Joanne’s Comments

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

Note: Joanne is not currently a member of this group.

Finished:

Book: You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain
Read: 06/15
Rating: *****
Pages: 285

I agree. Don't trust anyone but Darrow! And even though you're inside his head you still have no idea what he is thinking. He's always getting out of scrapes because it was "all part of the plan" Bah!

Finished:


Read: 6/14
Pages: 398
Rating: ****

Such a good series, especially on audio.

Finished:

Scandal's Bride
Read: 6/11
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 432

These books are entertaining enough to read, although not one of my favourite romance series. They're easy to read and a long series, which can be useful for challenges. This one was not quite as good as the previous two.

Finished

Strange the Dreamer
Read: 6/12
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 532
Answered all DQ: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Ch 53 - Ch 67

25. Did you guess the truth about Lazlo? What does this mean for the other hundreds of children that the Gods had and "disappeared"?

I knew there had to be a story once it became clear he was the only one whose hands were grey after touching the metal. I wasn't sure how he could be Godspawn when he wasn't blue though. I wonder how many others are out in the world, and what the point of making all those children was if they were just going to be released into the world with no knowledge of who they are and what powers they have. Was there a plan to use them to take over the world?

26. Lazlo and Sarai wanted Minya to catch her without even thinking of the consequences. Is it a "life" if you have no body and your will is not your own?

I was hoping so badly that Sarai's ghost would not be caught, even though it would have devastated Lazlo. The horribleness of being under Minya's command terrifies me, as well as any relationship her and Lazlo have being pretty creepy if it's Minya pulling all the strings.

27. Any guesses for the next book? What would you like to see happen?

If Sarai wants to continue to exist, I think Minya has to stay alive, but maybe she will be convinced to change. I want to find out about all those missing children too.

28. Final thoughts on the book? Will you read the next one? Will you read more of Liani's work (if you haven't already?

I wasn't going to read this one because I don't like to read fantasy series that aren't finished yet (I always forget what happens by the time the next one comes out) but I did really like this one, even if I felt it was a bit too long. I've read the author's other series, A Daughter of Smoke and Bone and really liked it also. I'll be watching for any new books she writes.

DQs - May 27th: Chapters 40 to 52

20) Do you agree with Minya that Sarai betrayed them? What do you think the repercussions of Sarai choice will be, what will Minya do to her?

I can see why Minya feels this way, although Sarai made it clear she didn't agree with the plan beforehand. I'm worried for Sarai but hoping she and Lazlo can find a way to save her.

21) What do you think of the names Sarai gives Azareen (Grief) and Eril-Faine (Shame)? Are they accurate? Do you think the other Godspawn realize what was truly done to the humans the way Sarai does?

These emotions rule their current lives so I think they are fitting. Neither one can get over the past. I don't see how the other Godspawn can understand the humans point of view because they were not around yet to see the treatment of them and they've never met any live humans in their short lives.

22) Wraith pops up randomly it seems into the dreams and reality both humans and Godspawn. What do you think the bird symbolizes?

No idea. Now that I'm out of school I don't usually think about symbolism and things in books anymore, lol.

23) When Sarai is telling Lazlo what really happened, there is the statement "It was one thing not to hate, and another to forgive." and she says "the curse of knowledge. It was easy when we were the only victims." What do you think about this and some of today's social conflicts (race, religion, sexuality, etc)?

This is very true. If you can empathize with your enemies, its much harder to kill them. They say that reading can increase empathy, and I feel like I understand a lot of different motivations through books.

24) What do you think of Sarai's nightmare and the humans nightmare, of Skathis coming to take a loved one away, being the same?

It's a universal fear, and Sarai has used this fear in others nightmares, so it's no wonder it shows up in hers, now that she has someone to lose.

Ch 30 - Ch 39 Pages 244 - 335

15. The author seems to have tried to make the Gods seem inhumane, I know they are not human but do you believe this is on purpose to help us readers choose a side? Does anyone hope the Gods win? Or are we hoping for a more compromising conclusion?

I don't think they seem inhumane. To me they have very real emotions and actions. Minya is disturbed but all of their actions seem likely given their circumstances and abilities. I don't hope for either side "winning" as I empathize with both sides. Very similar to in Daughter of Smoke & Bone where both sides do bad things to the other but neither one is wholly bad or good. Life is complicated and I hope they can reach a compromise.

16. How do you think Sarai felt seeing herself as Strange the Dreamer does? Do you think her seeing herself this way will help her have more compassion for the humans in the long run?

She must have been fascinated. I feel that she already has a lot of compassion for humans, not wanting to kill or even hurt them, and risking herself to warn the humans.

