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

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

I think all the mini tasks are covered, correct? I could probably get one more short one in if we need anything.

Melissa, it looks like you got daily questions! Yay! Do I need to cover those for you? Or is someone else? Just want to know if I need to start that book so I can be prepared. :)

Also, the battles. (I know we are still focused on the end of Round 1, but I'm a prepper...) The books just have to be started/finished that second week correct? There's no other time issue? Because I'd be happy to read Vengeance in Death to hook on to the above.

So we still need horns and farms, right?

DQs Day 2 - Chapters 8 - 13

6) The narration is using dual POVs: 1st person for Opal, 3rd person for Arthur. Does it work for you? Do you think this suits the story?
I will be honest, I don't even notice person, tense, etc. I'm enjoying hearing both voices so I like that part.

7) Opal goes to the Library to find out more about Starling House and finds her mother's phone number among the Gravely family's documents. What implications can it have? Do you think it could be a hint about Opal's parentage?
I guess it could. I think at this point I would lean toward her just trying to work a deal or get some money from the family in some kind of grift or con.

8) After Bev's story about the relationship between Eleanor Starling and the Gravely brothers, we get a totally different perspective from what Nathaniel Boone went through. What do you think about the Gravely family and their "hold" over the town of Eden? What do you think Nathaniel may have discovered in the dark?
I feel like Nathaniel may have discovered or seen where all the things that the Starlings seem to be battling come from. I'm not sure how that relates to the Gravely family as of yet -- maybe they are responsible for starting the issues initialy?

9) Finally we learn some more about about Arthur's role (warden) and his connection to the House. What do you think about their "relationship"? What is your opinion about Starling House as a sentient being? Could it be good or evil?
I feel like it's a bit of a character on its own and feel like it has the potential to go either way depending upon who is living there and how its being treated. I'm still unclear about the warden situation, but I suppose I'm supposed to be at this point.

10) On "characters not communicating"
In Chapter 12 we find out that Opal has not told Jasper about the fact that she arranged for him to go to a different school and she actually managed to put together the fee for the 1st year already. Opal doesn't tell his brother about her working in Starling House and she doesn't tell Arthur about her spying on the House for Elizabeth Baine and getting more and more demands.
What do you think of all this?
I don't really understand Opal's reluctance to talk to Jasper about school and the job at the Gravely company. They seem too close for this to be a issue. I do get why she's hiding things from Arthur -- she doesn't really know him and I think she would be reluctant to share information about her family potentially being at risk with anyone.

I just realized that has horns on the cover (who knew vampires could have horns :) ) . I will add that as a comment and you all can put in for whichever task we need at the end.

Also, feel free to move my books in or out of anywhere you need.

Welcome to District 9 Roe!

Melissa wrote: "Is anyone planning on reading The Wishing Game for BOM? I need a backup for DQs in case I get picked. I have to wait until July 7th to read it (6 month rule) so fine for the game bu..."

I'm planning on doing that BOM -- I'm just terrible at questions. :P If you would like to help me muddle through, I can be backup.

DQs Day 1
Ch 1 to 7

1.) Have you read other books by Alix E Harrow? Was this on your tbr list before it was a BOM selection? Any expectations going in? I haven't read anything by this author, and while I think I maaay have heard of it, it was not on my list to read. I really have not idea what I'm getting into.

2.) Did you read the footnotes as you went along? Find them helpful? Annoying? I did read them. Initially, I thought them a little too much, but I find I'm actually enjoying them.

3.) The discussion of E.Starling's book being too scary for children reminded me of some interviews with M.Sendalk when the Where the Wild Things movie came out several years ago about books, etc that scare children (when children are the target audience). His response was basically children should be scared sometimes and there's nothing wrong with that. And has further said, it's better to have a book full of fears than one pretending there's nothing to be afraid of. What are your thoughts on this topic? I think it's probably a good idea to have books that challenge children's fears -- within reason. I think books which leave a lot to the imagination are probably one of the safer ways to do that rather than the visual presentation of tv or movies.

4.) What are your thoughts so far on Eden and Starling House? Has the author done a good job so far of creating an atmosphere and setting for a good gothic story?
I'm liking the vibe of the book so far and feel like the house is being presented as suitably gothicish. The writing is more wordy than I usually like but I'm finding myself very engaged and interested to get the rest of the story.

5.) Any favorites so far in our motley cast of characters? Opal, Arthur, Jasper, Bev, and Starling House.
I'm enjoying Opal's POV and attitude. And I'm a sucker for a tortured mysterious man, so Arthur has caught my interest.

I know we clarified to put mini challenge books on the main SS for points. Are we able to use each book for BOTH a task and one of our "needs"? Or do we pick mini or shelter/food, etc?

DQs – Day 3 Protective Impulses-Pert Thing

11. What do you think about the revelation in the garden/the haunting? Did you see it coming, and do you think there are others involved with the “curse”?
I can't say I was really surprised. Although the wife and the curse timelines still don't really mesh for me.

12. What do you think about Mr. Rochester sending away Jane and the staff? If you have read the original, how does this change Jane’s agency, and do you like the change? Either way, why do you think the author made it Mr. Rochester’s choice?
It seems like the typical man in a romance thing to do. I'm a little disappointed in Jane actually listening though. I haven't read the original, so I don't really have anything to compare.

13. Have you ever visited an Apothecary’s Garden? Would you be interested in seeing one? Do you grow any herbs or are you interested in growing any?
I haven't. I can't say its been on my list of things to do. I don't grow herbs, I'm more of a flower and plant person.

