megan’s Comments (group member since Jun 26, 2015)

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

Checking in. Still alive. I've been keeping up with the spreadsheet, but 11/22/63 is super long, so it's just been logging BOM questions. I should hopefully finish it this weekend (going much faster this time around). Then on to something less time consuming.

DQs Day 3 - 17 June
Chapters 7 - 8, 26%

10) We find out more about Frank Dunning. He is portrayed as a smooth talker and good looking. Do you find this stereotypical of someone who will go on to murder most of his family? It always seems to be someone no one suspects. Jake's opinion of him obviously isn't very good. Do you think Jake would feel differently if he didn't know what Frank was going to do?
If he didn’t know what Frank was going to do, he wouldn’t be there to begin with. No one wants to go to Derry unless they absolutely have to. Domestic violence has no stereotypical look, so it wouldn’t be his facial features. Personality traits are more likely to give it away. A charming, smooth talker would draw some red flags. Not that they would start at murdering their family, but the violence builds and builds.

11) Jake plans how he is going to stop Frank. Would your thought process have been the same as Jake's? How would you plan to change the event?
I would like to think I could get into Frank’s head and prevent the escalation, but if they are already to the point of “No one can have them but me” mentality, there’s little that can be done. Ideally, removing the family from the situation completely would be how I’d handle the situation today. Start over. But the mentality of the late 1950s could make that impossible. I'd befriend him and figure out a way to poison him. Maybe buy him a beer when we've become friends.

12) There is something off about Derry. The place itself feels weird and the people act strange. Would you stay somewhere where you don't feel welcome? Would you investigate more into what was going on?
Of course its off – just a year or two earlier they had that demonic sewer clown killing. It is forever the the setting of epic fights between good and evil. When I imagine it in my head, I see the dark, dreary mono-tone life we’ve come to associate with the Soviet Union. Someone always watching. Curtains fluttering when you turn to look at the window you feel the presence coming from. Lots of stray skeletal dogs. No thanks. Find the family and get them out.

13) Well, stopping Frank didn't go to plan but he did get stopped. What do you think the consequences of changing the event will be in the present, if any? Do you think he will go back and try again? If so, what do you think he will do differently?
Nearly everyone lives. Entire story lines that could change every person those now living people meet, thus altering their trajectories. And it goes on and on. The present day Jake goes back to could be completely different. Unless, like history not wanting to change, we end up in a Final Destination situation and everything Jake worked for is for nothing. If they were meant to die, they are going to die. Jake will take the mulligan. He can get it right eventually.

Day 1 DQs: ch1- 3

1) I have only read a few of Stephen King's books. Is this your first book by the author or are you quite familiar with his storytelling?
Familiar. I love the science fiction portion of King’s work (Different Seasons, The Outsider, Elevation, The Green Mile, Joyland) 11/22/63 is my favorite. Probably in my top 10 list.

2) What do you think about the character Jake so far? Would you have gone along with what Al wanted and took the initial step back into the past, or would you have not humoured him and tried to get him help?
I would have called him a crazy old man and never gone back for a fat burger again.

3) I am not sure how I would feel if I just stepped back into the past the way Jake and Al have, but I am really curious about how the time travelling works in this story. It seemed that Jake was somewhat calm about it. How do you think you would feel if it was you?
So the portal is like a bit of a worm hole. In real life the human body wouldn’t survive stepping through that kind of ‘portal’. I’m surprised King didn’t give Jake any sort of physical symptoms after making the leap. Throwing up the moment he fully enters the past. Or being dizzy. Or feeling disconnected from the ground.

4) I think it is clear that Jake is going to pick up Al's mission to try and stop the JFK assassination. Would you choose to continue Al's mission? Also how much do you know of the history surrounding this event?
I’d take it up, but being a single woman in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s would be total crap. As an American, I know the history surrounding the event well. As a fan of conspiracy theories, I know it more than is healthy. I could never get behind the idea of a single shooter storyline or that it was planned and executed by a single person. Sorry, Al.

Do we need another Booker Prize book? Or is it mine that counts? I’ll finish it today on my lunch break.

