Keli’s Comments (group member since Jun 23, 2016)

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

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 like them all. It's a very sweet so far, and there is nothing to dislike about any of them. I do wonder what is wrong with Lucy's parents though. I hope we learn more there.

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 have never beeen good with riddles. My brain is far too literal. Besides, I always find out without having to rack my brain, someone else will get it or the answer will be given. I never wanted to be the one to figure it out.

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?

As I have never been successful, I wouldn't know. However, motivation is something within, there are always new heights to climb, new ways to push oneself. One could be the richest person on the planet but there's still the strongest, the smartest, the kindest, the most loved, etc. Ambitions need to change when goals are met. That's why it's so much easier to keep expectations low! 😂😂😂

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?

It's a bit of both. It's very easy for children with hard-knock lives to lose the beauty and magic of hope. If basic needs like safety, love and nourishment aren't being met, what is the likelihood of anything greater coming one's way. So it's good that Lucy encourages that wonderful part of childhood, the part that can dream. For her as an adult, I think it's more the social worker's side. But as her teacher friend pointed out anything could happen and one's circumstances could instantly change. Unlikely but possible.

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?
Maybe he is dying and wants to do something good for someone once less fortunate. When I speculate, i like to keep it morbid. 🫤

Sammy wrote: "

Giving 10 sponsor points to Kane!"

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Sammy wrote: "Woohoo! Angie, you got DQs for The Book That Wouldn’t Burn. I'm looking forward to starting that one!"

I've got the audio for that one. Looks like round 3 will be my bom month!

Mr Skarsgard please and any and all points I have left!

Teddie, drinker of the bitter invention of Satan wrote: "I think the term "thirst" was invented to describe Hemsworth



lol"

🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

Idris

Why Sammy?

RachelG. wrote: "I was also on the fence about using sponsor points but there is still one guy in the race that I need to possibly save them for..."

Alexander Skarsgard.

You want to use them for Skarsgard

The blonde swedish hottie


He's like 6'3" and beautiful

*whispers* Alexander Skarsgard

My participation - Keli D1
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Day 3 DQ's Chapter 24 - 33

9. We keep hearing how people smell. Luzia of orange blossoms, Perez of plums and amber. Why do you think the author keeps mentioning this? Do the smells mean more than just an odor?

Not sure. An aside, I once worked with a woman whose natural smell was dill. It was pleasant. My husband has a natural pine scent. On both it is/was subtle, but, to me, distinct. Not everyone has a smell, or not an obvious one aside from bo or some such, but there are some that have nice natural scents, clearly a good combo of oils and bacteria.

10. We are over halfway through the book. What has been your favourite part/scene/person/line so far?
I don't have a favorite anything. I am not a big fan of any of the characters except maybe the cook.

11. Valentina and Marius seem to be rekindling their marriage, finding love where there wasn't before. Why do you think the author is adding that part of the story when she could have left it out?
I think it adds a level of humanity to them and gives the reader a reason to feel something at their inevitable demise. I haven't read ahead, this is just a guess.

11. Now we are over halfway and know more of Luzia, the competition and this world. Why do you think the publisher and possibly the author chose this cover over any other possibilities? If you could remake the cover, what would you want it to look like?
The cover is the best part so far! The font is perfect. The art is a medieval painting. It has all the bits of the book. I would not change it.

DQs Day 2 Chapter 13 - 23

5. Luzia’s refranes combine elements from diverse cultural traditions, creating a powerful form of magic tied to her Jewish heritage. Does the portrayal of Luzia’s magic suggest that blending different cultural traditions enhances personal power and resistance, or does it emphasize the delicate balance and possible loss of identity in such a blend?
I think it is about a blend and the power from such a mix. There was a passage in there about how there is no magic in Castillian, and though I can't remember it exactly it's essentially that there is no humility and respect for nature only a desire for power. I have no doubt that the spanish, like all cultures have a long history of witchcraft and magic in there legends. I can accept that the magic of Luzia is from her jewish heritage, but she can still say it will reciting hail marys. So outwardly she looks catholic, but inside she is carrying the songs of her ancestors, so not a loss of identity imo.

6. Characters like Valentina and Hualit demonstrate varying levels of ambition and moral compromise on their paths to security and success. Is pursuit of personal safety and financial security a justifiable reason for ethical compromises, or should ambition be tempered with moral integrity?
Oh, that's a heavy question. Absolutely ambition should be tempered with moral integrity. Unfortunately, in this time and place the value of all life was not equal. But even back in the day people had to look in the mirror or, more likely, contemplate the future of their everlasting souls. I am sure there were some who knew they were wrong. Sadly, most believed they had a backing from god.

