Alley’s Comments (group member since Jan 11, 2012)

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

I am next in line for this one. Shouldn't be a long wait.

Questions for February 23rd (first 49 pages)

1) Anyone wondering what all the Trial entails? Do you think it's possible someone with a grudge could have tampered with the results of Day's test?
I really hope they explain the Trial. I do think someone tampered with his results - I don't think he could have done half the crimes they attribute to him if he had had a low score.

2) Initial thoughts of Day?
He seems like a good kid in a bad situation.

3) June got a perfect score (the first ever) on her Trial. It seems nothing has ever really challenged her. Even before her brother died she seemed to feel a sort of competitive compulsion toward Day. Do you think a mutual respect will develop or will June end up hating Day for killing her brother.
I am unsure at this point. Part of me wants to say that they will end up falling in love. That's how things usually go in dystopian/ya books. Don't know if I want that to happen or not.

4) June says Day never killed anyone before. Do you think he truly killed Metias? The book clearly states he hit Metias in the shoulder. Was Day wrong? What do you think happened?
I don't think he did. I think someone knew it was Day at the hospital and they figured a murder would light a fire under someone's butt to try harder to find him.

5) For those of you with a hard copy of the book, do you like how they alternate the color from black when June's point of view is given and beige when Metias' point of view is give?
My ePub does bold print for Day and regular for June. It's kinda neat. I almost wish I had found a version for tablet-readers that included the colored text.

6) So we have the Republic and the Colonies. Anyone hoping for further explanation on how the world came to be in the state its in and how these two different groups were formed?
They had better explain it. I also want to know more about the plague(s?).

7)Anyone else wondering why Day isn't in the system? Considering where he was born wouldn't you think he would be? Could it be those who fail the Trial are considered unworthy of being tracked?
If someone altered his Trial results, they could have also erased him from the system.

Questions for Chapters 10-11

1. What is your opinion of the choice Marina made to exchange Easter for Anders? Did she do the right thing? If yes, explain why you think so. If not, explain how she could have done things differently.
Ugh. I don't think it was the right thing, but it was the only thing she could do. Easter was the child they thought was dead. They would have kept him no matter what I think.

2. Marina made some questionable decisions during the past few chapters. Has your opinion of her changed since the start of the story?
A little. Sleeping with Anders and not really fighting harder for Easter...

3. Were you surprised to find out that Anders was alive? What your biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment from chapter 10 & 11?
Not really. The biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment for me was the entire rest of the book after they discovered Anders was still alive. So much happened in just that little bit. None of it good, except Anders getting home.

4. What happened to Sr. Swenson's baby? Did she have it? (view spoiler)
It died and had some weird birth defect - from her old eggs probably. She had no business getting pregnant anyway.

5. What is your overall thought of the book? Feel free to post your review and (or) star rating.
2 stars from me. It was ok until the ending.

Questions for Chapter 9

1) So we finally know where the Lakashi get their reproductive longevity from. Were you enRAPPtured (pardon the punn) with it? The man (Rapp) seemed a little too into himself.
I'm rather meh about the whole thing. I knew it would be something weird.

2) Do you think Marina should tell Fox about why the production of the new fertility drug is being held up or should she let them find the Malaria preventative?
I don't know. The preventative would be a good thing if they made it readily available to everyone, but as it seems, both drugs would only be available to those with the money.

3) Anyone else thinking things are starting to seem questionable about Eckman's death? Where the heck was the man burried?
I have no idea what to think about this. I hope we find out where he was buried, and I hope they don't end up burying their dead in the grove with the trees (the Martins, right?). That could totally be the missing ingredient for the drug(s).

4) If you were Marina would you eat the bark?
if I were afraid of getting malaria, maybe. I forget, did they mention if it started acting immediately or if it has to build up in your system?

5) Do you think Dr. Swenson finally remembered Marina? The whole C-section seemed a little odd. I guess she might want to see if Marina would be any good at doing one--A test if you will.
I think she did. I think Marina could have turned the breech, but Swenson wanted to see how she did with a c-section because she would have to have one soon. Selfish.

6) "We're being more carefule with you now." What???? I really don't like Dr. Swenson.
Well of course they will be more careful with her. She can actually serve a purpose for Swenson. I cannot believe people put up with this woman. Really dislike her.

Questions for Chapter 8

1. Now that we are over halfway through the book, what do you think of it so far? How does it differ from your first impressions?
It is interesting. Not really my genre, but I'm enjoying it.

2. Dr. Swenson is very concerned with not influencing or changing the tribe's ways. Do you agree with this or do you think they should be helping and teaching the tribe? What about when she stitched up the head wound for the girl who was hit by her brother? What would you have done?
I don't know. The prime directive in Star Trek has always been to not interfere with undeveloped cultures. When you see doctors on tv shows or in movies, they are almost always the first ones to help an injured person. I find it odd that she said she wouldn't have done it again. But then again, Swanson isn't your typical medical physician - definitely more suited to research.

