Sully ’s Comments (group member since Mar 23, 2015)

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

Comments for 14th & 15th August pages 102 - 219

I think this is the part of the novel where I actually start to like Tally. Yes, she's still self-centered. The only thing on her mind is being pretty and getting her operation, no matter the cost or the stake. But you slowly start to see a bit of a transition in her character, and though she's still kind of set in her ways, I'm starting to see some potential in her. She has the ability to think for herself, and she has a pretty level head on her shoulders, if only she allows herself to use it, and not just go with the flow of everyone around her.

Looking forward to the discussion questions =)

Up to Chapter 12

Emily wrote: "I’m finding it very ironic that I’m reading this on an e-reader, since there seems to be an underlying message against them in this book. Of course, the mirroring is not exactly the same as ebooks, but I think it does make an argument for why it’s important that we continue to also print physical copies. I love the ease and expediency of e-books, but there is something about physical books, as well as practical considerations. "

This is such an interesting insight! I hadn't thought of it, but it's so true. With eReaders and eInk, when you "turn the page" it erases the text and, almost as if by magic, replaces it with the next page. That is very similar to the way they pass messages between their Codexs and how they Mirror books. I'm a bit of a purist myself; I'll take a hardcover book over an ePub any day, but even I have an eInk reader and a tablet with both the Kindle app and Overdrive app (along with a both of other eReader apps). You have to love the portability, even if you don't get to spell the pages of a real book =)



Emily wrote: "I've gotten far more attached to Jess as a main character as he's gone through the trials and tribulations of the last few chapters. I wasn't so sure about the romance between he and Morgan, but I actually think it's been handled well and has added to the story and character development. What do you guys think about both Jess as a main character and the romance?"

I still don't feel a great connection with Jess yet, but he is definitely growing on me more now. He's having to struggle with what being in the "training" program has brought about, but he really hasn't had to face the duality between his love for the Library and the written word and his family business yet. (view spoiler)[Yes, the fact that Wolfe knows about his family business and the fact that he had to contact a cousin to help him out of the tight point in Oxford, have caused a little bit of tension, but the story's still been lacking a bit in this area in my opinion (hide spoiler)]

I'm still not sold on the romance yet. Apart from (view spoiler)[her talent as an Obscurist, we really haven't gotten much character development out of Morgan yet. Yes, we got a little with her father, but not much, especially since her father had turned Burner, so there wasn't as much of a struggle there as if he was still the person she had left and wanted to return safely to (hide spoiler)]. I will admit though, I'm rather picky when it comes to romance in YA novels, especially series like this where I don't necessarily see the need to add it in.

The action and suspense have definitely been ramping up. It hasn't been at all what I expected (they have done very little actual "training" and more fly-by-the-seat on the job training, but it's still keeping my attention.

❀Tea❀ wrote: " --> thread is here

--> thread is here


I'll create thread for Heir of Fire and Pretties later when I switch..."

These look like they are actually the old threads.

The new Cinder one is here for the buddy read. Not sure if there is a new one for Bloodlines yet or not.

Up to chapter 8

This novel is definitely taking a turn plot wise in my opinion, and I do feel it picking up speed a little more and pulling my interest back in, even if the plot seems to get more and more fantastical. I think I misspoke before when I referenced the alchemy in this novel. It isn't the alchemy that makes it hard for me to suspend disbelief but rather what Caine classifies as alchemy. The real issue I'm having difficultly wrapping my head around is the Obscurists, the Mirroring technique, and now the inclusion of translation which was a kicker. What do you guys think of that whole ordeal and what it starts to say about the Library and the people running it?

And then the letter that is brought to Jess's attention. (view spoiler)[It seems Brendan is getting deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole. To me, it looks like Jess's father has decided to give Brendan a run at the family business after all, and that perhaps he isn't as against it as Jess thought. That definitely shocked me a little. (hide spoiler)]

I'm also seeing the start at perhaps a budding romantic relationship, but I'm hoping that is kept at a minimum. The world that Caine has created is so unique already and the plot is pretty extensive, so adding in a complicated element like that could definitely ruin it a little for me.

Emily wrote: "I would answer my own question with fanatacism and bigotry as being the greatest threats to knowledge. I feel that when people hold beliefs that cause them to ignore certain facts and be unwilling to listen to the opinions of others, it hinders them from gaining knowledge and prevents intelligent discourse. "

This is so sure, and it's so sad that even in such an advanced society that we like to classify ourselves as "civilized" we can't seem to get past it.

