Sana’s Comments (group member since Oct 27, 2017)

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

DQs - Day 2

5. In this section, TP is shedding some light (or dark?) on the Patrician's character. What is your opinion about him? Would you prefer him to rule your country instead of the "real" politicians?(A question to DW Veterans: do you remember any other books where V's aversion to mime artists is mentioned or we are given an explanation why?)
I found Lord V very cold and calculating. He has to be ruthless to run a city like Ankh-Morpork and he is doing a fine job. I would prefer him to the incompetent politicians of my city.

6. What about Lady Sybil as the "heroine" or female MC of the book? She certainly seems to be the complete opposite of how "classical heroines" are represented in fantasy or other books. Have you met her counterpart / someone very like her in non-DW books or films? Would you get a pet dragon if you had the chance?
I loved Sybil. She is a very practical and level headed woman. I never like the dainty, useless ones usually portrayed in fantasies.

7. If you are familiar with the detective fiction/mystery genre, do you think Guards! Guards! has been following a similar structure in its idiosyncratic way so far?
I don't read much detective fiction/mystery. After a while they are all starts to alike. Guards! Guards! follows similar structure but in a more humorous and sarcastic way making fun of itself.

8. Maybe it's too early to ask this question, but I am not a character to able to resist the temptation of it. Please forgive me.
So, any ideas, who which actors/actress would you choose as Lord Vetinari / Sam Vimes / Carrot / Lady Sybil. ...etc if you were a casting director?
I'll leave that for others. I'm really bad at casting :))

DQs Day 1 (ends: "'That means you too, Sergeant' the captain added. 'Yessir.'" )


1. For the newbies: what did you expect before opening a police procedural written by Pterry? For re-readers, how does this sub-series line up in your order of preferences?
I expected to be entertained and TP didn't let me down.

2. The first person we meet in this story is Vimes, meet collapsing, drunker, into the gutter... What does this mean for the story? For newbies: how do you feel about Vimes?
The first impression of Vimes is a drunk and quite useless guard and I knew we are going to get a fun ride.

3. The Brethren (and I loved the elaborate exchange of codes!) have a disussion of the Lost King trope. Do you think the Supreme Grand Master will be able to find Ankh-Morpork's Lost King???
Nope. But he will try to find someone he can control or use as a puppet.

4. Carrot is our route to discovering Ankh-Morpork. Do you find this an effective way to understanding the city and its issues?
I already knew the infamous city of Ankh-Morpork but enjoyed seeing it through the innocent eyes of Carrot.

Posted Guards! Guards! for task #200

DQ Day 6 - Seventeen - Epilogue (end)

22. Were you expecting Linus to leave the island? What were your feelings while reading the different goodbye scenes?
I was heartbroken! Those scenes made me cry.

23. Linus has gone through a journey of self-discovery throughout the book. The Linus from the beginning is a completely different person to the Linus defending the orphanage case to the Extremely Upper Management and challenging the people surrounding him. Do you think his speech was the reason why they approved the orphanage to remain open? Were you expecting him to change that much? What do you think that are the things that have impacted him the most?
I was expecting Linus character to grow and the author delivered on that. His speech did mattered but I think the Extremely Upper Management approved the orphanage to keep Linus mouth shut because he had come to terms with how dysfunctional they actually were. They had no idea that Linus would grow a backbone, steal their files to unveil the true nature of DICOMY. And it was all because of the love he felt for these unique children

24. What do you think about the ending? Our beloved characters got their happy ending and it seems that things are starting to change in society. Would you have changed anything or are you happy with how things ended?
I am happy with how it ended.

25. What is your final rating for this book? Did it deliver the story you were expecting? If you had to summarise your review for a friend in one sentence, what would it be?
I gave it 5 stars.
'A delightful and heartfelt book.'

Day 5 Chapters 15 and 16

18. Is it DICOMY that is using Linus? Or is Charles Werner personally involved because of his history with Arthur? He is the only one responding to the reports Linus sends. Do you think he is jealous of what seems to be happening between Arthur and Linus?
I think it's both. I hated DICOMY and Charles is a jerk who wants to keep tabs on Arthur.

19. The secret is out…Arthur is a phoenix. Wonderful power or a curse? Why would DICOMY want him to keep it a secret from the children?
DICOMY wants anyone who has unique power under their control. And who can more unique than Arthur, the last of his kind. Because of that DICOMY has kept him isolated on Marsyas Island with the most powerful and disturbed children.

20. Theodore shows Linus his hoard, what did you think of it? What does it represent to you?
Gosh, that scene just melted my heart! It had so much trust and adoration packed in it and also it was Theodore's way of saying 'remember me' when he gave that brass button back to Linus dented by his fangs.

21. Linus is nearing the end of his stay. Do you think he will go home after everything that happened in the village? Will there be repercussions from DICOMY?

DQ Day 4 - Chp Eleven - Fourteen (p282)

14. Did you enjoy the visit to town? What are your thoughts on Helen? Does she seem like a real character or too convenient?
Visiting town was fun. I was feeling apprehensive about how the kids will be received but thanks to Helen it went fairly well. I like her.

