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

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

Incase anyone is as curious as me but doesn't want to click through pages, here are the current scores:

Current Ranking Order Points
ThunderCats 2270
RiverSprites 1830
BalefireDragon 1790
SerpentsOfTheSea 1650
MistyMountainTrolls 1640
ScionsoftheDark 1540
PoisonousToadstools 1530
RingWraiths 1520
MordorSeekers 1520
SoaringEagles 1410
WitchesOfTheBayou 1410
JubilantChickadees 1380
FireDrakes 1360
ElvesofDeepShadow 1140
SpiritWeavers 1090
LightningHounds 1060
FightingRedcaps 1040
LightningCrafter 920
WindDancers 680
ArmyAnts 600

We had a cat a few years ago who had blood clots. We made a difference choice. We decided we could end his life. We were going to love him and help him through the dying process.

He was in pain for weeks. There was hair loss and a lot of blood. He wasn't himself and was hardly eating.

Our choice was out of selfishness. We had to go back to the vet and after a couple weeks we decided to put him down. He suffered longer than needed because we were afraid.

You made the right choice.

If anyone isn't already, you should add your books here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

It's the race to a million. We around 300,000 so it will be a stretch to make it. But, there is a chance!

The Confession- 418
War Horse- 165
The Silent Wife- 326
The Crossing Places- 320

Running Total: 2,313,426

I just updated mine also. I finished reading today. It was my first book of the month. I really enjoyed it!

I started today's reading and I couldn't stop. I finished the book. Can't wait for the discussion.

It's still the 13th where I am, so I won't worry about being late! (:

5. What are your thoughts on the little interludes right before chapter 4 starts and right after chapter 7? Is/was it Lucy? Is it Scarlet - still alive?
When I read the one before chapter 4 I really thought it was Lucy. Reading the one now, I again think it's Lucy. Since the person talked about new teeth in her mouth, I think it has to be Lucy. She would be around the age of 14 so she should have all her adult teeth. Scarlet is too young to have new teeth (unless he is doing something really freaky).

6. Ruth plays the "latest Springsteen album" on her way back from her parent's home and she loves having "the musical taste of a sixteen year old boy". I had a look and the book was published in 2009, and the album prior to then was released in September 2007, Magic. Does this music suit what you know of Ruth?
I thought this was interesting. I don't really know this music well and I don't really know Ruth that well either. But, I do think it's notable that she is stuck liking something form the past. Maybe this is a parralle to her like of being stuck on one idea or concept (like how she says she is not a mother, she is an archaeologist... she can only be one thing).?

7. Nelson and Ruth seem to be developing a mutual respect and liking for each other. Do you think they will make good friends?
EH.
I like Ruth more than I like Nelson at this point. I think he will accept her more than she will accept him. Maybe it's just because that what I've done, but I think to say that I think it's because Ruth seems to have a problem with men (and authority?).

8. How about Erik's reaction on the phone to Ruth when she mentioned Nelson. Is he jealous? Scared of police? (involved in the disappearances somehow?!)
I totally think it is Erik at this point. If you disagree, skip over the following which will be my rant about what I've noticed.
On page 60 she mentiones that he used to tell those same tales that are in the letter. Hmm...
On page 66 the author made a point of saying that Ruth doesn't see handwriting all that much and she would only know her own mother's writing. Thus, making it possible that she does not recognize Eriks (thus, his letter).
Later, he wasn't all that happy about her talking to the police. Maybe he doesn't trust police because he has something to hide.
Finally, she recalls how he used to like the forground being stilhousetted against the sky, which was also in a letter (page 80).
BAM!

Please note: it might also be David because he knows about the whole post thing. But I dunno.

9. Thoughts on David? Possible love interest?
I got the love interest vibe. He seems to like similar things. Also, they were together at new years and each said "Happy New Years". Which, is almost (like 5000000 steps away from) a new years kiss.
Maybe she will date him. Maybe he is endgame.

Yet, he knows about the path. Maybe he was the killer. He was in that marsh that night, after all. It could have been the night he took the other girl. When Ruth got "lost" she was actually really close to finding them.

10. I liked that Ruth went to the neighbours NYE party. It reminded me a little of Yes Man ; getting yourself out of your comfort zone and the habit of saying "no". Are you like Ruth, or do you love saying yes to invitations?
Eh. I dunno. If I don't want to do something I usually just don't do it. Yet, it seems like Ruth is ready for a change, so maybe she does want to do it, on some level.

Woah. We are doing a really good job!!

I just finished a book. It was short but still some points.

1. What do you think of the writing style.
I am in love with the writing style. The diction is so advanced and the descriptions are amazing. When I was reading there were phrases that demanded to be read aloud.
"Nelson says nothing... there is nothing to say... the wind is whispering through the reeds... the mist disperses and the sun starts to filter through the clouds.... the sand glitters in the early morning light."
(Common, read it aloud. You know you want to!)

2. Is anyone as excited as I am to learn about some archaeology?
I am interested to hear about the process of digging up bones. I also find the process of carbon dating really interesting. So, yes, I am excited.

3. There seems to be a juxtaposition in the book between science and religion. On the one hand we have Ruth's Born Again Christian parents. Then on the other hand we have atheist Ruth, who is all about carbon dating and scientific facts. And even on another hand we have some sort of ancient sacrificial ritualistic iron age religion thing going on. Any thoughts on all this?
I noticed this when I was reading, but I'm not sure if I have any deep analysis to say about it. I thought it is interesting that she uses science to understand the spiritual practices of the people of the past. I dunno. It will be interesting to track this and see what happens.

4. Any ideas on what the title The Crossing Places might mean?
It could be something about where the marsh meets the hard soil. It could also be where her past and fears cross her present and goals. Or it could be where the past bones and rituals meet the current rituals.

I am joining and I am willing to do DQ's any of the days. I'm in Fire Drakes.

The weather is crazy today. From far away, it looks like snow. But (because it's Oregon) it's freezing rain. The bad news: so. so. so. cold. The good news: no class today, so I will be reading!

Karrie- I saw the movie and I really enjoyed it. There was so much action and the settings were really visually interesting. I was surprised when I saw how short the book was. I'm actual half way through it now, hoping to finish soon.

No worries!

For the books of the month, how do we know who wants to write daily questions? I'm thinking of volunteering to write questions, but I'm not sure if anyone else in the group wants to instead.

Karla- do you want us to update the general spreadsheet? Or would you rather do it yourself?

Well, I have finished my third book for the read-a-thon. I'm really happy with my progress. This is 3 of my 4 books for the read-a-thon. My goal for the year was to read 40 books. A month ago, I gave up because I only had 20 completed. After this book I am at 29. I'm starting to think this is really possible.

In general, I love to read. Yet, I get lazy with it. I love books when I get into the plot. First starting out takes work and isn't as enjoyable for me. But, since I want to get points for our team and such, I am really picking up my reading.

So, thank you guys for inspiring me to push through the not so fun parts. I am really enjoying the books I am reading.

I am now starting War Horse and next is The Silent Wife. Has anyone read either of those?

Reconstructing Amelia - 400 pages
Now You See Her - 359

Current Total: 2,270,257

Thanks! The spreadsheet is working great now! Although, I am wondering what needs to happen for our points to be visual. I couldn't figure out what the reference number was supposed to be.

I am also really proud of our progress so far!

Also, I'm more than willing to make the spread sheet for all the books we read if you need someone to do that.

Alright, I finished my second book. Making progress for this read-a-thon.

Now You See Her

Also, are we going to have a running total of points somewhere?