Ashlee’s Comments (group member since May 10, 2016)

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

Donna wrote: "Ashlee, are you reading a book for the N slot or did you remove one from there and just left your name?"

No, the 3 that I am reading are on there. That must have been from when things were being moved around.

I will be finishing these today or tomorrow afternoon at the latest:
Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics
Mr. Monster
Dear Martin

DQ Day 2; Chapters 7 - 14

7. Let's start with Sarah-Jane. Justyce and her definitely had feelings for each other, and they didnt shy away from closeness until Jus was about to kiss her after the debate (lbr which was bad timing). Why did SJ suddenly give Justyce the cold shoulder, what are your thoughts? What's going through her head?

I think maybe she is catching his vibes that he is afraid to be with her. Bad timing, maybe, but I think his emotions got the best of him. He is finally starting to see that she truly cares for him.

8. It sucks that it took being drunk for Justyce to call out Manny but it's finally done! "They're my friends" was the dumbest excuse ever, but at least Manny finally woke up shortly after Blake's party and the fight Justyce and the guys had.
It's hard sometimes to stand up for what's right. It might not be safe, depending on where you are or who you're surrounded by. Do you judge Manny for not being able to stand up for himself and everybody else his 'friends' made fun of sooner? Was there ever anything you needed to work on first in order to be able to stand up for it?

I don't judge Manny. He has led a very different life than Justyce. As Justyce said towards the end of this section, his mother has been teaching him to stand up for himself since he was little.


9. It seems like Manny didn't only call Dr. Dray to check on Justyce after the fight, but also his mama and Mela. It confused me a little since he doesn't like Mel and how she treats Jus. And it hasn't even been mentioned again (so far). What did you make of this? Do you think Mela will end up playing a big part in the rest of the book? And did you ever have a teacher who was as involved in his students lives as Doc is?

I don't think we are going to see much more of Mela. As a teacher, I like to be involved in my students' lives, but maybe not to this extent. I think being in this type of school, the teachers have a little more freedom with their interactions with the students.

10. Manny's dad tried to keep all signs of racism and how he could be mistreated from him for as long as he could whereas Justyce's mama has prepared him ever since he was little. They also grew up in two completely different neighbourhoods and surroundings. What are your thoughts on the parents' different ways of bringing up their sons? Do you think there's a right way to go about this?

Of course, there is no right or wrong way to parent your children. You will always do what you think is best for your child's well-being and safety. With that being said, I think their different upbringings are what makes them such great friends. They have different experiences to "bring to the table."

11. 😳 that's one way to end today's chapters! My heart is still racing. What do you think happened, who got shot? And be honest, did you keep reading or take a peek just to find out what happened? (I'll be honest I did take a quick peek :x)

I did not peek before responding. I am on the edge of my seat to find out.

Day 1

1. I enjoyed Justyce's character from the start. It was admirable that he was loyal to protecting his girlfriend, despite what his friends think of her. I also like the fact that Stone has made Justyce the smart kid, attending a private school while knowing that he is not the "rich kid."

2. Of course, I can't find a liking for Melo. She seems to give no regard to anyone but herself. I do like SJ, though. I'm curious how Justyce's feeling for her will play out, knowing that his mother wouldn't approve.

3. Oh, Jared, you have so much to learn. I would love to see what happens to him once he gets out into the "real world."

4. Equality brigade....Blake...... JUST STUPID!

5. I was surprised that Manny went along with the crew. He seems to be more of a friend to Justyce than the rest of them. I thought he would have a little empathy towards Justyce's situation.

6. Taking the high road was exactly what Justyce should have done. Why should he stay at a party and be made to feel uncomfortable just for the sake of being with "his people."

Name of the series can be counted for the spell it out.

I am currently reading a book with a Z character, if you want to move one of the U's.

Day 3

13. Thoughts on Viv telling Mrs. White that her husband cheats on her. Do you think this is what gets her into trouble?
I was kind of surprised that she did this. She is certainly acquiring some courage along the way.

14. We have another encounter with the angry man ( this makes at least 3) Who is he? Why is he important to the story?

15. Which story line (Carly or Viv's ) are you enjoying more? Why?
I'm enjoying Carly's story more because she seems to be living the same life as her Aunt Viv.

