SandyL’s Comments (group member since May 11, 2015)

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

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "SandyL wrote: "I'm sorry if this has already been asked (I couldn't find it) - for Task #24 Read a book that starts with S .....
can we drop The or A if a book starts with that .. for instance, wou..."

Sorry - I forgot about the spreadsheet - thanks!!!!

I'm sorry if this has already been asked (I couldn't find it) - for Task #24 Read a book that starts with S .....
can we drop The or A if a book starts with that .. for instance, would The Simple Life work?

Thanks!

Hey fellow challenge-mates!
There is a book that's free today (at least in the US) that is located south of the equator, if you like cozy mysteries (it's also on KU):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06...

Volunteering for DQ's

Day 4 DQ's - Chapter 43 - 57

17. As Kya's trial progresses, did your thoughts about "who dunnit" change at all? Do you think Kya is receiving a fair trial?
Yes, I kept going back and forth wondering if it was Tate or Jumpin' or Kya. It was hard to believe it was her, but I also didn't think the others would let her stand trial for something they did. Once the trial started, I thought it was fair, but I realized that there was more prejudice in the police investigation than I originally thought.

18. What did you think about Kya's comparisons between how insect and animal male and females act and how human males act? Does it make you think of people you know any differently? I thought it was really interesting and humorous and I'll definitely look at some of the men I know differently now!

19. What did you think about the verdict? Kya felt like the whole town was against her - do you think she appreciated those that did support her and testified on her behalf? I was really relieved that Kya was found not guilty. I was frustrated that she couldn't see how much she was loved and supported by many people. She told her brother that everyone was against her, and that wasn't true. Although with how she had been let down during her life, it was understandable.

20. How did you feel when Kya left the feather for Tate on his boat and seemed to forgive him?
I was really happy she finally was willing to forgive him and get back together.

21. What did you think when Tate found Kya's hidden box and saw what was in it? Where you surprised about any of it?I was sort-of surprised. I still wasn't sure Kya had done it, but when Tate found the box I guessed what would be in it - expect I was really surprised about the poetry!

22. Did you enjoy this book? Any final thoughts? Do you think you'll look for other books from this author? I loved this book! I haven't enjoyed too many of the BOM's, so I was so happy this one was so good. I may look into the author's other books, although this isn't what I usually read.

Day 4 DQ's - Chapter 43 - 57

17. As Kya's trial progresses, did your thoughts about "who dunnit" change at all? Do you think Kya is receiving a fair trial?

18. What did you think about Kya's comparisons between how insect and animal male and females act and how human males act? Does it make you think of people you know any differently?

19. What did you think about the verdict? Kya felt like the whole town was against her - do you think she appreciated those that did support her and testified on her behalf?

20. How did you feel when Kya left the feather for Tate on his boat and seemed to forgive him?

21. What did you think when Tate found Kya's hidden box and saw what was in it? Where you surprised about any of it?

22. Did you enjoy this book? Any final thoughts? Do you think you'll look for other books from this author?

Jan 19 - DQ 3 - Chap 27-42

11. I would have been happy with the book ending at the first part of this section. Everything was going right with her book, Tate and family. What was your reaction to her publishing and finding her family land?
I'm just in awe of Kya, accomplishing what she has with no formal education. I'm really happy for her that she has found a way to support herself!

12. However, the present goes bad very quickly. Considering Chase’s actions up to this point, was anyone surprised by his actions?
No, I wasn't surprised at what he did. I keep feeling so bad for Kya when she keeps getting let down or hurt by almost everyone she meets. It's so sad!

13. Jodi bring news of their mother and what the letter contained. What do you think might have happened had she hidden the letter? What do you feel about the mother’s story?
I think she would have had more good times with her dad, although he probably would have gone back to drinking at some point. It does make more sense with her mother leaving her children with her abusive husband learning that she was mentally ill.

14. Kya further forgives her mother after feeling the fear herself. Do you think she should have? Can you understand why she might?
I think it gives Kya peace to be able to forgive her mother, so I'm happy she is able to do this. I am surprised, since she can't really forgive Tate for leaving her, but I'm glad she's able to do it, rather than being angry forever.

15. How much do you think that the prejudice against Kya played a role in how the police sought evidence? In how the trial will play out?
I think if it wasn't the "marsh girl" that people had info about, they may not have come forward at all. It seemed like the police were trying to be thorough and fair rather than rushing to immediate judgement. I'm not sure how fair of a trial she'll receive.

16. How do you think it will end?
I don't know!!! I'm really hoping Kya gets released, but it's not looking good right now.

DQs Day 2

6. We are halfway through the book. I have to admit I was struggling with the first chapters, but now it has got better. How do you like the book so far?
I am really enjoying it. I've seen others who said it started slow, but this book has caught my interest right from the start.

7. "It didn't fit that anyone who liked birds would be mean", chap. 15. Do you agree with Kya on this? There are many similar statements with other animals, e.g. "Never trust a man who doesn't like dogs". What animal would you put in such a statement?
Well, since I'm a dog person, it's got to be dogs!!!

