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

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

I usually go to the movies every Friday afternoon - easy to do when you are unemployed and go with someone who pays for your ticket because they don't like going alone.

I totally recommend The Avengers. Very entertaining for a superhero movie. Plus Thor is lovely eye candy.

I would pass on Dark Shadows unless you love Tim Burton/Johnny Depp movies. Wasn't nearly as funny as the trailer made it out to be.

Battleship was meh - not terrible, but a bit cheesy. If it wasn't named Battleship and based on a board game, it would have been a passable sci-fi film.

Men in Black 3 was ok. A few bits of really lame CGI, but overall, a fun popcorn movie.

Next week is Snow White and the Huntsman. Not a Kristen Stewart fan, but yay Chris Hemsworth!

Week after is Prometheus. Looking forward to that one.

Questions for Chapters 9 - 16

8) Now Thomas states, "She did seem familiar", and "what if all of them were sentenced to live here until they died."
Could the two have volunteered or are they and everyone else being punished?
I can see them volunteering for it. Maybe like the Hunger Games (again) when they put extra names in for food for the family. If it is a punishment, why wipe the memories? The point of punishment is to learn from your mistakes. Can't do that if you do not remember what you did.

9) We now know what jobs can be had in the Glade...Builders, Sloppers, Baggers, Cooks, Maps makers, Med-Jacks, Trak-Hoes, Blood Housers, & Runners. Which would you pick if you had to?
I'd choose either cook or med-jack. I couldn't slaughter animals, wouldn't want to weed all day or clean up after people.

10) What did you think of the boy being sliced in two? Do you think it's true or just something someone staged so no one else would try to escape? Could it have happened prior to those 2 years the oldest one has been there?
I bet it did happen but so long ago that it's just a legend now.

11) What do you think of Ben and his freaky statement, "He's not one of us!" Ben shouted. I saw him--he's...he's bad. We have to kill him! Let me gut him!" Could we have traces of 'Total Recall', the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie? I'm liking Parvathy's theory more and more.
I got a total zombie feel from Ben. I know he's not undead, but homicidal rage combined with biting? Kinda like a zombie. Ooh, it could be like the Matrix or one of the recent Eureka episodes where they were all inside a machine but didn't know it. Being stung and Changing could be waking them up briefly/sporadically. Ben could remember seeing Thomas standing over him. I know that's not what is going on, but I would totally read that book.

12) So basically they sentenced Ben to death. Do you think they did what they had to do or do you think they were too harsh? Could the changing have affected him?
it makes sense to banish those who create chaos in the Glade. It does seem a little harsh, but at least that way, he has a very slim chance (but still a chance!) to escape the Grievers. I do hope they explain more about the Changing. I get so annoyed when things like that are left unanswered.

13) What do you make of the ever changing maze? It reminds me a little of
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
I would be disappointed if it didn't change. They would have solved it and escaped by now. I did not like Incarceron much. Not sure why - probably on YA overload at the time. I should give it another try sometime soon.

14) Do you think Newt will cause trouble later on? He seemed unfriendly in a strange way to me.
I'm not sure. He seems to be hiding something but so is everyone else.

15) Okay, I swear I didn't plan it this way, but again another awesome place to stop making you want to read on. lol "The walls slammed shut behind him, the echo of its boom bouncing off the ivy-covered stone like mad laughter." Would you have gone in?
I'd like to say that I would have gone in, but I don't think I would. Self-preservation and all. I don't even know if I would go in during the day.

Questions for Chapters 1 - 8

1) Wow! What a great place to stop. "She's the last one. Ever."
I so wanted to read ahead.

2) Anyone else getting a Hunger Games vibe?
Yep.

3) Do you think Thomas has been there before and escaped or could he possibly have watched them before? Maybe it's a reality TV show?
I like the TV show idea. Either that or Thomas was a coordinator of sorts. Or he escaped before. That was my first thought.

4) The Changing????? What is that all about?
I'm assuming they live after going through the Changing. I mean, if they always die from it why not just kill them when they get stung? Keep them from all that pain. Maybe they become the Grievers?

