Sharath’s Comments (group member since May 21, 2019)

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

@cat.. yaaa. :)

wasn't day 1 DQ supposed to be here by now? waiting from 12hrs tbh xD

@Leah, yes agreed.. Specially primitive style of writing and some references to delicacies of India.. :)

back to BOTM after a brief pause... Hope it's as awesome as last time around.. :)

Day 4

16. It seems that one character has so far flown under the radar and yet to me is highly suspicious. The Policeman, Ryan Rodriguez has been in every scene and yet only at the end of this section is he coming under Ellery’s suspicion, I think he may be working alone or in concert with other characters – Why might I be thinking this and who might he be working with?

Maybe he is working with Brookes herself... Idk. This book has much serious knots than i expected

17. Why did Sarah go missing? She wasn’t in the homecoming court so why her? Is the reason for this the reason Sadie feels so guilty?

I think Sadie just genuinely feel bad that she was with her date when Sarah went missing. I have absolutely no idea why it happened to Sarah since we never saw much about her except she wanted to work for NASA?!


18. Viv changes her mind about a connection between what happened previously and what is happening now she is quoted as saying “Even if someone was unhinged enough to get away with murder and brag about it five years later, the MOs are completely different” Why do you think she changes her mind and do you think she is right about there being no connection?

Uh. She might be a junk not worthy of attention

19. Everything started after the death of the teacher on the overpass – do you think there is a connection between that and the developing storyline . Do you think Malcolm, Ellery and Ezra will tell someone what they have found out?

I definitely think so.. I actually hope so

DQs Day 1
Chapters 1 to 5

1.) Why are you participating in this BOM? Just for extra Tower Teams points? Because you were interested in/going to read this book anyway? Have you read other words by this author?

I have read Karen McManus debut 'One of us is lying' and felt it was okay!!.. Generally, most of the author's first book will be their weakest work so I picked this up.

2.) I'm loving Ellery's true crime obsession. Pre-child I used to have the Discovery ID channel (true crime, all the time) on a lot as background. Though I'm thinking this is foreshadowing of not good things to come. What do you think? Have you read any of the crime books mentioned so far?

Am really really interested in true crime but never got around it yet..

3.) Characters, first impressions. What do you think of Ellery & Ezra? Sophie, and the fact they refer to her by her first name and not 'Mom'? Malcom & Katrin? Familial relations seems to be a central theme to this book and specifically sibling relationships. There's been several twin references and references to other sibling relationships (Declan, Daisy, Lacey's siblings, etc). Do you think these types of ties will play into the main story line?

I love twin sibling dynamics ever since I read 'Newsflesh' by Mira Grant and looking forward to same level of attachment.. Isn't it 'Sadie'? Their mom's name? Well, I think parents and ESPECIALLY Mother deserve to be called Mom.. Am I the only one who thought of Daisy created by TJR xD

4.) This book is set in a small town and that type of atmosphere has been highlighted strongly during the set-up of the story. However, it isn't really the bucolic small town setting being highlighted by the author, but the everyone is in everyone else's business and will judge the crap out of your entire family if given the chance. What do you think of small towns? Would you like to live in one (or do you already)?

I don't live in small town but I know some where everyone in it are related somehow or the other which makes nearly impossible to not meddle in other's business..

5.) I loved the epitaph of Mr. Bowman's tombstone.
"Tell me and I forget
Teach me and I may remember
Involve me and I learn"
What did you think about it? Do you agree with the statement? And why do you think there has been such a focus on a seemingly sad, but random hit and run? 

I donno why but I instantly felt bad for Mr.Bowman. Idk why :(

Just 5 mins back I decided that this book is not for me and to DNF it.. I really feel sad to do it but my friend coaxed me to do it since I was not enjoying it..
First bookclub drop in years :(

DQs Day 1: In the Beginning - Eleven Years Ago

1. What's prompted you to pick up the book (except BOM points!)? Is it a first time read, a reread, a rereread, because of the mini-series? 

This is my first time read and also first Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman read too..
I just participate in all BOTM of this group that's all.. That will help me pick the book which I would never otherwise..

