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

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

Hokus Pokus
By: Fern Michaels
315 pages
4 stars

Spells: (This book has a TON of characters. I'm going to include the letters that we need a lot of)

A - FN Annie E - LN Easter I - FN Isabelle
M - Author LN R - LN Rutledge T- FN Tyler

It also has:
B - LN Barnes C - FN Charles D - LN de Silva
F - author FN G- FN Grant H - title
K - FN Kathryn L - FN Lizzie N - FN Nellie
P - FN Pearl W - LN Wong Y - FN Yoko

Classes:
Water on cover
Land on cover
Title is a spell (that should count for something) ;)

Just checking in...

I'm curreny reading

The Silver Boat (silver in title/water on cover)

Hokus Pokus

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Author: Becky Albertalli
303 pages
6/13/18

Spells:
A - author LN B - author FN C - Cal
G - Garrett L - Leah M - Martin
N - Nora S - Simon T - Taylor

Classes:
Potions: Red cover

Red Heart Tattoo
By: Lurlene McDaniel
216 pages / 43,442 words per ARbookfind

Spells:
C - Caparella F - Frierson H - Hal
K - Kelli L - author FN M - author LN
P - Paige R - title S - Stuart
T - Trent

Classes:
Maybe Charms? - can an explosion be considered fire making?

What do we think about for "wide open space" for the Banishing Charm? I'm thinking the sky is a pretty wide open space.

Lilac Girls
Author: Martha Hall Kelly
Pages: 512
Date Read: 6/11

Spells:
C - Caroline F - Ferriday H - Herta
K - Kasia L - title M - author FN
O - Oberhauser P - Paul R - Rodierre

BOM Link : https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Leah on the Offbeat
Author: Leah Abertalli
Pages: 339
Date read: 6/10

Spells:
A- author LN B - author FN G - Garrett
L - Leah M - Morgan N - Nora
S - Simon T - Taylor W - Wells

BOM link - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQs Day 5 Chapter 38-47

29. What did you think about the relationship between Caroline and Paul? Was it a satisfying ending?

I'm glad that Caroline and Paul made their way back to each other. I hope they find some happiness.

30. Which story was the most interesting to you, Caroline, Kasia, Herta? Why?

I think Kasia's story was most interesting, as this is the first I have heard of the rabbit experiments. It was interesting to read about her journey through the camps and the aftermath of dealing with her pain and her anger.

31. “Lilacs only blossom after a harsh winter.” What did you think about the explanation for the title of the book?

To me, this quote let's one know that even in the harshest of times, it is possible to come back just as beautiful as before.

32. Many years later Herta wore Halina’s ring. Do you think she cared for Halina more than she would admit? Or do you think Herta was too cold hearted to really care about another person?

She absolutely cared about Halina more than she admits. Admitting to this would have gotten her killed along with Halina, so she had to put up a front.

33. Did you learn anything about WWII and the years after that you did not know before? If so, what?

I had never heard of the rabbit experiments.

34. Kasia got closure about her mother’s death. And in the end Kasia did positively identify Herta. Did you like the ending to the book? Would you recommend this book to others?

I'm glad that Kasia was able to get her closure and return safely to her family.
I would like to recommend this book to others, but it was a bit slow going for me.

Discussion Questions Chapter 19-28 4&5 June

13. There are several references to ‘dog-earing’ books. What are your thoughts on this practice?

I think it is an absolute travesty. :) I like keeping my books in perfect condition.

14. Abby is reading Harry Potter, one of Leah’s favorite series. She comments on how much she loves her art and says she ‘would pay for it’. Do you think Abby is being truthful or just trying to impress Leah? Have you ever done something like this and how did it turn out for you good or bad?

I do think Abby is being truthful while still trying to impress Leah. All of their friends comment on Leah's talent. I think Abby is just trying to give Leah options. I do not have any personal experiences.

15. Leah and Abby attend a college party during their spring break ‘road trip’. Leah has some success with playing the drums for the group gathered there. She really down plays how well she did and she down plays herself quite a bit in when she’s with Abby. Why do you think she’s doing this…to me anyway, she seemed a lot more confident at the start of this book?

I don't take Leah as a confident character at all. I think for her entire life she has second-guessed what she does and whether others will be accepting of her.

16. Since Abby ‘stole’ Leah’s first kiss things have taken a significant turn in their relationship. Abby has admitted to somewhat ‘coming out’ with cousins. Leah is offended by this but hasn’t really ‘come out’ with her friends. Do you believe Leah is being fair with Abby? What are your thoughts on her continued reluctance to at least come out with her best friend Simon? What about Nick…what would you do considering Nick’s recent relationship with Abby?

