bamaace83 ’s Comments (group member since Dec 11, 2018)

bamaace83 ’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

DQ: 18 May - Sugi and Chikako's Hotel for Pets & Between Friends


9) Considering Satoru seems to be quite perceptive overall, do you think he knew about Sugi’s less charitable feelings about him, both in the past and during this visit?

I don't think he knew. He has so much hope in people that I don't think he thought that Sugi would have any bad feelings toward him.


10) So far, the chapters have all been combining Satoru and Nana’s journey with Satoru’s past with several other people, as well as their backgrounds. How do you feel about this interlude (chapter 3.5) focused entirely on the man and his cat? What does it add to the story?

I think it was a little break from the storyline and we could just see more of the relationship between them.


11) For the first time, we got a hint of what’s going on with Satoru when the dog said “he smells like he isn’t going to make it” in chapter 3, and this came up again in chapter 3.5. So it sounds like Satoru is ill… was that your prediction for question 4?

Yes, I thought he might be sick or something major was going on.


12) Squabbles between cats and dogs were really present in these sections. So: Are you a cat person or a dog person or both (or neither)?

I'm a dog person. Cats make me itch and sneeze and just aren't for me.

The benefits of audio and longer commutes but I had to also speed read because a deadline caught up on me. I'll probably not have any books finished until Saturday after reading so fast the past couple days. I have to catch up on my two BOM chapters and questions and hopefully finish those this weekend. I've been trying to read the sections and then go answer the questions so that I don't finish the whole book and then have problems answering. It also helps that to break the books up because the cat book isn't my normal type of book but I'm liking the other one a little more.

DQs Set 2: VI - Eve

5. We meet Ramona and get more cryptic warnings. What do you think of her shop? How are you liking the descriptions of the archives and libraries?

I want to know more about the shop. The archives and libraries descriptions were okay but the shop intrigues me more. Just because I want to know how it disappears.


6. A couple of flashbacks in this section. Did you enjoy them? And suspicions on what happened to split up the gang?

I like the flashbacks. I want to know more their past and what made them the group they were. Also, I want to know what split them up. I'm sure it was a scandal of some sort.


7. Another disappearing act when Francis vanishes! What's going on here? Why haven't Nell & Felix already leapt to the "magical shenanigans" conclusion?!

I don't know why they don't suspect magic just yet. I wonder when they will start thinking magic is involved.


8. The Atlas of Dreamers - would you buy that book if it existed?

I am curious about the book. I would like to know more about it if it did exist. I don't know much about maps in general so I'm intrigued.

DQs 1- Chapters I through V

1- We meet Nell, working in a dead end job. She had a dream job, worked with her father, and had a bright future. Then the junk box happened. Then her father dies. There is a lot that happens in the first few pages. What do you think of the intro to the story, and what do you think of Nell so far?

I like Nell. I think her father was too hard on her but I like Nell. I love how she has a passion for maps. I also wonder if there was more to her father not talking to her for so long.


2- The map. What is with the map? How many of you had to try to read one of those maps as a navigator on a road trip? (And then try to fold it again after?) For those of you who are too young, a map is GPS without the satellites. Or the iPhone.
Any clues or ideas as to why this is so important to anyone? Or, why her father was willing to become estranged from his daughter over it?

Lord, those maps never folded back right. I much preferred the atlas because it was easier to look at. I think there's something with the map that the regular eye can't see. It has some sort of significance just not sure. I'm not even sure her father knew the significance at the time and maybe that's why he kept it hidden and was working on it in private?


3- I always have to ask myself whether I would disregard the danger to find the answers, like Nell has chosen to do. How about you guys? Any intrepid leading ladies in the group?

I would totally try to find out what is behind that map. I may also have some additional security cameras in place and maybe a couple hidden baseball bats for intruders but I would want to know.


4- We are introduced to a new character, Felix, and teased about another, Ramona Wu. Thoughts about either?

I think Felix could be a very helpful friend in this storyline. Also, wondering about their relationship and if it will progress any in the story. I do love a good dark character. I want to know more about Ramona Wu.

DQ: 17 May - The Unsentimental Farmer


5) I really like reading the cat's thoughts. It can be quite funny. Do you think these are convincing cat thoughts?