Yay for tasks that non-fiction works for. Got the science tag covered.

Finished my 500 page book. Still have another shorter book I’ll clock before months end.

I added my last book of the month to the spreadsheet, but I’m on my phone and can’t link the book until I get to a computer.
I also deleted the link to Brittany’s Daisy Darker book. I’m a mean person and didn’t want it there (really, the sheet jumped when I fat fingered my book and the link to her shelf disappeared) I’ll take care of both when I get to my computer. But, I know if any of you are like me, you won’t like that some books aren’t linked and you’ll link them for me. Thank you if you do.
Happy Memorial Day to those memorializing. The Indy 500 owns my weekend. Off to the races.

DQ Day 5
Chapters 31-37

22. The band choose to land to search for Matrick and eventually find Matrick, Larkspur and a Witch Doctor. Did this surprise you?
No. We have too much book left to kill off a major character. And it was written very flippantly.

23. Larkspur in her fall has lost her memory and now goes by the name Sabitha. After her drug induced sleep she recounts her dreams to Clay of snippets from her past. Does this put her actions in a different light? When she recovers her memory do you think she will revert back to her how she was before the fall?
I didn’t think she’d actually lost her memory at first. Faking it would be used to her advantage as well. Yes, she will revert back. Very deep feelings come with those memories that will be like experiencing them for the first time all over again.

24. We meet Gregory and Dane during our visit to the Cannibals. What are your thoughts on how Gregory describes events to Dane?
Taking on all the trauma associated with the visit is very noble. Says something about his character.

25. I’m loving the magic bag in this section. What meal would you have it magically produce?
Mickey waffles from Walt Disney World. Lots of memories.

26. It seems there is a cure for Rot. How do you think this will effect Moog in the long term?
I don’t know if I trust the cure yet. We’ll need clinical trials before I can formulate an opinion.

11/22/63 is in my top ten. The lesser seen Shawshank and Green Mile side of King is my favorite. This is one my family and I will randomly go into a deep dive about - the “What ifs” list is a mile long. I rarely reread books, but I might need an exception for this.

DQ Day 2
Chapters 9 - 15

6. We meet the 3rd member of the band, the wizard Moog. What are your impressions of the wizard? Were you as surprised as Clay that he agreed to go right away?
I think I’m going to like Moog. Eccentric mage with nothing to lose? Of course he’s down to get the band back together. Part of me wants this book to be in his point of view.

7. That was some entrance to the palace, don't you think? What were your first impressions of Matrick? Were you surprised by the turn of events in chapter 11? Excited or worried when Moog announces that he had a plan?
Had some Robert Baratheon vibes to begin with. Fat dumb and happy? But we do learn he’s got a Ned Stark side. I think I’m going to like him, but I worry a pompous elitist “Do you know who I am?” side might come out when met with too much adversity. Excited about a plan from Moog, because his ideas have got to be the most interesting.

8. After several descriptions sprinkled throughout the story thus far, we finally meet a druin. What do you think his plan is? Why does he really want the Council to stand down?
I don’t know why, but my mind made druins these sort of ghosty, translucent alien beings. Maybe because of the other dimension thing. Shrug. I want to know more. That’s a whole world on top of the one already being built. They also seem extremely smart, like they are seven steps ahead of you in a game of chess. The guy wants revenge. A what is rightfully his. And when you live a longtime, you’ve got forever to get it. I hope it’s more than just that though.

9. Were you surprised at how Lillian arranged the funeral? What did you think of Clay's contribution? How successful would you rate Moog's plan?
No. She’s really been waiting for this day since having her first son. That his funeral is done in the style of her current lover’s tradition is proof. And kind of awesomely evil and petty. Was Clay really that bad of archer? I don’t remember reading about his proficiency with a bow and arrow. It worked. Moog’s plan gets a passing grade. C’s get degrees.

10. Gabriel borrows Moog's crystal ball to check on his daughter. Were you surprised at what he saw? What did you think of the band's reaction?
Not surprised. I think the guys have been through and seen much worse during their touring years. That someone they know and love is stuck in such a situation makes it sting so much worse. They are all there for their own reasons and at this point those reasons are still pushing them forward.

