Michelle’s Comments (group member since Sep 19, 2013)

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

Had an idea around the crime! About 58% complete with the book.
Posting to see if I'm right at the end.
(view spoiler)[Mrs Burton-Cox is the twin sister. So if the mother killed the father first, then herself, she would get the whole estate. If the father killed the mother first, then himself, she would not inherit and it would go directly to Celia and the little brother. (hide spoiler)]

I could be crazy, though. It might not actually work that way in real life.

We have been crushing the BR points. I’m in 2 right now plus the BOM

So...as of right now, I believe we are done with classes and spells!!

(Natalie, I totally want to use your book for Astronomy points, though, once you are done because it's bigger than some of the others)

Great job! Reading free for all until the tri-wizard tourney starts, which I hope is tomorrow. Keep on with those buddy reads and BOM discussions so we can get some extra points. Our team is doing really well so far and I think we can come up in the rankings with those extra points.

You all are awesome.

Updated to here.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
7/14/18
272 pages

Water making spell

Missed adding this somehow!

J.K. Rowling
734 pages
7/7/18

Vicki wrote: "Chapters 1-5

Ariadne Oliver: I guess I haven’t read enough of Agatha Christie’s books to know this character. But so far I really like her.

The mystery she is investigating is [spoilers removed]..."

Finally got to this one, and I'm just through chapter 5 so I thought I would comment.

I do love Ariadne. She's so wacky, and I love her jumps in logic. Poirot pretty much just takes her in stride at this point in their relationship.

Mrs. Burton-Cox: why in the world would it matter what order it happened in? Waiting to see how that all plays out. She's awful either way.

Lexi wrote: "The third one is my favorite."

Oh, I agree! Loved the third book best of all.

It could be that she's making me madder because of the audio! I hadn't considered that.

DQ set 1: Chapters 1 - 8

1. What are your first impressions of Jazz? What is his motivation for spying on the crime scene and requesting to help investigate?
I'm not sure how I feel about Jazz yet. He seems to be pretty messed up from his dad's "lessons". I think he's fascinated by death and wants to share what he knows, maybe?

2. "Ever since arresting Dear Old Dad four years ago, G. William had kept in touch with Jazz...". How would you characterize the relationship between Jazz and G. William? Why is the sheriff so adamant about one body not meaning a serial killer? Is he trying to protect Jazz, himself, or both?
I think G. William likes Jazz and wants to help keep him "straight" so to speak. I'm sure he knows Jazz is messed up on some level and he feels responsible for helping him grow up to be a good person. I'm not sure about the serial killer part. Obviously he's wrong about it. LOL

3. Howie has been the only friend who stayed with Jaspar after his father's exposure. Jaspar claims that he needs Howie to keep him "close to the line of safety and legality". Do you think Howie realizes what Jazz needs from him? Why doesn't he get angry when Jazz gets him into trouble?
No, I don't think Howie really understands how Jazz relies on him to keep him "normal". I think he's just a good friend. And he strikes me as a little dumb, so he's goes along with Jazz blindly.

4. Deputy Erikson has caught Jazz's attention twice now with his behavior at the crime scene and his unexplained appearance at the morgue. Do you agree with Jazz's assessment of the deputy, or do you think there is a reasonable explanation for his actions?
I think Deputy Erikson will end up being a red herring. I think we are supposed to assume he is involved but I think it will be wrong.

5. The Impressionist states he "had been given a rule" not to interact with or harm Jaspar. Who do you think might have given him that rule and why?
I think Billy has been instructing a new pupil, maybe someone who was in prison with him, and it will come to light soon. Or not. Could be another red herring!

6. Jazz has the mantra, "People matter. People are real.", as a screensaver and pictures of all his father's victims in his room? Do you think this actually helps or hurts him? Is Connie right about letting go of the past?
I think it helps him. He needs to remind himself people matter to fight against all of the things his father has told him over the years. I also think it's really hard to let go of the past, as it has shaped who you are. The only thing he can change is what he does moving forward.

7. "His upbringing... told him that women were simultaneously special and useless." How do the three women in his life (Connie, Melissa, and Gramma) match with what he has been taught? Do they reinforce or challenge the idea? What kind of influence are they on Jazz?
I'm not sure yet. I think he doesn't necessarily think women or men are special or useless. He's a little dead inside so he has the generic reminder that people aren't useless, not just women. I think he likes Connie in her own way, and is special to him. He doesn't seem to think Gramma is particularly special or useful, and Melissa might be a weird mix of both.

Jackie wrote: "I finished last night. First of all, I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying listening to the books narrated by Jim Dale. His voice of Professor McGonagall is priceless! And so is her character..."

I agree, Jackie. I love Jim Dale's narration. And the way he has McGonagall say "Potttterrr!" is great.

I'm still listening, though. Not through my re-read yet. But Umbridge is making me madder this time around. Grrrr.

Re-read for me! I think the series is great.

In for Team Draco!

Right behind you, Jenny! Starting this one after I finish the one I’m reading now.

We can slot it into Astronomy once you are done. We have a couple of 200 pagers now that we can replace for the extra points, too.

I'm going to post in the captain's group to see if they can adjust the formulas for classes. Some of them aren't computing correctly.

That will definitely work, Melissa, but only read it if you want to. I am reading right now and I think that will work, too, although yours looks perfect and probably fits better.

I'm reading mine either way, so if you were going to read The Good House anyway, go for it. It will be great for reading points, too.

Wooo! In for Team Draco. Love this series.

Updated to here.

Those buddy reads sure do help!

I was lucky enough to get picked for the DQs on I Hunt Killers so we will get extra points for that, too.

Dark Of The Moon by John Sandford
Pages: 384
Date Read: 7/12

Astronomy (also has a burning house on the cover)

Karen Michele wrote: "I’m halfway through my mars title book, but I would be reading it anyway, so no problem if someone has a longer book or gets done sooner:)"

Same, Karen. I am working on my moon book today. Once we are all done we can place the longest titles in that class.