Jackie’s Comments (group member since Jul 10, 2011)

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

I'm finished. Thanks, all, for a fun challenge and especially to Tammie for captaining. I enjoyed reading with you all. :)

Tammie, it looks like my book Sacrifice is on the spreadsheet twice. It looks like the second listing was added recently because my total for Month 2 just increased by 1, putting me over the cap.

Tammie wrote: "How's everyone doing...only 3 more days left!

I finished a few days ago...I'd wanted to read it for a long time and held off thinking/hoping we'd get Turke..."'

(reread), , and were 5-star reads for me.

South Africa is complete.

I've got one for South African author. I'll get started on it now.

Well, bummer. Last place unless we can make a big push. Either way I've enjoyed the challenge and being on this team.

I've been waiting on My Friends from the library but it's still not available so I probably won't make that one.

Just curious - is 100 the limit on tasks for mini 2?

I moved the one I just finished. It worked for O.

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.)
It may have been some of both. Fear that tests might reveal that Norma was her daughter was probably the major cause.

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 the familiarity is natural as she was four when she was kidnapped. Maybe not old enough to consciously remember but subconsciously. Just as she had the dreams as a child. I do feel like she is being led back to her natural family.

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?
I'm not liking Joe too much at this point. I'm not sure I would have told him.

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?
It makes you wonder if it was hard for Lenore to love Norma. But, if so, why did she kidnap her to begin with? Was it mostly her husband's doing?

DAY 2 QUESTIONS - CHAPTERS 4-7

7. "But sometimes I think that sadness drilled down deep and some of it might just be there for good"
"now get lost and leave me to my book."
"There was love in that house but none of us really knew what to do with it."
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 can feel sorry for her but I don't like her. Nothing she has gone through excuses kidnapping.

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?
Probably to show the differences between Norma's life and how it would have been if she hadn't been kidnapped.

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?
Just a heartbreaking story.

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?
I like June and feel that she was good for Norma and made up for some of Lenore's shortcomings as a parent.

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'm not really enjoying this story. There is too much tragedy and racism.

DQs for day 1

1. What expectations do you have for the book based on the blurb or other description of the book?
I expect it will be a sad story.

2. How reliable do you the think the 2 narrators are?
Both are based on childhood memories/dreams so probably not totally reliable. I think the two are telling the truth as they see it.

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?
I guess that he saw such differences between the two groups that even their blood was different.

4. How much is Norma dreaming vs remembering? What do you think the dreams foreshadow?
I think they are actual memories coming out in her dreams.

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?
Lenore is not playing with a full deck. She should recognize how easily a child can be "snatched."

6. Why did Joe act so clingy when he returned from his first "guide" with his dad?
It was probably his first reality check as far as the extent of racism.

My copy of Berry Pickers just came available at my library. Just in time. Lol

Tammie wrote: "@Jackie

I just noticed your book...Sacrifice (line 221 on the main page) added to Mini #1 is a duplicate for Phillippines. We can only have 1 book per country in each itinerary. I deleted it from ..."

Done.

Same for me. I have to finish some others first. I've got a couple other challenges ending the end of June. After that, I can concentrate on filling spots that are still open.

I think I may finally read Dracula. It works for journal.

Day 3 Chapters 14-20

11. Whether the stories are true or not, are you interested in the back stories of Margaret’s family? What did you think of Freddy’s first interaction with Bernie? (The one that contained the only laugh out loud line so far “Because of your wardrobe?”)
It's interesting. I enjoyed the interaction. One of the best stories so far.

12. Who exactly is Jodi? Will she be a part of the BIG REVEAL?
No idea.

13. I do not have kids, but Hayden’s list of “what ifs” to worry about was a lot. Do you parents worry about that stuff?
Parents worry about all kinds of things where children are concerned. Hayden does seem to have a long list though.

14. Why do you think Alice thinks that Margaret’s tales of her childhood are true, as opposed to the stuff about her family before she was around? Do you find her insightful or naive?
She's been around Margaret long enough now to maybe have a feel for how truthful the stories are. She seems to be insightful but time will tell.

15. Think the visit to Alice’s family will go well? Think we will meet Hayden's family also?
I hope so. I doubt we meet Hayden's family.

DQs Day 2
The Story to Chapter 13

5. Margaret is lying – and probably not just about one singular thing. Do you think she’s even telling Alice and Hayden the same story? Personally I’m also really curious where Margaret’s sister Laura is – to me it feels like she might be key to the whole story… anything specific that made you perk up?
It's interesting that she's lying but I don't know why. Too many questions at this point.

6. Similarly, it was kind of an aside but I thought it was interesting when Margaret mentioned the Ives family’s rivalry with the Pulitzers. Is it just a random coincidence that Hayden is a Pulitzer-prize winning author who now also gets to talk to her? Especially since she requested him? And he has a bunch of family issues too?
It may certainly be the Pulitzer that made her choose him. This family dynasty angle seems to be a big part of the story.

7. I was a little shocked when they were already kissing 25% in – and then not surprised when Hayden rejects Alice. Do you think he’s telling the truth when he says “I’m not going to hook up with someone whose dream job I’m about to take from them”? Or is there something else going on?
Well, apparently there's a strong attraction there. Hayden acted like a jerk though. I figure they'll get together eventually.

8. We get quite a bit of detail on Alice’s job and research process as a journalist: what she’s searching for, working with fact-checkers, etc. Do you enjoy these types of details, i.e. minutae of characters’ jobs and hobbies?
I find it mildly interesting but not really that important to the story.

9. I’ve been to Hearst Castle, but long before I actually knew anything about him. The Ives family seems to be quite obviously inspired by him (and I guess he was name-dropped for plausible deniability). Is there a specific family dynasty you’re really interested in?
Not really interested in family dynasties.

10. Bonus question: So… anyone else feel like they’re reading Evelyn Hugo 2.0?
I haven't read it.

DQs Day 1
Chapters 1 to 7

1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?
I've read a couple of books by Emily Henry and enjoyed them so I do have high expectations for this book.

2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?
Alice is a little too bubbly for me but she's growing on me.

3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?
I would agree because the project is worth it. I'm not sure about Margaret's motives for this arrangement but I think she has her reasons. Maybe it's simply a matter of trust or it could be that she just wants to be sure that she can work with someone for the length of the project.

4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did you opinion change a bit on his character?
Hayden seemed so stiff at the beginning, probably because of his upbringing. He seems like a person that would be extremely hard to get to know, but maybe a really good friend if you make the effort.

I just finished a book set in Ireland. Okay if I switch one of the itinerary unfinished books for it?