Alaina’s Comments (group member since Oct 20, 2024)

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

13. Like I said in a previous comment, I had my eye on her, so I wasn't surprised. She always creeped me out, sticking with Yates even though she knew what was happening, so I figured she had some secrets of her own.

14. I feel like the characters didn't change much throughout the book, except maybe Cooper growing up to be a more caring and vulnerable man. But other than that, everyone stayed pretty much the same.

15. I wish something more happened to him. He'll be sad and lonely by himself in that house for a while, but I have no doubt that he'll lure another woman in and start the cycle all over again.

16. I feel like now that Cooper has finally grown up he can handle Lane's baggage, but Lane has to work on herself, and I mean work hard, if she wants them to work out. I feel for them both, they've had such hard lives up to this point, and I feel like their past is definitely going to affect their relationship.

I really enjoyed this book. It definitely got under my skin at some points. There were some things that bothered me, like the fact that literally no one spoke out against the grandfather for seducing these girls. I feel like at least one person should've at least tried to stop it and go to the police or something, but that didn't happen until it was too late, and even then he didn't really suffer any consequences... Nevertheless I thought it was a good story and gave it 4 stars.

9. I didn't expect Sarah to confront Allegra, and while she resents her for sleeping with her husband, I don't think she has anything to do with her disappearing

10. I don't think Cooper and Lane can make it together. So much has happened between them and they've screwed each other over so many times. Unless they work hard with each other, I don't think there's a chance. Even if they did work hard, I feel like there's too much Roanoke history in Cooper for Lane to handle

11. Gran is scary. I think she had something to do with Allegra going missing. Maybe she's the one that's been killing some of the girls. I have my eye on her.

12. I figured Allegra was dead, so it didn't surprise me. But Lane insists that she didn't kill herself so I wanna know how she died, and who killed her. I was surprised about Lane and Cooper's baby though, but I am glad it wasn't the grandfather's. Once they find the killer, I'm hoping they get killed or something and I have a feeling Lane is going to want to get as far away from Roanoke as possible again once everything is figured out.

Very far behind, but I'm still reading! So far I really like this book.

5. I really like it did far, it's weird and creepy and just really knows how to draw me in. I love the Then and Now aspects, they help add to the story and show how screwed up the family is.

6. Yates is disgusting, but he's definitely a charmer. He's sweet to all his girls, and of course they don't realize what kind of person he is so they think he's this wonderful man that makes them feel loved. I'm sure he's killed or threatened to kill anyone who wanted to expose him and that's why everyone is keeping their mouths shut, but at the same time it's weird that literally no one has tried to do anything about it

7. The grandma is screwed up and is jealous of all the girls when her husband goes after them. But she lets Yates hurt them as revenge for "stealing her husband" which is disturbing to say the least. She is just as responsible for the girls' abuse as Yates since she has the power to stop it but won't.

8. I don't know about these guys. I believe that Tommy and Cooper care about Allegra and Lane respectively, but they have to know what's going on. I don't think they have anything to do with Allegra going missing, but at least one of them knows something and is just keeping quiet for some reason...

A Book a Day Keeps the Boredom at Bay

Duration: September 1, 2017-August 31, 2018
Level: Never Ending Year
Completed: 0

1 - Is the first day of the month. Read a book where the main character (MC) has a first experience of sorts. Or is a one word title. Or is the first of a series.

2 – One is good, two is better. Read a romance book or a book that has a partnership.
Subgenres of romance under the spoiler
(view spoiler)
Two can also mean repetition. Read a book about second chances.

3 – Being the third wheel is never funny. Read a book that has a wheel on the cover. Or has a love triangle. You can also read a book about three best friends.

4 – 4th of July is Independence Day. Read a book with a red, white and blue cover, or that is set on the US, or has the US flag on the cover. Or read a book where the main character is fighting for his independence or for some greater good.

5 - High Five. Read a book where a character is a sports fan or has a best buddy. Or read one about a character with a strong need for approval. There are five points on a star. Read a book with a star on the cover or title.