2. I really enjoy the humour in the book, but am aware it's a very British sort of humour. Do you find it funny? Any stand out lines so far?

Humor hm, am from India and yes I failed to get into some humor aspects of this book but I find it funny nevertheless.
The chuckled everytime they said "The adversary, Destroyer of Kings, Angel of bottomless pit. Great beast that is called Dragon, Prince of this world, Father of Lies, Spawn of Satan, and Lord of Darkness" again again and again... :P

3. In the very first section the angel and demon discuss whether the two actions they took in the Garden of Eden (tempting of the apple and giving up the sword) are actually actions for the opposite team: is it good for humanity to have knowledge? Do you have a view? 

Honestly, am not sure about this

4. The best part about this section, imo, is the frenemies relationship between Aziraphale & Crowley. Do you enjoy it? Do you have a favourite of the two? 

I really really like frenemies relationships in books and am inclined to like Crowley than Aziraphale

Hey folks..

34354408-sharath-s

I can read 3-4 books over two weeks!!

Judy wrote: "Is anyone else just like... clutching a glass of water while reading this? They're not even properly thirsty yet and I'm already so uncomfortable."

I generally don't drink much water.. Less than even what doctors says 'minimum' to stay healthy... But now, my dad is very happy from yesterday.. Doctor was like plz read books like this xD xD

Day One: Part One

1. Living in southwest United States, I'm very familiar with droughts and water rights, so this hits close to home! Do you enjoy dystopia novels that have an element of truth to them or do you prefer pure fiction? Why or why not?

Am from Karnataka in India very close to Tamilnadu.. The dispute of water is not a stranger to us.. There has been issues of water from centuries between Karnataka and Tamilnadu.. I do enjoy dystopian novels because they are kind of eye-openers...
It really helps us to guide our decisions..

2. Kelton discusses three types of people, sheep, wolves, and herders; do you believe humans truly fall into these roles during challenging times?

Definately yes.. After all, survival of the fittest is the most basic law of nature..

3. What do you think of Kelton and Alyssa as the MCs of this story so far?

so far so good... I think Kelton ends up being savior

4. Near the end of this section, Kelton's dad tells a neighbor, "as if your lack of foresight is my fault", how do you feel about this, do you agree?

well, having a short term foresight is fine but having the foresight in this case is like preparing and designing your coffin long before you die just because you know you gonna die someday..
I donno how predictable drought is in Cali but the neighbours could have been blamed if it was easily predictable..

5. I'm enjoying how the vignettes add a little something different to the story, the reporter and the family at the airport offer a different lense about the events, what are your thoughts?

Its simillar to the bits of point of view in 'Sun is also a star' by Nichola Yoon isn't it??.. I enjoy it... Wokey

Day 4 Questions - Aurora World Tour to End of book

1. This section begins at the start of the Aurora World Tour. We have the blue bus (Billy) and the white bus (Daisy). Which bus would you choose to ride on, and why?

Definately white bus.. I mean, come on.. U remember what Daisy wore? :P

2. The book had four strongly described females: Daisy, Camilla, Karen, and Simone. Which were you the most drawn to?

Camilla.. I understand no one spoke anything negative in interview about her coz she was actually no more.. Yet.. I loved how she thinks

3. What did you think when you found out the name of the author? Do you think that given who the author is, maybe some of the answers in the previous sections of the book were changed or incomplete?

Without a doubt yes.. Billy and Graham cant just blurt out everything infront of Julia right...


4. In the Epilogue, we learn what happened to each of the band members. Did any of these "endings" surprise you, or did they each turn out as you expected?

Camilla for most part.. But i never expected Karen would never change her mind about marriage, baby and stuff


5. I thought the "One Last Thing" at the end (the email from Camilla) was brilliant. What do you think happened with that?

Camilla man...she is just impossible..