I would love to know what my dog actually thinks about us sometimes so I think these are convincing cat thoughts. I think animals are pretty smart and usually look at us crazy.


6) In this chapter we are introduced to Yoshimine, another potential owner for our cat. What do you think of him and his backstory?

I felt sorry that his parents didn't want him. I think he also has a little bit of ocd because he's always worried about his plants but at the same time it's one of the things he can control in his crazy life. I'm glad he had his Grandmother.


7) Do you think Yoshimine would have been a good owner for Nana ?

I don't think Nana would've been that comfortable with him. He clearly needs to be with someone who will give him attention when needed but also leave him alone at times. I don't think it would've been the best fit.


8) Yoshimine has already a kitten called Chatran, and Satoru makes fun of him for naming his cat with such a cliché name. What is for you the most cliché cat name(s)? In french it is quite common to call a cat Chaussette (meaning sock), Mistigri or Felix (actually a cat food brand).

I think Socks or Boots is one of the most common cliche name because of possible white feet. Kitty is another one because some people just aren't creative when it comes to names.

Congrats Leslie!! I fixed the start date on my first book. I'll go add the books that I know that I'm going to read this week. It's hard for me to plan way out sometimes because I try to maximize books for challenge tasks but I do have a few that I know that I'll read before the end of this week.

Just did. I forgot I didn’t label it like I did the rest of my 22 shelves so it slipped my mind but I’ll pay attention more closely.

1. How are you liking the way the story is written with its alternating POVs ? Is there a POV you prefer ?

I like it. I think it adds more to the story. It's fun to hear what the cat is thinking during certain times of the story.

2. Through the flashbacks we get to know Satoru's personality a bit more. What do you make of him so far ? What did you think about his way of helping his friend Kosuke?

I think Satoru is a nice person. He seems very sweet and caring. I do wonder more about his current life. I think he wants his friend to have the best life and he wants to be there to help him.

3. Talking about Kosuke, what's up with his parents ? It seemed to me that Kosuke was genuinely convinced that his father would agree to keep the cat (Hachi). What did you think about his backstory ?

I don't think they were financially able to keep the cat. He made a comment about money at one point. I also think they thought their son wouldn't be able to make such a long term commitment to keep the cat.

4. Why do you think Satoru can't take care of Nana anymore ?

I think he must be sick also. I can't think of another reason he would give up a cat that he left food for each night outside until the cat came around and was more welcoming.

I finished one book and I actually saved Cartographers because I liked the page numbers a little better so I'm doing it on audio and reading the Cat book so I'll answer those questions as I go. I also have some shorter 250-400 books mixed in with my over 400 books but I'll work on watching the page numbers. I sometimes need quick mindless reads to break up some of the other books that I get myself signed up for.

I also had to put The Book of Cold Cases on hold. I'm currently 29th so maybe I will have it in time. I'm planning on reading all the BOM's coming up for bonus points. I usually have to sit out one also because I've read the book before it starts but so far I'm good.

Thanks so much for clearing that up. :)

Ushashi wrote: "As Suzanne said, there are no points for the BOMs that start before the challenge begins, including The Cartographer. You only get participation tokens (1 per BOM) for these.

The participation tok..."

Yeah, that's what I meant by tokens but accidentally said points. So, when I finish this book I'll have 2 tokens. Do I need to go back and read the last May book before the deadline so that I'll have 3 tokens? I think that's the point where I'm confused. I had intentions to read more of the BOM but I just didn't get it together.

I just got The Cartographers from the library so I plan on doing that one because I'm not sure how it works but I think we can get a point towards something for BOM books that were read before it starts. I also did three days participation earlier this year for A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking. I have the cat one on reserve.

I love dogs. We have a boxer mix and he's a hot mess sometimes but we wouldn't know what to do without him. Audiobooks definitely help me escape especially when I'm in the car and want to scream at the other drivers.

Hey everyone! I'm Anna and live in the Louisville KY area. I work in a healthcare clinic and am usually on evenings and weekends. I am able to pop-in at times during the week but it's hit and miss. I also go to the gym 5-6 times a week before work so I usually am in bed by 9:30 eastern time because I get up at 4:30. I'm married and we have one dog, who truly thinks he's a human not an animal.

