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

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

Skipping task: Read a book that has lipstick “kiss” markings on the cover
Direction North: A-M titles

H Ashes to Ashes by Tami Hoag 7/9
E End Game by David Baldacci 7/13
L Duma Key by Stephen King ch Libby 7/174
P Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid ch Paulina 7/10

DQs - Day 4 - The 1995 French Open (76%)

14. At the end of The French Open Section, can you feel any character development in Carrie? If yes, in what ways do you think she may have changed? Also has there been a change in your feelings towards her? Still dislike/like her or not any more?
There is some change. She has matured a bit and I like her more now than in the beginning.

15. There are some hard lessons for Carrie to take away from Paris and some vital discussions between her and her dad as well as between her and Bowe about parental expectations and expectations from one's own self. Do you think Carrie is ready to accept the different POVs and use them to her own advantage?
I think she's gradually realizing the advantage of different POV's.

16. This is what Carrie Soto is thinking of her opponent Ingrid Cortez while playing against her in Paris: ... she has a burden I have never had. In order to keep getting paid, she has to keep looking beautiful on the court. I wonder, briefly, if it weighs on her. Or, if, conversely, it frees her from the pressure I live with, the pressure to win. Either way, it’s a prison. Both her beauty and my ability—they’ve both got an expiration date."
This reflection struck a chord with me. Building on what has been previously discussed about media pressure and also how men and women athletes were/are still treated differently, what are your thoughts on this issue?
I think it must be really hard if people concentrate on how you look instead of your talent.

17. Do you have any other quotes that "spoke" to you (in any part of the book up to the 75% mark) or you made a note of for further reflection?
“We live in a world where exceptional women have to sit around waiting for mediocre men.”

DQs Day 2 - The Comeback (40%)

5. Welcome back sports fans! If any of you have read other Taylor Jenkins Reid's novels, you know she loves looking back at interesting eras in time. The Golden Age of Hollywood! 70s rock and roll excess! Why do you think TJR chose to focus on 90s sports for this novel? Do you think it was only to bring Carrie back or do you think there was something special about sports during that time?
TJR has not explored the 90's yet. Maybe she's gradually moving through time with each book. Maybe she will reach the present someday ;) I don't follow sports so I don't know if there was something special about tennis in the 90's.

6. In this section we are introduced to Bowe. What do you think about him? Do you think he is a good match for Carrie (in sports or romantically)?
He seems like a nice guy. I like him. I have high hopes for their romance.

7. In this section, there is a letter from the editor entitled "Why I'm Thankful for Carrie Soto" in which the author, Helene, says that Carrie was inspiring to her as a child. Do you find inspiration in any sports legends past or present? If so, who and why?
I do not follow any sport. I did like Finnish figure skaters Susanna Rahkamo and Petri Kokko before they retired.

8. Up next is the Australian Open! Any predictions on what is going to happen in the next section of the book? Also how are you enjoying the book so far?
I've already read past that and know what will happen. No spoilers ;) I really like this book and think it's TJR's best so far.

DQs Day 1 - Chan v Cortez & The First Time Around (26%)

1. The most popular releases by Taylor Jenkins Reid have been BOMs in this group before (Daisy Jones & The Six in 2019, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in 2021, and Malibu Rising last year). Have you read any of these books (or others) by TJR too or is Carrie Soto is Back your first book by the author? What are your expectations going in?
I've read all the books mentioned and one of her earlier books as well. I'm expecting a well written story with interesting tidbits about history and tennis.

2. After the first chapter is set in 1994 and Carrie Soto decides to get back into the sport to get her record title back the next few chapters follow her early years up until she felt like she had to retire because of her knee injury (and because she felt humiliated lbr) somewhat 30 years later. Her dad always wanted her to be the greatest whereas her mother just wanted her to be kind and happy. It doesn't seem like Carrie is either at this point in her life, also not the greatest anymore. How do you feel about her as a character so far? What do you think (sort of) being forced into retirement by her own body has done to her, mentally and physically; do you think she's changed at all in the last 5 years?
I actually don't like Carrie very much right now. I hope that is going to change when the story progresses. Being an athlete is demanding both physically and mentally. It can't be easy to retire for injuries.

