ClaireB’s
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(group member since Jul 06, 2014)
ClaireB’s
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from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.
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Oct 04, 2020 02:33PM
DQs for Chapters 9 through 159. Circe's character goes through quite a few developments in personality in these chapters, both positively and negatively. How do you think the time in Aiaia has changed her?
Being far away from her toxic family was good for her. She's able to explore who she really is, without the nefarious influence of the people who diminishes her all the time.
10. "But in solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the Earth" (chapter 11) - when I read this quote, I felt sorrow and sympathy for Circe, for all her life, she has been dealt the bad hand. What did you feel? Do you think Circe felt any real connection with Daedelus or do you think she is attracted to anyone who treats her a little differently from her family?
No, I think there's a real connection with Daedalus. They both have to deal with people who don't appreciate them as they should.
But I have to say, Madeline Miller truly transformed Daedalus. He's quite different from the original myth, or at least my own interpretation of him. Or maybe it is to show how Circe sees him, in that case the connection might be not as profound as I felt reading the book.
I don't know. lol.
11. Every chapter in this section explored her relationship with a different character - Daedelus, Madea, Pasiphae in Crete and we get a sneak peek at her relationship with Odysseus. Each experience affects her adversely, sometimes positively, most times negatively. Which character did you like/ dislike the most and why? How do you think that character changed Circe?
Of course I disliked Pasiphae the most. She went out of her way to once again bully her own sister, making her go through this long and perillious voyage just so she can insult her once more. she's truly dispisable. But I was glad to see Circe rebel a little this time. It shows that being away from her nefarious family did her some good. She was able to built up some backbone. Good for her. I don't think she will take any more crap from her family from now on.
12. Circe's trust in mortals is shattered after her traumatic experience with a man. How do you think this will affect the rest of the story? Do you think she'll come to change her opinion?
That's the whole start of the myth of Circe the witch, and it gives a good explaination why she's often represented as a villain.
Oct 04, 2020 02:23PM
Day 1 DQs Chapters 1 - 4 (for October 2nd)1. Our setting for this book is the world of Greek mythology. What is your background with Greek mythology? How do you think your knowledge and opinions of Greek mythology will influence your reading of this book?
I have a decent knowledge of Greek mythology. I studied some of it during my latin classes in High School and I've read the Odyssey. I've always been fascinated by mythology in general. And this is my second time reading Circe.
What this book did for me is to give a voice to a strong female character, and give us another perspective on those greek heroes. I really liked that. It was well done.
2. In the first few chapters, we are introduced to Circe's family. I found myself having many different feelings about the characters presented. Which relationship has caused you the most emotion? What is it about that relationship that causes those emotions?
It was horrible to see Circe treated this way by her own family. For me it was the sister, Pasiphae, and the mother who were the worst in this whole mess. It's hard to read about a character who is so unloved by those people who should have loved her the most. At the same time I get that a God/Goddess's relationship to their family members can't work the same as for humans. After a while it must be hard to keep track of them. But on the other hand, Circe is presented in this very humane way, and thus it makes it hard to accept.
3. Why does Circe approach Prometheus? How do you think this will affect her later in the book?
I think it's because of Circe's unusual compassion and maybe her curiosity about mortals. After all, she has been compared to them quite a few times by her own family. It's normal she'd feel empathy for someone who tried to help them.
4. How does Glaucos's position affect what he sees in Circe? If Glaucos was invited to a family reunion of Circe's, how do you think he would compare her to others in her family?
Of course, because of her goddess status Glaucos has to be respectful. He knows that if he pleases the Goddess she can help him greatly, and on the contrary if he displeases her she might make his life a mysery. There's something deeply disingenuous about the way he regards her I think. That's at least what I felt about him the first time I read it.
I thought it was weird no one was talking anymore. I hope they'll sort out that notification issue soon. It's annoying as heck.
Judith wrote: "Okay. I meant to offer to make meals for anyone who either didn’t want to or didn’t have the time.Though now my kid has decided napping is for losers since we transitioned his crib to a toddler b..."
