Jen’s Comments (group member since Jul 20, 2014)

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

I finished yesterday! I really liked it. I wasn't expecting much because the movie was just okay for me.

I really liked listening to it. When books are short, I tend to listen to them rather than read them or I will finish them too quickly. One morning, I was walking back to my house from class and it was cold and rainy. I was listening to the book on my way and I was in the part when Ree is was going to the cave. It's interesting to hear the descriptions of walking in the cold when you actually are walking in the cold.

I'm only half way through the book. At first, I really couldn't get into it. There was something about her that bothered me. After the second chapter, I was hooked.

At this point, I'm reading it really slowly because I keep finishing a chapter and re-reading it. Haha

If anyone is looking for a new book to read, I am starting Lost Voices tomorrow. It's a newly added buddy read with tomorrow as the start date.

I'm also going to be reading The Road and chatting on a past topic with another person.

So, if anyone is interested in either, please join!

I'm really looking forward to this! Tomorrow, I will start reading. As of right now, I'm planning on reading about 50 pages per day.

Michelle wrote: "I'm starting , and it's an old BR https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Anyone want to chat w..."

I am finishing up three books. I'm hoping to have them done tomorrow or Saturday. But, I have been wanting to read this one for a while. So I will be starting it as soon as Saturday and then we can discuss! (:

Happy thanksgiving everyone.
I have a nice 5 day weekend so I'm trying to finish some books.
I'm currently reading all of the following books:
Winter's Bone
Cinder
Knife of Never Letting Go
The Bell Jar

My goal is to finish all of them this weekend. I'm halfway through each at this point.

Daily Questions: Day 5
Chapters 26-31

31. There has been different onions on Ness’ writing style. How do you feel about his grammar and spelling? What do you think the biggest result of his style is: adding to the characterization of Todd, making his writing seem poor, or something else? Also, do you think it takes more or less skill to write this way?

32. [Chapter 26] Todd thinks that Aaron purposefully stabbed him in a place that wouldn’t cause him to die. Do you think the location of the stabbing was significant? What about significance even in the placement it’s self (significance of being stabbed in the back)? What are your impressions of the song; especially the lines Don’t deceive me. Never left me. (symbolism? Foreshadowing?)?

33. Todd’s thoughts seemed to be consumed by his actions of killing the Spackle. Is this the response you expected? Do you think it should be expected? Does it change your onion of Todd, or lighten the shock of the kill at all?

34. In chapter 27 when Todd narrators in parentheses, who do you think he is talking to? For example when he has to sit it says: “… there comes a time when I can’t, when I just can’t, when my legs crumple beneath me and I have to sit down. I just have to. (I’m sorry.)” Why do you think the parentheses are used? Do you think it is important?

35. [Chapter 29] Do you think Todd came to the right decision when he realized he wouldn’t kill Aaron? Does this make him a coward?

36. Why do you think Todd was seeing that boy? Why couldn’t Manchee see him? Does the boy symbolize anything?

37. Manchee. How did you feel as you read the scene at the river? What were you hoping would happen? Are you surprised by Manchee’s fate? How do you think this will affect Todd? If he decides to kill Aaron do you think it would be justifiable?

38. I’m wondering what impressions you all have for various characters. So, for each of the follow characters please pick one word to describe their personality. Pick a trait or description that you think is most central to who they are as a person.
Todd-
Aaron-
Manchee-
Viola-
Hildy-
Ben-
Wilf-
Jane-

Alright you guys, this is my first time writing daily questions. I hope I am thinking about things that you guys find interesting. Also, Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate!

Blakely wrote: "I feel silly asking this, since I know I've read the rules somewhere, but I can't seem to find them again. So, what would count as participation in a BOM? Is it just answering a set of daily questi..."

That's a good question. I do know that you don't have to answer questions, you could just comment on other people's answers or bring up new topics. However, I'm not sure how much you have to do for it to count.