5) Any idea where they are?
Maybe an arena like Hunger Games where everything is controlled by others.

6) What do you think they do to everyone before they get there? Obviously they wipe some of their memories, but do you suspect they do anything else? And why did the girl seem to know more? Is she the only girl and if so, why did they send her? Sooooo many questions.
If they aren't sending any more people, will they still send food and supplies?

7) So are you liking the story so far? Are you hooked?
Very much so.

Time to start the next 100 books.
1-50
51-100
150-200

101. At Grave's End - Jeaniene Frost 5/22
102. Celebrity in Death - JD Robb 5/26
103. Death of a Snob - MC Beaton 5/27
104. The Maze Runner - James Dashner 5/29
105. Ghost Road Blues - Jonathan Maberry 6/2
106. Death of a Prankster - MC Beaton 6/2
107. Pleasure Unbound - Larissa Ione 6/3
108. The Restorer - Amanda Stevens 6/3
109. Dark Needs at Night's Edge - Kresley Cole 6/4
110. Grave Witch - Kalayna Price 6/6

111. Deadline - Mira Grant 6/7
112. Feast of Fools - Rachel Caine 6/7
113. Death of a Glutton - MC Beaton 6/8
114. Monster Hunter Alpha - Larry Correia 6/11
115. The Scorch Trials - James Dashner 6/11
116. Death of a Travelling Man - MC Beaton 6/12
117. Working for the Devil - Lilith Saintcrow 6/13
118. Spell Bound - Rachel Hawkins 6/14
119. Blackout - Mira Grant 6/14
120. Countdown - Mira Grant 6/14

121. Kiss of Crimson - Lara Adrian 6/14
122. First Grave on the Right - Darynda Jones 6/16
123. The Death Cure - James Dashner 6/18
124. Destined for an Early Grave - Jeaniene Frost 6/19
125. Death of a Charming Man - MC Beaton 6/19
126. Grave Dance - Kalayna Price 6/20
127. The Kingdom - Amanda Stevens 6/21
128. Persuader - Lee Child 6/26
129. Deadlocked - Charlaine Harris 6/28
130. Death of a Nag - MC Beaton 6/30

131. Partials - Dan Wells 6/30
132. Enchantment - Charlotte Abel 7/7
133. Patient Zero - Jonathan Maberry 7/9
134. The Hollow - Jessica Verday 7/10
135. The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan 7/11
136. Second Grave on the Left - Darynda Jones 7/11
137. This Side of the Grave - Jeaniene Frost 7/12
138. Paranormalcy - Kiersten White 7/13
139. Stealing Shadows (Shadows, #1) - Kay Hooper 7/14
140. The Sea of Monsters - Rick Riordan 7/15

141. Midnight's Daughter - Karen Chance 7/17
142. Mine to Possess - Nalini Singh 7/18
143. Touch the Dark - Karen Chance 7/21
144. Strawberry Shortcake Murder - Joanne Fluke 7/21
145. Death of a Macho Man - MC Beaton 7/23
146. The Titan's Curse - Rick Riordan 7/25
147. Shadowrise - Tad Williams 7/25
148. Wool 2: Proper Gauge - Hugh Howey 7/27
149. Hiding in the Shadows - Kay Hooper 7/30
150. Wool 3: Casting Off - Hugh Howey 7/30

100/100!!

Time for the next level!

Update to Post 333

70/100

Getting close!

Questions for chapters 10 & 11

24. So this definitely left off in a cliffhanger. Ms. Peregrine is a bird that can't for some reason change back to human. Could this have something to do with her broken wing? Plus, Ms. Avocet has been captured and most likely taken to an ancient time loop.
Maybe. I think it's neat that they can reuse older time loops. Should make for interesting stories.

25. Does anyone else feel like the story has just begun and feel a little cheated we didn't get the whole story?
A little. They just wanted to make sure people would read the next one.

26) What are your thoughts on the loops and time travel?
I find it neat. I like that they remember everything.