That's nice of you. But if you can't find the time to do it, don't worry. I'm sure I'll be able to figure something out.
I'm also a bit unsure on what kind of dishes I should make, strategy-wise. It's a bit hard to get a good picture of what we've got ready and how much we would need of each type of dish. Should we try to aim at having dishes with loads of ingredients or are we content with the bare minimum for each dish. What is the best strategy here?
Btw, if someone wants to have fun and make dishes with the books I read, go ahead. lol. I give you the green light to make anything you want. I made a few dishes earlier but I'm just uninspired. I'm not a cook in real life, seems like I'm no better at virtual cooking. 😅
Sammy wrote: "This came up somewhere else, I'm sure. We don't need to list every ingredient. so you could have cheese, onions and mushrooms and call it a pasta dish, for example.Except for deserts and tea/coff..."
😦 I thought you needed the basic ingredients for all the dishes. That you absolutely needed some sort of pasta for a pasta dish for intstance. it seemed to make sense.
Judith wrote: "I don’t see why not. I use pie crust when I make quiche. Although I guess the quiches I made are crust-less. I just was thinking about the filling when I did the ingredients. 🤷🏼♀️"nice.
Well, crust-less quiches are not unheard of. I think you're fine leaving them like that. lol
Couldn't we use "pie" for the crust of the quiche? After all a quiche is kind of a savory pie and the same crust can be used for both???
LOL, you guys crack me up 😂🤣
This is amazing 😆
Thank you Judith !
Sep 29, 2020 12:11AM
DQ Set 5: Ch 20 - End
19. Cordelia and James end up in the Shadow Realm and are under attack by a Mandecore (sp?) on the bidding of Belial (sp?). Cordelia is able to strike once with the sword, but then is caught up in the vines. James calls on his power from his demon heritage to save them both. What do you think his use of this power will do to him in the long run? Will he suffer from it, or want more of it?
Maybe he'll want more of it and that will make him suffer. He'll fight it at first, I think.
20. The Harrondales find out they are descendants of a Prince of Hell, Belial. They all have different reactions. What would you do if you found out you were a descendant of someone/something evil?
Hmm. Good question. Not something I've wondered ever. I guess I'd be a bit depressed at first, and then I'd try to prove I'm my own person and that my ancestor change nothing about it. Or I hope that's how I'd react.
21. When they are with the enclave and James is being accused of starting the fire, Cordelia steps up to cover for James. By doing this she is putting herself in harms way in terms of future prospects. James proposes to Cordelia, but says he doesn't love her...but we know she loves him. What do you think about going into a marriage with unrequited love? Or do you think it is unrequited?
It's the worst. Poor Cordelia. But I have a feeling it won't last. My theory is that she'll end up with Matthew eventually. It might be a dumb reason to believe that, but in the Mortal Instruments all the Fairchilds are red heads. It has to come from somewhere, no? I say it has to come from a marriage between Cordelia and Matthew. lol
22. "Perhaps life was not like books. Perhaps life was never going to be like that." I love this quote. If your life could be like a book, what book would you choose?
I'd wish for a nice hallmark like romance. I'm not a fan of reading them, but why choose something scary or angsty for myself? Leave that for the books ;) I want a cosy life
23. In the Epilogue, we find that Tatiana seems to be working with the Prince of Hell. What do you think will happen in the next book in the series? Are you interested in continuing on with this series?
I was not surprised to discover that. And she's going to cause even more problems in the next books.
I will definitely read the rest of the series.