6 - In numerology the number 6 is considered a feminine, nurturing, "mother" number. Read a book where the main female character is a mother or becomes a mother.
In a biblical sense, both man and the serpent were created on the sixth day, therefore, the number six represents both man and rebellion. Read a book were the main character is a man or about a rebellion or resistance to some regimen.

7–Lucky Seven. Read a book where a character is extremely lucky or a book about anything game related (gambling, bets, poker night, drinking game, you get my point). In the Old Testament, 7 is the number of days it took for God to create the world. Read a book with a tight deadline.

8– Magic Eight Ball. Read a Magical Book or a book where a character predicts the future (visions, premonitions, tarot readings, any method counts).

9–Is the name of a film set in a post-apocalyptic future. Read a book set in, or where a character comes from, a post-apocalyptic future

10 – 10th of June is the day of Camoes, Portugal and the Portuguese communities. Read a poetry book or a book that has a writer as the main character. Or read a book where the protagonist is Portuguese or Brazilian or speaks Portuguese. Or read a book where the main character struggles to save a precious item.

11–Its etymological originates from a Germanic compound ainlif meaning "one left". Read a book with only "one left" - it can be the only option left, or the only survivor, or the last of a set of events, the last book left in a series, etc.

12– 12 days of Christmas. Read a book about Christmas, Christmas songs or that has a cumulative title, like Once Bitten, Twice Shy. 12 is also the governmental perfection. Read a book with a character or author named as one of the 12 Apostles, or set in Israel. There are 12 zodiacal signs. Read a book with zodiac or one of the signs on the cover or in the title

13– Black cats, voodoo dolls and Friday the 13th. Read a book about superstitions, bad luck or the occult. Friday the 13th is also known among programmers for causing a computer bug. Read a book about computer viruses, computer hacking or some technological challenge like in Digital Fortress.

14–The 14th amendment defines US citizenship rights, and importantly, gave African Americans the right to citizenship in America. Read a book where a character moves to the US, or is based in 19th century America.

15–The atomic number of phosphorus, which emits a faint glow upon exposure to oxygen – hence its name given from Greek mythology, meaning "light-bearer." Read a book showing the faint glow of light on the cover.



16– Sweet 16. Read a book where a character (doesn’t have to be the MC) reaches 16 or has a sweet 16 party. Or read a Young Adult book.

17–The shortest form of Japanese poetry (known as Haiku) contains exactly 17 syllables. Read something set in Japan. It takes 17 muscles to produce a smile. Read something that puts a smile on your face.

18–Number of holes on a golf course. Read a book about a professional sportsperson, or where a character plays golf, or golf is part of the title or cover of a book

19–The worst worldwide influenza pandemic ended in 1919. Read a book from the medical genre, or a book with a character who is a Doctor or Nurse, or a book where someone dies from the flu.

20–20/20. Read a “number one book”: about a top student, a perfect score, a best seller. You can also read a book where a character has one of the senses highlighted.

21 – Is the legal age for drinking. Read a book where someone has a drinking problem, is an ex-alcoholic or overcome some addiction. 21 can also be Black Jack. Read a book set or where the character goes to Las Vegas, or has a casino or a game of Black Jack or vingt et un is involved.

22–In French, "22" is used as a phrase to warn of the coming of the police (typically "22, v'là les flics!", "22, here come the cops!"). Read a book that is a police procedural, or has a strong police presence.

23–"W" is the 23rd letter of the alphabet. It has two points down and three points up. Half of W is V, which is the Roman numeral for 5. The "W" on your keyboard is right between the 2 and 3. Read a book with a title or series name that begins with "W." Or was written by an author with a first or last name that begins with "W."

24–There are 24 hours in a day. Read a book in one day. Or one that takes place all in one day.

25–British slang for £25 is "Pony." Read a book about a horse or has a picture of one on the cover.

26 – 26th January is the Australia day or the arrival of the First Fleet. Read a book set in Australia or aboard of a ship. You can also read an historical book with action taking place on the 18th century.