27) Do you think Jacob's dad remember what he was told and will he now believe his father's (Jacob's gradfather's) stories?
He will remember I think. Maybe not believe it - not at first anyway.

28) Do you think Jacob made the right decision to go into the loops? Would you have made the same choice?
For him, yes he made the right decision. I don't think I would have.

29) What was your favorite part of the book?
The pictures. And the last bit with all the action.

30) What did/will you rate it?
3 stars.

31) Was this book what you expected and will you read the sequel?
Not really. I expected it to be a bit more horror. I will read the sequel. I'm curious how much farther the story will be taken.

Questions for Chapters 8 - 9

18) Well now we know what is peculiar about Jacob. He can see the monsters (aka hallows). If you were peculiar, what trait would you wish to have or would you not want one at all?
I dunno. If I had one, I would want it to be a hidden one - not something physically obvious, but one I could control - like fire, or becoming invisible when I wanted. Imagine all the free movies and traveling you could do while invisible. :)

19) Looks like you were right Lynne. The hollows are peculiars gone bad, including Ms. Peregrine's bothers. What do you think of the possibilities that Ms. Peregrine presented on what happened to those who became hallows? Could they have reversed themselves before their souls were conceived?
It's interesting. Evil beings are almost always described as having no soul - makes sense that the Hollows would be soulless.

20)Do you suspect the new birdwatcher to the island is a wight? It would explain his interest in the birds.
Yep. And the sheep were food for the Hollows that are searching for the loop. Or the sheep blood was food - I don't remember if they said the sheep were just killed or had flesh removed/eaten.

21) What do you think of Emma's and Jacob's romance?
I find it a little forced/odd. Emma has been in love with Abe for ages. Jacob is not Abe and I think she wants him to be.

22) Do you think Jacob should stay with them?
No. His ability allows him to live a somewhat normal life. He should do so.

23) With the picture in his camera of Emma, do you think Jacob could convince his father that all his grandfather told them was real? Do you think he should warn his father?
I don't think his father would believe it. He already thinks Jacob is a little mental.

12. Miss Peregrine made several reference to Abe "... the way he lived out in the open like that," she told Jacob "he was like you, Jacob," and the fact that she chose to bring him to the island because she believe "he belonged with them," —Do you believe this hints that Abe and Jacob are peculiar children?
I dont remember if they said anything about normal kids being allowed there, so he would almost have to be peculiar. I'm very curious to find out what his peculiarity is/was.

13. Why didn't Jacob tell Miss Peregrine about the true nature of his grandfather's death? Do you think she suspects there is more to it?
He probably didn't think she would believe him. He will tell her more about it I think.

14. When Miss Peregrine remarks "He let himself get old." is she referring to his decision to leave the island and not live forever among them?
I believe so.

15. Is it a coincidence that Jacob's father is obsessed with birds? How do you think this interest will factor into the story?
Not sure. At the very least I expect his father to get excited at seeing the Peregrine Falcon flying around.

16. Miss Peregrines brothers turned rotten? Could the monsters be other peculiars who are bad?
Makes sense.

17. Do you think the sheep killing indicates monsters (peculiars?) have arrived on the island?
Yeah I think so. What else could it be?

Questions for Chapters 3 - 5

6. We've finally gotten a taste of the island. First impressions, as we find, can be deceiving. Do you think there is truly a correlation between all the Peregrine birds and Ms. Peregrine? Do you think the mysterious lady is dead or alive and perhaps flying?
Possibly. It seems anything can happen on that island.

7. How strange that everything points to the children dying, yet it seems they know ahead of time when things will happen. They say they're in a loop. Hmmmm....Anyone thinking what I'm thinking???
- "Find the Bird. In the loop. On the other side of the old man's grave. September 3rd, 1940."
I think we are on the same wavelength.

8. If Jacob has truly gone back to 1940, where is Abe, his grandfather? Shouldn't he be there somewhere?
I'm thinking he will pop up soon.