Brittney wrote: "My Question to ya'll would be this: If you could own one book that was an original what would it be and why?"

Only one book?!?!?! That should be heresy! ;) I honestly don't think I would know until I put myself into that position and had to make the spur of the moment choice, but I can narrow it down to two novels: either Timeline by Michael Crichton or Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.



Brittney wrote: "I will end with this "Tota est Scientia-Knowledge is all" Thought ya'll would enjoy that one. Also have ya'll figured out I am a Texan yet consisdering how much I use the word ya'll!! LOL :) "

Seeing that quote definitely made me smile. I'm from the south, so I can appreciate the y'all =)

Mikka wrote: "Well, just judging by the german covers of the next three books, I think Tally will turn pretty? Although the covers might all show different characters, for all I know!


Ok, now that I've looked at them again, I'm pretty sure they show different characters. Still, I think Tally is going to turn pretty. The question is, will she still *want* it at that point?
"

The fourth cover is a different character, for sure. It wasn't a part of the original trilogy, and feature a completely new main character (I'm still not sure how I feel about the fourth installment)

1. Now that we have started the book, what are your first impressions? Are you enjoying it so far, or not? What do you think of the characters we have been introduced to so far; Tally, Shay and Peris?
It's hard for me to give a first impression, since this is the third or fourth time I've read this book (which goes to show, though, that I love this book and the series). It's hard to get a feel for Peris this early on, since we only see him for such a short while, and he's really given through Tally's perspective, even though it's a third person narrative. Tally is the cliche teenage girl, only focused on her looks and counting down the days until she can be pretty like everyone else. She does, however, show a bit of a rebellious side, so her character does have room to grow, even after (view spoiler)[how things end with Shay right before her operation. (hide spoiler)] Shay is interesting, perhaps the most interesting character so far. She is the outcast rebel, determined to fight against the standards of her rigid society. (view spoiler)[But she also admits that she chickened out the first chance she had at escape (hide spoiler)]. I think she and Tally are such great compliments to each other.


2. What do you think of this world of Pretties and Uglies? To me it feels like a representation of our own society and the need for people to believe that they are not good enough and so that forces them to change to fit in with the societies view of perfection.
It is definitely a social commentary on what we see as beauty. There is some truth to the biology of beauty (i.e. symmetry for starters), but this culture takes it to the extremes and is a great exaggeration of how far men and women alike go to try to be "beautiful" by society's standards.


3. Tally and Shay seem like complete opposites when it comes to their ideas about being 'Uglies'. Who do you think you relate more to in this situation?

I'm a Shay all the way! I grew up being classified as a tomboy, which is a phrase I never exactly understood completely. Because I happened to like wearing comfortably clothing and didn't see the need to wear shoes that pinched my toes and made my feet hurt or waste massive amounts of money and time on hairstyles, hair cuts, and makeup. I've always been the outcast when it comes to society's standard of beauty and what it means for women. I fully embrace the "ugly" of who I am and what genetics gave me, and have only ever laughed off people who tried to put me down for it.


Can't answer the rest since I already know the outcome O=)

Tammie wrote: "i am looking for anyone that wants to read 1 of these books





"


I'm definitely interested in doing Bloodlines. I'll be done with Uglies next Wednesday and up for Pretties (and Specials) too =)

I am up to Chapter 5.

The Ephemeras are definitely the most intriguing part of this novel for me so far, especially in the past two chapters. We learn a little bit of history about (view spoiler)[ Morgan and Wolfe (hide spoiler)], both of which I find more interesting than what's going on with Jess's training for the library. I agree with Emily that some of the petty arguments and resentments between the postulants is a little tiring and boring. For instance, (view spoiler)[ if a whole buttload of potential candidates have already been kicked out, why do they still need to be sharing bunks? It would defuse the unnecessary drama between Jess and Dario that really doesn't add much to the story for me (hide spoiler)]. While the training itself has been a little so going, I think (view spoiler)[ the task that Jess gets from his father, and the appearance of his twin is definitely interesting. Unfortunately, it isn't explained much at all, which adds intrigue, but also frustrates me some as it's another avenues still left unexplored and explained at this point (hide spoiler)].

