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

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

DQs for Chapters 9 through 15

9. Circe's character goes through quite a few developments in personality in these chapters, both positively and negatively. How do you think the time in Aiaia has changed her?
She becomes self-sufficient and realizes that she is better off alone than with the family she has left.

10. "But in solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the Earth" (chapter 11) - when I read this quote, I felt sorrow and sympathy for Circe, for all her life, she has been dealt the bad hand. What did you feel? Do you think Circe felt any real connection with Daedelus or do you think she is attracted to anyone who treats her a little differently from her family?
I do think she felt a strong connection with Daedelus. He was so different from all that she knew, a good man who also felt a connection to her. I was happy that she had that time with him.

11. Every chapter in this section explored her relationship with a different character - Daedelus, Madea, Pasiphae in Crete and we get a sneak peek at her relationship with Odysseus. Each experience affects her adversely, sometimes positively, most times negatively. Which character did you like/ dislike the most and why? How do you think that character changed Circe?
Daedelus was the only positive experience and I really liked him. The others were only out to use Circe and treated her cruelly, especially Pasiphae. The experiences were good for Circe though as she came to see these people for what they were and could accept that her life away from them was better.

12. Circe's trust in mortals is shattered after her traumatic experience with a man. How do you think this will affect the rest of the story? Do you think she'll come to change her opinion?
I thought this was an interesting way to lead into her reputation as a sorceress who changed men into pigs.

DQs Chapters 1 - 8
1. Our setting for this book is the world of Greek mythology. What is your background with Greek mythology? How do you think your knowledge and opinions of Greek mythology will influence your reading of this book?
I've always enjoyed reading the stories of Greek mythology. My knowledge should be helpful as I already know much about some of the "characters" in the book.

2. In the first few chapters, we are introduced to Circe's family. I found myself having many different feelings about the characters presented. Which relationship has caused you the most emotion? What is it about that relationship that causes those emotions?
I can't say that I liked any of Circe's family. I guess the relationship with Glaucos was the most significant. He truly became a god with all of their selfish ways and without any of the qualities that attracted Circe to him.

3. Why does Circe approach Prometheus? How do you think this will affect her later in the book?
I'm not sure why she did it. She seemed to be drawn to mortals and felt sorry for Prometheus' suffering. I believe this will be a factor in the rest of the story.

4. How does Glaucos's position affect what he sees in Circe? If Gaucos was invited to a family reunion of Circe's, how do you think he would compare her to others in her family?
When he was mortal, he treated her with respect and awe. After he became a god, he ignored her just like the rest of her family did. Like the others, he seemed to feel she was not worth noticing.

5. Circe's first love does not end so well. What did you think of the creation of Scylla?
I can understand Circe's jealousy of Scylla who really didn't love Glaucos. It's interesting that Circe discovered that she could use magic in this way.

6. Pharmakeia is introduced in these chapters. What are you thoughts on how magic is defined in a world of gods and godesses?
Interesting that the gods were basically frightened of it. Not the sort of magic that they were used to.

7.Madeline Miller pieces together Greek mythology to tell this story. For example, Glaucus was said to have found the herbs, rather than been given them from Circe. What do you think about how Madeline Miller uses characters in Greek Mythology to tell her story?
I think this is acceptable. These are myths after all. Versions sometimes vary.

8. What is your opinion of the relationship between Hermes and Circe?
I believe it was good for Circe as she was able to keep informed about what was going on with her family. For Hermes this was just another way for him to thumb his nose at his father and the other gods.

Also will have Circe finished by Friday.

I also have a 500 pager that I can finish by Friday. If we don’t need it, I can wait to finish after round 2 starts. Which is best?

More 500+ books?

I added one with 522 pages. Carry On

I have several to add. I'll try to get them added over the next day or two.

I got Truly Devious from the library today so I'll do that BOM too.

I'm slowly adding my books. This is a terribly time-consuming process!

I was able to get Circe from the library so I can do this BOM.

Also have a 500+ page book coming up.

I figured we’d have to do that. I’ll update mine. Have several more books to add as well.

I added my first book to the spreadsheet. I didn't put page numbers for scavenger words so let me know if I need to.

I'd like to read Chain of Gold but can't get from my library yet. I put a hold on it but doubt that I'll get it in time.

That's what I was thinking too, Snowtulip. Since we have a maximum of 80 books for this round, we will probably have to select ones that work best.

This afternoon at 5 for me (EDT)

Starts September 19, 9pm UTC Time

I'm glad to help too if needed.

I like Food for Thought for the restaurant name.

Great description, Abbie!

I have access.

I know what you mean. I read the rules and watched the video but still looks like a lot to keep up with.

Checking in.