9. Do you think Jacob's grandfather had affairs or do you think perhaps there is something else that is unique about him? Could he be some sort of time traveler? I'm trying to figure out why he'd be away so much and grasping at straws. Anyone have any ideas?
I don't think affairs were had. No idea what he did during that time though.

10. What do you think it is Jacob's grandfather should have told him that makes the children think he can't be Abe's grandson?
Not sure. Maybe they are not aware he survived.

11. Which is your favorite picture from this batch? I like the reflecting pond. I did notice neither of the reflections of the girls in the pond seem to correlate with the girl standing up above it.
The sad bunny. It's just pitiful. Poor kid.

1) So what do you think of the pictures? Which one do you like the most?
They are super creepy. I dig the levitating girl one most.

2) Jacob's grandfather has talked for years about the island he fled to as a child. When he was little, Jacob believed the stories, but as he grew older he decided they were untrue. What do you make of his grandfather's death? Any theories of why the "monsters" would be after him? Why would they go after his grandson?
Maybe he knows something he should not and they are afraid he told Jacob.

3) Several months after his grandfather's death, on Jacob's birthday, Jacob discovers a letter tucked in a copy of a Ralph Emerson book. His grandfather's final words were:

- "Go to the island. You'll be safe there."
- "Find the Bird. In the loop. On the other side of the old ma's grave. September 3rd, 1940."
- "Emerson--the letter. Tell them what happened."

So Jacob surmises Bird = Ms. Peregrine and now knows where the island is. Would you be wanting to go?
I totally would want to go.

4) Since WWII was happening when Jacob's grandfather was young, did you think that would have a crucial roll in what the monsters would be before Jacob encountered one?
I am not sure. Hopefully we'll find out soon.

5) Initial thoughts about the story so far? Is it keeping your attention or boring you to death? Is it what you expected? Does it remind you of any T.V. shows or books?
It has grabbed my attention. The pictures are neat. Can't wait to read more.

I just picked this up today from the library. I was hoping the previous person who had it would return it before we started. I can't wait! The pictures on the back are a little creepy. :D

1-50
100/100

51. Wool - Hugh Howey 3/05
52. Halfway to the Grave - Jeaniene Frost 3/06
53. Midnight Alley - Rachel Caine 3/07
54. Monster Hunter International - Larry Correia 3/08
55. Atlantis Rising - Alyssa Day 3/10
56. Thicker Than Water - Maggie Shayne 3/11
57. Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins 3/12
58. Death of an Outsider - MC Beaton 3/12
59. Darkfever - Karen Marie Moning 3/13
60. Raziel - Kristina Douglas 3/15

61. Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night - Kresley Cole 3/17
62. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs 3/18
63. Heart of the Dragon - Gena Showalter 3/19
64. New York to Dallas - JD Robb 3/21
65. Discount Armageddon - Seanan McGuire 3/22
66. Deadly Fear - Cynthia Eden 3/26
67. Cinder - Marissa Meyer 3/27
68. Death of a Perfect Wife - MC Beaton 3/28
69. Without Fail - Lee Child 3/30
70. Grave Mercy - RL LaFevers 3/30

71. Death of a Hussy - MC Beaton 3/31
72. Demonglass - Rachel Hawkins 4/01
73. Bloodfever - Karen Marie Moning 4/02
74. A Reckless Witch - Debora Geary 4/04
75. Unquiet Dreams - Mark Del Franco 4/05
76. Nightlife - Rob Thurman 4/06
77. Lover Reborn - JR Ward 4/08
78. Visions of Heat - Nalini Singh 4/11
79. Crave - JR Ward 4/14
80. Timeless - Gail Carriger 4/16

81. Fated - Alyson Noel 4/18
82. Faefever - Karen Marie Moning 4/19
83. Deadly Heat - Cynthia Eden 4/20
84. The Better Part of Darkness - Kelly Gay 4/23
85. Unholy Magic - Stacia Kane 4/24
86. Dreamfever - Karen Marie Moning 4/25
87. Deadly Lies - Cynthia Eden 4/26
88. Fragment - Warren Fahy 4/29
89. One Foot in the Grave - Jeaniene Frost 5/1
90. The Devil All the Time - Donald Ray Pollock 5/3