3. What we've learned about Carrie's childhood and teenage years has quickly started to remind me of 'King Richard' the movie about the Williams sisters' life and I'm seeing a lot of similarities between Carrie's dad Javier and the Williams' (movie) dad (as I'm sure is often the case when athletes' parents are involved in their kids' sports careers/futures).
Javier seemed to have good intentions and only ever wanted what (he at least thought) was best for his daughter, but they grew apart after going separate ways in 1979. As we know, they've found their way back together (does this sound weird seeing they're father and daughter??), but things definitely changed between them. How do you feel about Javier and about his and Carrie's relationship growing up vs now?
I actually like Javier. Earlier he was demanding and bossy, but he's mellowed out. Their relationship feels better now.

4. It seems like Carrie doesn't believe in love (or actually of being worthy of being loved imo). She's been having flings/ONS left and right apparently, and appearing in tabloids with random guys regularly. The one time she let herself finally believe this could be IT for the long run was with Brandon Randall (who some of us already knew from Malibu Rising) who was cheating on his then wife with her. No surprise he left her for (yet) another woman, but were you surprised Carrie took him back after he wanted to go back to his ex-wife and she rejected him? Do you think losing her mother at such a young age and only ever having her dad as a single parent in her life has influenced how she views love, relationships and generally a deeper bond with other people?
I was surprised Carrie took Brandon back, but the absence of a mother and close friends does have an impact on her life.

Skipping task: Read a book shelved (listed on the first page on GR) as school - plurals and spelling acceptable
Direction: South

H: Split Second Ch Howard - Read 6/15
E: The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku - Read 6/20
L: The Memory Wood by Sam Lloyd - Read 6/26
P: The Wife Ch Powell - Read 6/17

DQs Day 5
Chapters 19 - 23

19. In this section there appears to be a love triangle developing. Was this what you expected. Where do you see this going?
It was expected. It's a very popular trope and one that I do not care for.

20. Dara lets Nahri know about the King’s marriage plans for her. He lets her know that they can’t be together. Are his reasons valid or should Nahri put up more of a fight?
I can't think a better reason than being dead. Nahri should move on.

21. Ali and Nahri both have a hidden agenda and are using their “friendship” to achieve that. Do you think they are aware of each other’s objective?
I don't think they know each other's objectives very clearly, but they're certainly aware of both of them having them.

22. We learn that Ali has a separate agenda that the King is not aware of? Where do you see this heading?
I have a feeling things are going to go from bad to worse.

Day 2 DQs : Chapters 5-9

5. So many groups! We had a couple of chapters in this part that described some of the tribes in Daevabad and elsewhere - the Daeva/Djinn, Ifrit, Simurgh, Zahhak and I'm sure I haven't listed them all. Where on the confusion scale are you - with 1 being totally confused and 10 being "I've got this". And are you ok with your level at this point in the book?
Level 8 would be accurate. I'm so confused. I'm educating myself reading the author's web-page about the World of Daevabad.

6. Somewhat related to this - we learn that Suleiman curbed magical abilities because the daeva harmed humanity. I learned (thanks Google) that in the non-book world Suleiman the Magnificent was the longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566 - he ruled over at least 25 million people. Did you know anything about Suleiman and what do you think of his inclusion in the book?
I know the name but nothing more about him. His inclusion in the book is quite nice.

7. We now know Dara was a slave for many years and was forced to do some things that haunt him. How does this make you feel about his character?
He is haunted by his memories for sure. I think he has something up his sleeve for later.

8. Ali's father was portrayed as brutal when we first met him at the execution, and then later he seemed like a pretty good ruler as he listened to and judged people's problems. What do you think - good king or bad king?
I would say a bad king. He is treating his son very badly making him put his judgement in practice.

DQs Day 1, Ch 1-5


1. This book begins in 18th century Cairo, with France and Turkey fighting over Egypt. I have never encountered this conflict in fiction before. Have you? Were you familiar with it before you started reading?
I have to confess that I do not remember anything resembling the conflict, although I do confess having read a book about Napoleon, who is mentioned somewhere in the beginning of the book.


