Tina’s Comments (group member since Oct 27, 2015)

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

The Sims sounds like a really fun theme! Played it and loved it:)

I finished earlier today. I've answered the question and have updated the spreadsheet.
I might finish one more.

Great job everyone! This has been a really fun challenge:)

DQ Day 6 - Seventeen - Epilogue (end)

22. Were you expecting Linus to leave the island? What were your feelings while reading the different goodbye scenes?
Yes, that's what I was expecting. The goodbye scenes were sad but wise.

23. Linus has gone through a journey of self-discovery throughout the book. The Linus from the beginning is a completely different person to the Linus defending the orphanage case to the Extremely Upper Management and challenging the people surrounding him. Do you think his speech was the reason why they approved the orphanage to remain open? Were you expecting him to change that much? What do you think that are the things that have impacted him the most?
Yes, I think his speech was crucial in the decision. I expected him to improve as a human being. I think the children had the most impact, they showed him it was ok to be himself. They didn't judge.

24. What do you think about the ending? Our beloved characters got their happy ending and it seems that things are starting to change in society. Would you have changed anything or are you happy with how things ended?
I'm happy with how things ended.

25. What is your final rating for this book? Did it deliver the story you were expecting? If you had to summarise your review for a friend in one sentence, what would it be?
I give this book 5 stars. Adorable, sweet and funny.

Day 5 Chapters 15 and 16

18. Is it DICOMY that is using Linus? Or is Charles Werner personally involved because of his history with Arthur? He is the only one responding to the reports Linus sends. Do you think he is jealous of what seems to be happening between Arthur and Linus?
I don't think Charlie is jealous. I think he has his own agenda for this investigation and of course DICOMY is using Linus.

19. The secret is out…Arthur is a phoenix. Wonderful power or a curse? Why would DICOMY want him to keep it a secret from the children?
Probably to take away the special bond that would give Arthur and the children, if the children knew he was "one of them" and he had managed to grow up and be a successful adult.

20. Theodore shows Linus his hoard, what did you think of it? What does it represent to you?
That Theodore trusts Linus. The hoard is memories.

21. Linus is nearing the end of his stay. Do you think he will go home after everything that happened in the village? Will there be repercussions from DICOMY?
Linus doesn't know what he wants and will go home. There might be repercussions from DICOMY.

DQ Day 4 - Chp Eleven - Fourteen (p282)

14. Did you enjoy the visit to town? What are your thoughts on Helen? Does she seem like a real character or too convenient?
Yes I did. It was too bad what happened when they went to buy ice cream, up till then everything went pretty smooth. I think Helen is real and genuine.

15. Why do you think that Sal trusted Linus to move his desk?
Linus said the right things. Sometimes you can hear the same thing from a lot of people, but you need a certain person to say it to be able to believe it's true.

16. Lucy has a nightmare in this section. Did this make him seem more powerful or more like child? How do you think Linus handled the situation?
More like a child. Linus handled the situation well.

17. What do you think of the use of the word home, as a theme for this book? It has been used by Linus, Zoe and by Extremely Upper Management?
Home is so much more than just a house or a special location. It also includes people you love, trust and respect. The word home is a great name for the group on the island, but can be misused by the Extremely Upper Management if they don't understand the term correctly.

DQs Day 3 ~ Eight - Ten (p195)

9. Linus completed his first report for the DICOMY; what did you make of it? Did you think he reported anything that he should have left out? How about future reports – how do you think they will compare to this one?
I think he did a good job. He's known for being thorough and just which he was in the report. I think future reports will be different, he will get a new perspective the more he gets to know everyone on the island.

10. Ms. Chapelwhite takes Linus on a hike through the forest to show him a raft that she wants reported but doesn’t want the children or Mr. Parnassus to know about. Linus was taken aback by the message sent on the raft. (view spoiler) Did your opinion of Linus change when he suggested they send a message back? What did you think of his message?
I think his message was spot on. It showed that there's hope for him:)

11. Linus seems a bit smitten with Arthur. Do you sense there is a mutual attraction between the two? Do you think anything will take root and blossom?
Yes, I think the attraction is mutual and that it will develop into something more.

12. That was quite the adventure that Lucy led. Were you surprised that Linus stepped up and began to join in on the story? What all did you learn about the children, about Linus, about Arthur and Zoe?
Yes, I was pleasantly surprised. Arthur and Zoe are good role models to the children.

13. As this chapter wraps up, Zoe and Phee are talking with Linus listening. He can relate to Phee’s comment that she likes the trees better than she likes most people. Do you think Linus learned anything from the “lesson” that Zoe gave him through Phee’s growing the flower for Linus and her explanation of the trees and root system?
I think he got a new perspective, there is a deeper meaning to the magic. Something not everyone knows.

DAY 2 QUESTIONS. JULY 17. CHAPTERS 5-7

5. The book is set in an unknown city and then onto Marsyas Island. Country Unknown. Do you think it is set in an alternate universe to our own eg UK or USA or a completely fantasy location? Does it matter or make you think differently about the storyline either way?
It doesn't matter to me if it's an alternate universe or a fantasy location. I think it's a fantasy location.