8. In chapter 16 we learn more about Kya's parents and their marriage. Did it change your feelings about Maria leaving her children?
Not really. I understand why she left her husband, but not why she would leave her kids, especially when she knew he was abusive.

9. Now we know a bit more about Chase. What do you think has happened? How did Chase die?
I do think he was murdered and it has something to do with Kya, but it's hard to picture her doing it. I keep wondering if it could be Tate on her behalf?

10. Do you think Kya will meet people who left her? Her mother, brother and sisters, Tate?
Well, I've already read past this point and (view spoiler)[ know that she has seen her brother and that her mother has died. I didn't expect it! (hide spoiler)]

Jan 16th - DQs Day 1
Chapter 1 through 12

1.) What made you decide to read this book? Have you read any of her nonfiction books? If so, any you'd recommend?
The Upside Down Challenge. 😊 No, I've never heard of this author before.

2.) I think the author has a way with describing nature that makes it come alive off the page in a manner many authors don't seem to be able to do. I feel as though the marsh is as important a character in the story as Kya. How does Owens descriptions make you feel about the marsh and do you see it as another major character of the story?
The marsh makes me think of mud and bugs and creepy things. I guess it could be considered a character in that it can hold many secrets.

3.) Can you imagine being on your own, not being able to read at 10? Why do you think her brother didn't take her with him? Do you think Jumpin' and other marsh dwellers know she is completely alone? Think her dad is coming back?
I couldn't believe when Kya's mother left all her kids, then when her siblings left, and then her last brother. And then her dad! It was so sad and it's hard to believe someone as young as Kya could find a way to take care of herself in those conditions (or at all.) I don't think her dad is coming back.

4.) Why is it that people who have the least always seem willing to help the most? The struggling people of Coloured Town, in a single day, help Kya more than the way more well off white people ever even considered doing. They called a 6 year old swamp trash to her face, ignored crime because 'why stop rats from killing rats', and even preacher wives called her dirty and blamed her for spreading disease. Do you think this is an unfair characterization of our society? Does reading this make you take a second look at some of your own judgments of people?
I think these things still exist, more than ever these days. It's pretty sad. And yes, when I read books or articles like this, it does make me think more about how I look at others.

5.) We know only know a snippet about the crime and a wee bit about the victim. What are your guesses as to how this part of the story line will intertwine with Kya's?
Well, the blurb mentions two men who are interested in her, so I'm guessing it will turn out that Chase was one of them.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "SandyL wrote: "Hi!
#62 says "read a book with the word 'bingle' in the text" - when I look this work up it seems like it's an insurance company in australia - is this correct? Is that what you're l..."

🤪 I thought (was hoping?) you were going to say you misspelled it and it should have been 'binge'.

Hi!
#62 says "read a book with the word 'bingle' in the text" - when I look this work up it seems like it's an insurance company in australia - is this correct? Is that what you're looking for?

❀Tea❀ wrote: "Am I only one here who isn't looking and planning books for January tasks?!
I haven't even looked at the tasks yet *bows head in shame*"

No - I haven't looked either, Tea!

I'm volunteering to write DQ's!

Karolyn wrote: "Does anyone have a good recommendation with "Fiji" in the text? I'm struggling to find one."

Well, it's not a "good" recommendation, but I just read Falling in Fiji. If you're in the US I can lend it to you!

DQ 4
16. Do you think that Eleanor and Timothy had more of an influence on Dickens or Dickens on Eleanor and Timothy had more of an influence on them?
I think Eleanor and Timothy had the greater influence on Charles (although him taking in Timothy was a pretty big deal for the child.) He acknowledged Eleanor's input helped him rewrite the book.

17. Were you surprised to learn about Eleanor? Yes!!!

18. What do you think brought Catherine and the family home?
I wasn't sure - I thought it may have been his letter, but I don't know if there would have been time for it to have been received and then they make it home for the party. It could have been she got over her irritation with him or the kids just wanted to be home for Christmas?

19. After finishing this book, does it make you think for Charles Dickens any differently? Does it make you think of A Christmas Carol any differently? I've never thought of Charles Dickens, the person, so I don't think of him differently. I just read the article that Cat posted and I can say that made me dislike him!

20. What was your favorite part of the book? I liked Part III the best, since it pulled things together, we found out about Eleanor and everyone got their HEA.

Day 3 DQ's

Q11. What do you think of the contemporaries of Dicken's who are criticizing him and others who are suing him? Why do you think they are doing this?
I think jealousy and/or capitalizing on someone else's success are the motivating factors for the actions of his peers.

Q12. Dicken's best friend, Forster, accuses Eleanor of conspiring against Charles, but Charles won't listen. What do you think of this accusation? I wasn't really sure why Forster made the accusation, other than being careful after others have tried to take advantage of Charles.