16. The ending of this section just raises more questions for me. If Viv buys a knife, didn't she get a chance to use it?
Where is the knife? Was it mentioned in the police reports? What do you think?
I think she is keeping the knife safely hidden away for just the right moment.

Today's goal is to "finish what I've started." I ended up teaching virtual summer school to 3 individual students. So, that means 3 different novels, on top of what I was reading for myself.
With that said, I plan to finish at least 3 and begin Dear Martin.

Shannon wrote: "Thanks Ashlee. Dk why it wasnt showing up on my phone lol"

No problem. I have that site commonly pulled up to research books for my students. :)

Tammie wrote: "Shannon wrote: "We can use screenplays, correct? I got the fantastic beasts and where to find them out of my library thinking i could use Queenie but id just like to make sure before starting to re..."

arbookfind is saying only 11,892 words

DQs Day 2

6.) This section opens with some spooky stuff going on. If you saw literal ghosts in the creepy place you worked, would you split right away? Would you of left with sketchy-past Nick? Would you go back to work or think the overnight creep factor was making you see things that weren't really there?

If I saw what Carly (or Viv) was seeing I would be 100% out of there. No need to stick around to see what was happening. As for Nick, Carly was brave to leave with him. At this point, she only knew of what happened in his past. Since she was with Nick, and he knew of the supernatural encounters, I think she was fine returning. I, on the other hand, would not have returned.

7.) Viv listens to guests' phone conversations. There is the saying 'people who eavesdrop are seldom happy with what they hear'. Or something close to that anyway. Do you think she may over hear something that results in her disappearance? Would you listen in if you were Viv?

Everyone is curious, so if put in this situation...sure I might listen. What else does she have going on during her overnights. I'm not sure of an outcome, yet, but I do think that characters, such as Marnie, know more than they are releasing.

8.) There really have been several deaths of young women in Fell, especially factoring in the size of the town. Do you think they are all connected? Connected to Viv's disappearance? Do you buy into the police stance of no connection between any of them?

I do think that they are all connected. I am leaning towards this "traveling salesman" having some part in the connection.

9.) What do you think of the complete laxness of management and staff at The Sun Down Motel? Anyone else wonder how the heck that place is still open? And more importantly, why?

I wonder how a place could survive at $20 or $30 a room when they are MAYBE booking 3 rooms a night. Does not seem as though you would be able to pay the bills. Are they keeping it open for historical purposes?

10.) Any thoughts on the candy machine? It keeps popping up in both timelines. Maybe nothing, but in this type of story, who knows.

I did find it odd that both Carly and Viv make reference to the candy machine. I'll be curious to see what comes of it.

11.) Marnie and Callum are interesting additions to the character line-up, thoughts? Did you think it was strange that Marnie won't talk with Carly? Callum local nice boy-helper dude or creeper?

I find Marnie odd. Obviously, we know that she knew Viv. Why will no one talk?

Day 1

1. The Sundown Motel...what a perfect name for a motel! Have you ever stayed at a motel before...something like the Sundown? What was the name of the motel...Any interesting experiences come of that?
We stay at a Motel at the beach each year. Nothing fancy, but also no surprises like you would find at the Sun Down.

2. Viv is young and working alone. I don't think I would tolerate my daughter doing anything of the sort. What were you thinking from the 1st few pages? Viv comments..."Being with people was easy, but being alone was hard. Especially along in the dark. The person who could be truly alone, in the company of no one but oneself and one's own thought--that person was stronger than anyone else. More ready. More prepared."

I thought that Viv was awful headstrong and determined to be on her own. I definitely couldn't have done it, and would certainly not allow a daughter to do it.

3. What do you think the significance of the door to number 103 banging open/shut is?

I'm not sure yet, and it seems to be a different room for Carly. I'm curious to see how Nick's character plays out.

4. So far Carly's mom's reaction to seeing the newspaper clipping..."Vivian is dead" has really bothered me. What's your take? Have you already solved the case? Is Vivian dead?

I was also bothered by this. Although they didn't get along, I would think that she would fill Carly in on a little bit of history about her aunt Viv. It makes me believe that Carly's mom knew the secret.

5. What did you think about the dual timeline between Viv and Carly? In what ways are Viv and Carly very similar? How are they different?