7. Have you done other reading set in late-16th-century Spain? If not, are you having any problems following the political intrigues and social mores? What’s your favorite time period to read for historical fiction?
Yes, i have read a few set in this time and place. A Thousand Orange Trees is a personal favorite. I will read pretty much any period. Not a big fan of 1900 - 1939. I find that era dull. Great clothes though.

8. What do you make of Santángel? At one point we get the line, “And Santángel would be free.” Free from what, do you think?
I know his story now. But at first, I thought maybe he was a mythical creature caught by cruel clever humans, like a phoenix or dragon. But then there was this line about him feeling like a man again, so then I wasn't too sure. A genie wish backfiring.

Nosy bonus question. Are you reading this book for historical fiction, for fantasy, for romance, and/or for DQ points for your BG team? 😉
Points. I even used my audible credit for it!

Day 1 DQ’s
1- Although Valentia feels shame in her actions to confront Luzia and her tha still threatens her to use it at her dinner party. What were your thoughts and do you feel bad for Valentia and her desperation?
It's very hard not to dislike Valentina. But she is a woman trapped by society and tradition. Although, these are not excuses for her cruelty, they are explanations. It takes a great deal to fight against the norms of society, most people won't, which is why change and progress are so slow. I was angier at Luzia for being a fool.

2-Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house and gave her extra chores. Why do you think Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house?
So she wouldn't be offered a better position, which actually happened.

3-How did using music and song to make Luzia magic work make you feel or think of.
I didn’t feel any particular way about it. Magic from song is as old as the ancients, sirens singing sailors to doom.

4- Don Victor(De Paredes) shows up at Casa Ordobos to make sure Luzia has a room with and even hints at having her join him if not. Why do you think having Luzia in her own room benefits either of them
He is bankrolling this, so she needs to be a little better kept than sleeping on the floor. But I believe that he probably never assumed she slept anywhere other than a room. I'm sure his servants don't sleep on the floors. If he did know, I imagine he would have objected only as an extension of himself

Jason.

Sonia wrote: "Sammy wrote: "I've read 4 of them now, and the first was easily my least favourite.

It probably doesn't help that I don't like Bill. At all."

The 4th was my favorite. I *hated* the end of the se..."

Did it end like the TV series? I was soooooo let down by that. I too was angry. In any future rewatch, the final episode will be avoided.

Thanks, Angie. I really want to get the Wishing Game in before the timeframe closes. It's one month, right?

Sadly, my reading plans are like my eating habits; i always want too much. It's crazy and I never learn. 😞😞😞

I really thought I'd read that Charlaine Harris book in a couple days, but it's too weird. It's a dystopian wild west but set in modern times. I will keep on, as i didn't like the first Sookie too much, but have loved all the subsequent ones. However, I am not a fan of steampunk, so I'm not sure i will get into this wild west thing either.

Angie ☯ wrote: "I will play a round of SS Tetris after work and see if we have anything finished that will work for any of the books. No need to rush through or force reading, if we have books finished that can be..."

I'm all for that. I just got The Familiar on audible. So i can get in two bom books before the time. And one is actually in the right month!

Awesome, Sammy! If you want to put yourself in my spot, it's S52.

RachelG, Hidden is my #5. Why I put it above twice like it's two different books, I don't know. With that being said, if you happen to be reading a #5, please take the space. It's S56. If you do, that means I can read the BOM first and try to get Hidden after. But I don't want you to have any stress or pressure. You don't have to take it. I will get my #5, it'll just be down to the wire.

Also anyone want to read for my #1 space? Turns out that the Gunnie Rose series is not grabbing me. I will persevere, but it's a bit of a slog and honestly, I would rather read the Wishing game and get BOM points. But i don't think I can finish my nature, lit fic, read hidden, the #1 and #5, and Bom in 5 days. One has got to go. The lit fic and nature will be finished by tonight or early tomorrow btw.

Jenny, want to swap one of your literary fiction books with mine? I am just about to finish State of Wonder which would fit a lit fic space.

Ok, there are still some serious hotties in the running, but so many have left. 🤤🤤🤤🤤 Thanks for the reminder, Sammy.
Howevs, I'm still a little bit angry at y'all for Keanu. I think it will take some time for me to recover from that shock exit. It will probably last until the Thrist Games starts up again.