I think Leah is justified to be angry. Abby never even hinted at the possibility of being bi and to Leah this feels like a slap in the face. Leah knows who she is, but as stated prior, always second guesses herself. I feel this is why she is afraid to tell Simon.

17. What are your thoughts about Leah asking Garrett to prom and the conflicting budding relationship she’s having with Abby? Is she being fair to Garrett and if not, what should she be doing?

I guess this isn't really fair to Garrett, as it's fairly well known that he has feelings for Leah.

18. Leah loves ‘the dress’. But she has a tremendous amount of guilt about her mother purchasing it for her. What are your thoughts about this guilt? If you don’t mind sharing, tell us about a personal prom dress experience.

Prom dresses are outrageously expensive, and I understand Leah's guilt. However, I also understand her mother wanting to make this the perfect night for her daughter.

Discussion Questions // Chapters 29-35 // June 8&9

19. Leah and her mom discuss the idea of the "perfect prom night." Her mom has fond memories of her own prom night, but Leah thinks the perfect prom night is a cliche. Where do you fall in this discussion?

Prom night does have many cliches, but it is that one special night of one's high school experience that should be cliche.

20. There are several royal references in this section of the book - Leah's mom being into Prince William (I have to admit, I always thought Harry was the cuter prince) and Taylor's dress looking like Kate Middleton's wedding dress. Do you follow the royal family?

No

21. Leah finally spends a little time with Wells and they have a little bit of a bonding moment over the fact that he didn't have a lot of money growing up either. I love how this conversation parallels the idea that Leah feels guilty over her mom purchasing the dress and wish we had seen a bit more of Wells - he seems like a good guy. What do you think of him?

I also wish that we saw more of Wells. After the discussion between he and Leah, he didn't seem as bad as Leah made him out to be. I also enjoyed that he shared a similar life experience with Leah, showing her that it is okay to not have a lot in life, it's just motivation to work really hard for your future.

22. Morgan apologizes to Leah about the Abby comment but Leah isn't sure how to deal with "secondhand forgiveness" and whether she should forgive Morgan because Abby's forgiven her. What are your thoughts on this, I definitely agree that it's messy!

I always say that if a sincere apology is made, it is time to move on. If Abby is able to move on, then Leah needs to follow.

23. This isn't really a question, but I couldn't get through these questions without making a point of the American Girl Bistro they ended up having their pre-prom dinner at. Poor Garrett, he means to well! I'm glad the group made the best of it - did your prom have any strange mix-ups?

This was a great addition to the storyline. It just showed how crazy their group really is. Poor Garrett tried so hard. I'm glad the group made the best of it.

24. When faced with the reality that Abby is into her, Leah turns practical on the whole situation and insists that they need to wait - worried about the effects it would have on Nick, Garrett, and the tenuous threads holding their friend group together. She then realizes that isn't what she wants, and runs back for her cliche prom kiss. Do you think Leah spent so much time worrying about other people's happiness that she didn't give her own any attention?

I do think that Leah always tries to make sure everyone around her is happy before she worries about her own happiness. I'm glad that she gave into her feelings, and was in turn, comfortable being around her friends.


25. What did you think of the book overall? If you haven't read Simon vs The Homosapien Agenda, do you think you'll be reading it now? Any other final thoughts?

I enjoyed this book. Although I have read the Simon book, I plan to do a reread. One, because I don't remember much about it. Secondly, to compare it to the movie. :)

1. Have you read Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda? Maybe seen the Movie yet? (I haven't, it is not out in The Netherlands yet) Did you like the book/movie? For me it was a while since I read Simon, but some of the characters stuck in my mind so for me it helps with the dynamics of Leah's group of friends.

I have read Simon, but don't remember a whole lot from it. I'll have to reread it before the movie comes out this week.

2. From what I've read so far I love the references to fandoms, fanfiction and reading. A quote for the Slytherins among us: "I'm basically your resident fat Slytherin Rory Gilmore.", Do you think this describes Leah?

Slytherins are known for being sneaky. I don't see this being a good description for Leah.

3. I love the friendship between Simon and Leah. Did you have a friendship like theirs in highschool?

I did have a friendship like Leah and Simon have, however, as we grow older, we grow apart from our friends.

4. "Imagine going about your day knowing someone's carrying you in their mind. That has to be the best part of being in love - the feeling of having a home in someone else's brain. What's the best of being in love for you? Do you agree with Leah?

The best part of being in love is always having the want to speak to or see your one and only. Always being excited when you see each other.

5. Do you read fanfiction like Leah does? Or make fanart like she is making? Do you post art or pictures you make on Instagram or Tumblr? Do you maybe write fanfiction, if you do what kind and which fandom?

No fanfic for me.

6. What do you think of Leah's group of friends? Do you like them?

I think this group of friends is very diverse. I do like them because I think it's a good thing when you always have someone to turn to.