2. Nahri has several mysterious powers, including healing, the ability to sense illness in others, and the ability to understand and speak every language she hears. Which of her powers would you like for yourself?
Ooh! I would love to be able to understand and speak every language! That would be so cool.


3. What do you think of the world building so far? Do you find it confusing, or do you feel like you’re along for the ride?
It feels rather confusing right now. All the different djinn tribes and mythical creatures are all mixed up in my brain.


4. So far we’ve met 3 significant players in this book: Nahri, Ali, and Dara. Do you have a favorite character so far, or one who intrigues you the most?
I'm not sure yet. Maybe Nahri.

DQs: Day 3, Chap 12 - 18

10. I've noticed Carlota's perceptions are often described using non visual cues: she hears a lot, and even smells Montgomery behind her bedroom door but then dismisses the idea. After her attack, she finds herself noticing that "Her fingers, in the mirror, looked very long, the nails almost too sharp and the eyes...". Do you feel Carlota ever questions her own nature as a human/hybrid or is she too ingenuous to do so? Do you also feel the author is using alternate senses and, if so, as clues for the reader or red herrings?
I think Carlota is a hybrid, but she does not know it herself.

11. For much of this part, I felt Montgomery was conflicted regarding his feelings for Carlota. He "writes" to his wife using what I felt was a brotherly perspective only to realise, a few lines and drinks later, he could not resist kissing her if she were there in that moment. What did you make of this change of heart and do you find his various missteps bring something to the story?
I had a feeling there was going to be some kind of a love triangle situation there. Montgomery is a sad and lonely character and maybe has developed some feelings for Carlota over the years.

12. We're already halfway through the story - Doctor Moreau and Montgomery are both complex characters. Am I alone in thinking Carlota and her hybrid friends deserve to be more thoroughly fleshed out and layered?
Yes they all deserve that. Carlota is a mystery to me.

13. What did you make of the scene where Carlota loses her virginity by the cenote - did her reaction seem natural to you or did you find yourself questioning her fearlessness? In your opinion, if Carlota is herself a hybrid, what effect might that have on their progeny?
The scene by the cenote was troubling. Carlota has read her romance novels, but has no knowledge of how the world works outside her home. I remember reading, maybe later, (view spoiler)[that hybrids can not reproduce. (hide spoiler)]

14. There's a storm brewing as the hybrids plan to join Juan Cumux and Carlota attempts to retrieve her father's notes and formulas. Do you think the hybrids will remain subservient once they remove themselves from Doctor Moreau's influence or could the story turn dark?
It's hard to know what to think. I have my own doubts as to how they will be received by Juan Cumux and his gang. What about their health problems? Who's going to take care of them? Reading on to get some answers.

DQs: Day 2, Chap 6 – 11

6. As Sonia noted, we jump six years. Do the characters, especially Carlota, feel six years older? Do you like books that have time jumps or would you have preferred to see Montgomery get used to working in his new jobs? (Sonia already asked about the fallout but feel free to add that here).
The characters feel the same age as before the six year jump. Carlota has lived in the same house whole her life with only a hadful of people and books. It would have been interesting to see how Montgomery got used to his new job, for sure.

7. Do you like the method of telling the same scene from both points of view? Is there one point of view you prefer?
It's good to get both perspectives. I prefer Montgomery's perspective for now.

8. And we have the start of a love triangle. What do you think of the two young men and Carlota’s reaction to them?
I don't like either of them. Carlota's reaction is understandable. She's seen so little of the outside world.

9. So far these feels very much like a historical fiction book with relationships being forwarded over the science and hybrids. Do you agree, and were you expecting that?
I honestly did not know what to expect. Maybe some scary scenes with the hybrids.

Bonus: If you were part critter, and didn’t have the health concerns, what species would you prefer?
I would love to be part cat and embrace their grace and independence.

DQs: Day 1, Chap 1 - 5

1. Have you read the original Island of Dr Moreau book? Or watched any of the films? I only saw the 1996 movie, so, in my head, I keep seeing Dr Moreau as Marlon Brando, Val Killer as Montgomery and Fairuza Balk as Carlota.
I have not read the original book or seen the movie.

2. In the movie, Fairuza was one of the hybrids, although here, she only has "treatments" with jaguar genetic code. Do you think it's just a ruse from the doctor and she is actually the first hybrid?
I think she actually might be a hybrid. Her background felt somewhat vague.