27– Is the perfect cube (3 X 3 X 3). Read a book from 3 different trilogies - yes, that means 3 books - Or read a book about a mathematic riddle or code, books like The Da Vinci Code or The Eight are a good example for this one.

28–The number of dominoes in standard domino sets. Read something with a black and white cover.

29–and holding. Read a book where the main character is about to turn 30.
Or you can use listopia: I searched for "turning 30" and got results like
Flavorwire.com's 30 Books Everyone Should Read Before Turning 30
or
The books of my 20s">The books of my 20s
Any book from those lists (or similar) will be eligible for this option.

30–Over the hill or don't trust anyone over 30. Read a book where a character has an abnormal life spam and is older than he/she appears (vampire, fae, warlock, elf, etc).

31 – Is the last day of the month. Read a book about last chances. Or read the final book of a series. You can also read a book about the end of a cycle or a new beginning.

I just recently finished A Hologram for the King. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy it too much. I found the whole thing pretty uninteresting to be completely honest. I gave it 2 stars. Hopefully I'll like the next book I read for this challenge a lot better.

1. What made you decide to join this BOM discussion? What are your expectations for this book?

I wanted to participate in a BOM discussion this month and this book caught my eye. I read the synopsis and it sounded pretty good so I went and downloaded it. I expect this book to be all kinds of disturbing and I'm excited to keep reading.

2. What do think of Lane? Do you like her, can we trust her as narrator? I keep thinking about the prologue, do you think she is the little girl, or is she the mother?

She definitely has some issues but I like her for the fact that she cares enough to go back to Roanoke, a place that she had hoped she would never return to, to find her missing cousin. I'm pretty sure she's the little girl in the prologue since her story is told in first person while all the flashbacks are told in third person.

3. This book reminds me so much of the Virginia Andrews books (Flowers in the Attic). It's all incestuous and I suspect granddad/uncle is also dad. What do you think? What do think of the other characters we've met so far?

The grandfather absolutely creeps me out. I agree and think he's dad to all the Roanoke girls, and the grandmother knows about it and is either in on it somehow or refuses to acknowledge what's happening. I wonder if the other characters know anything as well. It'll be interesting to find out

4. What do you think happened to Allegra? Het words at the end of the first chapter at the pictures of the Roanoke girls seem ominous. "In the end, we never last long around here." "In the end, we either run or we die." Did she run or is she dead?

I think the grandfather killed her. Or maybe has her tied up somewhere. I don't know, but I have a feeling she's not having a good time. Gotta keep reading and we'll find out soon!

Welcome Roger, glad to have you! Now we have a complete team!
So if I'm not mistaken as long as 4 members read a book pertaining to the task it is considered complete. Since we have 6 members participating at the moment we'll be getting the additional 15 points once we're done with the task. I believe Chie and Roger can read any book they'd like and it would count towards getting another 10 more points for the task. Or they can decide not to do this task and wait for the next stop, and that's okay too, we just wouldn't get the 10 points at the end.
I also think we should plan ahead a little bit for the next stops so we can all be on the same page. I know everyone is going their own pace for this task, but I think we'd all be able to move on to the next task more smoothly if we knew what we were choosing to read ahead of time. What do you guys think?

Just bought the book, and I'm excited to be a part of this discussion :)

Paula- Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
Rafaela- Girls of Riyadh
Am- Girls of Riyadh
Christine- The Dove's Necklace
Chie- ?
Alaina- A Hologram for the King
Carol- Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia

So this is what we have so far. Chie, are you reading anything for this task? If 6 of us finish this task we can get an additional 15 points on top of the first 10. If everyone reads for the task, as long as it's okay that we only have 7 members, we can get another 10 points. Paula's already finished her book for the task, Carol will be starting her book soon, and I want to finish my book by Friday. How's everyone else doing?

Rafaela, Am, and Carol, what do you think about Radiant Readers for a team name?