Creature Feature🧛♀️Duration: 1 October - 30 November 2020
🧛♀️Level: Full Moon (25+ books)
🧛♀️Option: Option 1: Read books featuring a creature on the Creature list
🧛♀️Books read: 31/25
(view spoiler)
1 Vampire : Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
- Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger
2 Witch : The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
3 Gremlin : The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
4 Gnome : The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
5 Banshee : Jackaby by William Ritter
6 Werewolves : Heartsong by TJ Klune
- Shift by Ruby Dixon
- Wild Country by Anne Bishop
7 Zombie : The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M Liu
8 Ghoul : Dead Ice by Laurell K Hamilton
9 Selkie : Crimson Death by Laurell K Hamilton
10 Troll : Violet by Mia Harlan
11 Warlock : The Alpha's Warlock by Eliot Grayson
12 Incubus : Love Lives by Ann-Katrin Byrde
13 Angels : The Dichotomy of Angels by NR Walker
14 Dragon: Mastering the Flames by SJ Himes
15 Succubus: Wicked Wings by Elizabeth Briggs
16 Gargoyles : White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L Armentrout
17 Wraith : Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L Armentrout
18 Demons : Every Last Breath by Jennifer L Armentrout
19 Djinn : American Witch by Thea Harrison
20 Wizard : Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind
21 Siren : Hidden by Claire Cullen
22 Unicorn : The Lion and the Unicorn by Dara Fraser
23 Grim reaper: Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones
24 Nymph : The Power of Hades by Eliza Raine
25 Mermaid : The Passion of Hades by Eliza Raine
26 Ghost : The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings by Lily Morton
27 Dwarf : Banewreaker by Jacqueline Carey
28 Furries :Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
I started the series but at that point I'd already read so much Susi Hawkes books I had an overdose. lol. So I didn't really go far into it. I don't think I've encountered Sam and Dean from that series. And if I did, I guess they didn't make a lasting impression. LOL
Sep 27, 2020 09:58AM
Jessica wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ wrote: "Just a warning though, You might want to finish Cassandra Clare's other series before reading the whole collection of stories...."Yes, I was about to read the first one in the ..."
I'd say you're safe to read 2 and 3, for sure. As they are about characters from Chain of Gold
oh, my favourite Scot is there !! 😍
Sep 25, 2020 10:57AM
Jessica wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ wrote: "Can't edit either.... The short story about Matthew is this one Cast Long Shadows"
Thanks for sharing this! I'm going to read the "Ghosts of the Shadow Market"..."
Just a warning though, You might want to finish Cassandra Clare's other series before reading the whole collection of stories. Otherwise you will be majorly spoiled, especially for the Dark Artifices series.
Oh, okay. That's good to know
Sep 25, 2020 12:26AM
Sep 25, 2020 12:24AM
DQ Set 3: Chapters 10 - 159. What do you think of Grace's request for James to runaway and get married as mundanes? Was James right to say no? What do you think of her then turning around the next day and announcing her marriage to Charles? What do think Grace might be trying to achieve
Of course he was right to say no. That request is clearly a trap of some sort, or a ploy to break up in a way that she can blame it entirely on James. I don't know what her plans are but that's some shitty move. Also the thing with Charles is weird. it's too sudden. I've no idea what Grace is dooing beyond creating chaos around her.
10. The demons know who James is? More they do what he requests of them. What do you think of that? Do you think it is more than just the fact his grandfather was a demon?
Could be a ploy to put him in a bad light in the eye of the clave??? idk
11. Ragnor only tells them the information about Gast because they are children and not yet Clave. He then explains he is scooting off to Capri? Does this seem strange to you ? or that maybe something more dangerous they should probably know?
Ragnor appears in other books in the shadowhunter world. He's always been acting weird.
12. "Ariadne does not care what I do. Her interests lie elsewhere" Charles & Alistair. Did this surprise you? And do you think Ariadne's interests ie in the direction of Anna?
Well Charles couldn't have really talked it out with her. I feel like it's more something he said to be left alone.
It did and it didn't surprise me in a way.
13. Matthew appears to have a drinking problem? There also seems to be much more about him than meets the eye. Do you think he might be drinking to hide something? Is it me or he he seem also to be somewhat drawn to Cordelia?
If you want to know what happened with Matthew you need to read his short story in Ghosts of the Shadow Market. It will all make sense.
I think he has a little crush on Cordelia.