7. Will Morgan's rejection letter break up the group of friends? What did you think of her reaction as to why she did not get in to the university? Do you agree with Leah's reaction?

I think the group will eventually come together again. I do think it was nasty what her reaction was. I admire Leah for sticking up to the racism.

8: So, Abby seems to be an annoying type of girl who will talk your ear off. How do you feel about Abby and how the other girls treat her? How do you feel when Leah invites Abby on the roadtrip?

I like Abby. I think the other girls are just jealous of her because everything comes so easily for her. Leah and Abby going on a roadtrip is sure to bring a new element to their friendship.

9: In chapter 13, we catch a glimpse of her mom. Do you like it when moms are so overprotective and want to do everything for their daughter together?

My mother and I are super close, so I don't look at this as overprotective. I think moments like looking for a prom dress are what mothers and daughters should do together.

10: How do you feel about Abby flirting with Leah? Do you think that they could have a relationship and it last?

I'm not sure that this would be a lasting relationship.

11: How do you feel about Morgan being racist. What would you do in this situation?

I would do the same thing Leah did. It's important that you stand up for what you believe and stand up for your friends.

12: My feelings definitely changed for Abby. Have your feeling changed towards Abby? If so, then what changed and why?

I have always liked Abby's character. I would assume that some people would look down on her for dumping Nick, but I think that's a natural part of the transition from high school to college.

I started Leah, and am working my way through Lilac Girls. It's just not keeping me interested...

I can start The Silver Boat tomorrow. It's under 300 pages, so it shouldnt take me more than 2 days.

Starstruck
329 pages
4 stars

This book is currently placed in for Astronomy.

DAILY QUESTIONS - SET 4
CHAPTERS 27-37 - PART 2

Q20. (CH 27 - CAROLINE) AS THE WAR STARTS TO WIND DOWN, CAROLINE LEARNED THAT PAUL WAS STILL ALIVE. WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT HER RUSHING TO FRANCE TO SEE HIM? HOW DO YOU THINK PAUL FEELS ABOUT CAROLINE?

I guess without the work commitments that she has been overcome with, she had the time to go to Paul's rescue. I think Paul does still have feelings for her, but he seems to be that stereotypical actor playboy,

Q21. (CH 28 - KASIA) KASIA SEEMS TO BE STRUGGLING MORE THAN ZUZANNA TO BEING BACK IN POLAND. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?

Kasia and Zuzanna are 2 completely different people. Kasia is very stubborn and close-minded, and Zuzanna is more nurturing and open-minded. With that being said, Kasia is having trouble getting reacquainted to daily life where she is semi-free to do as she pleases.

Q22 (CH 29-30 - CAROLINE) HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN CAROLINE CAME BACK TO PAUL'S HOUSE TO MOVE IN? WHAT ABOUT WHAT SHE WAS ASKED TO DO? WOULD YOU DO IT? AND WHY DO YOU THINK SHE ULTIMATELY DECIDED TO HELP?

I think Caroline is a very strong person to have agreed to do what she did. However, she knew what she was getting into when she began a relationship with a married man.

Q23 (CH 31-32-33 - KASIA) WHERE YOU SURPRISED AT WHAT KASIA FOUND WHEN WORKING AT THE HOSPITAL AND HOW THINGS EVOLVED FOR HER? DO YOU THINK SHE'LL FIND HER HAPPINESS?

I love that Kasia found Pietrik. I think this is exactly what she needed to help her begin to heal and be accustomed to being home.

Q24 (CH 34 - HERTA) WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS FOR HERTA? HAVE THEY CHANGED OVER THE COURSE OF THE BOOK?

I still despise Herta.

Q25 (CH36 - CAROLINE) - CAROLINE HAS STAYED IN FRANCE AND IS DOING HER VOLUNTEER WORK IN PARIS. WHY DO YOU THINK SHE WON'T READ ANY OF PAUL'S LETTERS? WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT THE TURN OF EVENTS AT THE END OF CHAPTER 36?

Reading Paul's letters will just make her want him more. I would like to believe that she is not reading them because she is trying to give him his family.

Q27 (CH 37 - KASIA - PART 3) 10 YEARS HAVE PASSED. WHY DO YOU THINK KASIA'S RELATIONSHIPS WITH HER FAMILY ARE WHAT THEY ARE? HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT HER AT THIS POINT IN THE STORY?

Clearly she has some serious PTSD. She can no longer be in charge because she is dependent upon her father providing a home for the family.

Q28 A LOT OF TIME WAS COVERED IN PART 2 AND THEN INTO PART 3 - DID YOU FORSEE ANY OF THE DEVELOPMENTS? DO YOU THINK WE'LL LEARN WHAT LILACS MEANS TO THE STORY?

