type of magic there is… Have you read anything else by Mark Lawrence?
I have not read anything else by Mark Lawrence, but I do have a couple of his books on my TBR. So far I like what I'm reading.

DQs Day 2 Chapters 8 - 16

6. How are you enjoying the book so far? How's the pacing for you?
I'm hanging in there. It's been rather slow to start, but still very intriguing.

7. What are your favorite characters, situations, quotes so far?
Yute is my favorite character so far. “There are no useless skills, girl. Only talents that have yet to find an application.”

8. What are your fondest memories of a library?
My childhood library. I read so much I had a hard time finding anything new to read.

9. Library as prison... does that ring true for you?
What a prison that would be. Always something new to read. I would not see that as a punishment. ;)

10. If you could have one natural ability relating to books (view spoiler), what would it be?
Oh, being able to read any book I wanted no matter what the language was, for sure.

DAY 1 CHAPTERS 1-7

1. Ahhh.. The Library! ..My happy place. And what a beautifully intriguing cover! How often do you visit your local library and have you visited any famous libraries around the world. Do share!
I visit my local library every week. I don't travel much so no famous libraries around the world.

2. The first chapters describe a barren wasteland with an equally hopeless type of existence for Livira and her people. But straight away we establish that there is something special about Livira as she rises above her surroundings and the life she seems destined for. But circumstances change... your first impressions of Livira and how she influences her new destiny.
Livira seems to be intelligent, curious and brave. Those are good quialities in regards to her future.

3. The chapter headings.. how do they fit into the tale? Do you find them interesting as a guide or somewhat cryptic at this stage of the story?
I don't know how they fit, yet. Sometimes they feel like books existing in our world and sometimes something different entirely.

4. Enter Evar in Chapter 4 and the scene changes from the barren Dust to the mysterious and atmospheric library and its Mechanism. A lot of information to absorb about how it all works and the role of Evar and his "family". Does the author do a good job in getting across what the library is and does? Is it good, evil or omnipotent?
It's still early days to make any hasty judgements. The library setting does feel intriguing and somewhat ominous.

5. "Evar, don't turn the page. I'm in The Exchange. Find me at the Bottom" .
Who wrote this sentence and what is its purpose at this point in the novel? What impact do you think it will have in the story moving forward?
I have no idea what the purpose is. Maybe Evar goes looking for the Bottom and the person who wrote the word.

DQs Day 4
6 July Chapter 34 -44

12. Have you read any of Baduga’s books before? I’m finding this quite different for her dipping into HF. Your thoughts if you have read the others? If not, are you interested in picking up some more of her books?

I've read most of the Grishaverse books and liked them. I do enjoy the setting of this book too. I will definitely read more from this author.

13. Many of the characters are changing from what they were first presented as. If there anyone you are finding you like more than you did originally?

I like Valentina more now than in the beginning.

14. Do you believe there will be a HEA here? Or is Luzia doomed?

The way the story is progressing I would be surprised if there was a HEA. But one can always hope.

15. Bardugo’s family were expelled from Spain during the inquisition and she said in a People interview “This was something I was passionate about learning about, because it's my own family's history”. Do you think this adds to the story that she has a personal connection ? Is there anything in your family history you wish you could research more?

I was not aware of the personal connection, but I can see how it has affected the story. My family history is quite well researched already. We have a couple of keen genealogists among us.

DQs Day 2 Chapter 13 - 23

5. Luzia’s refranes combine elements from diverse cultural traditions, creating a powerful form of magic tied to her Jewish heritage. Does the portrayal of Luzia’s magic suggest that blending different cultural traditions enhances personal power and resistance, or does it emphasize the delicate balance and possible loss of identity in such a blend?

Cultures are constantly blending and making bonds richer and firmer.

6. Characters like Valentina and Hualit demonstrate varying levels of ambition and moral compromise on their paths to security and success. Is pursuit of personal safety and financial security a justifiable reason for ethical compromises, or should ambition be tempered with moral integrity?

Women have so little means to control their lives. Moral integrity is great if you can afford it, but here the ethical compromisese are justifiable, I think.

7. Have you done other reading set in late-16th-century Spain? If not, are you having any problems following the political intrigues and social mores? What’s your favorite time period to read for historical fiction?

I don't remember reading anything set in Spain during this period, but I'm familiar with the history and have no trouble following the story. My favorite time period is the Wars of the Roses and the Tudor period in England.

8. What do you make of Santángel? At one point we get the line, “And Santángel would be free.” Free from what, do you think?

Free from his contract with Victor de Paredes.

