Stacey’s Comments (group member since Oct 26, 2014)

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

I can take 124. I have that will work for another challenge which sounds like it takes place on a boat. :)

On another note -- I'm on the wait list at the library for The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue for the BOM -- but not sure I will make it. My library started a crazy "no late fee" thing a few years ago though, so it takes forever to get books sometimes because people keep them so long.

What all are we allowed to use for spellouts? I have an I if we can use character names.

I'll be starting this week. It's set in a University.

Melindam wrote: "So we can use the book for 108."

Perfect. That worked out. :)

For task 108 -- does it have to be a main character or just a speaking character? Quiet in Her Bones has a Trixie -- she has spoken, but she's not a main character.

I have books that will work for several of the tasks we still need. How far ahead should I plan? Or are we kind of taking them one at a time?

I started Luna and the Lie which doesn't really work for a task, but we could maybe use for Bingo as it has an MPG of Humor or it looks like we need quite a few Ls for the spell out tasks.

My initial necromancer book was a bust, but I've found a replacement and its on its way to my library -- I promise I'll get it done. :)

I'm starting Quiet in Her Bones because it needs to go back to the library this week -- still looking for a way to fit it into a task/bingo. Maybe the Jackanory??

I finished for the zombie task. I know this isn't a big horror/zombie group, but this is the last book in basically a 2 series arc that is really well done. I didn't give less that 4 stars to any of the 6 books. Highly recommend if you have any interest at all in post apocalyptic stories.

DQs - Day 3

9 . What do you think on the creatures from the dungeon dimensions? Do you find them creepy?
They were creepy, but in and out so fast, I honestly didn't get a chance to appreciate the creepiness. I would have liked to have seen that battle.

10. I enjoyed the Esk’s thoughts about being both witch and wizard and wanting to defend the one to the other. Do you sympathize with this view (more in general than in specific regards to magic fields)?
I think sometimes we feel are forced to take one side or the other in arguments, and sometimes, there are truths in both side. I could see feeling very similar to Esk in this situation.

11. Why do you think Esk’s magic did not work?
It seems like her magic works best when she is not trying so far -- when she's asleep or just feeling emotions. I think she needs to have more formal training to have it work when she directs it.

12. Esk is supposed to be precocious but also nine years old. Do you think she acts in a way you could see a nine year old acting?
She's reading more teenager to me so far. I have to remind myself that she is only 9.

As a member of Team Ook, the bonus question is: Is not the librarian wonderful and would you want to be turned back in his place? I love him.

Qs Day 2

Starting with a Bonus question...
“They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it is not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance.” (Granny said)
First off, who are “they”? I have always wanted to know. Secondly, do you agree with “them”?
It's an interesting question, but I do probably agree with whoever they are.

5. Esk went ahead and did not follow Granny’s advice, and thought since she had a feeling she could get into the bird’s brain, then why not do it.
When you were a kid, did you jump off the swing, or touch the hot burner? If so, give us examples.
Do you think she learned something from it, or are we looking at shades of her future University life?
I was a pretty boring rule follower, so I can't remember a time I did something I was told not to. Sad, really. I don't think she's learned a thing. I expect Esk will continue to do exactly as she feels/wants.

6. What do you think of Hilda and her version of Headology? What do you think of Headology in general?
So far the examples used are pretty accurate. It is interesting that everyone has their own version of it though. :)

7. Esk finds herself on a moving barge. Loved loved loved the resume of talents beyond washing and sweeping that Esk rattles off in an attempt to stay on the boat. What skills could you bring to the barge?
Sadly, I would probably be stuck with the washing and the sweeping. My skills don't mesh much with barge life.

8. Speaking of the barge, what do you think of Esk’s decision to just leave Granny? Did she mean to leave on her own adventure, or was it an accident? Do you think her matter of fact attitude is a product of her magic, or just her personality or upbringing?
I'm not sure it was a conscious decision, more just a wandering that she just continued. Probably some of the magic but she seems a pretty self sufficient girl, so no doubt that played a part,

DQs - Day 1

1. If you are new or relatively new to Discworld, what do you think of Pratchett’s world and writing style so far? For more experienced Pratchett readers, what are your favorite things about his writing style or Discworld in general?
This is my very first Discworld/Pratchett book! Its taking me a little while to get used to his rhythm, but its getting easier and I think by the time I get to the end, I will quite enjoy his style. The snark is the best so far. I have a feeling it will be a while before I feel like I can develop any thoughts on the world itself.

2. So we have our plucky heroine Esk and her witchy mentor Granny Weatherwax. What do you think of our two main characters and their relationship with each other?
I find them both likeable and interesting so far. Esk seems like a bit of an old soul, so I imagine they will get on well as we go.

3. A major theme is witch magic vs. wizard magic (and women vs. men), and I can’t wait to learn more about these different magical theories and world views. What do you think of this dynamic, and which type of magic are you more drawn to?
It's an interesting comparison, and I'd have to say the wizard magic does sound a lot more fun to me -- at least so far.

4. Oh dear. Esk went a bit too far with the borrowing. What do you think is going to happen next? And what will Granny say or do? I have to think we all kind of knew that would happen. I imagine there will be quite a bit of punishment coming up once Granny gets her back.

I started Breathe today which will work for policeman MC -- got lucky on that one. :) Also started Equal Rites for the BOM -- Melinda you probably know that one better than me so put that wherever it will work best.

Keeping an eye out for sheep and turtles....not having much luck just yet.

I can take the Zombie and necromancer tasks to start. I have a couple of those books sitting on my TBR. I'll update the SS when I get home from work today.

Melindam wrote: "Stacey wrote: "Melindam wrote: "@Stacie - your book - both title and cover fit nicely Bingo task H2, Black Rooster (that symbolizes death spirits in Haitian voodoo..."