I think the meaning is coming....I hope.

Good luck! Read like lightning!

Mine are on there. I should be finishing up 1, maybe 2 today.

DQs Set 3
15. We hear now of some of the experimental operations carried out on the "rabbits" How do you think the girls are managing to get through it and still help one another?

Determination is a huge factor is staying strong and beating the odds. I think these girls are determined to make it home alive, and in order to do that, they know they must help one another.

Q16 Caroline, still in New York, but no longer with a job in the French Embassy starts to sell war bonds. How do you feel about her character development?

I think Caroline is my favorite character. She continues to do what she needs to do to help those who are less fortunate.

Q17 I am concerned that we are now over half way through the book, there have been some floral references but as yet we have no idea WHO the Lilac Girls are and WHAT their association is. Do you have any ideas on either the Who or the What?

I'm really not sure, yet, how the title comes into play.

Q18 Herta arrives at your front door - knowing what she has been involved in what would you do?

I also would have turned her in. The things that she did were despicable, and she should be punished.

Q19 this is more of a general question. There are a LOT of Historical Fiction books that focus on WWII What is there in this book so far that will make it stand out for you?

I like that this book gives the POV of people from 3 different areas, who all seem to be connected.

Just checking in...

I'm currently making my way through Lilac Girls and have begun Starstruck. I requested Leah on the Offbeat from the library and can pick it up tomorrow. I am officially done teaching for the summer, so I will have plenty of extra time to read.

I'm not sure Quidditch is for me, since I do not read nearly as quickly as what I have seen. However, I'm looking forward to seeing what the Tri-Wizard Tournament will be about.

DQs Set 2:

8. (Chapter 9 - Herta) - Herta arrives at the re-education camp and realizes that they are killing the prisoners. She also meets Fritz again, someone she knew from medical school. She says she’s going to leave because of what they are doing at the camp. Do you think she will leave?

I don't believe Herta will leave the camp. Leaving would "mark" her and her family, and I'm not sure that is a risk she is willing to take.

9. (Chapter 10 - Caroline) - Paul returns to Paris, and then Hitler invades Paris. Paul gets a call in to Caroline. Do you think they will ever see each other again? How would you feel if your loved one was in the middle of a war zone?

I don't hold out much hope for Paul and Caroline reuniting. If Paul were my lover, I would be terrified, but at the time of this story, this event was to be expected.

10 (Chapter 11 - Kasia) - Kasia and her family are caught by the SS and sent on a train to a camp. Kasia feels bad and thinks she brought this on herself. Do you think they are arriving at the camp where Herta works? Should Kasia feel guilty about bringing this arrest on everyone?

As the synopsis says, the lives of these three women will cross, so I do think that Kasia will be arriving at Herta's camp. I also believe that Kasia definitely feels the blame of this upon her family.

11. (Chapter 12 - Caroline) - Caroline takes on a top secret mission in locating all the camps - re-education and extermination. Do you think she might find Paul in one of them?

I always try to look for the silver-lining of a good love story, but I think that if Caroline manages to find Paul's camp, she will also discover that he didn't make it.

12. (Chapter 13 - Kasia) Kasia and her family are taken to the same camp where Herta works. Her math teacher is murdered in front of her and she is assigned to pull her to the pile of dead people. She must be facing such desolation and hunger. Have you ever felt this same sense of isolation, hopelessness and anger? How do you think you would handle it?

Although I have never felt this sort of pain, I'm not sure I could have been as composed as Kasia. My mouth and outspoken nature would definitely be my downfall.

13. (Chapter 14 - Herta). Herta and Kasia’s mother Halina are working together now at the clinic. They seem to forming some kind of friendship. How do you think this will play out with Herta being German and Halina being German/Polish?

For the time being, they seem to be getting along well. Although, others are beginning to question their friendship. This leads me to believe that there will be repercussions on Herta for befriending Halina.

14. (Chapter 15 - Caroline) Caroline finds out that Paul and Reena are on the list of prisoners in Paris. She continues to support the orphaned children in Paris by selling some of her family silver. She stands up against anti-semitism in the shop. I really like this character’s gumption and willingness to stand up for what’s right. Have you ever been in that situation? If so, what did you have to do?

I feel that standing up for what you believe in is an inherent quality. This is what I have always been taught to do, and will always do whole-heartedly. However, during this time period, a woman standing up for herself was frowned upon.

Fangirl
6/2/18
438 pages (this is the hardcover number, I listened to audio)

Spells:
A - LN Avery C - FN Cather F - title
L - FN Levi N - FN Nick R - autho
W - FN Wren

Classes:
Arithmancy
Herbology - shelved on first page as chick - lit by 633 people