Q13. Charles seems to enjoy the costume Eleanor provides him, although he's not always happy with what he overhears what others are saying. What would you do if you had a disguise and your friends and acquaintances didn't recognize you?
Be careful what you wish for!! I don't think I want to know - there is enough of people being mean on social media that I wouldn't want to hear it in real life!

Q14. I keep seeing little snippets of people and events that Charles meets or experiences that end up in A Christmas Carol. How much of the story do you think came from Dicken's real life? The author says the characters in her book were all based on real people, so I think many of the characters in A Christmas Carol may have been built on real life people in Dicken's life.

Q15. How did you feel when Charles discovered who had stolen his book? And how much do you think the original book looked like the ultimate book that has become a holiday favorite? I was so sad for Charles! I think the original book was much more dark and depressing.

Day 3 DQ's

Q11. What do you think of the contemporaries of Dicken's who are criticizing him and others who are suing him? Why do you think they are doing this?

Q12. Dicken's best friend, Forster, accuses Eleanor of conspiring against Charles, but Charles won't listen. What do you think of this accusation?

Q13. Charles seems to enjoy the costume Eleanor provides him, although he's not always happy with what he overhears what others are saying. What would you do if you had a disguise and your friends and acquaintances didn't recognize you?

Q14. I keep seeing little snippets of people and events that Charles meets or experiences that end up in A Christmas Carol. How much of the story do you think came from Dicken's real life?

Q15. How did you feel when Charles discovered who had stolen his book? And how much do you think the original book looked like the ultimate book that has become a holiday favorite?

Day2 DQs

Q6 I am fascinated by the Dickens that Samantha Silva is describing and at the same time continually wondering if her description is based on fact or just imagination. How does the author’s depiction fit with your idea of Charles Dickens and do you like the Dickens she portrays as a character?
I have wondered the same thing - what she based the character on. I have never really thought about Charles Dickens, the person, so I don't have any frame of reference as to her depiction of him as a character.

Q7 We meet a street urchin who has taken the discarded autograph of Charles Dickens. Why do you think he took it and what is he setting out to achieve?
It seems like a set-up for something not-so-nice to happen later in the book.

Q8 Eleanor and Dickens meet how would you describe their relationship?
Charles seems to be trying to escape his obligations and meeting Eleanor takes him back to a simpler time in his life. I would describe their relationship as just short of cheating and know his wife wouldn't be happy with it.

Q9 I loved the description of the assault on Dickens by the twin sisters. This suggests a certain depth of feeling for the characters as created by Dickens in his books. Do you think Silva is creating that depth of feeling for the characters in this book?
Can you imagine ever feeling so strongly about the way a book turns out that you would assault the author?
I haven't read any of his books in so long that I can't remember much of the characters, so I can't answer this. No, I can't imagine wanting to assault an author for the way a book turns out.

Q10 Silva writes “Good Grief Charley Don’t you believe Christmas begins and ends in the heart?
Dickens grumbled and huffed “Let us not be childish Fred. Christmas begins and ends in the purse”. What is your take on this? Does it fit into the setting of the book?
Well, Charles is disillusioned by his current situation and possibly going broke. And with everyone having their hand out and not being able to say no, I think he's lost the Christmas spirit.

DQ, Day 1
1. Have you read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens? Are you going to read/re-read it after reading Mr. Dickens and His Carol?
I have read it. I'm not sure if I'll re-read it this year or not. Right now, no.....but after I finish this book that may change.
2. Charles Dickens' response to bad critics is "Well! From now on I should simply ask my public what it is they'd like to read.". What does it tell you about his character? Do you think that nowadays authors are more open to public demand?
I think Charles is used to his work being liked and isn't sure how to handle this new situation where his newest book, that he himself really enjoys, isn't being received as he'd like. I think any author would be sensitive to people not liking their work, although everyone has their own tastes and if they can't get past this they won't last long. I think some authors write whatever is in demand or trendy, but many others (the good ones) write what's in their hearts.
3. Writing a Christmas novel would help Dickens solve his financial problems and thus give him time to write the next part of Martin Chuzzlewit. How do you think, why didn't he agree to write it at first?
I think Charles isn't use to someone else dictating what he writes. He's invested in his Chuzzlewit story and he's having difficulty first, coming to terms that it's not well received, and second, not having a reason to keep writing about a character he likes.
4. What do you think about Charles' and Catherine's marriage? Do they love each other? Yes, I think they do love each other. I think Charles has become overwhelmed with his financial problems and has never had to say no to requests from his family. Now that he has money problems, he's become grouchy in a way that is affecting his family.
5. How do you think where will he find his muse? Who will it be? I don't know - it's not something I've thought about at this point in the book.

Alison wrote: "Thanks for the suggestions. I have a hold on Haunting of Hill House but there's no way it'll come in in time. Last I checked the wait was 28 weeks.

Think it may be Falling for Fitz, love a shorty ..."

Yep - my bad (but it's still fun to blame GR!) is the book.