6. What did you rate the book and why?
5 stars.. I felt the format and writing is phenomenal

Day Two: First -The Numbers Tour

5. During the making of Daisy’s first album, I appreciated her quote, “Being given things versus earning them. I was so used to being given things I didn’t know how important it is for your soul to earn them”. Do you think that Daisy will continue to think this way and work hard for the music she wants considering her increased drug use and drinking?

Her drug usage is increasing true but i feel that she knows where to do what and when.. She definately work hard for her goals

6. During the studio session for Honeycomb, Karen sums it up best as indicating that Billy wrote it as a song of security, and Daisy changed it to a song of insecurity. What do you think of the continuing duality between Billy and Daisy? Will it be good or bad for them moving forward?

Professionaly, yes. I think their duo can reach heights because they are meant to be together and blend the raspiness in Daisy voice to the depth in Billy's.. Personally, its v.v.bad idea..

7. Daisy is changing the dynamic of The Six when she joins the band
and states, "You’re only in charge of me as much as I’m in charge of you." Do you think this equality approach is going to work?

It might or might not.. Depends on what Billy consider the meaning of Equality

8. I'm a complete sucker for stories that have lyrics in them, are you enjoying the lyrics in this story? Do you have any favorites so far?

Na.. I never read any book with lyrics and i generally don't like it too.. But lyrics in this book seems great.. I liked the Daisy version of Honeycomb

DQ Day 1

1. This is a different type of book than I usually read. The interview formatting is interesting. What do you think of the formatting so far? Is anyone having trouble following it? I am reading it, but it reads like a podcast transcript to me so far.

Well, it really was weird at first since its the first time am trying this format but am getting used to it and actually digging it too xD

2. A main focus of the book seems to be the agency of the women in the music business. The two quotes that stuck out to me were “ I am not a muse. I am the somebody,” and “men often think they deserve a sticker for treating women like people.” What are your thoughts on this theme and quotes?

Being from same race (Men i mean xD), i dont think every mind thinks the same but yes, given the time period this might be utterly appropriate :)

3. Daisy’s parents are absent and extremely unobservant. She is very young when introduced to drugs, alcohol, and sex. The interview style presents what is really horrific in Daisy’s description of parental neglect, drug use at a very young age and statutory rape, as far as I can tell, in a fairly detached fashion. Anyone else react this way to this section?

Yes, i think Daisy's parents are directly responsible for what she decided to do at such young age. Parental love is absolute necessary indeed.

4. The end of this section focuses on Billy and Camila. What do you think of their relationship and the choices that Camila makes? Do you think Billy will stay sober?

Camilia is UNREAL. Thats what i can say about her.. She is just unbelievable.
And, Billy.. Oh man.. Will he stay sober?? Never.. No way.. I say with the experience, he doesn't xD

Day 5
Chapters 19-25

15. The group decided to have a sleepover, with Will bringing alcohol and later we find out he was puking in the middle of the night, without any of the others noticing. There were quite a few things that bugged me in this particular chapter, but what are your thoughts on the sleepover and the conversations they had?

I really felt awkward with this sleepover.. Mixed gender and moreover Will and Reid next to Molly in the middle.. Uhh. Idk..

16. Molly likes Will. Molly likes Reid. Does Will like Molly? Does Reid like Molly? Oh wait, apparently Reid likes Olivia. And Olivia likes Reid. But then they don't, and Will actually likes Mina. WHAT. A. MESS. And we're not even at the end of the book yet.
Why do you think the author did this? Did they want to confuse us? Or were they trying to make the book a bit longer and hopefully more interesting?

Maybe thats how confused we all are about our partners right..

17. Abby seems to know Molly better than anyone else does (even better than Cassie, it seems), so why has it taken so long for us to finally witness a proper conversation between them??

Attention has been given to Cassie till now and Abby comes out when she is needed desperately

18. We haven't learned much about Max yet. He just seems like a random side character even though he's always with the group. He's part of the group. Do you want to find out more about him and do you think we will?

Lol.. I dont even wana know about Will for that matter let alone Max xD

19. We have read about Molly being in a daze a few times now which could have to do with her anxiety or maybe even some other mental health disorder(s). Can you relate to that in any way, and do you think her issues lie deeper than previously thought?