Done.

And I started Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre today, which really DOES have footnotes. :) I'll add it to the sheet tonight.

Melindam wrote: "@Stacie - your book - both title and cover fit nicely Bingo task H2, Black Rooster (that symbolizes death spirits in Haitian voodoo). :)"

Great! I was trying to figure out if it would work for the hourglasses -- running out of life, etc -- but the rooster sounds better. :)

Melindam wrote: "@Stacie - I would like to use your American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century for task endnotes/footnotes. Which one does it have? Or is i..."

Sorry, I got carried away with it being non-fiction. It only had a bibliography. No footnotes/endnotes.

Melindam wrote: "BOM "Equal Rites" by Terry Pratchett starts tomorrow if you are interested to meet Discworld or want to refresh your experience.

I will be writing the 4th set of DQs, so I'll better start tomorro..."

I'm going to be reading this, but I will be a few days late in starting when I get home from vaca. :)

Melindam wrote: "Finished & .

Now I am listening to . Recommended by Team Librarian.

This is my first book b..."

Ah, the first reading of The Wall of Winnipeg.... I'm so jealous. Enjoy!

DQ Day 3
Chapters 21 to 33

11. For someone claiming and trying to be body positive about herself, Willowdean sure isn't giving anyone else any slack. Her description of Hannah, like with others, was just mean. Do you think the author is projecting Willowdean's insecurities on how she sees herself onto others?
I did find this to be odd about the character. She was pretty insulting to quite a few people, all while supposedly preaching body positivity. It seemed off with what the author was trying to say.

12. What did you think about the incident Patrick kneed in the balls incident? He didn't seem like Mitch's best friend saying that (honestly, maybe Patrick and Willowdean should date). What did you think about her mom's reaction and the resulting blow up between mom & daughter?
Side note: to anyone with teenagers, we are here for you.
I guess I thought that all of the characters reacted as I would expect them to TBH. Will was frustrated, but Patrick was being pretty awful, so I get her reaction. And as a parent her Mom had to make sure she was aware that that wasn't the way to go. I'm not sure why Mitch and Patrick are friends, -- they seem very different people.

13. Did anyone else want to high five Ellen for calling out Willowdean on her crap? What did you think of their argument? Do you think the rift will be repaired? If so, do you think a Dolly Parton sing-along (thanks Cat) will be part of their healing process?
Yes! I thought that whole argument was blown way out of proportion. I get Will's stand on it, but to tell your best friend that they can't support you in the best way they know how was ridiculous.

14. Based on the blurb, Millie's attitude and pep talk while at the restaurant is what I would of expected from Williowdean. What do you think of these girls deciding to enter the pageant? What did you think of Millie's pep talk?
I like the group taking on the status quo look, and I thought Millie's pep talk was great and positive.

15. Thoughts on Mitch? Where do you think his and Willowdean's relationship will go? Do you think she'll crush his poor soft heart?
Poor Mitch. He seems like a nice guy, but since its a book, I'm pretty sure Bo will be back in the picture eventually.

DQ for Day 2
Chapters 11-20
6. Picking up on the previous grief question to turn it around towards Willowdean and her mother. Will seems to think (I'm paraphrasing here) that her mother is a heartless cow and wants to use Lucy's room all to herself without any consideration whatsoever for anyone else. I can't help but wonder though if the mother isn't somehow trying to be close to Lucy - her own sister - by setting up a craft room in Lucy's space. Everyone deals with grief in their own way, and while yes, I agree with her (unlike Will) that the dusty old things will eventually need to go, I feel like she's trying to find a way to cope at the same time.
I suppose that could be the case. As has been mentioned, everyone deals with grief differently, so it may be that this is how her mother is dealing. But she did take all her stuff off the wall to get rid of......

7. Will and Bo. Thoughts? More particularly, Will's reaction to finding out that Bo will start going to the same school?
I think Will overreacted here. To preemptively end the whole thing without giving Bo a chance to explain or react seemed more final than it needed to be.

8. The more I read, the more I wonder how Ellen and Will are (still) friends with the way they talk to each other. According to Will, they are drifting apart because Ellen is having sex and because of Callie (she doesn't quite say it but it is definitely there). Their interactions however do make me wonder, a lot. I feel like they're friends more because it's a habit than anything else. They're both dependent on each other - Will because she doesn't seem to have other friends and can't stay in the pool alone? Ellen because she needs a back-up when she goes to pick up her pay check?) What do you make of their friendship now that we know more. Irreparable rift? Habit? Undying friendship?
I think they probably meshed well as younger girls with similar interests, but now they have progressed beyond that and are having trouble figuring out how to make that mesh into a more mature relationship. They do seem to have trouble having actual conversations rather than arguments.

9. And this inevitably brings me to Will's interactions with Callie. It seems like Callie is at least trying, even though there is the fat-girl-issue, but she isn't completely ignoring Will, unlike Will herself, who barely manages to be civil to the girl. Sure, I completely understand the jealousy of thinking that someone is stealing your (best) friend from you, but it isn't helping Will's case that she is basically being a douche to the girl.
I did think Will overreacted to the whole pool situation. Callie seems not terribly nice but Will really doesn't even give her a chance, and is actually mean before there is anything to be mean about.

10. Did anyone else have that moment of "oh shit, something really terrible is going to happen on the date" when Ellen and Tim tell Will that Patrick Thomas is Mitch's best friend. Or is it just me who thinks that there is a very obvious lack of mobbing and finger-pointing? Not that this is a bad thing, on the contrary! Though I do find it odd since Will has A LOT of issues and basically hates people who are not Ellen (and Bo).
I was waiting for the thing with Mitch to be a joke, but it seems to be pretty authentic so far, so...