Here are the daily questions up to Chapter 20.
(view spoiler)[
9. The plague is very fast acting killing people in 5 days. Don't most vaccines take a long time to create? Do you think Peony will be spared?
Yes, most vaccines do take a long time. But, in this book it seems like a lot can happen. I'm really hoping that Peony will be spared. Actually I think it would be cool if (view spoiler)[ Peony ends up with the Prince. I know, I know, there is a huge age gap. But, I just like the idea that it doesn't have to be Cinder and the Prince. (hide spoiler)]
10. First impressions of Queen Levena? Could we be mixing up fairy tales here? She reminded me of Snow White's step-mother.
Funny. That is a good description of her. I like the idea that she changes her appearance. I don't like her, I think she is supposed to be the enemy.
11. Why couldn't Prince Kai gracefully declined Queen Levena's request to come, stating the kingdom needed time to grieve alone?
I have no freakin idea. I was thinking the exact same thing. I think there should have been more of a plot build up so that him not standing up to her can be more justified.
12. Were you surprised by Kai's invitation to Cinder to attend the Ball? Do you think he'd dislike her if he found out she was a cyborg?
I was surprised. I think he could be shocked, and I don't think he would like her. At least, I hope at least for a minute he hesitates. Since being cyborg seems to be negative in this culture, it would be more believable.
13. The mirrors were an interesting twist. I hope someone smuggles in a compact with a mirror to the ball if Queen Levena attends.
I think it would be neat if one of the entire walls was covered in mirrors.
14. So if Prince Kai's father died does he need to wait until his coronation to officially become King?
Does it matter? I don't think there will be something that comes up that questions it.
15. I'm thinking the chips which were removed are going to have a larger roll later on in the story. Anyone else think this as well?
Yes. I think someone isn't who they say they are. I have a guess (view spoiler)[ I think it might be the doctor since there is an orange flash when Cinder talks to him. I just don't trust him. I think he might be working for Levena. (hide spoiler)]
16. Since this is a rendition of Cinderella it's probably safe to assume Cinder will go to the ball in disguise and perhaps use one of those ID chips. Any idea what will change her mind? Will it be what Dr. Erland revealed?
She will need to have some big reason to go. I think maybe it had to do with Peony. My guess is that (view spoiler)[ Peony dies tells Cinder she needs to dance with the Prince for her just before she dies (hide spoiler)]
17. We now know Cinder is definitely Lunar. Looking more and more like Sashana called this one. I would be shocked if she doesn't end up being the missing heir, Princess Selene.
Me too. I really didn't want this to happen though.
18. Could Cinder have hidden powers (aka gifts) that her systems are overriding in order to keep her hidden or do you think she truly is a shell?
I think she just isn't trained in it, or maybe the thing in her spine changes things. The Doc was really surprised by it, and it seems important.
(hide spoiler)]

Trinity- I would LOVE to read lost voices!! Would you want to read it starting on Saturday the 29th?

I'm listing to this one on tape and I am done with the first part of 5. So, I'm about a fifth of the way in but not exactly sure where.

Here are my thoughts so far:
(view spoiler)[
I really liked the juxtaposition between the cold and the sounds Ree listens to in her head phones. Interesting, because she likes the tropical. I think I would like the sounds of crunching snow or hollow cold wind. However, when in the situation of actually being cold... those sounds aren't all that pleasant. I'm wondering if this is a parallel to her wanting to be out of her situation.

I also think there are a lot of really good descriptions of poverty. Even Ree not going to school is a good example, but her friend having a baby and being stuck with the baby's dad really touched me. What did you guys think when her friend didn't get permission to use the car, Ree remarked that her friend wouldn't have put up with that before. But, her friend says things change when you get married. What do you guys think? Is this a common change? Good or bad?

I really liked the description of their friendship how they were "swapping clothes, and dreams, and their opinions of others." In general, I really like the writing, it's to the point but still gives good descriptions. You don't often find writer that are able to do that.

Side note, I laughed at the description of Gale's husband peeing (I can't remember his name). I was the saddest for Ree when she was taking care of her mother. (hide spoiler)]

Just finished book one. So far, I like the book, but I can't say that I am captivated, but there is still time! (view spoiler)[
What do you guys think about her step sister getting sick but she is okay? I have a couple guesses (view spoiler)[ maybe she is able to carry the illness but doesn't get sick herself, or maybe she is able to heal from it or is immune, which would give her reason go back to the castle to save the king. (hide spoiler)]
I'm also wondering what people thought about the story of Queen Levana and her niece? I really liked her name and did a little reading up on it, I'm not sure if it means anything, but there is what I found: (view spoiler)[ She was a Roman goddess of childbirth and pregnancy. She has to do with keeping children and babies safe. So, this is really interesting to me because of her backstory. I think it would be neat if she actually protected her niece and has her hiding somewhere. Although, it would be just as neat if she did cause her death just to go against what she is supposed to be. This could be a cool parralle if the Prince really likes her but it goes against what everyone else sees? Like two sides of her personality: who is actually is vs. who she is supposed to be. (hide spoiler)]

