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

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

Good Morning Guys - Can someone link the info. to the BOM The Berry Pickers. Thank you.

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

DQs Day 3

12. When Norma tells her mother she's pregnant, Norma notices fear in her other's eyes. What do you think that fear was about? Do you think she was remembering her own past experiences and worrying about Norma, or was she fearing that this would lead to Norma finding out the truth somehow? (Thinking to all of the bloodwork and stuff that comes from this, though admittedly not sure in the time frame if that was as much of a concern.)
--- Maybe the fear was that Norma would not be able to have the baby. Some as what happened to her, that Norma would experience loss.

13. Ruthie was from Nova Scotia and went missing in Maine, yet Norma and Ben ran into each other in Boston of all places — somewhere his family would not be expecting her. Later, when they need some time away, Norma's husband takes her to Nova Scotia, where she feels some familiarity and connection to the land. Are these crossovers just coincidences, or do you think that in the grand scheme of the story, something more (fate, a higher power, etc.) is leading them to each other?
--- I think that the world is small and that was something that could happen. It just goes to show that in the end they would reconnect.

14. We get the backstory in this section on why Joe didn't know he had a daughter at first. Knowing what we know now do you agree with his family's decision to keep him in the dark? Have your opinions on Joe changed with this piece of backstory revealed?
--- It makes sense that they would keep it from him. Something similar happened in my family. It made Joe more human to me.

15. "I would learn to love the little one." What a strange thing for Lenore to say when broaching the topic of adoption — especially considering Norma's circumstances. What did you think when you read that — especially seeing how Lenore treated Norma growing up?
--- I did not like Lenore at all.

DAY 2 QUESTIONS - CHAPTERS 4-7

7. In chapter four we learn more about Norma's parents and life in their house as she grew up. Does learning about Lenore's past make you more sympathetic to her? And how about their parenting style, I can't imagine ever telling my children or grandchildren "to get lost" because I wanted to read a book. (Ok, I'm sure all parents might have thought it at times, but saying it to a child is a definite no no in my book!)
--- I am not sympathetic to Lenore because she may have taken someone's child. What about that family and their pain. She was not a good mother and the father and aunt were no better as they let her get away with all her headaches.

8. In juxtaposition to Frank, Lenore and Norma, we have alternating chapters about family life from Joe's POV. Thoughts and why does the author structure the novel this way?
--- I think a story like this needs to have more than one POV to see how the story unfolds.

9. Chapter 5 - the horrible incident with Frankie and Charlie. How did you feel reading about this injustice? Could anything been done to avert this tragedy? How does Amanda Peters' writing the scene add to the heartbreak?
--- That was so tragic. I think it had to happen so that we could see that the family has had to overcome so much.

10. What you think of Aunty June and her role in the story? Why does she encourage Norma to interact with the Indian protesters only to pull her back when she is recognized as Ruthie?
--- She wants to be a free spirited aunt but she loves her sister more and does not want Norma to know what happened and for her to leave her.

11. Joe seems to be a tragic figure as the story of his life is revealed. How he has responded to racism and trauma make you feel when reading this book? Are you enjoying the story or does it make for uncomfortable reading?
--- I enjoyed this more so much that it bought tears to my eyes. He was such a tragic soul and I wished the best for him all along.

Wow,just finished The Berry Pickers and I have tears running down my face. I need to digest and work on BOM questions. Will update tomorrow. I really loved it.

DQs for day 1

Some of these questions will lead to possible spoilers. Please be sure to hide any spoilers

1. What expectations do you have for the book based on the blurb or other description of the book.
--- I am not sure about what to expect at this time. But I've heard it's a very good book. So I hope to enjoy it.

2. How reliable do you the think the 2 narrators are?
--- I think they are very reliable and seem to be narrating their story.

3. Chapter 1 opens with " The day Ruthie went missing the black flies seemed to be especially hungry...Indians made such good berry pickers...something sour in our blood kept the black flies away". How does this establish Joe's view of the relationship that exists between the whites and the Mi'kmaq?
--- Not sure but I think that his life is full of things and stories he has heard.

4. How much is Norma dreaming vs remembering? What do you think the dreams foreshadow?
--- I think they are memories of her past.

5. How do you explain Lenore's paranoia about Norma being out alone? How do you account for the incongruity of her insistence that Norma likes to play with baby dolls when she sees Norma choosing other playthings?
--- She is scared that someone is looking for her and wishes to hide her from the world.

6. Why did Joe act so clingy when he returned from his first "guide" with his dad?
--- That was his first time around the whites.

Tammie wrote: "Maritza wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Maritza wrote: "My copy of the BOM The Berry Pickers just came in. Working on 4 books plus that one will make it 5 ;)))."

hehe...no more books for y..."

Yes, i know, i did that one . I meant i was able to get the next book in series so i can find out what happens.

Tammie wrote: "Maritza wrote: "My copy of the BOM The Berry Pickers just came in. Working on 4 books plus that one will make it 5 ;)))."

hehe...no more books for you until you finish a few...we ..."

My library has been good lately. I even got the 2nd book to the first BOMWhat the River Knows that I want to read.

My copy of the BOM The Berry Pickers just came in. Working on 4 books plus that one will make it 5 ;))).

Good Morning ☀️ It’s going to be a hot 94 degrees here in NY. Going to Church and home.

Ok Thanks. should be finished by tomorrow.

50 - 50

Question - For book set in Antartica - does it have to be only set there? My book is set there and in Florida.

Hi Guys, I am chugging along on 2 books.

Melindam wrote: "Hello Team CN Tower from Team 3 Pagodas. 😊

Jusy dropped by to say Hi and because my recent read, took me to Toronto and some of the characters actually vi..."

Hello, thanks for the visit and book recommendation.

Tammie wrote: "@Maritza
Gold Dust Woman: The Biography of Stevie Nicks...this book will not work for N as non-fiction is considered not to have 'characters'. Title, author, narrator, translater only. We did have ..."

Ok. Thanks

Good idea Tammie. I have some longer books I can start

Good morning- I will finish my bronze book later today. And that will be my final book (I'm capped at 10)

Ok, started.

I found a book for BRONZE that I can read if no one has one with more pages.

Okay Tammie, Thanks.

@Saar - I know about migraines. Relax and get some rest.