Alyana ’s Comments (group member since Feb 14, 2021)

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

Finished The Queen's Gambit.

Marie (UK) wrote: "I have just reserved a book on the e-library today It will be Available in 820 days (september 2023)"

That book must be really good and popular!

Finished Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Finished The Names of the Dead.

Finished The Soulmate Equation.

Answered The House in the Cerulean Sea - DQ's day 3

DQs Day 3 ~ Eight - Ten (p195)

9. Linus completed his first report for the DICOMY; what did you make of it? Did you think he reported anything that he should have left out? How about future reports – how do you think they will compare to this one?

I think Linus is still trying to figure things out. He has been a rule follower and wants to do everything right by the rules. And as he slowly getting to know the children, he might be thinking that there can be exceptions as well.

10. Ms. Chapelwhite takes Linus on a hike through the forest to show him a raft that she wants reported but doesn’t want the children or Mr. Parnassus to know about. Linus was taken aback by the message sent on the raft. (view spoiler) Did your opinion of Linus change when he suggested they send a message back? What did you think of his message?

I think the message says it all. Linus is a very kind person and the longer he stays there, the more he learns to love them.

11. Linus seems a bit smitten with Arthur. Do you sense there is a mutual attraction between the two? Do you think anything will take root and blossom?

I think the attraction is definitely there. I think (and hope) something will develop between the two of them.

12. That was quite the adventure that Lucy led. Were you surprised that Linus stepped up and began to join in on the story? What all did you learn about the children, about Linus, about Arthur and Zoe?

I was surprised with Linus stepping up. And that says that he is willing to get out of his comfort zone. The reader gets to know the individuality of each children, their strengths, fears, etc. And I also think that Zoe is seeing what is developing between Linus and Arthur.

13. As this chapter wraps up, Zoe and Phee are talking with Linus listening. He can relate to Phee’s comment that she likes the trees better than she likes most people. Do you think Linus learned anything from the “lesson” that Zoe gave him through Phee’s growing the flower for Linus and her explanation of the trees and root system?

Yes. I think he learned that we have to look beyond stereotypes and the things we have been told. We have to learn for ourselves and not to judge others easily.

Hi team! I went out of town with my family and wasn't able to read much. Will try to catch up when I get back.

Answered The House in the Cerulean Sea - DQ's day 2

DQ DAY 2 CHAPTERS 5-7

5. The book is set in an unknown city and then onto Marsyas Island. Country Unknown. Do you think it is set in an alternate universe to our own eg UK or USA or a completely fantasy location? Does it matter or make you think differently about the storyline either way?

Since this is a fantasy novel, I would say an alternate universe would be better.

6. First impressions of the house and Linus' reaction to it? What is your own reaction to it and how it is described?

It's kinda like a magical place that you can call a 'home'. It's warm and full of surprises.

7. In Chapter 6 we are introduced to a colourful array of children and the enigmatic Mr Arthur Parnassus. Who is your favourite child and ability so far and what special talents do you think will be revealed about Arthur?

I like every kid in this book, they all have different personalities that you will like in a character.

8. At the first dinner welcome for Linus the reader is bombarded with a plethora of notable pearls of wisdom from Arthur Parnassus which made me realize the allegorical themes of this story.
"Sometimes our prejudices color our thoughts when we least expect them to. If we can recognize that, learn from it we can become better people."
"Because even the bravest of us can still be afraid sometimes as long as we don't let our fear become all we know."
"There are things in this world that defy the imagination."
"He'd never be a bellhop because what Hotel would hire one such as him, people fear what they don't understand."

What point do you think the author is trying to make through the world and characters he has imagined and what do you think these quotes hint about the story moving forward?

I think the author wants to let us know that every person are all different and unique personalities and we just need to accept for who and what they are.

Team Lady Sybil got almost 45,000 points for Bingo?!

Answered The House in the Cerulean Sea - DQ's day 1

DQ Day 1 - One to Four (p62)

1. What drew you to this BOM? Was it the fantastic reviews it’s been getting? Or the cute cover? Or something else?

At first, I wasn't convinced about it but then positive reviews are all over my GR feed so might as well try it.

2. What do you think of the writing style so far?

To be honest, writing style is just okay for me. These kind of books are better with visuals for me so there are times that I tend to zone out.

3. What do you think about Linus as the main character? So far, he seems to be quite frightened of the world. How do you think he will cope in the strange situation he has been put in?

Linus seems just like a person who just wants to do his job without any emotional attachment or whatsoever.

4. I was surprised that one of the children on the island is supposed to be the Anti-Christ. Heart warming stories don’t tend to feature someone like that. What powers do you think he will have?

I'm not so sure with the powers and I agree that heartwarming stories do not have these kind of characters such as being anti-Christ.

Finished The Maidens and The Eighth Sister.

Cat wrote: "I've finished it!

Fantasy Adventure story:

It was winter on the mountain, frost on windows every morning and continual snow falling for months. It had been like that since the mystic Madam Burova..."

This is great Cat! Thanks for all your hard work! :)

The story sounds great Cat! I'm in a bit of a slump the past couple of days and I have no ideas to share at the moment. :(

I'm good with any of them.

Carrie wrote: "Moving right along for this round. 2 people are finishing reading and we have one open spot for I if anyone wants it!"

Can't find anything for "I" with my recent books! :(

Finished Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

Finished The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.