Maritza’s Comments (group member since Jun 08, 2014)

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

MN Lisa wrote: "For Mini 4 I was thinking of adding books we couldn't fit anywhere else and then using ChatGPT or something to help with the story.

I'm not super creative when it comes to that stuff, but if someo..."
That sounds good. I see some other teams did the same.

Haley wrote: "HI! I was looking through the mini challenges and seeing what books I can read next that can be helpful :) helps me with choosing my next books

For Mini 4 with the story section what's the best w..."

For Mini 4 - You have to make up a story with the books that were read in that section and the story should somehow involve a cat.

LaurLa wrote: "Did we lose a column on the tracking tab? There is no place to put a mini reference code... and it looks like all the Round 3 books on the mini tabs went missing."

I noticed the same.

Good Morning. I see with mini Brown a story has to be made with books and a cat :(

Ok. Will do tomorrow.
Edit - Wrong placement of character names on my part. FIXED

On ss gor my book finished today it fits for character ladt name but defaultec to author ladt name for justification.

Roe, I think you should read what you want.

Thanks Roe.

Can someone update ss for me. Thanks.

Day 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 3 DQs: Chapters 11-16

9. Let's talk about the twins, because I think they are stealing the show! The Twins, Taiwo and Kehinde, share names rooted in Yoruba tradition, where Taiwo is the "taster of the world" and Kehinde is the true elder soul. How might this cultural symbolism influence how we interpret their role in the palace and their relationship with Òdòdó?
--- I don't know, but I like the story arc with the twins being information gatherers while still keeping their youthful energy.
10. In this section, Kòlò steps in and covers for Odòdó in a critical moment. What does this gesture reveal about her character and the relationship with Odòdó? Is it protective, controlling, self-serving, or some mix? Does this add to or change you option of Kòlò?
--- I think that Kolo has other motives for friending Ododo. She does not seem like a true friend and has a hidden secret. I was feeling empathy for her at first but I do not want her to harm Ododo.
11. The "General Roundtable" plays a big role in power dynamics in these chapters. What does it reveal about how authority is negotiated in this world: who speaks, who is silenced, who wields influence behind the scenes? What does Òdòdó’s building "influence" tell us, despite her being not only a woman, but also labeled a "witch"?
--- I think Ododo will play a big part in the gatherings.
12. There is a riot in the capital during these chapters. How does Sangoyomi portray public anger versus elite maneuvering? What does the riot tell us about the fragility of the system in Ṣàngótè?
-- This question is too deep for me.
13. For FUN: If the palace characters were in The Hunger Games, who would you cast in which district or role? Bonus: what kind of clever (or chaotic) strategies do you think Taiwo and Kehinde would use to survive the arena?
--- Ododo would be district 12 for sure.

Ok, I will try to list the books I am interested in.
Just need to finish BOM questions. I will like here for someone to update on ss as I don't know how to do that. Also trying to finish up last book for this round.

Wow, those are some books. I went through and saw some I am willing to read.

Day 2: Chapter 6 - 10

5. It’s always interesting to watch a naive MC try to find authentic connections in a sea of people more practiced at hiding motives and personal feelings. Of those Òdòdó has met so far, who do you think will become allies? Or turn out to be enemies? Why?
I think that she has several allies in his army.
6. Having been so steeped in western traditions where blacksmiths are always big, burly men, I’m loving the whole concept of a female sisterhood of blacksmiths, thought to be witches because of their connection to the Earth. Understanding that they were forced to join due to transgressing the female norms of the time, what is your impression of the blacksmiths? What do you suppose is going on with all the disappearing blacksmiths? Do you think Òdòdó’s mother is with the other blacksmiths or looking for Òdòdó?
They must all have moved or been moved together. To what end I have no idea.
7. “After all what is love but a choice?” This quote from chapter 4 keeps popping into my head, so I’m curious what you all think: Is this true for general love only? Can it really be true for romantic love? Putting aside the retelling aspect for now, what do you think about the growing relationship between Òdòdó and Aremo? Do you think Aremo had an ulterior motive seeking out a blacksmith girl when they first met? (Yes, yes - I’ve gotten a touch cynical and suspicious in my old age.)
That was a powerful quote and one I believe to be true. It's always a personal choice to choose for yourself what you feel is right.
8. I’m finding Kolo to be more and more interesting as the story progresses. In the vein of “History is written by the victors,” what is your take on Kolo’s reaction to Gassire’s version of how Sangot came to be? What do you think about her tribal scars that opened when she saved Òdòdó? Are you hoping (like I am) that she secretly trained with the Ahosi warriors?
I think she is using Ododo and will betray her.

Day 1 DQs: Chap 1 to 5

Just a note for anyone who wants some context: Timbuktu is in Mali and then, we travel south with the main character to the fictional capital, Ṣàngótẹ̀. The historic Yorubaland and Oyo empire is further south, containing western Nigeria, and I believe parts of modern-day Benin, and the Gold Coast is current day Ghana. Taghaza, which is mentioned is in present-day Algeria. Distance are more than a little compressed as these places would take a lot more traveling time if you wanted to walk or camel caravan there.

1. What do you think of the choice of location for the book? Did the location effect your decision to read the book?
--- Honestly, I started to read it for BOM points. But, I got into it as my vest friend is from Nigeria. The history became fascinating to me.
2. There is a lot of information dropped in this first section. Are you finding it awkward to read or well-integrated? Are there questions you still have on the setting?
--- No, I am enjoying the history as it is all new to me.
3. We meet the blacksmiths at the start of the book including Òdòdó’s mother. How do you think her relationship with her mother characterizes her as a character and her request for her mother to join her? If you have not read ahead, do you think asking for her mum to be kidnapped was a good idea?
--- I think that she is a daughter who wants to have the only parent she has never known be close to her and safe.
4. We have met two new important characters Aremo and his first wife. Do you think he is as vapid as he appears? Do you like stories with a forced/political marriage theme?
--- As a woman I do not like forced marriages for any reason.

MN Lisa wrote: "Found the issue with the book. There was still a code on a round 1 book and removed that.

Sorry."

Good Morning and thanks. Are we going to start working on mini #7.

I couldn’t remove the book I humor

Good Morning Guys,
For mini Genre challenge - I want to replace Humor with my book Overruled but it won't allow me.

and on Mini Road Trip - first book listed by Amanda seems to be in wrong spot.

Roe wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "Maritza wrote: "Guys, we should try to fit books into mini holiday challenge as that closes at the end of the round (Nov 8th). The other minis will continue for length of challenge...."

Yes, I started this week and it's not bad. I'm liking it so far. The BOM is due by 11/08/25 (you know how it works?)

Beginning of the Month
Books on shelf - 43
170 Approved / 126 Feedback Sent
Feedback Ratio - 74% (Goal 80%)

Approved 2025

Approved 2023

Approved 2022

Approved 2021

Approved 2020

Approved 2019

Approved 2018

Approved 2017

Approved 2016

           
End of the Month -
Reviews -
Books read in 2025 - 5
Books read in 2024 - 6
Books read in 2023 - 11
Books read in 2022 - 16
Books read in 2021 - 12
Books read in 2020 - 14
Books Added -

Roe wrote: "Hey everyone!!!! Pumped to be on the team! To confirm Round 2 started 10/26? I have 5 finished books since then I will try find spot for!"

Correct