3. Montgomery's past was a sad one. And he looks like just a drunk with some natural instincts to protect the innocent. Were you surprised he was considering not to accept the job, and then when the incident happens and he needs to kill the hybrid he decides to stay?
I think he really needed the job and the money.

4. I'm a bit disappointed that he didn't explain exactly how his studies came to be. In a scientific point of view, how is it even possible? We're in the 1870s... way before in vitro fertilization or genetic advances... and he manages to separate and mix genomes, or as called in the book gemmules? Not to mention that the original story was written way before cloning was a thing....
Yes, I would have wanted more information on the process too.

5. So, hybrids are dangerous. Specially when they're still developing, and their animal instincts are overpowering the human ones (in theory, since we had no idea what the level of brain maturity the developing hybrid was). Back in the movie, there is a rebellion and it doesn't end well for humans. Do you think it will be the case here?
What little I've read so far I don't think that would happen. But I need to read on and see how it goes.

And a bonus, Am I the only one that is sad that we're jumping 6 years? I wanted to see the fall out from the incident.
Yes, it would have been interesting to find out what happened next.

DQs - Day 7
Chapters 47 - end

32. So not only did some of the Vanguards come to help rescue Rose, but they even patched up Clay. What did you make of the unguent that Tiamax gave Clay? And would you submit yourself to the same thing if you were in a similar position?
The unguent sure had some interesting ingredients ;) I might be tempted to try it if I was missing a hand.

33. What did you make of the “fight” with Akatung? Was the dragon everything you expected given how much hype it got earlier in the book?
I was somewhat disappointed. Akatung was too easily defeated. I expected the fight to be much more dangerous.

34. What did you think of Gabe’s speech at Kalador? Was it a lot of pretty words? Or did it evoke something more? And were you surprised by the reaction the attendees of the War Fair by the end?
It was a decent speech, but I was surprised they all came to battle in the end.

35. After having such a presence all book as this near impossible to kill villain that had planned everything down the most minute detail, did you feel that Lastleaf’s end was what he deserved?
Yes, absolutely.

36. And finally what were your final feelings on the book? Were you satisfied with the ending? Was Kit’s small excerpt about how the Siege of Castia ended enough or did it leave you wishing to read more about the various bands that participated in the battle?
The ending was good. We got to know what happended to the band members eftar the final fight.
The book itself was too long, had too many characters, creatures and close calls. I also did not like how many of the dead were not dead after all. But the writing style was fun and I figured out many of the references to pop culture.

DQ Day 5
Chapters 31-37

22. The band choose to land to search for Matrick and eventually find Matrick, Larkspur and a Witch Doctor. Did this surprise you?
Not anymore. It seems like all the band members have nine lives like cats.

23. Larkspur in her fall has lost her memory and now goes by the name Sabitha. After her drug induced sleep she recounts her dreams to Clay of snippets from her past. Does this put her actions in a different light? When she recovers her memory do you think she will revert back to her how she was before the fall?
Her past is a sad and violent one. I think she will be as vicious as ever when/if she recovers her memory.

24. We meet Gregory and Dane during our visit to the Cannibals. What are your thoughts on how Gregory describes events to Dane?
I think it's lovely. They have a loving relationship.

25. I’m loving the magic bag in this section. What meal would you have it magically produce?
I could eat a Chinese chicken dish with noodles right now.

26. It seems there is a cure for Rot. How do you think this will effect Moog in the long term?
I thought the cure was a little too easy. I hope it does not backfire in the future.

DQ Day 4
Chapters 22-30

16. The Maxithon, now that was an adventure. Was this what you were expecting was going to happen? What did you make of the fight?
I was expecting for them to win the fight. The book is not done yet. The fight was quite uneven but exciting.

17. We meet yet another one of the old bands - what did you make of Vanguard? They seem a little friendlier at least than Raff's band. Did you expect them to say no? Or would you have thought they'd team up with Saga?
Vanguard felt like a relaxed and friendly band. I liked the bandmates and felt that they would want to help Saga.

