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

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

Day 3 Discussion Questions
May 14 1926/Adieu - Addendum

14. The Count meets an Englishman in the bar and tells him what happened to his sister. What did you think of the story and were you surprised he told it to a stranger in a bar? Do you think he's right to feel responsible and do you think it is influencing his actions and behaviour?

- I thought the story was heartbreaking and something that could have happened to anyone. I am not surprised that he shared as the was men bonding over drinks. I think he shouldn't feel responsible but it is understandable.

15. On the night he decides to end things he involves himself in the discussion in the bar then hesitates at the edge of the roof. Do you think he would really have stepped off if he hadn't been interrupted? Why do you think he changed his mind after tasting the honey?

-I don't know that he really meant to step off but since he had it in his mind for so long I think it was a natural progression for him. I'm not sure why he changed his mind .

16. "when you exile a man into his own country, there is no beginning anew" Do you agree that for a man like the Count his confinement to the hotel is a greater punishment than if he'd been exiled to another country? Would this be the case for everyone as the book suggests? It seemed like the Prince didn't suffer so much being subject to the Minus Six.

-I think that if you are exiled in a place that you know it could be considered a big punishment because you are familiar with things that are close to you and you are denied the ability to just step out anytime you want.

17. I really like Nina as a character and loved the relationship between her and the Count so was surprised when she met him as an adult and was so cold towards him. Why do you think this was? Do you think they'll be reunited and become close again or are they heading in different directions?

-I don't think they will meet again. Since she was little I got the impression that Nina just wanted to leave and explore the world. Their meeting was for the moment but will have a lasting impression on the Count.

18. Anna's fortunes changed dramatically. What did you think about how she dealt with it? Do you believe she has changed? What about her relationship with the Count? Were you surprised? Do you think it is serious and will last or are they just using each other?

-I knew she would be back, that is like someone who wants something that they know they shouldn't want. I think Anna is tougher than we think and is able to adopt to any circumstance that life throws her way. I think that is a forbidden love but they might find themselves together again.

19. The Count is working as head waiter in the restaurant and seems to have formed a real friendship with Andrey and Emile. What are your thoughts on Andrey and Emile and why do you think they get on so well? I absolutely loved the scene with Triumvirate and the bouillabaisse but was a bit confused as to why it was such a secret. Why was it so important to them and why did it cause such a strong emotional reaction?

-Thinking about the times they are living and the situation they find themselves in I am not surprised at their relationship. It is a secret they share among themselves and like a challenge to find all the ingredients that they need.

20. What were your feelings on the meeting between the Count and Osip Ivanovich Glebnikov? He wants the Count to meet with him regularly to help him learn about the English and the French languages and cultures. Why do you think this is and why the Count? Do you think the Count will gain anything from this or is he heading for trouble?

-I think that the Count by his position and carriage, draws the attention of many. I think that Osip may become an ally for him.

Author - Amor Towles
Pgs - 468
Read - 05/31/17
BOM - YES
Rating - 3

hi guys . I have been focusing on finishing my BOM and guess what happened I might have joined another team challenge :((( They have so many good challenges for June over at Game Night and I seem to lack will power where team challenges are concerned. Am trying hard to finish my points for this week and think I will try some of my short biker books. Those are always good for a quick read. Well hope you guys are good.

Day 2 Discussion

7. Unfortunately I have not read any Russian literature so am unable to add to this discussion. It was not a topic that drew my interest.

8. The encounter that stuck with me was the one with the actress (Anna). At first I was unsure if that really happened or if he was recounting a dream. What happened to her after was interesting as she had just only met him but he seemed to have touched something in her that no one else ever had.

9. Anna might make another appearance based on my answer and reflections in question 8. She might come to explore her feelings with the Count.

10. I think that the Count is having a moment of invisibility because of all the years he has spent in the hotel. It might be that all the people have merged into one for now and he just feels lost in the every day going on.

11. I think that was just a sign of the time and that Bishop did not have anything to do with it.

12. I am reading the ebook and did not see any footnotes. Ok I didn't realize I thought they were more descriptive narrative.

13. He is connected thru his past and would never permanently leave.

Author - Kylie Scott
288 pgs
Read - 05/29/17
BOM - No
Rating - ****

So far I have

20 points
40 points and BOM

Maybe able to pull out one more. Looking for historical romance for mini challenge.

Yeah I like reading for specific tasks. Maybe we can all decide to read for specific points book or genre. I see Stephen King is high points for example. I finished one of my other challenges so I am a little more flexible.

jade I'm my prayers go out to all the people of Manchester. It is so sad that young children were targeted its like you can't even go out to have fun anymore. Be safe and enjoy your outing if you get to go.

I have been sick this week with a cold so my reading has been down. Still working on BOM and one other book that is due at the library next week.

Author - Maya Banks
336 pgs
Read - 05/23/17
BOM - No
Rating - ****
Mini Challenge- Takes place outside

Discussion #1
1. I do not know much about Russian history or history in general as that was not one of my interest in school. As to Politics that is also something I don't know much about.
2. I think that there is a lot of meaning to the items he chose to take with him as with discover with the gold in the desk. I would take my pictures as a connection to the past. I would take my important documents and money as that is always useful.
3. I also like to finish things that I start especially reading materials. Maybe he just wants to find hidden knowledge or keep his mind working. Tilting of chair is quirky to us but normal for him. I like to read in so many different positions which others might find uncomfortable.
4. Practicalities might mean routines that he will follow to keep his mind sane and working towards some daily accomplishment. Being locked up can not be easy and that might be the way he choose to find meaning to his confinement. It may be to early but I always like books that give you an insight into character thought.
5. Gentleman might refer to the way he carries himself. So far he has acted as a perfect gentleman that has endeared himself to the hotel staff and to me the reader. So far I like him and want to learn more about him and how he thinks.
6. She may be a way for him to explore his surroundings and to interact with a carefree spirit. Too early for me to tell at this point.

Cecily wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Cecily wrote: "New set of tasks available on the Just for Fun Mini challenge!!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/..."

I ..."

i'll take the second spot with

Got my copy of BOM. Have a drink or two for me.

Author - Alexis Noelke
171 pgs
Read 05/21/17
BOM - No
Rating ****

Author - Ella Griffin
384 pgs
Read 05/20/17
BOM - No
Rating - ***

It all sounds good. You guys covered it all. Thanks for the good thoughts and wishes. Will update you guys at the end of June.

Margaret wrote: "Maritza wrote: "Finished one of my team challenges so will have more free choice in my pick of books. Must not join so many teams at once.
I wish I knew how to draw but I am not an artistic person ..."

Praying everything is good.

Finished one of my team challenges so will have more free choice in my pick of books. Must not join so many teams at once.
I wish I knew how to draw but I am not an artistic person I am more cerebral.
On a personal note I am a little on edge as I have to see a specialist for enlarged thyroid blood levels are fine. Damn youtube.

Author - Rachel Shane
Pgs - 332
Date - 05/16/17
BOM - No
Rating - ****

Cecily wrote: "That being said we need to decide who is going to do the DQs for . I can give it a try if no one else wants to do them.

The First 2 we are too late for DQs..."


I am not interested in that one.

can you give me the link for the BOM

Nevermind I found it.