3. Dr. Alan Saturn and his wife Nancy have an argument over wether Dr. Rapp was a good person for him to have as his role model. Dr. Alan Saturn thought Dr. Rapp's personal life shouldn't matter (i.e. cheating on his wife) and his wife thought that it did matter. Marina sided with Dr. Alan Saturn. Who would you side with?
I would side with Alan. People's personal life should be private. It doesn't matter that he cheated on his wife - that in no way effects his botanical knowledge.

4. After Easter is almost killed by the snake, Dr.Swenson tells Marina it would be more dangerous for Easter to live in America than the jungle because he knows how to live in the jungle. Do you agree with this?
No. As smart as Easter is, I believe he could adapt to life in America pretty easily.

5. Lisarenee called it. :) Dr. Swenson is pregnant! How do you feel about Dr. Swenson testing the drug on herself? Is it fair to purposefully have a child knowing you won't be around to raise them?
I think Swanson is a bit of a mad scientist. Crazy to test it on herself. And no, it is not right to purposefully have a child if you can't/won't be here to raise them.

6. How do you feel about Dr. Swenson now that we have had a chance to learn more about her?
I still don't like her.

Questions for Chapter 6-7

1.)Wow! I didn't know Dr. Swenson was that old! Marina says she is in her 70s!
I figured she'd be over 60. 70 seems a bit old to still be out traipsing through a dangerous jungle.

2.) I really love Easter. What do you think of him?
He seems really sweet and smart. I hope nothing bad happens to him.

3.) The admiration and excitement that the Lakashi showed Dr. Swenson upon her return and the curiosity they showed Marina was interesting to me. Did you think so?
It makes me wonder what Swenson does for these people. Do they consider her part of the tribe? The curiosity for Marina seemed to be normal - she's a new person. I'd be curious about her as well.

4.) Why do you think Anders was so attached to Easter? After all he requested for the next person to get him back to America. Does he see Easter's potential?
I'm sure it was because he missed his boys. He probably loved him as if he were his own - wanted the best for him. And he maybe he thought Swenson wouldn't take him with her if/when she finally left.

5.) What in the world happened to Marina's clothes at the end of chapter 7?
Maybe they saw it as a trade - her wet clothes for their dry ones. Or they'll give the clothes back after laundry day. I'd offer to wash someone's clothes if my child peed on them.

11) What did you think about Dr. Swenson and the way people reacted to her?
They seem to treat her as some sort of celebrity - shooing out/hurrying all the other customers in the store when she walked in - just screams preferential treatment. Gotta love large expense accounts. I'm curious just how much money she's spent in that city over the years.

12) Do you think she showed up because the Bovenders approved of Marina or do you think no one knows when they lady truly will show up? Could it be Milton is the real gate keeper and the Bovenders are just the front?
I'm not sure. She's supposed to be impossible to contact, but they had to have gotten a message to her somehow. No telling who it is.

13) I don't know about anyone else, but I find it very odd that Swenson isn't acknowledging knowing Marina from before. Do you think she honestly doesn't remember her or is just hoping her standoffish attitude will scare her off?
You would think that something like one of your underlings accidentally disfiguring a baby would stick in your memory. Even a doctor with as much experience as Swenson seems to have.

14) I was totally shocked by Mr. Fox wanting Marina to stay. Does anyone else question whether or not he really cares about Marina?
I wasn't shocked at all. He is probably under a lot of heat from the company's board members to find out just what Swenson is doing down there. He might care about Marina, but the company will always come first.

15) Do you think Marina should have headed home or do you think she's wise to see what Dr. Swenson is up to?
I knew she wouldn't go home. Curiosity and all, you know. I'm sure she also wants to know exactly what happened to Anders and hopefully retrieve his body.

16) I was surprised that Marina didn't just send all those letters back to Karen.
Maybe she didn't want to trust the mail system, or she just didn't think of it.

17) Do you think this fertility thing could actually be a sort of fountain of youth?
Maybe. There's always some fountain of youth story when you're dealing with the Amazon region.

8. What do you think of the Bovenders strange alliance to Dr. Swenson? 
Not sure yet. Something weird is going on with them. With what we know about what Dr. Swenson is like, you have to wonder why these 2 people are helping/protecting/covering for her.

9. The Lakashi women can have children up until death, should women of any age be able to have children? Explain your position.
Honestly, it depends on the situation. I don't want kids now, much less when I'm over 50. If the ladies of this tribe are healthy and energetic and/or have help with the children and they actually want to continue having babies, then more power to them.

10. Make a prediction about what will happen once Marina finds Dr. Swenson. 
Swenson will probably be angry that the company sent another annoyance.

Update Post 167

37/100

Questions for Chapter 1 & 2

1.) First impressions so far?
I like it. Can't wait until Marina gets to the Amazon.

2.) What do you think the drug is that Dr. Swenson is trying to research? Does it have to do with the fertility of the Amazon tribe that has already been mentioned or is it something else?
I think she might have started the fertility research but discovered something else. Something shady maybe?

3.) What are your impressions of Dr. Swenson so far?
I am not sure about it. She seems a bit hardcore, so I wouldn't put anything past her.

4.) What a sad side story! (Marina and her father)
I know! I hope we learn more about the whole situation.