Oh okay! Well then I guess I'd better get started! Has anyone else started yet? If so how's it coming along?
And welcome Carol! Glad to have you! What are you thinking about reading for this task?

I was thinking we weren't supposed to start until we have 8 members and then from there we have a week for each task unless we want to take longer. It's taking a little while for us to get those last two members though... I hope more people sign up soon.

Hello everyone! My name is Alaina, I'm 21, and I'm from the US (Florida to be more specific). I'm excited to be a part of this team :)
I would also like to contribute to task one. I plan on reading A Hologram for the King, which is set in Saudi Arabia.
As for the team name, based off of Chie's comment about Madinah being considered The Radiant City, I was thinking Radiant Readers or something along that line, maybe? Whatever you guys think is good!

I would love to give this challenge a shot!
I'm from Florida and I'll read just about any book that catches my eye

Time for Tea
Duration: January 1st-January 31st
Level: Have a Cuppa (1-5 books)
Books Completed: 2/5

Step One: Boil the water
"Steamy" Book: Dark Lover-J.R. Ward

Step Two: Choose Your Tea
Rooibos Tea (Red): You-Caroline Kepnes

Step Three: Steep the Tea
Strong (309 pages): Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone-J.K. Rowling

Step Four: Sweet?
Two Spoonfuls: Gemina-Amie Kaufman

Step Five: Black or White?
Cream (Science Fiction): Warm Bodies-Isaac Marion

20. I think many of us would agree that appearance, whether skin color, weight, or level of attractiveness, plays too great a role in our culture. However, obviously, the ugly/pretty system is not the answer to fix this problem. How would you go about reducing the importance of appearance in our society? Do you think it's even possible?

I definitely agree that people spend way too much time worrying about their appearance, but I don't think that';; change any time soon, or even ever. People compare themselves to others that look better according to what the media says is ideal. Thankfully some people have made peace with the way they look, and good for them, I just can't see that being the case with everyone.

21. What did you think of this dystopia compared to others in books you have read? Do you think any element of this book could be present in the human race's future?

It's something I haven't read before, and I find it very interesting. I don't believe that anything to the book's extent will happen in the future, but we can see some brainwashing in the media about beauty going on right now.

22. David says that the Rusties (aka us!) lived "in a house of cards." Do you agree with that? Baring a bacteria that causes petroleum to explode, what do you think is our society's greatest weakness?

Our society has a tendency to be easily swayed by misinformation and propaganda and don't always check where their news is coming from. I feel like a lot of people don't think critically about things, which is shown in the book. If people thought through things on their own and didn't just agree with all the information that they're fed, that would be a huge step in the right direction.

23. If you were in Tally's situation, would you have made the same choice to return to the city to get made pretty? How about if you were Maddy, would you have given Shay the cure against her will? And if you were David, do you think you could forgive Tally?

I'd probably do it, considering the situation I was in. However, I'd be petrified that my brain would be altered forever.
I'm glad Maddy stuck to her oath and didn't force the cure on Shay. I wouldn't have done it if I was her either, knowing that there was even the slightest possibility that something could go wrong.
Honestly, I think I could. She was just in a bad situation and it's really hard to blame her for everything that happened. I don't know how quickly David will forgive her, but I'm sure eventually he will.

24. What did you rate the book? What were your favorite and/or least favorite aspects of the book (characters, plot points, elements of the writing, etc.)?

I gave it 4 stars. I had some issues with the writing and some of the things that the characters did, but overall I found the story to be very enjoyable and the whole idea of it is very prevalent in today's society.

25. That ended on quite the cliffhanger! Will you continue with the series? Do you have any predictions for the next book or the series as a whole?

I will be reading the rest of the series for sure, but not anytime soon (mostly because I have so many books on my shelf I need to read before I continue). I believe the next book will mostly be about Tally and what being a pretty is all about.

14. Tally quickly learns that nothing is thrown away in the Smoke. Everything is recycled, traded or reused by someone else. They have a history. Do you ever think about the history of used objects you’ve acquired or purchased? Are you more attracted to used or new items?