What do you guys think about the alchemy/methods used by the Library? It makes it difficult from me to suspend my disbelief when reading, turning this a bit into a fantasy novel for me. Especially, as Jackie points out, it's set in the future. The development of this alternate world is a lot slower than the progress in our society, due to the constraints and limitations set forth by the Library.

For Emily's question:
Wolfe says, "calculated politics and unthinking rage— make no mistake, the two are sometimes hand in hand— are the greatest threats knowledge can face." (pp 57). Do you guys agree with this statement? What do you think is the greatest threat to knowledge (in our world or in that of the book)?

I'm not sure where I stand on Wolfe's point of politics and rage. In today's society, I think the greatest threat of knowledge is how dependent we've become on technology. I've noticed the younger generations learn how to do less and less, as they have the technology that does everything for them (for example, students are no longer thought cursive writing, and instead learn typing in elementary grades). If we stop learning how to do things, we will eventually lose our creativity to develop these new technologies, and the knowledge along with it.

Emily wrote: "There are a ton of great quotes so far. I highlighted (on a digital copy) both of the quotes you two shared as well.

The social commentary is fascinating. How this different world that Caine has c..."

There definitely seems to be a trade off between the ease with which we communicate and the quality of what we now have at our fingertips, but it does make you appreciate when you find something of true quality (be it a blog, a book, an opinion piece, a well done news article/segment, etc).

With the character development and (view spoiler)[ the ink licker, I do like how Brendan immediately brings it to Jess's attention when the ink licker kicks the bucket. It's another one of those small instances where Caine manages some character development in a small mention. But just the thought of someone eating the last copy of a book written definitely made me cringe. Maybe not enough to want to kill him/wish him dead, but enough to make me mad. (hide spoiler)]

Brittney wrote: "I wish there would have been a little bit more character development with the family but I guess there is a lot more reading to be done so that might change."

I agree here. Aside from Caine just saying how polar opposite Brendan and Jess are, I wish we would see it more. But I love (view spoiler)[how Jess comments on his father crying as he is dropped off to head for training to work in the Library. (hide spoiler)] It's such a quick comment, almost as if it's tossed in there, but it speaks a lot about his character and their relationship in one sentence.

Emily wrote: "Hope everyone enjoys starting this! I got an early start reading this morning, so I'll kick the discussion off.

Up to Chapter 2 (14%).
I'm enjoying this so far. That prologue- this book started w..."

Made it to Chapter 2 myself this evening =)

I kind of like how we are thrust directly into the world without much explanation. It does definitely lead to some confusion at first, but it makes me that much more engaged in the story as I try to pick up on these explanations later on (I'm also a huge fan of nonlinear story telling, which is probably why).

There are some great quotes in this novel so far. The one you picked from the early pages is great. I think the whole first half of Thomas Paine's letter at the end of Chapter One is so eloquent as well. Perhaps my favorite is "A mere accumulation of information is not knowledge, and a treasure of knowledge is not, in itself, wisdom" (pp. 47).

As an avid reader, just the topic of the novel is great and engaging. I love how there is definitely some social commentary going on even though this is a very AU world Caine has created. The idea that the media/learning should not be controlled by the select few. Granted, there are plenty of media outlets in today's society I would rather disappear in a puff, but the fact that they are out there and I am allowed to read it and form my own opinion based on different sets of information is so empowering.

Definitely liking it so far. I can't remember if I've read anything by Caine before, but I like her style so far.

655 pages

Current total: 1.663.062

Hey all! For everyone who wants to read but doesn't have a copy already, just wanted to let you know the book is available in its entirety from the author on Wattpad for free:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/1762190...

Looking forward to starting it with y'all this week =)

Emily wrote: "Hi, Elise! Glad you're joining is. Since this one's informal, we were thinking we'd just read at our own pace. Unless you guys would prefer a schedule. I think as long as everyone says how far they..."

Sounds great! Looking forward to diving in tomorrow after work =)

Do y'all have any reading schedule proposed for this buddy read (haven't done a buddy read before,so not quite sure was the procedure is)?

Can't wait for September! This is one of my favorite YA series as of late, and the series read will help hold me over until the Winter release :-)

224 pages

Current Total: 1.629.395

Jessi wrote: "Hi everyone! In anticipation of the new book Winter by Marissa Meyer coming out in November, I will be rereading the entire Lunar Chronicles starting with Cinder...so on. Will anyone be interested ..."

I'd be interested in doing this buddy read =)