15. Why do you think that Sal trusted Linus to move his desk?
Linus is slowing gaining trust of everyone including Sal who is not so trusting and very shy. Letting Linus move the desk was a sign from Sal that he is warming up to Linus.

16. Lucy has a nightmare in this section. Did this make him seem more powerful or more like child? How do you think Linus handled the situation?
Lucy is a child who wields lot of power. It's a tremendous burden for such a young boy. The nightmare scared me. I think Linus presence was a helped to both Lucy and Arthur.

17. What do you think of the use of the word home, as a theme for this book? It has been used by Linus, Zoe and by Extremely Upper Management?
Home. for me is where you have the freedom of being yourself and with your loved ones. They all have different interpretation of home.

DQs Day 3 ~ Eight - Ten (p195)

9. Linus completed his first report for the DICOMY; what did you make of it? Did you think he reported anything that he should have left out? How about future reports – how do you think they will compare to this one?
I think Linus did okay. He's trying to keep his perspective unbiased in the reports.

10. Ms. Chapelwhite takes Linus on a hike through the forest to show him a raft that she wants reported but doesn’t want the children or Mr. Parnassus to know about. Linus was taken aback by the message sent on the raft. (view spoiler) Did your opinion of Linus change when he suggested they send a message back? What did you think of his message?
Before the raft scene I Linus felt like another cog in the machinery of DICOMY. Detached and uncaring. But after the message he sent I started warming up towards his character.

11. Linus seems a bit smitten with Arthur. Do you sense there is a mutual attraction between the two? Do you think anything will take root and blossom?


12. That was quite the adventure that Lucy led. Were you surprised that Linus stepped up and began to join in on the story? What all did you learn about the children, about Linus, about Arthur and Zoe?
I would have been surprised if Linus had maintained his distance from the kids. They are so adoring and a riot to be with. They have their own unique talents and personalities but they very mush care about each other. It's Arthur and Zoe's unconditional love and encouragement that has made this bunch of misfit kids into a family unit.

13. As this chapter wraps up, Zoe and Phee are talking with Linus listening. He can relate to Phee’s comment that she likes the trees better than she likes most people. Do you think Linus learned anything from the “lesson” that Zoe gave him through Phee’s growing the flower for Linus and her explanation of the trees and root system?
That everything is connected and has aplace in this world

DAY 2 QUESTIONS. JULY 17. CHAPTERS 5-7

5. The book is set in an unknown city and then onto Marsyas Island. Country Unknown. Do you think it is set in an alternate universe to our own eg UK or USA or a completely fantasy location? Does it matter or make you think differently about the storyline either way?
In the beginning I thought that it was set in UK (I don't know why but it felt that way) but afterwards it felt like it's set in parallel universe. It doesn't really matter.

6. First impressions of the house and Linus' reaction to it? What is your own reaction to it and how it is described?
I don't know why I thought it would be something like Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, lol. But like Linus I found it old and homely.

7. In Chapter 6 we are introduced to a colourful array of children and the enigmatic Mr Arthur Parnassus. Who is your favourite child and ability so far and what special talents do you think will be revealed about Arthur?
Of course, it's Lucy! I loved that little drama queen/devil!
I've finished the book and Arthur turned out to be quite a unique surprise.

8. At the first dinner welcome for Linus the reader is bombarded with a plethora of notable pearls of wisdom from Arthur Parnassus which made me realize the allegorical themes of this story.
"Sometimes our prejudices color our thoughts when we least expect them to. If we can recognize that, learn from it we can become better people."
"Because even the bravest of us can still be afraid sometimes as long as we don't let our fear become all we know."
"There are things in this world that defy the imagination."
"He'd never be a bellhop because what Hotel would hire one such as him, people fear what they don't understand."

What point do you think the author is trying to make through the world and characters he has imagined and what do you think these quotes hint about the story moving forward?
I think the author is pointing out not just the prejudice and intolerance for anything that is not considered norm according to societal code. And being different doesn't mean that it isn't good. Also to not be judgmental about others and give them a chance to prove themselves.

July BOM

Pages 400 (Default BOM)

DQ's Day 1
DQs Day 2
Dqs Day 3
DQs Day 4
Dqs Day 5
DQs Day 6

DQ Day 1 - One to Four (p62)

1. What drew you to this BOM? Was it the fantastic reviews it’s been getting? Or the cute cover? Or something else?
This was the most recommended book to me and the cover is gorgeous!

2. What do you think of the writing style so far? I didn’t expect it to be so funny. I laughed out loud a few times at the terrible office Linus works in and at the rude neighbour. I love the way she is so rude about Linus but then keeps trying to set him up with her grandson.
The writing is good and the humor is threaded well in this heartfelt story.

3. What do you think about Linus as the main character? So far, he seems to be quite frightened of the world. How do you think he will cope in the strange situation he has been put in?
I found Linus quite dull. I'm looking forward to him growing some backbone.

4. I was surprised that one of the children on the island is supposed to be the Anti-Christ. Heart warming stories don’t tend to feature someone like that. What powers do you think he will have?
He's quite young, so no idea.

