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

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

DQs Day 2 Chapter 6 - 11

6. Jack replied to Lucy's letter and Lucy decided to run away from home. What did you think of his letter and would you have done the same as Lucy?

I think his response is just his style of writing. I definitely would not have run away.

7. We get more insights on Clock Island. Every 'hour' is its own section like for example a beach. Would you like to visit the island? Do you find the idea of it fascinating or could you not care less?

I find this island fascinating. I would absolutely love to visit it!

8. Every part starts with a quote from Jack's book. Do you think these parts are important for the story? Just showing off Jack's work? Something else?

I think they might have something to do with the riddles that we keep reading about throughout the book excerpts.

9. It seems like there will be a deeper connection between Lucy and Hugo. Do you agree? And would you approve of it given that Hugo had first met her when she was still a child?

I'm up in the air about this relationship. I do agree that there is something going on, but I can't figure out what will happen with it yet.

Discussion Questions : Day 1 (Prologue - Chapter 5)

1. We have been introduced to a few important characters - Lucy, Christopher, and Hugo. Plus the off-page persona of Jack. What do you think of the characters so far?

I am really enjoying the character building so far. While Hugo seems a bit mysterious, as a teacher, I love the bond that Christopher and Lucy have.

2. We get a riddle right away in the Prologue:

"Two men on an island and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"

Then Hugo thinks to himself that "Five years ago, it [the ocean] had brought low the small, strange kingdom of Clock Island." Do you think the riddle is related to what happened five years ago? Any speculations on what it all means, assuming you haven't read ahead?

I'm admittedly very bad at riddles. I have a feeling that it does refer to what happened five years ago, but only time will tell.

3. At the beginning of Chapter Two, Hugo says that he used to dream about living in Greenwich Village, but now that he can actually afford it, it doesn't hold the same appeal. He basically says that success kills motivation. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

I'm not sure that success kills motivation, but I do think that at low times, you have grand dreams. When the time comes to fulfill those dreams, you may realize that they aren't so grand anymore.

4. What do you think of the wishing game Lucy plays with Christopher? Do you think this game and mindset are healthy? Do you agree with Lucy that it gives them hope, or do you agree with the social worker that it just gets their hopes up?

Although he has had a rough childhood thus far, I think the wishing game is great for Christopher. What child in this situation wouldn't wish for a happy home to live? I don't think it's getting his hopes up. I think it is, in fact, giving him hope for the future.

5. Why do you think Jack finally started writing again? And what might be his motive in holding a contest for the only copy of the new book?

I think Jack may be sick and wants to finish the series with one last hurrah. What better way to do it than to hold a contest.

I also have have One S'more Summer

I have One S'more Summer

As I neared the end of the book, I realized that I had forgotten who managed to make it out of the arena. With that being said, I'm looking forward to reading Book 3 in the next round.

Adding all of my final reads for this round now.

I will not finish The Wishing Game for Round 2, but I will finish it for the BOM deadline on July 16.

Good Morning. Sorry I have been MIA lately, as I started teaching summer school and got behind on my reading. I do have three books to update once I get home today. I know I missed the DQs for Starling House, but I will continue to read so we can use it for the Door part of the challenge.

Part 2 -
I do feel that this part drags on a bit. We eventually find out about the Quarter Quell, but it's rather dull leading up to all of the action. My heart breaks for Katniss when we read of her preparing her good byes to her loved ones that she never gets to deliver.

DQs Day 1
Ch 1 to 7

1.) Have you read other books by Alix E Harrow? Was this on your tbr list before it was a BOM selection? Any expectations going in?

I have not read anything by Harrow prior to Starling House. I did grab this as one of my BOTM selections, so I already had it on my TBR. Fantasy is not a genre that I gravitate to, but the synopsis jumped out at me.

2.) Did you read the footnotes as you went along? Find them helpful? Annoying?

I am so glad that you asked this question. I did read them, but I found them super annoying and unnecessary.

3.) The discussion of E.Starling's book being too scary for children reminded me of some interviews with M.Sendalk when the Where the Wild Things movie came out several years ago about books, etc that scare children (when children are the target audience). His response was basically children should be scared sometimes and there's nothing wrong with that. And has further said, it's better to have a book full of fears than one pretending there's nothing to be afraid of. What are your thoughts on this topic?

Hmm... I wasn't aware of this interview with Sendak, but thinking about it, I have to agree that children need to see that life isn't all rainbows and unicorns. Seeing scary things is a way to teach them to be aware and resilient.

4.) What are your thoughts so far on Eden and Starling House? Has the author done a good job so far of creating an atmosphere and setting for a good gothic story?

So far, I am enjoying the setting of this story. I think the author did a great job of describing the home when Opal entered the house on the first day of work.

5.) Any favorites so far in our motley cast of characters? Opal, Arthur, Jasper, Bev, and Starling House.

So far, I'm enjoying all of the characters, but there is something special about the love that Opal has for Jasper and the overwhelming dedication to making a better future for him.

I finished my battle book. For just randomly choosing a book that matched the battle letters, The Mask was actually a great read. Ironically, it was set in the state in which I live, so it was interesting to read about some of these well known towns/cities.

