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

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

DQ: 18 May - Sugi and Chikako's Hotel for Pets & Between Friends


9) Considering Satoru seems to be quite perceptive overall, do you think he knew about Sugi’s less charitable feelings about him, both in the past and during this visit?

I'm sure that Satoru knew of Sugi's feelings. However, to me, Satoru seems the type of person that doesn't much care what others think of him.


10) So far, the chapters have all been combining Satoru and Nana’s journey with Satoru’s past with several other people, as well as their backgrounds. How do you feel about this interlude (chapter 3.5) focused entirely on the man and his cat? What does it add to the story?

I liked this because I really didn't enjoy Chapter 3.

11) For the first time, we got a hint of what’s going on with Satoru when the dog said “he smells like he isn’t going to make it” in chapter 3, and this came up again in chapter 3.5. So it sounds like Satoru is ill… was that your prediction for question 4?

I had begun thinking that Satoru was not well. I had hoped, for Nana's sake, that Satoru was going to give in and be able to care for him, but it doesn't appear that is going to happen.

12) Squabbles between cats and dogs were really present in these sections. So: Are you a cat person or a dog person or both (or neither)?

I am definitely a dog person. Although this could get me feathered and tarred, I despise cats.

Ushashi wrote: " May Mini Update

We have less than 2 days to go for the May Mini end.

Status of unfinished books:

Suzanne: 1 (She Who Became the Sun)
Ashlee: 2 (The Travelling Cat Chronicles and Along Came a S..."

I finished The Travelling Cat Chronicles. I am headed over to finish the DQs.

I am working my way through Along Came a Spider. We are headed out for a day of boating, so I am hoping to get some reading time. I should finish by tomorrow, but if we have something that can go in its place, that is fine. I will just finish for June.

Ushashi wrote: "@Renata, you have mentioned O as an alternate letter for Aurora's End. Do you mind if we switch it to O from A? Can you please update the justification in the tracking sheet? Then we can fit Ashlee..."

Great! Thanks

DQ: 17 May - The Unsentimental Farmer


5) I really like reading the cat's thoughts. It can be quite funny. Do you think these are convincing cat thoughts?
I, too, am really enjoying Nana's thoughts, especially when he is trying to communicate with the orange tabby. I do feel like his thoughts are convincing.

6) In this chapter we are introduced to Yoshimine, another potential owner for our cat. What do you think of him and his backstory?
I feel bad for Yoshimine. At first, when he grabs Nana, I'm not convinced I like him, but then you hear his story and how his past has made him who he is.

7) Do you think Yoshimine would have been a good owner for Nana ?
I don't think Yoshimine would have been a good owner for Nana. Nana needs someone like Satoru who is going to snuggle with him and care for his every need. Yoshemine will just put him outside to hunt for mice on the farm.

8) Yoshimine has already a kitten called Chatran, and Satoru makes fun of him for naming his cat with such a cliché name. What is for you the most cliché cat name(s)? In french it is quite common to call a cat Chaussette (meaning sock), Mistigri or Felix (actually a cat food brand).
I'm not aware of many cat names, as I am not a cat fan.

DQs 16 May: Prologue - The Husband Without a Wife

1. How are you liking the way the story is written with its alternating POVs ? Is there a POV you prefer ?
I love the POV of Nana! I really didn't think I was going to enjoy this book, but so far I find the writing very engaging.

2. Through the flashbacks we get to know Satoru's personality a bit more. What do you make of him so far ? What did you think about his way of helping his friend Kosuke?
I think Satoru is that person that is the perfect friend to everyone. He is compassionate and empathetic to what is going on in the lives of those he is around.

3. Talking about Kosuke, what's up with his parents ? It seemed to me that Kosuke was genuinely convinced that his father would agree to keep the cat (Hachi). What did you think about his backstory ?
I don't think it's a matter of what I think of Kosuke's backstory, I think it is more cultural. He came from a home with strict parents, father more so than mother, but strict nonetheless.

4. Why do you think Satoru can't take care of Nana anymore ?
I feel like Satoru is possibly not able to afford to take care of Nana any longer, but then I second guess myself. I mean he is spending tons of money driving the silver van around in his search for a new home for Nana.

Good Morning, I finished my first over the weekend and started the BOM. Currently there aren't any Mini tasks that will fit (from what I've read so far).

Alyana wrote: "Ashlee wrote: "I'm starting with .
I just ordered the BOM from Amazon because my local library network didn't have it."

I hope you'll enjoy this Ashlee. I l..."

I also love her books. She is a favorite in a book club I'm in with my cousin. I have read and . I rated them both a 5. I started last night and I am FLYING through it. It is so good!

I'm starting with .
I just ordered the BOM from Amazon because my local library network didn't have it.

Alyana wrote: "I like planning books as well, but I prefer to add them when I finish it. Sometimes, I have books that I placed the hold suddenly becomes available at the library and my timeline changes too."

Same! I love to plan ahead, but sometimes I just need a change of pace. I only added the books that I will be reading for my book clubs with my friends.

Suzanne wrote: "Cris (The Biblio Blonde) wrote: "And right on cue... :)

Hi everyone, I'm Cris!! I live in Iowa (Midwestern US). I've been married for 25 years (yikes, I'm old!), have a son just finishing up his f..."

Ok. Thank you

Despite Msg. 35, I think I am a bit confused on the prior BOMs.
If I read The Cartographers now, and 2 other BOMs during the challenge, we will get 1 extra point?
Also, no option to go back and read prior BOMs?

Leslie Ann wrote: "Hi, I am Leslie from Colorado. I am retired but somehow I manage to be busier than when I worked. Hmmm, maybe I have a bad case of fomo. Nice to see some old friends from other challenges. I also l..."

I received a Cricut as a Christmas gift and I have yet to open it because it scares me. LOL
You'll have to let me know how things are going with yours.

Hi Team,

I'm Ashlee from Pennsylvania, USA. I am a middle school Special Education Reading teacher. I am addicted to reading challenges since I tried Uno 7 years ago.

I will pretty much read any genre, but I lean more towards mystery, romance, and young adult.

Oh my goodness! I am so sorry. I got sidetracked today and realized that I didn't update my books. :(

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season!

I'm adding the 2 I finished the morning to the spreadsheet.

Cordelia wrote: "This is the final round?", no there is 1 more round.

I was really hoping to get more reading done this weekend, but I am really in a slump. I have started 4 different books this week, but none have caught my attention, yet. I am slowly trudging through, so I will add to the spreadsheet when I figure out what I will actually finish.

Finished with my last one for this round. I have started a stack of books that have green font. I will work on that tomorrow.

Today is pumpkin roll day in my house. We'll be making 30 pumpkin rolls for our family and friends for Thanksgiving. Does anyone have any special events happening this coming week that you are looking forward to?

Just checking in...

I will be finishing 1 book tonight and then will be moving onto my paranormal book. I will definitely have both finished by Saturday.

I requested the YA BOM from my library, so hopefully it will come in on time.

I have the day off on Thursday, for Veteran's Day, so hopefully I will get a day of reading in. :)