5.) "... I will pray that the letter carrier sends this to you so that you can feel the full weight of my love. Kiss the boys for me. Kiss the insde of your wrist." AWWWWW! I teared up when I read this part!
I did too, a little. I hope he's not dead.

6.) Do you think Anders is really dead or is Swenson keeping him quiet because he found out too much?
From what I've read about Swenson so far, I wouldn't put it past her to keep him hidden. Especially if he discovered what she was actually doing. (if she really is doing something unsanctioned by the company)

7.) SHE THREW AWAY HER MALARIA PILLS?!?!? I understand they give you horrid nightmares, but gosh!
I know, right? Something bad is gonna happen because of it, I can feel it!

Checked out:
Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver - reading now. Couldn't put it down last night.
State of Wonder - Ann Patchett - lying in wait for the 13th.
Destined - PC Cast - a DNF for me. I enjoyed the first few books of the series, but I can't bring myself to finish this one. I just don't care about any of it.

On hold:
Mine - Robert R McCammon - for horror book club.
New York to Dallas - JD Robb - 4th in line for it. Probably another month before I get it.

Booksfree (in the mail):
Enslave Me Sweetly - Gena Showalter
Unholy Ghosts - Stacia Kane
One Salt Sea - Seanan McGuire
Last Argument of Kings - Joe Abercrombie

50/100
01. Shadowmarch - Tad Williams 1/6
02. Echo Burning - Lee Child 1/7
03. Holy Smokes - Katie MacAlister 1/8
04. The Dark at the End - F. Paul Wilson 1/11
05. A Hidden Witch - Debora Geary 1/12
06. The Warlord Wants Forever - Kresley Cole 1/13
07. Before They Are Hanged - Joe Abercrombie 1/15
08. Born of Night - Sherrilyn Kenyon 1/16
09. Urban Shaman - C.E. Murphy 1/17
10. The Accidental Demon Slayer - Angie Fox 1/18

11. A Hunger Like No Other - Kresley Cole 1/19
12. The Darkest Fire - Gena Showalter 1/20
13. An Artificial Night - Seanan McGuire 1/22
14. No Rest for the Wicked - Kresley Cole 1/22
15. Cemetery Club - J.G. Faherty 1/22
16. The Dead-Tossed Waves - Carrie Ryan 1/23
17. Graveminder - Melissa Marr 1/24
18. Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead 1/25
19. Frostbite - Richelle Mead 1/26
20. Delirium - Lauren Oliver 1/27

21. Shadow Kiss - Richelle Mead 1/28
22. When Gravity Fails - George Alec Effinger 1/30
23. Blood Promise - Richelle Mead 1/31
24. Awaken Me Darkly - Gena Showalter 2/2
25. Spirit Bound - Richelle Mead 2/3
26. Song to Wake to - J. D. Field 2/3
27. Last Sacrifice - Richelle Mead 2/4
28. Reckoning - Jeaniene Frost 2/4
29. Glass Houses - Rachel Caine 2/5
30. Father Mine: Zsadist and Bella's Story - J.R. Ward 2/5

31. Late Eclipses - Seanan McGuire 2/6
32. Slave to Sensation - Nalini Singh 2/7
33. The Dead Girls' Dance - Rachel Caine 2/7
34. Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver 2/10
35. Aunt Dimity's Death - Nancy Atherton 2/11
36. Death of a Gossip - MC Beaton 2/12
37. Shadowplay - Tad Williams 2/13
38. Ghost at Work - Carolyn Hart 2/14
39. One Salt Sea - Seanan McGuire 2/16
40. State of Wonder - Ann Patchett 2/19

41. Aunt Dimity and the Duke - Nancy Atherton 2/21
42. Unholy Ghosts - Stacia Kane 2/23
43. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder - Joanne Fluke 2/24
44. Last Argument of Kings - Joe Abercrombie 2/27
45. Enslave Me Sweetly - Gena Showalter 2/28
46. Legend - Marie Lu 2/28
47. Unwind - Neal Shusterman 2/28
48. Death of a Cad - MC Beaton 2/29
49. Peeps - Scott Westerfeld 3/02
50. Covet - JR Ward 3/03

Updated Post 119 - 23/100

Afsana wrote:what did you think of echo burning- am reading the seriess and recently read tripwire

I liked it - wasn't as good as the previous books. I found it slightly boring, but not terribly so. I'll still finish the series. If I can work them into my heavy reading schedule, that is. :D Too many books, not enough time.

I'm excited for this one. It's sitting on my iPad, staring at me every time I open my kindle app.

I will be joining in. Not on a waiting list, but I am waiting for it to be sent to my local library from another. Usually takes a week or so to get it.

Currently Checked-Out:


On Hold:


Not the library but, from Booksfree.com:

and on the way from Booksfree:


Wouldn't have to use Booksfree if the library system here had better selection. :(

Birthday: November 17
Favorite Color: Orange
Favorite Food: Pasta and Garlic Bread
Any Pets: An Aussie named Max and some fishies if you count those as pets.
Favorite Book Genre: Urban Fantasy and Horror
Finish the line: I know I'm a book addict because.... I read 3+ books at a time and have a pile/list of at least 10 books to read next.