91. Envy - JR Ward 5/4
92. Monster Hunter Vendetta - Larry Correia 5/6
93. Caressed By Ice - Nalini Singh 5/7
94. The Darkest Edge of Dawn - Kelly Gay 5/9
95. Bad Attitude - Sherrilyn Kenyon 5/10
96. Some Girls Bite - Chloe Neill 5/12
97. Scent of Darkness - Christina Dodd 5/13
98. Kiss of Midnight - Lara Adrian 5/16
99. Born of Fire - Sherrilyn Kenyon 5/17
100. Shadowfever - Karen Marie Moning 5/20

Questions for Feburary 28; pages 205-252

32.) Valiant effort by Day's solo attempt to escape. I thought he had it for a minute!
He had to try! I figured it would be June breaking him out though.

33.)Are you surprised Kaede agreed to help?
Not really. Or maybe a little. She seemed to like Day. And most people will do anything for money.

34.)What a sad story about the Republic officer and the chicken. The Republic is awful!
I really want some backstory about how the Republic came to be the jackholes they are.

35.)Thomas, again! Do you think Jameson ordered her to be under investigation or was this all Thomas' doing? What do you think Thomas was going to do to June if she wouldn't have gotten away?
Ugh, Thomas. What a slimeball. He probably would have either killed her or blackmailed her into a relationship.

36.)"I would rather die than see them hurt you." John. What a brother. I think he is my favorite character in this whole book.
Yeah. I agree.

37.)What do you think of the explanation behind Day's nickname?
Eh, it fits I suppose.

38.) Final impressions of the book?
I liked it. 3 stars. Would have given it 4 if they had explained more about everything. I'm looking forward to the other books. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long.

Update to Post 167.

44/100

Questions for February 27; Pages 205 - 251

23) The killing of the protesters was sad. I would think this would have June wondering about everything. Do you think it's strange that all the things that go on were never talked about in her training? Are some of the things going on being done without the knowledge of the higher ups or do they not want the general public to get wind of it? Again, this reminds me a little of Hitler.
I think that only a few choice people are aware of what's going on in its entirety - they could have like different departments that only know what that specific department is doing. The Elector Primo is in charge of it all I bet - alone with a few advisors, I'm sure.

24) Are you surprised Metias never told his sister or wrote in his journal about what types of things go on in the military?
Nope. If you don't want people to know things (or discover you know things), don't write them down. He did take a risk with the misspellings - I know someone besides June could have figured it out - but he had to let her know some way.

25) Thomas is a piece of work. Don't like him at all. Is there any doubt he killed his best friend and then attempted to court his sister? He's sick!
Indeed. I bet he'd kill his own family if he was told. Ugh.

26) Anyone else wonder what happened to the US? How much into the future do you think this book takes place? To think a coin may be the last of it's kind to exist?
I so want to know what happened. We've only gotten hints, so I really hope more will be explained in the next book. (Or in the last part of the book - I've been good and kept myself from finishing it.) I'm thinking it's at least a few hundred years from now - or from the 1990 date on the coin. I'm surprised they've done such a good job of rounding up all the old coins to keep them hidden. Or killing all of those who have found them.

27) What do you think happened to Day's Dad?
Probably killed by the Republic. They seem to like killing people.

28) Could you have deciphered the website like June did? I'm still scratching my head at how she figured it out.
Maybe. Misspelled words almost jump out of the page at me. If I had known that the person writing it wasn't a complete idiot to misspell those words, then maybe. I suck at Jumbles though. That part would have taken me a while.

29) Were you totally taken by surprise that June's parent's death was murder?
Not really. The Republic seems to think killing solves problems.

30) We kind of suspected they might be using people as guinea pigs (Can't remember who said it, but you were right on the money). Are you shocked they'd be so careless in how they dispersed the virus? I wonder why not everyone got it? Why is the government so sure none of its people will contract the virus? I think they'd need more than one does of vaccine to accomplish that.
The don't value the lives of the poor. If many people contracted it, then they have more samples to test.