I do have one fear for this book. I really hope that Cinder (view spoiler)[ is not actually the little girl who was saved. Because I don't like the idea of her being royal. I love the non royal getting with the Prince (which I'm guessing will happen) but if she really is royal then it's not as much of a fun pairing (hide spoiler)]. (hide spoiler)]

Last week we were ranked number 13, this week we fell to 16.
I was wondering what happened, so I decided to figure out how many points we earned this week, and compare that to how many points other teams earned this week.

1. ThunderCats 1860
2. Scions of the dark 1640
3. SoaringEagles 1530
4. Serpents of the Sea 1440
5. PoisonousToadstools 1360
6. RingWeaiths 1300
7. BalefireDragon 1170
8. MistyMountTrolls 1070
9. Lightning Houds 1040
10. Spirit Weavers 980
11. Fighting Redcaps 970
12. JubilantChickadees 970
13. LightningCrafter 900
14. WitchesoftheBayou 880
15. Elves of Deep Shadow 840
16. RiverSprites 830
17. Wind Dancers 770
18. MordorSeekers 720
19. Fire Drake 650
20. Army Ants 510

So, as you can see, we had a slower point week this week than the last. I know I didn't finish many books personally, but I am in the middle of multiple books right now so I will have a bigger point earning this coming week.

Okay guys, here are the current rankings, incase you don't want to jump over at look at the other page.

Current Ranking Order Points
1. ThunderCats 4130
2. ScionsoftheDark 3180
3. SerpentsOfTheSea 3090
4. BalefireDragon 2960
5. SoaringEagles 2940
6. PoisonousToadstools 2890
7. RingWraiths 2820
8. MistyMountainTrolls 2710
9. RiverSprites 2660
10. JubilantChickadees 2350
11. WitchesOfTheBayou 2290
12. MordorSeekers 2240
13. LightningHounds 2100
14. SpiritWeavers 2070
15. FightingRedcaps 2010
16. FireDrakes 2010
17. ElvesofDeepShadow 1980
18. LightningCrafter 1820
19. WindDancers 1450
20. ArmyAnts 1110

Maybe she has to manually put in the information?

Teresa, I am wanting to start The Bell Jar tonight also! I read the crossing places and I actually really liked it. I'm hoping to get a buddy read for the next book.

Also, I think it counts when it's in your tower teams shelf.

Great job Teresa!!
I'm also working on a buddy read at the moment. Gotta keep those points up.

Alright, so I just got to the first few chapters. I just started and am done with chapter two. I'm wondering what everyone's perceptions of Cinder are?
Personally, I really like her so far. (view spoiler)[ I like that she is a female mechanic. It's a nice parallel to a maid because it's still a dirty job, but it takes a little more thought. Of course, you can't just do the same old story over and over with the shoe, but the first description of the foot being removed was a little different than I was expecting. Again, a nice way to change up the story. I'm still a confused as what exactly (creature or otherwise) she is. (hide spoiler)]

Also, what do you guys think of the orange flash of lights when someone lies? I think it would be interesting to be able to detect someone lying at any time. I wonder who all knows she can do that. It seems like there would be a lot of pressure when talking to her because you can't get away with anything.
I love the potential for something to go wrong with it. For example, if she gets with the prince but everytime he says "I love you" it flashes. It's a sad thought, but just where my mind went.

1) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?
Since getting to the end of chapter six, I think the relationship will grow as they go on this adventure together. Maybe Todd doesn't know how to have someone rely on him and how to rely on others.

2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
I was thinking it would be some way to get them to reproduce?

3) Aaron was defenitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
I'm not really sure what Aaron is up to. All I know is that I don't like him very much at this point.

4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
I felt okay about it. I could understand why Todd would be hesitant. Going out on your own like that would be really hard. Yet, since everyone seems to know something more about Todd's situation than Todd does, I think that there must be good reason for him to have to go.

5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
I'm not sure about this either. I think that would be a really interesting counterpart. I'm wondering if it has to do with being able to hear, or being able to project thoughts? Like maybe they are just guarding them or something?