I also finished Salt & Broom and updated the spreadsheet.

DQs – Day 3 Protective Impulses-Pert Thing

11. What do you think about the revelation in the garden/the haunting? Did you see it coming, and do you think there are others involved with the “curse”?
I did see this coming, but I think there will be more as the story unravels.

12. What do you think about Mr. Rochester sending away Jane and the staff? If you have read the original, how does this change Jane’s agency, and do you like the change? Either way, why do you think the author made it Mr. Rochester’s choice?

I feel bad for Rochester because, while he wants to spare the lives of Jane and his staff, he undoubtedly needs their help. I did not read the original, so I don't have a basis for comparison.

13. Have you ever visited an Apothecary’s Garden? Would you be interested in seeing one? Do you grow any herbs or are you interested in growing any?

I've never been, but it surely seems interesting. I would love to visit and learn about what can be made in terms of natural remedies.

14. What do you think about the scene with Miss Ingram? What does this tell you about Mr. Rochester’s character and did that seem consistent with his character so far? Did his explanation make sense to you?

This did not seem consistent with his character. At no point did he stand up for Jane. Thus far, I would have pictured his character stopping the scene from happening.

DQs Day 2 - Baneful-"My Own Wee Thing”

6. Jane gives Rochester a black-coloured thumb-sized stone to keep with him as a protective talisman. Do you believe in talismans? Please tell us about an object that you keep with you as a talisman?
I do believe in talismans. I keep several objects around the house, in my car, at work, etc that have been given to me by deceased relatives. I believe they bring protection and often guidance.

7. Between some of the chapters narrated from Jane’s point of view, we get chapters from Rochester’s point of view. What do you think of these “interludes”? Do they help or distract?

I think these Rochester chapters help to gain his POV of the situation.

8. We are introduced to Dr. Poole. What did you think of this character particularly with regards to Jane meeting him in the poison garden? Were there any changes in your opinion after reading Agnes’ conversation with Jane about the late Mrs. Rochester?

I think Dr. Poole is an interesting character. After hearing Agnes' story, I've come to believe that he may have been more than just Mrs. Rochester's physician.

9. We have been told several times about a curse on Thornfield. Then Jane follows Rochester to the graveyard where his family members are buried. At this point Jane says “This was a story of heartache. Everyone in Mr. Rochester’s family had died before their time, especially the females. Then his wife had done the same.” Do you think there is a connection between the curse and the early deaths?

Yes, it seems that the women in the Rochester family have reached their end far too soon.

10. We have been given information about Jane and her origin? What do you think of this twist in the tale?

Quite the interesting tale to spin...

Part 1

Having read this so long ago, I'm realizing how much I have forgotten.

Although it gets her in trouble, I love Katniss' headstrong personality. I find that I would react in the same way; trying to do everything to save my family.

It does drive me crazy with this book that it takes so long to get to the Quell.

DQs - Day 1 - Prologue-Blackthorn

1. A paranormal retelling?? of Jane Eyre - this prompts the question about the original or let's call it the "source for inspiration". What is your relationship to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë? Have you read it? Loved/liked/disliked it?

As an English teacher, I'm nearly embarrassed to say that I have never read Jane Eyre. I will definitely have to follow Salt & Broom by reading it now.


2. What about Retellings? Is it a genre you like/avoid?

I tend to enjoy retellings because it's interesting to see it possibly told from a different point of view.

3. Jane Aire as a witch in a school for orphan witches? How do you like the setting of this alternative Victorian world where magic is at least tolerated?

So far, I enjoy the setting. It will be interesting to see what she gets into leaving Lowood.

4. What are your first impressions of Jane and Rochester?

I am enjoying the characters. Fisher has done a good job creating mystery around Rochester. I'm curious to see how the rest of his character unfolds.

5. What do you think about the occurrences in Thornfield? Are they really caused by supernatural elements or is it human action?

I want to lean towards supernatural since Jane has been called upon, but my instincts tell me it is human action.

✿~Danielle~✿ wrote: "Ask is a pretty good ending. I know you’ve been wanting to do a book, so for this one go, I’m not going to to wait for any other options from others and give this one to them straightaway :)"
Sounds good. Just wanted to make sure that I was a good teammate and contributed since my Round 1 was dismal. :)

I could do . Would give them ASK to work with.

✿~Danielle~✿ wrote: "What do we have beginning with MAS?"


I'm searching. I'm thinking something that starts with Mask or Master...

✿~Danielle~✿ wrote: "LaurLa wrote: "Ashlee wrote: "I have Archer's Voice. It would give us nore overlap."

More overlap is good and ICE isn't too hard."

We really want to try and keep the overlap to th..."

I misread those rules, sorry. I thought it was MOST overlap, not LEAST.

I have Archer's Voice. It would give us nore overlap.

Christine wrote: "Ashlee wrote: "Cat wrote: "Ashlee, any chance you can make a third post for Hunger Games BR so we can get the bonus points? ☺️""

Hey Ashlee, could you please mark Hunger Games as "read" on your Bo..."

Done 😁