6. First impressions of the house and Linus' reaction to it? What is your own reaction to it and how it is described?
Chaotic with a lot of potential.

7. In Chapter 6 we are introduced to a colourful array of children and the enigmatic Mr Arthur Parnassus. Who is your favourite child and ability so far and what special talents do you think will be revealed about Arthur?
I think Talia and Lucy are my favorites. My guess is that Arthur will have a special talent that is different from the ones presented through the children.

8. At the first dinner welcome for Linus the reader is bombarded with a plethora of notable pearls of wisdom from Arthur Parnassus which made me realize the allegorical themes of this story.
"Sometimes our prejudices color our thoughts when we least expect them to. If we can recognize that, learn from it we can become better people."
"Because even the bravest of us can still be afraid sometimes as long as we don't let our fear become all we know."
"There are things in this world that defy the imagination."
"He'd never be a bellhop because what Hotel would hire one such as him, people fear what they don't understand."

What point do you think the author is trying to make through the world and characters he has imagined and what do you think these quotes hint about the story moving forward?
We are who we are and should respect each others differencies.

DQ Day 1 - One to Four (p62)

1. What drew you to this BOM? Was it the fantastic reviews it’s been getting? Or the cute cover? Or something else?
I've been curious about this book for a long time. It sounded interesting, different and a lot of my friends recommended it.

2. What do you think of the writing style so far? I didn’t expect it to be so funny. I laughed out loud a few times at the terrible office Linus works in and at the rude neighbour. I love the way she is so rude about Linus but then keeps trying to set him up with her grandson.
I like the writing style.

3. What do you think about Linus as the main character? So far, he seems to be quite frightened of the world. How do you think he will cope in the strange situation he has been put in?
Linus is a bit unsure and does what everyone tells him to do. Since he's the main character I think he will grow during the story and trust himself more.

4. I was surprised that one of the children on the island is supposed to be the Anti-Christ. Heart warming stories don’t tend to feature someone like that. What powers do you think he will have?
Probably something scary.

I finished The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue yesterady, what a great book! I've updated the spreadsheet and answered the questions.

My favorite books during the challenge has been , and

DQ Day 8: Part 6, VII - Part 7, III (end)

33. I kept wondering about the significance of the seven freckles and how that became Addie's signature identification in so many arts. Do you think there's any hidden meaning behind the number or shape? Addie was born with those freckles. What do you think could have been her way of leaving her mark if she didn't have something so distinctive?
I can't think of a meaning other than it's an easy signature. The song she wrote with Toby is an example of how she left a mark without the involvement of the freckles.

34. Henry's goodbyes were really touching and it was a hard part to read. What did you think about how Henry handled his presumably last days?
I think he handled his last days in a good way.

35. Addie called Luc out early on about being lonely and seeking company. Do you agree with Addie that Luc doesn't really love her? Or do you think he does indeed care about Addie in his own way?
I think he admires her and therefor cares about Addie in his own way. But I don't think it's love.

36. What did you think of the ending? Do you think Addie will succeed in her resolve to make Luc hate her?
Yes, I think she will get what she wants eventually.

37. What is your overall take on the book? Any favorite characters or moments? Will you read other books by V.E. Schwab?
I really like the book, 5 stars! I'm sure I'll read other books by the author.

Day 7: Part 5, IX - Part 6, VI (p447)

28. Addie has taken Luc’s words “Ideas are wilder than memories” and become a muse for renowned artists and goes to visit “her” paintings. Why do you think she does this Would you visit art knowing that you inspired the work.
It's her way of knowing she made an impact, that she mattered even though no one remembers her. Yes, I think I would do the same.

29. We learn a lot in this section about the relationship between Luc and Addie, where they seem to be reliant on each other. What are your thoughts on this?
They're both lonely but have each other as constants.

30. On their night out Addie seems to have an brief emotional breakdown when Toby sings the song that they created. Why does Addie react so much to this?
I think it was a reminder of the struggles she has gone through, all the work she had to do to survive and to make a mark.

31. Addie and Henry declare their love for each other. In light of Henry’s curse and Addie’s relationship with Luc, is this true love or is it a dream that they wish to be true?
I think it's true love.

32. It would seem Henry’s curse has a time limit. How long did Luc give him? What effect will this have on Addie?
One year. She will lose someone once again, but this time it will be worse since he's the only one that remembers her. I think she will fight to find a solution.

Day 6 ~ Part 4, XIII - Part 5, VIII (p382)

23. Henry wanted to be loved; he wanted to be whatever they wanted; he wants to be enough. He gave up a lot to get what he wanted. Why do you think he is rejecting the offers of love? Why does he want to know why they love him?
Because what he got wasn't what he wanted. He feels it's fake, but still wants to be sure.

24. How does the jumping back and forth between times work for you? Can you easily tell when Addie is telling a story from her past or do you get lost just for a minute in where she is and with whom?
I think it's easy to follow the story, I'm never lost.