CH 1 to CH 8

1.) What do you think of the premise of the book, like an aging rock band getting back together to go on tour but an adventuring band instead? Is the author pulling it off so far?
So far, my heads created this Knights Tale + Ready Player One + Blues Brothers story. I don’t know why Ready Player One popped up, but maybe it’s writing style or the pace. I’m seeing one of these guys being played by Jack Black. Author is doing a pretty good job.

2.) The rocks, may of hit me a bit in the feels. Did it affect your opinion of Gabe at all?
Oh, the rocks. There’s no way Gabe would still be alive if he was as naïve to his daughters possible fate as it might seem. We get to see how complex he really is. Signs of a great character.

3.) How do you like the world building, is it being done effectively for you without major info dumping? Is it helping to set the stage for the story?
I love world building and author’s being as descriptive as possible. I’d like a little more. I really want to see what Eames was seeing as he wrote. I’ve read so much fantasy and science fiction over the years that the best way to keep me from allowing other locations/settings to creep in, is to build a world I don’t want to break up with parallels to the Forbidden Forest or pub scenes from Game of Thrones or battles written by Bernard Cornwall.

4.) What did you think about the parade? Did anyone else enjoy Clay's reaction to the ladies being whistled at and be disappointed when the lady blew a kiss back instead of skewering the guy (like Clay expected to happen)?
It seemed like the situation could have had different levels to it. Of course you want to confront the a-hole, but where does self preservation come in? Women have blown kisses instead of poison air darts for all time. Knowing what battle you can fight and win takes much more than running and skewing the guy. In a perfect world the dude would be strung like a flag outside the door of a tavern. We don’t live in a perfect world, so I can’t assume Eames has written one.

5.) Do you have a favorite character so far?
Going with Clay, because we know him the best and we’ve seen his heart.

Bonus: Taking a poll for a very important question. On the Tassel Farm: Centaur or Moose?
A crane - the one they thought was a hanging guy on the set of the Wizard of Oz.

I'll finish anything I have on the spreadsheet before the end of the month. I owe another two on top of the six I've added already. Those all depend on how fast the people of Indianapolis read their library ebooks.

Does it list orange at all? Sometimes the word for the color you want is in the color description but it’s listed as a different color. Like “blood orange” listed as a red or something. I’d say that’s orange.

Susan wrote: "I'm Susan, and I've been involved in these challenges for the past few years as a way to have fun/chat books with my daughter Lexi. This is the way I get all my walking in while discussing books. I..."

Same! I refuse to read almost anything set during WW2. So over done.

Rebecca wrote: "I'm not a huge planner when it comes to books myself. I put down some on the spreadsheet only because they are library books and I have to return them in the next few weeks. I'm more of a whimsical..."

I am the same way Rebecca. My mind or mood will change too much to plan more than a couple books ahead.

Hello everyone!
I'm Megan in Indianapolis. This is my 5th or 6th Tower Teams challenge. (WOBBLE was my favorite (Battleship))

I'm a mechanical engineer in civil aerospace - jet engines. I have a 15yo cat and a chicken nugget shaped pit-bull. I am originally from SW Ohio, so I grew up a huge Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan. But not Ohio State. No thanks.
I love true crime and competition reality shows, mostly cooking. And any kind of live music.

I've been trying to read more and more non-fiction, but they don't fit into team challenges very well. That there are no characters in them can make Spell-It-Out difficult.

shelf: TTX

Well done everyone. I hope you all found something you wouldn’t have normally read or one that got you out of your comfort zone. Happy holidays.

Are we good to go on coverage? I can speed read through something if needed.

Is it looking like we are going to be the most in need of Is or Ys??

Gunit Kaur wrote: "Hi everyone! How's it going?
I just wanted to give the mods a heads up that I am going on a short vacation from 5th Dec to 10th Dec. So I might not be able to get much reading done during this tim..."

I can help cover any books. I only committed to two books a week for the challenge and have been reading fourish thanks to library availability.