17. I love how fascinated Sarai is with books when she sees hem in Lazlo's dream. What was it that made you fall in love with books?

I've loved reading for as long as I remember and don't so much love them as feel they are necessary to life. I don't know who I would be if I weren't a "reader". I love the places they can take you and the people you can relate to.

18. Why do you think Lazlo took the risk of getting on the plane after Sarai's warning of death?

He has an extremely curious nature and that combined with the pressure he felt to go and not make one of the Tizerkane take his place overcame his trepidation. Plus it was after all a warning in a dream and that can be hard to take seriously.

19. “What matter of new dread would this cause?” -- Do you think the people of Weep deserve to know what happened on their flight mission? (Seeing the very much alive Gods) or do you think they chose correctly to keep it quiet for now?

The do deserve to know, but I agree with keeping it quiet for now until they can come up with a theory and plan so as not to panic everyone.

DQ Day 3. Chapters 19-29. Pages 161 - 243.

10. In chapter 20 Sarai has a nightmare, despite her efforts to keep herself from dreaming. A ghost named Yaselith attempts to kill Sarai with a knife and learns that ghosts are not able to hurt the living. Yaselith then tells Sarai, "Then you should hurt yourself...Put Weep out of its misery. Kill yourself, girl. Have mercy on us all. Do it." She finds herself in her mother's bed and when she removes the knife from the bed, the bed squirts blood everywhere, then she plunges the knife into her chest. What do you think Sarai's dream symbolizes? Do you think her subconscious is trying to remind her of something from the past?

To me it seems like now that she is starting to empathize with humans, she is affected by their feelings for the gods.

11. Minya treats the ghosts in the citadel like puppets. Why do you think Minya toys with the ghosts?

She felt powerless when she wasn't able to stop everyone from being killed, so she uses her gift to feel powerful. And its her best option for revenge.

12. Eril-Fane (the Godslayer) doesn't like to sleep in Weep because he has nightmares. Lazlo learns this from Eril-Fanes's mother. "He realized that all this time he'd been looking to the Godslayer as a hero, not a man, but that heroes whatever else they are, are also men- and women- and prey to human troubles like anybody else." I loved this quote. It shows that no one is invincible or perfect. Everyone has something in their lives that they've gone through. What does this revelation about Eril-Fane mean to you?

Very true. We're all human, and hopefully this can make Lazlo realize that even though he is human and flawed, he can be a hero also.

13. Sarai is in search of her father, The Godslayer, and instead finds Lazlo. She invades his dream and he is able to see her. Why do you think Lazlo can see Sarai when no one else can?

This was really interesting. There has always been a connection between the city and Lazlo, as he seemed to be the only one who felt the name disappear when he was 5, so maybe he has unknown ties?

14. Minya reveals that she has been collecting ghosts for years, building an army of the dead. The others seem appalled, especially Sarai. When Sarai expresses her sympathy for the humans Minya replies with "I should have saved a different baby." (I think I felt the slap in the face come right out of my book.) What do you think Minya has planned? Do you think the four others will fall in line with Minya's plan?

I think Sarai will not want to support Minya's plan, but the others will take some convincing to defy her.

Finished

Scandal's Bride
Read: 06/11
Pages: 432
Rating: ****

DQ's Chapter 12-Chapter 18 pages 83-160

#5 God spawn are the 5 unknown survivors residing at the Citadel. Each child half god, half human and born with blue flesh. All 5 children are gifted with a magical talent: Sarai - "muse of nightmares", Feral - "Cloud Thief", Sparrow - "Orchid Witch", Ruby - "Bonfire" and Minya - Ghost catcher. Each of these “gifts” are a contribution for survival. Water, fire, food, caregivers and … torture? Sarai’s gift comes from her mother, The Godess of despair, Isagol. How does Sarai's gift to contribute to their daily needs?

She is their contact with the outside world. She can make sure they leave the citadel alone by making them scared of it, and if she wants to bridge the gap between them and the humans, she can put these thoughts into their dreams to try to bring some understanding. She also satisfies Minya's need for vengeance.

#6 In Part 2, We are introduced to the 5 god spawn teenagers who have been hiding for 15 years in the Citadel. At age 6, Minya saves 4 other infants and captures several ghosts to assist in raising these children. The 4 continue to grow and age normally, yet Minya continues to appear 6 years old. Why do you think Minya doesn’t age physically yet the others are teenagers?

She's not ready to move on and it's stunted her growth?

#7 Minya is the only god spawn who remembers the carnage when the god slayer killed all the children. She enjoys hearing the recollection of Sarai haunting their nightmares and torturing the people of the city. Does this make Minya evil? or is she only doing what she needs to do for their survival?