25. When Addie is with Luc she tries to pretend that she is good with her circumstances. His taunts about how disappointed Estelle would have been with her making a deal, pushes Addie to the brink and she slaps him. Luc retaliates with pain and suffering and still she refuses to give in and tells him to “Go to Hell.” Who will break first? Do you think Luc treats Addie differently than the other people he has made deals with? Why or why not?
I hope Addie won't break first, that she's stronger than that. I think Luc treats her differently, I think he secretly admires her. He must be lonely too and uses Addie as a constant,

26. Henry loathes repeating things; he wants everything to be something new for both himself and Addie. Why do you think this is so important to him?
He want's every moment to count.

27. Luc words to Addie long ago – “Ideas are wilder than memories” – comes back to her and she thinks she should have seen it then as a clue or a key that she could use. She sees that she can leave her mark on the world when Matteo shows her his sketch. Do you think anything will come of this? Do you think she will find a way to use “ideas” to her advantage?
Yes, I think she's a smart woman with a lot of experience, she will find a way to use this to her advantage.

DQ Day 5 Part 3, XIII to Part 4, XII

18. We learn more about Henry. What do you make of his "broken heart"? What about the way the author described it?
He feels "too much", something I can relate to.

19. Now we know why Henry isn't affected by Addie's curse. Did Luc make a mistake like Addie thinks?
No, I don't think he made a mistake. I think Luc is using Henry to get to Addie. To make her surrender.

20. What do you make of Henry's "curse" where everyone loves/admires him? Is this the kind of love Henry is after? Do you think the same happens as with Addie, that when they don't see him anymore they are out of love with him?
He thought that was what he was after. Yes, I think they only love him when they are around him.

21. We have a few side characters, any favorites among them or one you might want to get to know better?
I like Bea.

22. A small interlude in where Addie and Henry visit The Artfact. And Addie still gets surprised after 300 years. Do you have a favorite museum or art you like to go see?
I've never been a big fan of museums, but I like the ancient Egypt.

DQ DAY 4 Part 3, II - Part 3, XII (p253)

14. Why do you think Addie puts herself through interactions like she had with Remi? It must be hard to see "lovers" grow old without you and not remember.
Familiar faces are hard to let go, even if they can't remember you.

15. Do you like Addie or Henry more so far? Why? Are you finding their stories interesting?
I think I like Henry the most. He seems like such a great guy. Both stories are very interesting.

16. So Addie is going to tell Henry the truth! How do you think this will go? Do you think he will still accept her or even believe her?
I think he will believe her,

17. We're halfway through the story. Do you have any fun predictions or guesses about what will happen in the second half?
I'm looking forward to see how everything will unfold.

DQ Day 3 - Part 2, IV - Part 3, I (p 153)

10. In these parts the darkness comes and checks up on her a few times. What do you make of those conversations - what the darkness says and Adeline's reactions? Who or what do you think Luc is? Do you think something romantic could happen between Luc and Addie?
Since Luc is dealing with souls I guess he's the devil? I think Addie's reactions are understandable.

11. Addie and Henry meet up for coffee which seems to go well. What do you think will come of this relationship? Will it last? Will it be fulfilling for the both of them?
I hope it will last!

12. Will it be significant considering Henry could utter Addie's name? Would it be possible that Henry made a deal with Luc thus enabling Addie's and Henry's relationship? Do you think they have met or will meet in the story?
I think it will be significant, since no one has been able to say her name in such a long time. I think Luc is behind Henry in some way, to make Addie surrender.

13. If you had a lifetime to do as you pleased, what would you do? Where would you go and what would you see?
Everywhere and everything:)

DQ Day 2 - Part 1, XIV - Part 2, III (p129)

5. At about a fourth of the way through the book, how do you like Addie LaRue as a narrator/person?
I like her, she's trying to do the best she can with what she has been given.

6. Are you more interested in Addie’s past or present life (or both)? Why?
Both, but I like the present life the best. I guess I can relate to it in a better way plus Addie's more used to her life and what she can and can't do.

7. How do you think she handled the start of her "curse"?
She did the best she could.

8. Addie seems to have serial one-night stands with the same person. Why do you think she does this, and do you have any concerns with the potential for manipulating the other party? (I am still thinking on this as a power imbalance).
I think she's doing her best to have a "normal" life, even though it's not real.

9. In this section, we meet Henry. What is your initial reaction to Henry and his ability to remember her?
That was such an interesting twist, it made me smile:) I'm really looking forward to find out where this will end up.

DQ Day 1 - Part 1, I - Part 1, XIII (p67)

1. Other than BOM points what attracted you to this book? The rave reviews? The cover? The blurb?
I had heard good things about this book from friends and the blurb sounded interesting.

2. Have you read any other books by V.E. Schwab/Victoria Schwab? If so, how does this book compare? If not, what do you think of the book so far?
This is my first book by V.E. Schwab and I really like it.

3. What are your thoughts on Addie and the bargain she made?
I can understand her feelings, that she wants to get away from the life she's destined to live, with plans made by others,

4. Obviously, selling your soul is going too far but if you were able to get a wish granted what would it be?
A long, healthy and happy life with all of my loved ones.

I finished .

My plan is to read for the BOM, I already have it in my kindle:)

Ok:)

I can read next, could work for
242. Crown on cover
243. Skeleton on cover? Or it has to be more than just a skull?