I'd have to say I'm more attracted to new items, but I still purchase used items as well and always wonder about the people that used them before me and the history behind the object.

15. While I am enjoying reading the book, there have been several things that don’t make logical sense to me in the story. For example, Special Circumstances basically has helicopters and GPS equipment available to them. David’s parents have escaped from the city at least 18 years ago, since David has lived all his life in the Smoke. I don’t see how it could be at all possible that they wouldn’t have found the Smoke in 18 years of searching. They weren’t hidden deep in a mountain or buried underground. They are pretty much out in the open. Did you experience other examples like this in the book, or is this just me?

I've thought about this too. It should've been pretty easy for Special Circumstances to find this place if all of these runaways figured it out. I've also thought about how immediately everyone seems to like and open up to Tally when they're supposedly a pretty secretive group. And also how quickly David latched onto Tally kind of bothered me, I wish there was more of a buildup, plus I feel bad for Shay for being left behind.

16. Tally’s lying is really starting to annoy me. She continues to make excuses for all her lies. What do you think it will finally take before she quits lying? Or will she never stop?

I understand why she's lying so much. She's young and this is a terrifying situation and if she starts telling the truth things are going to get worse for her. However, I think the guilt will eventually eat away at her and she'll confess everything to someone. Probably David.

17. Like we’ve guessed so far, the operation to become pretty does also alter the brain of the person as well. Pretties develop lesions that are part of the operation. Do you think the people in charge in this world figured out about these lesions from the first time they started making people pretty or do you think it took a while for them to figure this out? Or do you think that maybe they are purposefully creating these lesions during the operation rather than it just being a natural side effect?

I definitely think the lesions are intentional. They wouldn't have to go into the brain to change someone's appearance.

18.What do you think happened to Maddy and Az? Are they still alive? Do you think maybe Special Circumstances might try to give them an operation that causes the lesions to grow back?

I think it would be too much work for Special Circumstances to force Maddy and Az to get the operation. I have a feeling they're still alive, though, and probably have been locked away and are now being interrogated.

19. What would be the consequences of everyone having their lesions removed? Would their behavior change right away? If so, how would that affect their society?

I think it would take a little while for everyone to snap back to reality. And maybe once they realize that everyone has different views on things and aren't constantly partying anymore will the understand that something happened, and then possibly start questioning what this society is doing to them.

8. This society is starting to show it’s real face and not the “pretty” one we’ve been shown so far. What do you think of the “special Circumstances” bureau to use Tally by refusing to operate on her to fins Shay and the other rebels/escapees? Dr. Cable gave me the creeps by the way, how about you?

I think this is just a glimpse of the not so pretty side of the pretty world. I actually liked that they are made to look threatening. It makes it that much worse for Tally to be around them. But I do feel bad for her given the situation she's in, but I expected something like this to happen.

9. Tally is really on her own and very alone. Her parents are deserting her by not supporting her decision not to go find Shay and her so called friend Peris is even worse. This is emotional blackmail of the worst kind. Eventually she cracks and is setting out to find Shay. Can you understand why she made the decision, would you have made the same one if you were in her shoes?

I don't blame Peris or her parents for not supporting her. I'm still convinced that being turned into a pretty means that they also attempt to brainwash you. But Tally's situation is awful and I would hate to have to go through that.
I don't think anyone would've decided to stay in the city and live the rest of their life as an outcast. I completely understand her decision to travel to the Smoke. But whether or not to betray them? I'd say that it would be pretty tough to be in Tally's shoes.

10. I really liked reading about Tally’s road trip to The Smoke. The clues Shay gave weren’t very easy although the first one I could get. Reading about the Spagbol was fun and I liked her resourcefulness during this trip. I feel like I got to know her a little better. What do you think of Tally now that we are halfway?

She's starting to develop as a character more, but she's still caught up in this whole pretty business. I'm hoping that she'll start questioning things soon.