I definitely think she is disturbed. She witnessed some horrible events at a young age and can't move past them.

#8 Sarai’s gift as the Muse of Nightmares, didn’t appear until she was older than the other children. While waiting for her gift to present itself , Sarai often wished she could fly. If you could pick one of the god spawn’s gifts which would you choose and why?

My preferred power would be to teleport wherever I want to go, but of the ones listed, I would choose Sparrow's gift, like many other people have mentioned because I love gardening and can imagine all the plants I could grow.

#9 Sarai screams Moths to embark on her nightly gift, why do you think the author chose Moths? What do they signify?

I don't really know, but others have had interesting thoughts about light and darkness.

DQs Prologue - Ch 1 - 11

1. The author starts us with some beautiful imagery of a violent end. What did you think of this as a beginning? Did it draw your interest and leave you wanting more? Do you like it when you are given a prologue that might not be answered until the end of the novel?

I know I'm in the minority because I don't really care for prologues in books, especially in fantasy books where you're dumped into a world with no explanation and have a hard time figuring out what is going on and what the world is like. I was happy to see that Chapter one started in a much more conventional way.

2. Lazlo Strange came from humble beginnings, and is now a grown man. Do you feel he has changed from that rebellious boy in the orchard? Why do you think the library chose him? And do you believe people have a calling in life to follow, or do you think you can choose your own path?

I don't know that he changed so much as grew up a bit. It's clear he still has a brave and stubborn streak when he went in front of everyone to be asked to go with the visitors just before they were going to leave. I think every choice we make changes the options for our future, I don't believe in a set path, although in books there is usually an inevitable way the story is going to go.

3. Lazlo was drawn to help Thyon when he stumbled upon the scene in the tomb walk between Thyon and his father. Do you feel Lazlo made the wrong decision to share the book with Thyon or do you think it was all part of fate’s larger plan? And would you have been tempted to keep the book for yourself instead?

He's a kind-hearted person and it didn't even occur to him to seek glory for himself. This was probably the right decision because the attention he would have drawn to himself if he had made the gold himself would probably have been negative and jealous in a lot of ways. In the end, the way things are playing out, it seems to have been the right choice. I think Thyon will definitely get what he deserves in the end.

4. “Some men are born for great things, and others to help great men do great things.” How do you feel about this quote? Do you believe people are born to their roles in life or do you believe people can change their stars? Lazlo takes a huge risk by impulsively offering his services to Eril-Fane. Would you have taken a similar risk to help fulfill your dreams? Have you ever taken a risk that changed the course of your life?

This is a very true quote. We can't all be the stars (and we don't all want to). Some of us like to work quietly in the background and enjoy the reward of a job well done without all the attention that comes with being the centre of attention. I've made a few decisions in my life that looking back, I'm proud of, and glad that I found the strength to follow through even though it would be easier to continue with the status quo.

I wish I had the chance to read A Gentleman in Moscow in time for the extra points, but it never did come in at the library in time. I am reading Strange the Dreamer right now though and liking it.

Complete

Faithful Place by Tana French
Finished: 6/09
Pages: 400
Rating: ****

I love these books and their complicated main characters. This series is becoming one of my favourites. Can't wait to read more!

Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas
Finished: 6/09
Pages: 374
Rating: ***

I didn't like this one quite as much as some of the earlier books in the series, but historical romance by this author is always worth a read.

I read most of that series pretty much back to back to about #15. Now I read them one a year when they come out with a new one. They are pretty repetitive but at least they are quick and you know what you're getting. It's one of the only long series that I'm current on.

Complete


Finished: 6/05
Rating: ****
Pages: 254

This really opened my eyes to a topic I haven't given much thought to and which the author wants us all to think about and plan for: our eventual deaths and what happens to our body afterward. I am going to have to do some research on alternative green options available where I live.

Complete

Book: Career of Evil/Robert Galbraith
Finished: 05/02
Rating: ****
Pages: 497

I feel like these books just keep getting better and better as the series continues. Can't wait for the next one, but am sad that there isn't even a release date or cover yet, so it will be awhile.

My books are all there. :)

Complete


Pages: 384
Finished: 5/27
Rating: ****

This was enjoyable and I needed something light and fun. While it wasn't the most memorable, I read the whole thing in one day, so I obviously liked it.

Complete

Pages: 416
Finished: 5/27
Rating: ****

I hardly know what to say about this one. It's so good but sad and depressing. Reading stories about war-torn countries are never happy but this one is definitely worth reading.