Lynne wrote: "I was supposed to do DQs today for Guards! Guards! but I cannot. Sana is signed up as backup. Any chance you can cover, Sana? I’m out of town with a family situation and have no time and barely any..."

Do I have to post them today? I've not even started the book yet, Lynn.

The House in the Cerulean Sea was highly recommended to me. I'm gonna start it soon. Right now I'm trying to finish Assassin's Apprentice. I'm enjoying Robin Hobb's descriptive writing but the pacing is so slow.

DQ Day 5 Part 3, XIII to Part 4, XII

18. We learn more about Henry. What do you make of his "broken heart"? What about the way the author described it?
I like the way the author described how sensitive and depressed Henry is.

19. Now we know why Henry isn't affected by Addie's curse. Did Luc make a mistake like Addie thinks?
I've read the book so not going to comment.

20. What do you make of Henry's "curse" where everyone loves/admires him? Is this the kind of love Henry is after? Do you think the same happens as with Addie, that when they don't see him anymore they are out of love with him?
I don't think people are out of with Henry when he is not present. Like Addie, he wanted more from life but made a grave mistake by making a pact with Luc. Also he was heart broken and intoxicated when he made the deal so he was definitely not thought of consequences. He got what he wanted but with a cruel twist to it.

21. We have a few side characters, any favorites among them or one you might want to get to know better?
Nope, none of them stood out to me.

22. A small interlude in where Addie and Henry visit The Artfact. And Addie still gets surprised after 300 years. Do you have a favorite museum or art you like to go see?
I visited my city museum only once with my kids. So not a museum person. But I would like to see Louvre.

DQ DAY 4 Part 3, II - Part 3, XII (p253)

14. Why do you think Addie puts herself through interactions like she had with Remi? It must be hard to see "lovers" grow old without you and not remember.
She is lonely and desperate to connect with other humans. She wants to be remembered.

15. Do you like Addie or Henry more so far? Why? Are you finding their stories interesting?
I found Henry more interesting and likable. Addie feels artificial to me.

16. So Addie is going to tell Henry the truth! How do you think this will go? Do you think he will still accept her or even believe her?
I've progressed in the story so I know what will happen.

17. We're halfway through the story. Do you have any fun predictions or guesses about what will happen in the second half?
Nope, no speculations

DQ Day 3 - Part 2, IV - Part 3, I (p 153)

10. In these parts the darkness comes and checks up on her a few times. What do you make of those conversations - what the darkness says and Adeline's reactions? Who or what do you think Luc is? Do you think something romantic could happen between Luc and Addie?
I think Luc is a Devil and comes to gloat Addie so she would give up. I don't think there could be any romance between them

11. Addie and Henry meet up for coffee which seems to go well. What do you think will come of this relationship? Will it last? Will it be fulfilling for the both of them?
I don't know. I only wants to know how is Henry able to remember Addie.

12. Will it be significant considering Henry could utter Addie's name? Would it be possible that Henry made a deal with Luc thus enabling Addie's and Henry's relationship? Do you think they have met or will meet in the story?
I think he's already met Luc. There's something fishy about him and how people react to him.


13. If you had a lifetime to do as you pleased, what would you do? Where would you go and what would you see?

DQ Day 2 - Part 1, XIV - Part 2, III (p129)

5. At about a fourth of the way through the book, how do you like Addie LaRue as a narrator/person?
She is okay. I like the way she sees the world but I'm not much attached to her as a character.

6. Are you more interested in Addie’s past or present life (or both)? Why?
Both. We cannot understand how she came to be in the present life without knowing her past.


7. How do you think she handled the start of her "curse"?
She did as well as she could without any knowledge of what the bargain entails. But I felt very sad how tough it was for her.

8. Addie seems to have serial one-night stands with the same person. Why do you think she does this, and do you have any concerns with the potential for manipulating the other party? (I am still thinking on this as a power imbalance).
I think Addie is starving for connection with other people. The comfort and embrace of relationship. The people she has affairs with are artists. Even though I found it creepy I understand her. As no one can remember her she is trying to influence their art so she can leave her mark.

9. In this section, we meet Henry. What is your initial reaction to Henry and his ability to remember her?
I'm interested in Henry and wants to know more about him.

July BOM

Pages: 560 (BOM default)

DQs Day 1
DQs Day 2
DQs Day 3
DQs Day 4
DQs Day 5

DQ Day 1 - Part 1, I - Part 1, XIII (p67)

1. Other than BOM points what attracted you to this book? The rave reviews? The cover? The blurb?
I was intrigued by the blurb so this was already on my tbr .

2. Have you read any other books by V.E. Schwab/Victoria Schwab? If so, how does this book compare? If not, what do you think of the book so far?
No this is my first book and I'm enjoying the writing style of this author.

3. What are your thoughts on Addie and the bargain she made?
Back in those gays women didn't had much freedom. Addie was desperate and it led to her reckless decision of selling her soul.

4. Obviously, selling your soul is going too far but if you were able to get a wish granted what would it be?
Wish for my family to be safe and happy.

Got for #228.

Finished Silas: Volume 5 for #144 MC is a wolf shifter.
Going to start The Last Mountain Man for #130.