11. At the end of the road Tally is found by Shay and finally we meet David. What do you think of him?

Turns out I was wrong about him and he was born on the outside. I like him so far. He opened up kind of quick, but I think his story is pretty interesting. I'm excited to read more about his parents.

12. The Smoke seems like a good place to be people have to work for what they get and there seems to be a cohesiveness to the people. What do you think of The Smoke and his leader? Do you think Tally will be able to betray them in the end?

I'm curious as to how it all began. Everyone seems to know the value of hard work, but again, how did they start? I'm wondering if it began with David's parents.
I also have a feeling that she's not going to betray them. She seems to really like everyone there and seems to feel pretty guilty about the whole situation. However, I'm wondering if somehow they'll be found anyway.

13. What did you think of David and his parents’ story? I was impressed that they reversed the operation and made themselves “ugly” again.

I have no idea how they reversed the operation and became uglies again. If it wasn't through surgery, I'm not sure why being doctors has something to do with it. I'm eager to find out.

And to answer Kimberly's question, yes I did think that was strange. Maybe they figured out the dark side of being pretty somehow and managed to run away. I'm hoping that we get to learn more about them.

1. Now that we have started the book, what are your first impressions? Are you enjoying it so far, or not? What do you think of the characters we have been introduced to so far; Tally, Shay and Peris?

I'm really enjoying it. The premise is very interesting and I'm excited to see what happens.
I like Tally. She's a little naive, but I can't blame her given that she's been stuck in this society all her life with the notion that once she turns into a pretty everything will be perfect.
I really like Shay too. She refuses to be tied down by this society. I'm hoping she convinces Tally to do the same.
I'm not sure how I feel about Peris just yet. He wasn't exactly the nicest guy when Tally went to see him, but I have a feeling that's because being turned into a pretty affects more than just your looks.

2. What do you think of this world of Pretties and Uglies? To me it feels like a representation of our own society and the need for people to believe that they are not good enough and so that forces them to change to fit in with the societies view of perfection.

This is definitely a portrayal of our own society and its beauty standards. Tally stares at the pretties just as people stare at models in advertisements, longing to look just like them because that's what society deems ideal.

3. Tally and Shay seem like complete opposites when it comes to their ideas about being 'Uglies'. Who do you think you relate more to in this situation?

While I do understand where Tally is coming from with the desire to be perfect, I'd have to say I'm more like Shay in questioning why things are the way they are instead of just accepting it.

4. Who do you think David is? Do you have any ideas about why he knows so much that Tally and other Uglies have never grown up knowing? Maybe this place where he lives is more relaxed and they do not close themselves off to the rest of the world like this society seems to do.

I'm thinking that David used to be a part of this society but didn't agree with their ideas so he escaped. And now I think he's trying to gather up more people to rebel against it.

5. Tally see's a light near the roller coaster when they are leaving. Do you have any ideas about what this could be?

I'm pretty sure that was David signaling them.

6. In the synopsis of this book it states "Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world-- and it isn't very pretty." What do you think this means? There seems to be something that the Uglies are not told about the Pretties.

Like I mentioned, I don't think being turned into a pretty just has to do with appearance. I think they tap into your brain during the operation. Possibly some form of mind control? Not sure.

7. At this point in the story do you have any speculations about what is in store for our characters throughout the rest of the book? Will Tally turn pretty? Will Shay return?

I don't believe that Tally will turn pretty since something has already gone wrong with her operation. I think she's going to end up joining Shay and her friends.

Amazing August Challenge
Duration: August 1, 2015 - August 31, 2015
Level: Maze Runner (5 Books)
2/5

West Entry

Right Turn- Prisoner of Night and Fog - Anne Blankman (398 Pages)
Left Turn - This One Summer - Mariko Tamaki (13 Letters)
Right Turn - Uglies - Scott Westerfeld (6 Letters)
Left Turn - Fingerprints of You - Kristen-Paige Madonia (17 Letters)
Left Turn - Girl, Stolen - April Henry (213 Pages)

I've been wanting to read this for a while, so I'm in