So far, I don't mind the back and forth. I think that Viv and Carly are similar in their independence.

Shelby wrote: "Hello my lovely people! Hope you're having a wonderful time with this challenge, I know I am. Thought I'd stop by and ask for some recommendations as this new round kicks off. Would love recommenda..."

Hi Shelby,

I really enjoyed:

~ Eagle Elite series by Rachel Van Dyken. (It is a little bit of romance and a little bit of mafia crime. )

~ Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis. (This is 100% sweet romance.)

~ Chesapeake Bay Saga by Nora Roberts (This 4 book series follows 4 brothers.)

@Tammie - Look for my Life of Pi at that 3:00 time, as well. Thank you! :)

Tammie wrote: "Ashlee wrote: "I am removing The Sun Down Motel since I won't likely finish by noon tomorrow. Hopefully it will fit a letter in round 4."

Will you finish in the afternoon tomorrow?

Will for sure ..."

No, I won't finish it. I am working my way through Life of Pi, which hasn't captured my attention yet. I had intended to start Sun Down today, but that's not likely to happen now. If it fits for N, I will add it to round 3.

My audiobook that I am currently listening to is also tagged as "creepy" , so that will cover 2/10 tags.

I am removing The Sun Down Motel since I won't likely finish by noon tomorrow. Hopefully it will fit a letter in round 4.

I added 2 finished books to the spreadsheet.

I will finish another today. I am going to try my hardest to finish the BOM by Friday, as I don't think that it will fit any of the letters in our new word.

New word: PUB QUIZZING

Shannon wrote: "Well ill be on the road for the next 16 or so hours. Planning on listening to audiobooks throughout the drive :)"

Safe travels

I will finish both of my books tomorrow. I probably won't finish another before Friday, so I will begin to work towards Round 2.

Discussion Questions - Day 3 - Parts 5 & 6

9. Structure: "The Jetsetters" is divided into nine parts with an average of five different chapters (other than Part 1, which had nine chapters) in each part. Each chapter has, as yet, indicated a point of view change. What do you think the different parts are designating, if anything? How is it affecting your reading of the book, if at all?

I am just enjoying reading it. The POV changes don't affect my reading.

10. Setting: So far, the Perkins have visited, in some capacity, Athens, Rhodes, and, most recently, Malta. How has the Mediterranian setting impacted both the story and the characters, if at all? And how do you think the story and characters would have been affected if the cruise was traveling through a different setting (say the Perkins
boarded an Alaskan cruise line), if there would be any?
I like how each character is on the cruise to get something different from it. For example, Regan is very interested in the history of it all. Cord wants to be immersed in the culture. Charlotte is flying high on the fact that she won the trip, and Lee is Lee; always looking for attention.

11. Minor Character (Paros): As a follow up to question eight (since I am biasedly refusing to discuss Matt at any great length if I can help it), Paros has positively influenced both Charlotte (in feeling seen and admired) and Lee (in reconnecting with her family after coming to some big personal realizations). Why do you think Paros (and not Charlotte's recently deceased friend Minnie or Lee's one-time therapist) has been able to make these positive influences? Do you think this will continue and Paros will positively influence Regan and Cord in some way? If so, how?

I liked how Paros was "forward" in his suggestion to get Lee with her family. Along the way, he has noticed that this trip is important to Charlotte.

12. Minor Character (Kiko): Kiko's character has been used to further characterize the children indirectly: signifying Regan's meticulous mind (a mind that is plotting a murder, ha!), Lee's reformed ways rejecting the advances of men, and Cord's attraction towards men. Is Charlotte's character also indirectly characterized via Kiko? If so, how? (Also, I was so dismayed because Cord was my favorite character and his engagement to Giovonni was so cute and yet many of you predicted that Cord would be outted by being caught in a compromising situation by his family! gasp! So I ask you...) Was Cord's flirting with Kiko harmless, or was it a foreshadowing of a similar situation to come later in the novel?

Shannon wrote: "Ashlee wrote: "When will they spin for our new word? Just wondering about planning time for the tags."

The countdown to round 2 (next spin) is posted above by Tammie. It is also in post #8 also by..."

Thank you. I didn't realize that they weren't spinning until the round was over. I thought we would have some time to "plan."