18. Saga seems to have had a rather large amount of unfortunate bards. I can't help but wonder what they're going to lead Kit into, or do you think that maybe Kit will truly be the first ever bard of the band who will actually survive the adventure? Kit is supposedly unkillable after all, so maybe they're going to be lucky? What are your predictions on Kit's life expectancy as bard of Saga?
Kit seems like he could be a good bard. At least he's not that easy to kill ;)

19. Are you enjoying the writing style of the book? What about the story in general?
I like the writing style. The story has too many characters and creatures. I feel overwhelmed and it's hard to keep track of everything when in the next chapter some new character or creature pops up and tries to kill the band.

20. The Heartwyld beckons! We are going to get a closer glimpse at this mysterious forest. What are your expectations?
I expect it to be every bit as dangerous and intimidating as the stories told about it.

21. Oh my word, someone went overboard! Over the forest! With the daeva no less. Makes me wonder if the band will be intact for much longer. Or could the daeva potentially not have killed Matrick, or intend to take him back to Lilith so she can kill her beloved husband herself? There was this one moment where it looked as though the daeva may let them be, seeing that they're on their way to rescue someone's daughter, so a noble feat in a world that seems to have kicked Larkspur all her life. Maybe? Yes? No? Am I alone in thinking something like this?
Not sure what to think. Larkspur seems to be ruthless and extremely dangerous.

Skipping: Task: Read a book set in the time period "Modern History"
Direction: East, even number of pages

S: The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous (C: Sadie), 284 pages - Read 4/17/23

K: Rabbits by Terry Miles (C: K), 432 pages - Read 4/19/23

I: Weeping by Shelly Reuben (C: Ike) 312 pages - Read 4/20/23

P: A Gilded Cage by Auburn Tempest (C: Paddy) 316 pages - Read 4/18/23

Hi Guys! I'm Heli from Finland. I have a husband and two sons who are all grown up and live on their own now. I am a practical nurse and work with the mentally disabled in a care home. My hours are rather irregular as I work all three shifts.
My favorite genres are mystery, suspense, thriller and psychological thriller. I also read some fantasy, sci-fi and romance. For a challenge I can read almost anything.
This is my fifth TT. Here is my shelf: tt23

I can't resist!
I'll try 30 books.

TBR 2023 Tackler

Books read: 26/30

#643: The Lager Queen of Minnesota - Read 2/17
#561: Rabbits - Read 4/19
#715: The Glass Hotel - Read 11/27
#727: The Andromeda Strain - Read 12/4
#567 Tear Me Apart
#623: French Braid - Read 8/23
#480: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones - Read 1/22
#286: Outliers: The Story of Success - Read 1/26
#765: 1Q84 - Read 8/24
#788: The Wolves of Leninsky Prospekt - Read 9/20

#609: Flux
#251: Desperation -Read 10/6
#359: Reconstructing Amelia - Read 2/26
#25: Written in Red - Read 4/21
#187: Double Whammy - Read 11/24
#770: Finding Me
#101: Emma - Read 12/6
#432: Susi - Read 11/7
#64: Rajamaat - Read 11/29
#695: Tregaron's Daughter - Read 10/4

#387: Redemption - Read 12/29
#613: Blind Goddess - Read 12/7
#331: Jokin sinusta - Read 8/14
#486: Sydämiä seireeneille - Read 9/14
#559: Meredith, Alone
#21: Anna Karenina - Read 6/22
#278: Knocked Out by My Nunga-Nungas - Read 1/14
#366: Act Cool - Read 11/19
#411: The Cave - Read 11/3
#276: One Grave at a Time - Read 1/12

Melindam wrote: "Also, I found 2 books that will work both for grey and Space Opera



(in case you have heard of the Murderbot series, this is the last installment and it is..."

Oh, great recommendations. I actually have both of them in my TBR.

Hi guys! I'm Heli from Finland. I'm a wife and a mother of two audlt sons. I work as a practical nurse in a care home for mentally disabled. I somethimes work weird hours due to shift work. I read mostly mystery and thrillers and sometimes also fantasy and romance, but I can read almost anything for a challenge.
I noticed that our first week Shelf/Tag was Space Opera. Not a favorite genre of mine for some reason.

My shelf wheel7

They are both really great!