It happens to me frequently.. I suffered from depression which eventually rendered my ankle nerves useless.. I used to sit in a corner dazed without any particular thing triggering me.. I hope all good for Molly

chapters 12 - 18

10. In Chapter 12 Molly is given a make over and the girls go hang out with the boys, where she drinks for her first time. Do you remember your first drink? What do you think about drunken Cassie speaking so loudly about Molly crushing on Will? What do you think about Molly drinking even though she's taking pills?

Well, i dont drink... Cassie speaking loud must have embarassed the sh*t out of Molly i agree.. And yes, i was totally freaking out when she decided to have drink spite of her pills.. Shes gonna be ok right?!!?

11. On the fourth of July, Reid and Molly hang out and we "see" sparks fly between them. The author seems to be giving a lot more dialogue between Molly and Reid than between Molly and Will. Do you think she's steering us into rooting for Reid?

Its true that it might be Becky's motive and its clearly working until now..

12. Cassie blows up at her mom for grounding her. How do you feel about her clear change in behaviour and her "obsession" with Mina?

As i said earlier.. Love destorys... One. By. One..

13. We are introduced to Mina's parents and they seem pretty chill and cool. However it seems like Mina hasn't told them she is dating Cassie. Since she seems to have a good relationship with them, why do you think she hasn't told them?

I dont know.. Maybe they are opposite of Betty and not cool with it.. Maybe..

14. Molly finally blows up with Cassie and tells her what she thinks. She also realizes she has a big crush on Reid, however she is reluctant to think about dating him over Mina's comment. What do you think about Molly's actions at the party?

She is obviously concerned about others comment on their pair.. I totally didnt get why Molly fired up so hard on Cassie tbh.. Is it the alchol or just somethings wrapped up inside waiting to come out!!! I wonder..!

Day 2 - chapters 7 - 11

6. In chapter 7 it dawns on Molly that whilst she's never been kissed she's also never been rejected, and she starts to wonder about that. I was surprised that it was such a revelation to her. Do you think she'll be able to start to act differently now, take chances and be open to rejection?
Change in view for certain things are absolutely necessary so yes

7. Reid takes Molly to the supermarket and plays the supermarket game - guess the songs that will be played. It turns out Molly is pretty good at the game. Do you do anything similar or have secret skills at obscure games? How do you like the developing friendship with Reid?

Development with Reid is next to best by far..


8. We see a lot more of Molly's family in this section, including her Grandma! What do you think of the family dynamics?

The moms are super cool... Awww.. Specially Nadine

9. Cassie announces her new relationship via Facebook update, and doesn't tell Molly directly. Does this change how you feel about Cassie? Molly?

Love changes lot of things.. Sometimes burns.. Poor Molly

Chapters 1-6

1. Have you read anything by this author before? Do you have a favourite? If not, why did you decide to join the read?



I actually didnt like it but i knew its not her full potential work and intended to try more of her books and i got the opportunity..


2. Molly has a "generic face" and finds people always think they know her. **I have this exact problem!!** Is it just me? Do strangers often try and work out how they know you?

It happens to me a lot..


3. Reading about Becky Albernatti, she was a child psychologist who decided to start writing after she had her first child and claims Jaclyn Moriarty as her writing inspiration. If you wrote a book, which author would be your inspiration?

I have many.. I would say Donna Tartt when it comes to research which literally takes a decade to her..
Or, Clive Barker for his metaphorical horrific scene writing..

4. It always intrigues me when adult authors are able to write well with a teenage voice. I guess Becky's work background helps. Do you think she is accurate in her portrayal of teens?

This is hard for me.. Well, atleast the girly parts in the book is (which is most of the book ik).. xD


5. So we are setting up for the Will v Reid decision. Seems an easy one to me. Who do you prefer?

Was there any development to Will so far? I think i would say Reid for now..

Thank you guys ;)

I haven't read Simon vs Homosapiens agenda.. Is it OK to read this first or should I read the former one first..?
JW coz someone said it's set in same universe?