I've been on several different team challenges and I think this is my 3rd tower, but I've done a few wheels, a bunch of uno's, and a ton of other things. Romance, suspense, and contemporary are where I tend to navigate towards first. Those cute hockey boys usually draw me in. I'm not that big on sci-fi but I can make anything work if I need to. I usually always have an audio and an e-book going at the same time. I'm in the car up to 2 hours everyday and I listen to books on pretty fast speeds. I'm looking forward to playing with everyone. :)

9. I found the meeting with the Queen very interesting.
She accepts easily Mona's claim that someone is plotting against her but seems weak in dealing with it initially but moves on to purposeful resolve.
What do you think to how she is dealing with the situation? AND how she Describes the characters of Inquisitor Oberon does this match the ideas you had about him?

Yes, I don't like Oberon. He's a snake and up to no good. I think she should stand up to him more but she may have her reasons.


10. Mona says "when you are different, even a little different, even in a way people can't see, it's nice to know that people in power won't judge you for it" What do you think of this quote and its potential effect on the young readers this book is aimed at?

I like this quote. I think young readers are having such a hard time in today's society and this is validating that it is okay to be yourself and not fit the mold that everyone else lays out for you. Also, that you won't get judged for being your true self.


11. Hmm Magic passing through twinned bowls of water (also twinned) Do you think Mona will take any of these ideas on in her Magic?

I think that she is watching and learning and will definitely try to use some things in her own magic.


12. Another Quote "The book felt different, kind, like a cup of tea on a warm day" - Do you have a book which feels like this to you?

I always love a good Nora Roberts book. She was one of the first romance authors that I read in junior high school and she just makes me feel like I'm back home.

DQs Day 2 Chapter 9 through 16

4.) What did you think about the attack of the Spring Green Man? Surprised he came back or were you expecting it to happen at some point? Any thoughts about 'the list' and 'Oberon was supposed to take care of you'?

I was expecting him to come back. I'm a big fan of Bob. I think we all need a Bob in our life. I was curious about the list and who all was on the list.


5.) The getaway from the constables on bread slices! Was that fun or what? How strong of a baking wizard do you think Mona actually is? Side note: I loved that that gingerbread man was making faces at the constables.

I think Mona has more power than she realizes and hasn't tapped into all of it just yet. It was fun to read about sailing away on bread slices.


6.) What do you think of her gingerbread man? The faces, not letting her cheat at solitaire, but also chucking a dough person out the window for knocking over the card house. I wish he had a name. Would you want a . . .pet, familiar (?) gingerbread man?

He definitely needs a name. I really liked how he was always by her side and looked out for her. He's a little sassy in my opinion. He knows what he wants.


7.) What do you think of Spindle? Why do you think he's helping Mona?

Spindle is a fun characters. I think he's helping because he has no family and she's the closest thing he has to a friend or family.


8.) The end of this section has a lot of changes to society rules are requirements. What do you think Oberon's end game is? Any thoughts on why the Duchess is allowing it to happen?

At this point, I wasn't sure what Oberon's end game was. I think he has some kind of dirt on the Duchess and she doesn't know how to stop him.

Day 1 DQs - Chapters 1 through 8

1. I absolutely adore Mona. I'm really enjoying the writing style too. It's very conversational and humorous. What do you think about Mona and the story so far? Anything that stands out to you?

I really liked the story to this point. It is such a quick read and had me laughing at a few parts.

2. Who's your favorite magical person/creature so far? I'm imagining Bob to be this ball of squishy goo that I kinda want to touch! And I really want to see more of Lord Ethan (was that his name? I can't remember.)

I think Bob is my favorite at this point. I would've loved to see him expand all over the place.

3. Now, the murder and Oberon's handling of it was (1) biased (2) so illogical. I'm so glad the Duchess had a brain on her. What did you think of those scenes?

I was angry at Oberon for not listening to Mona. I'm glad someone listened because poor Mona didn't know what to do.


PS - all this talk about baked goods is making me crave some cake, pastry, sugar, I'll take anything!

I would like apple pie. That just sounds good to me.

Thanks so much for keeping us all in line. Maybe we will get lucky and be traveling to the Uno world together and meet up again. :)

Way to go everyone! Thanks for being such a fun team to read and hang out with. :)

I went ahead and added the books that I'm currently listening and working on and then I'll add some more. I'll try to hunt down some books that work for letters that are left.