Nosy bonus question. Are you reading this book for historical fiction, for fantasy, for romance, and/or for DQ points for your BG team? 😉

For now I'm reading it for BOM points. I have read most of the Grishaverse books and have more books from this author on my TBR. I think I would have read this anyway at some point.

Day 1 DQ’s
1- Although Valentia feels shame in her actions to confront Luzia and her magic she still threatens her to use it at her dinner party. What were your thoughts and do you feel bad for Valentia and her desperation?

I do feel bad for her. She can't even go out of the house wihtout her husband. On the other hand it's not very nice the way she treats Luzia in the beginning.

2-Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house and gave her extra chores. Why do you think Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house?

I guess she's afraid she will leave and never come back. Control issues.

3-How did using music and song to make Luzia magic work make you feel or think of.

I like it. It feels original.

4- Don Victor(De Paredes) shows up at Casa Ordobos to make sure Luzia has a room with and even hints at having her join him if not. Why do you think having Luzia in her own room benefits either of them?

I have no idea. Maybe he's trying to ensure that Luzia has a place to practice her magic.

Finished my book for the Area Battle.

DQs Day 3:

10. We read something that moves us, touches us, speaks to us and it... it changes us?"

Do you agree with that quote? Are there any books that changed you personally?

I do agree with the quote, and yet I can not think of any book that changed me personally.

11. We finally get the first riddle. Did you guess it before Lucy did?

No way. I'm really bad with riddles.

12. What did you think of The City of Secondhand and of Markham showing up like that? Is he just a sleezy lawyer, or is there something more sinister going on?

It really added an ominous twist to the story.

13. do you have to keep reminding yourself that the "contestants" are adults, not children?

No. They are adults and act like adults.


Some other thoughts:

- Why would someone being a "famous artist" mean it's odd for them to bring a guest their dinner? I found this rather a lot weird.

- One for the backroom BOM regulars: Did the whole bizarre scarf thing give anyone else Hot Prof and Daisy vibes? 😆

DQs Day 2 Chapter 6 - 11

6. Jack replied to Lucy's letter and Lucy decided to run away from home. What did you think of his letter and would you have done the same as Lucy?

I think Jack's letter was wonderful and thoughtful. As a child and if I'd had the same experiences as Lucy had, I would have done the same. Especially since Clock Island was so near.

7. We get more insights on Clock Island. Every 'hour' is its own section like for example a beach. Would you like to visit the island? Do you find the idea of it fascinating or could you not care less?

The idea sure is fscinating. I would love to visit Clock Island.

8. Every part starts with a quote from Jack's book. Do you think these parts are important for the story? Just showing off Jack's work? Something else?

I think they are pieces of the puzzle we as readers might want to solve.

9. It seems like there will be a deeper connection between Lucy and Hugo. Do you agree? And would you approve of it given that Hugo had first met her when she was still a child?

There was nothing problematic about their first meeting. It would be nice if their connection would get stronger.

Discussion Questions : Day 1 (Prologue - Chapter 5)

1. We have been introduced to a few important characters - Lucy, Christopher, and Hugo. Plus the off-page persona of Jack. What do you think of the characters so far?

I absolutely adore Lucy and Christopher. Hugo is a more complex character and I do need to know more about him before I can pass judgement. Jack on the other hand is still a riddle.

2. We get a riddle right away in the Prologue:

"Two men on an island and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"

Then Hugo thinks to himself that "Five years ago, it [the ocean] had brought low the small, strange kingdom of Clock Island." Do you think the riddle is related to what happened five years ago? Any speculations on what it all means, assuming you haven't read ahead?

I think the riddle holds an answer to what happened five years ago. I'm lousy with riddles, so I have no clue what it means.

3. At the beginning of Chapter Two, Hugo says that he used to dream about living in Greenwich Village, but now that he can actually afford it, it doesn't hold the same appeal. He basically says that success kills motivation. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

I don't agree. I think that success would motivate a person even more.

4. What do you think of the wishing game Lucy plays with Christopher? Do you think this game and mindset are healthy? Do you agree with Lucy that it gives them hope, or do you agree with the social worker that it just gets their hopes up?

I think they are both right, from their own perspectives, backgrouds and experiences.

5. Why do you think Jack finally started writing again? And what might be his motive in holding a contest for the only copy of the new book?

I have no idea. He might be dying?

Vicky wrote: "@Heli - That's awesome! Which would you rather read? We have to have them set in stone so that our paired team can pick the next title for their book."

American Dirt definitely.

I'll be happy to participate. I have American Dirt and American War on my TBR.

I'm working on finishing most of the five books I'm currently reading before this challenge stars.

It looks like I can get The Wishing Game from my library.