14. What do you think about the scene with Miss Ingram? What does this tell you about Mr. Rochester’s character and did that seem consistent with his character so far? Did his explanation make sense to you?
I'm not really sure I understand why this was in the story at all. We never see either of them again, and they don't seem to add much to the point of the story. Also didn't care of Rochester's explanation.

DQs Day 2 - Baneful-"My Own Wee Thing”

6. Jane gives Rochester a black-coloured thumb-sized stone to keep with him as a protective talisman. Do you believe in talismans? Please tell us about an object that you keep with you as a talisman?
I'm not sure I believe in them to ward off evil per se, but I do think there are objects that will give you comfort or reassurance when you need. I had a cross bracelet that I wore to all of my infusions for cancer treatment.

7. Between some of the chapters narrated from Jane’s point of view, we get chapters from Rochester’s point of view. What do you think of these “interludes”? Do they help or distract?
I don't know that they add much to the greater storyline, but its nice to get a different POV at times to break it up.

8. We are introduced to Dr. Poole. What did you think of this character particularly with regards to Jane meeting him in the poison garden? Were there any changes in your opinion after reading Agnes’ conversation with Jane about the late Mrs. Rochester?
I thought he was sketchy in the poison garden and I still think something is off about him after the discussion with the maid. Not sure if its any more diabolical that him being unnaturally attached to her or not.

9. We have been told several times about a curse on Thornfield. Then Jane follows Rochester to the graveyard where his family members are buried. At this point Jane says “This was a story of heartache. Everyone in Mr. Rochester’s family had died before their time, especially the females. Then his wife had done the same.” Do you think there is a connection between the curse and the early deaths?
I'm not sure, since we haven't gotten any family history older than the most recent death. If its a curse, it apparently predates the current Mr. Rochester.

10. We have been given information about Jane and her origin? What do you think of this twist in the tale? TBH its silly. A big eyeroll moment for me.

Bonus: The author has used several of the same names as those of characters from Jane Eyre. Other than Jane, Rochester, we have Brocklehurst, Maria Temple, Mrs. Fairfax, Poole etc. What do you think about authors using the same names in retellings?
I don't necessarily mind it -- its a retelling after all.

DQs - Day 1 - Prologue-Blackthorn

1. A paranormal retelling?? of Jane Eyre - this prompts the question about the original or let's call it the "source for inspiration". What is your relationship to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë? Have you read it? Loved/liked/disliked it?
I have actually never read it. I think I saw the movie at some point? But it obviously didn't make an impression. I do know the basic story though.

2. What about Retellings? Is it a genre you like/avoid?
If I like the original story, I generally will give a retelling a shot. I'm a sucker for a Beauty and the Beast retelling all day every day.

3. Jane Aire as a witch in a school for orphan witches? How do you like the setting of this alternative Victorian world where magic is at least tolerated?
Its interesting. I'll be interested to see how it actually plays in the rest of the world and the tolerance in characters not associated with the school.

4. What are your first impressions of Jane and Rochester?
I like Jane. She's got an interesting POV. I'm listening to this, and the reader is really giving her a voice if that makes sense. Rochester is still a little vague. I'm not sure how much my impression is what I know he is in the basis story and how much is him in this story.

5. What do you think about the occurrences in Thornfield? Are they really caused by supernatural elements or is it human action?
I'm kind of with Jane on this one. They all seem very vague and I'm unsure what she is supposed to do about them.

I've just finished my re-read -- and re-watch as its leaving Netflix soon which is strange timing to me. It was still just as riveting and jam packed as the first time I read it. I think I will read the next two rather than listen as the reader just didn't do it for me.

I think my view on Haymitch changed a lot during this re read. That may have been helped by how much I loved Woody Harrelson playing him in the movies, but I found him much more sympathetic this time around. I always figured he drank because of his time in the arena, but realized this time that it was probably from bringing year after year of tributes to be killed as well, if not more. I would love to see his story at some point.

Melissa wrote: "@Sam - The Seven Year Slip is on your shelf but shows that you began reading on May 10. If this is the case then we won't be able to use it since the game didn't begin until May 15...."

I'm trying Melissa -- I'm just not good at coming up with interesting things to say! :)

Welcome Dawn

Melindam wrote: "Just reached the hardest part. RUE...
am on the commute train and can hardly keep from crying.... and then when Katniss gets the bread from a starving District 11 is making me want to cry even mor..."

I've watched the movie multiple times, read the book 3 times -- this part STILL gets me. The song, the flowers, the salute and then the bread. which I completely forgot - just brutal.

Louise wrote: "@Stacey please add Creed to your shelf"

Done. Sorry, it always takes me a little while to remember the shelf thing when we start. :)

Can I ask what the goal is? Will we be competing against other teams at some point? Are there going to be challenges or something that will deplete our stocks? Are we just trying to have the most of all of them? I'm confused on the endgame. Sorry.

JL wrote: "Stacey wrote: "On the Hunger games buddy read - do we need to link our comments for points somewhere, or are we just trusting that we participated?"

Per the rules:

"Informal buddy reads will be ..."

Yep. I'm just asking if we have to put links to our comments in the SS anywhere like for the BOMs. I don't see a place for that right now.

On the Hunger games buddy read - do we need to link our comments for points somewhere, or are we just trusting that we participated?

I'm listening to this and I'm about a third of the way through. The reader is very good ---for every character except Katniss. :/ I can't help but picture a 40 year old woman when she's doing her parts which is making me struggle to stay in the story.

I remember not liking Katniss when I first read it, but I loved Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal in the movie, so I'm finding I like her character a lot more this time around. I also think that this was one of the first books I personally read where the FMC was a little sharp -- that seems to have become much more common over the last 10 years.

Melissa wrote: "@Stacey I've added page count for your book. Thanks!"

Thanks Melissa!