31) What all did Thomas do to get into his current position? Did he kill his way to the top?
I bet he did.

Questions for pages 149-204

17.) Poor Day. Even though he is supposed to bea bad guy I feel so sorry for him!
Yeah. I had a feeling something like that was gonna happen.

18.) "Now my mother knows I'm the criminal she sees on the JumboTron warnings." If your son was Day, would you be proud to call him a son? Or would you see him as a "criminal"?
I would be proud of him - to be able to do what he did without getting caught for so long is amazing.

19.)Daniel Alton Wing. That's his real name. Where did the name Day come from? A nickname for Daniel?
Maybe? I've never called anyone named Daniel Day, but I could see it being a nickname. Like how they got the nickname Dick from Richard.

20.) What a rap sheet! Certified bad boy. (on a side not did you know that R.A.P. stands for Record of Arrest and Prosecution) Although, in Day's case he wasn't arrested for any of his acts...until now.
I am a little surprised that he actually did all those things. I was sure the Republic would have thrown in extras.

21.) What do you think it is about Day that made the Republic tamper with his Trial score? Is it just because he was poor and they are trying to keep the poor man down?
I think that's it.

22.)June sure is beginning to doubt what she thinks about the Republic. What other things do you think she will uncover as she talks to Day and investigates on her own?
I hope she finds out what they do to those who fail the Trial, what the whole plague thing is, and that there have been many more kids with perfect scores that have disappeared.

Questions for Pages 105 - 148

12. If Day sees the number everywhere, why doesn't he discover more of it? It could serve as an emergency escape, wouldn't it?
I don't know about an emergency escape. I have a feeling it has something to do with the plague. Could be completely wrong though.

13. The author's making out Thomas to be a not-so-good guy. I'm leaning towards him being the killer of Metias. The sudden calling of June by her name after his death and all the sudden interest/care of her. Do you agree?
Wouldn't surprise me at all if he did kill Metias. Maybe he has a thing for June. Killing Metias would open up the promotion and allow better access to June.

14. June and Day are clearly infatuated with each other. Is that the reason why they are overlooking the clues about each other's identity? And they kiss, finally.
I think June didn't figure out who Day was right off because she was distracted by her knife wound. Didn't take her long to figure it out though.

15. I'm now not so convinced that it's just plague that's infected Eden. There's something else going on behind all this. is the Republic using the citizens as guinea pigs/breeding ground for the infection to gain something else? Some antibiotic or something? Or am I being too paranoid?
Doesn't sound paranoid to me. Seems logical. Why pick Eden to experiment on though? Out of all the kids in that zone, they choose Day's little brother. Seems fishy.

16. Dang, I really didn't expect June to betray Day. At least, Tess would be saved. What do you think will happen now? Any theories?
They all get captured and taken to the hospital. Day either rescues them or June realizes that he did not kill Metias and helps him escape. Or rocks fall and everyone dies. :)

Feb. 24 questions

8. If there is a vaccine for the Plague then why doesn't the government give it to everyone instead of killing the people infected? Thoughts and theories?
I agree with those above - I wouldn't be surprised to learn it was population control. The Republic government seems shady as hell. I also wouldn't be surprised to learn the plague is like just the flu or the common cold gone crazy. We've only gotten a little info about what happened - floods and volcano eruptions. Those kind of natural disasters can knock loose some terrible diseases. I over-think things. :D

9. Who do you think will discover the other's true identity first? Will June discover Day or will Day discover June?
I think Day will discover June's identity first. No idea why, just a feeling.

10. June does a very noble thing by volunteering to fight in Tess's place but she also views the residents of Lake with scorn. What do you think of her so far?
June seems determined. She'll let nothing beat her. Unfortunately, that also makes her seem cold and unfriendly.

11. The regular X symbolizes that someone has the Plague. What do you think the X with three marks means?
Probably the new strain. I hope they explain the plague soon.

Picked this up earlier this month. Looks interesting!