Lisa - (Aussie Girl)’s Comments (group member since Sep 26, 2012)

Lisa - (Aussie Girl)’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

DQs Day 4
5 May XV-Romi

12.5. This isn’t really a question but how was it so impossible for Nell to believe Francis about the magic map after she had already witnessed people/places disappearing??

I think Nell was still working through the disappearing people looking for a rational answer. A magic map was just pushing the envelope too far.

13. Ok what did everyone think of Felix’s reaction to Nell deciding not to tell Irene about the map?

Felix still obviously hasn't got over what happened seven years ago, maybe rightly so. He assumes that Nell will put her career and ambition before their relationship, thus his reaction to not telling Irene about the map. Not a good basis for a lasting relationship, lack of trust and mismatched agendas on both sides.

14. We finally get to see Agloe. What did you think? Was it what you expected?

I liked the premise of the secret town, but it was kind of an anticlimax when it was empty and soul less.

15. A couple of big cliffhangers in the last two chapters. In the present, Felix is about to tell his coworkers (including Haberson who might be Wally unless it’s Cabe) about the map. What do you think is going to happen?

Haberson is like the evil empire waiting to take over all. I don't see good things happening at all.

16. In the past, Romi was about to help Bear with something that is going to end up hurting someone. Any predictions on that?
Was this something to do with Eve and Francis' secret affair, and getting back at them?

17. Also do we still think Nell’s mom might still be alive and just stuck somehow? Or any new theories?

Oh, yes! That crossed my mind as soon as they revealed her body never came back to reality after the fire. She is trapped in there, as they others don't want to reveal a map in case Wally gets his hands on it. I'm guessing Nell will work this out before the end of the book and rescue her Mum.

DQs Day 3
4 May XII - Francis

9.) Theories on what the deal is with Ramona's shop. I'm thinking it's a type of phantom settlement. And that the only reason Nell found it in the first place is there was a map on the back of the business card for her to follow. Do you think that's why Ramona insisted on taking the business card back
Yep, I think you're onto something there. Somehow the phantom settlements are being brought into existance.

10.) Are you liking the second chance romance with Felix? Thoughts on Felix in general?
The romance element to this is minimal. It's very cold and unemotional. It really doesn't add anything to the story.

11.) Do you think Humphreys or Swann are part of the group of 7/The Cartographers? What about Haberson?

Mmm.. I'm thinking Swann is the bad guy. And something is up with the super secretive Haberson guy??

12.) Any idea why they keep mentioning the "almost kiss" between Francis and Eve in the flashbacks? I think it's weird.

Again, the romance elements are weak throughout the story. So they nearly kissed.. it doesn't seem a big deal really in relation to the rest of the plot. Maybe it's showing one of the weaknesses in the supposed tight group of Cartographers.

DQs Set 2: VI - Eve

5. We meet Ramona and get more cryptic warnings. What do you think of her shop? How are you liking the descriptions of the archives and libraries?

Ramona's is a shop I'd love to browse in. But I don't think there was very much description about the archives and the library. Very technical with description of Daniel Young's office but not the awesome goodness of the books and maps.

6. A couple of flashbacks in this section. Did you enjoy them? And suspicions on what happened to split up the gang?

I'm thinking the flashbacks will be the most interesting part as all will be revealed. Don't have a theory yet, but jealousy with Wally seemed to be the main hint.

7. Another disappearing act when Francis vanishes! What's going on here? Why haven't Nell & Felix already leapt to the "magical shenanigans" conclusion?!

It seems obvious to the reader that there are magical rooms but Nell and Felix are well educated rational people. Magic would be the last thing their ordered minds would think about without first rationalizing the logical reasons for the disappearance.

8. The Atlas of Dreamers - would you buy that book if it existed? I'm a bit puzzled about it's function but as a lovely illustrated fantasy book, yes.

DQs 1- Chapters I through V

1- We meet Nell, working in a dead end job. She had a dream job, worked with her father, and had a bright future. Then the junk box happened. Then her father dies. There is a lot that happens in the first few pages. What do you think of the intro to the story, and what do you think of Nell so far?

Nell and her father seem like very intense, driven people. The argument they had about the junk box is over the top, it says something about their personalities that over such a thing they don't talk for seven years. I'm wondering if there is more to it..

2- The map. What is with the map? How many of you had to try to read one of those maps as a navigator on a road trip? (And then try to fold it again after?) For those of you who are too young, a map is GPS without the satellites. Or the iPhone.
Any clues or ideas as to why this is so important to anyone? Or, why her father was willing to become estranged from his daughter over it?

Ahhh. I still love a good map and sometimes pine for the days when that's all you had to navigate, turning it this way and that trying to make sense of it, LOL. The seemingly innocuous map must have some value or magical properties to cause such a huge argument.

3- I always have to ask myself whether I would disregard the danger to find the answers, like Nell has chosen to do. How about you guys? Any intrepid leading ladies in the group?

It seems to be in her nature and her parents were the same way. She's a very intelligent, driven young lady.

4- We are introduced to a new character, Felix, and teased about another, Ramona Wu. Thoughts about either?

Ahhhh, Felix is the second chance love interest. Ramona will have some impact in the story, there are going to be flashbacks for the reader to get the entire picture and backstory of what happened to her parents.

Emma (M) wrote: "Anyone else racing to get a current book finished before tower teams starts? Thankfully it’s a rainy cold day here today, so great day to curl up with a good book."

Oh me, I like everything neat and tidy so finishing this up before the challenge starts. I've had a slow reading week needing to catch up after being away but ready to get back into it tomorrow. Happy reading everyone. .

I went and saw the latest Downton Abbey movie today. I love it and actually went to Highclere Castle, it's real name in 2019 which was amazing. It's more beautiful in real life. Everytime they shot coming down the driveway I tear up, remembering my visit.

Elisabeth wrote: "Thanks Lisa, yes I know the time differences it's just that when the mods check our shelves the GR time will say I started the book ahead of schedule because it's on US time. When I first did UNO I..."

Oh okay. I just don't post my book on Currently Reading until the challenge has started. As most challenges I do aren't on AUS time (unless Aussie Mod extraordinaire Karen is in charge) I'm always working out the time difference and factor it in to my posting. You're in Canberra aren't you... so don't start or finish + 9 hours to keep in line with the official time. I didn't actually know you could change your times .

About the BOM credits and apologies if you have answered elsewhere..

Can two team members combine their credits to get one of them an extra inclusion.. eg LIsa has two credits and Deanna has 1... Either team member can combine to get an extra addition for DQ's?

Elisabeth wrote: "Here's a question. My date for start/read etc are on US time for UNO which is different to TT. I can't remember how to reset the time so the dates will show correctly for this challenge. It's simpl..."

Usually the Mods put up a countdown clock with the start date for various time zones around the world. It might be over in the Mods Rules for the challenge thread.

PS - I couldn't find the clock it might pop up yet, but it is based on London Time. So if you put London into your phone it will give you the time difference to where you are.. then you can work out when you should start. eg I'm 9 hours ahead so Sydney Aus starts at 6am on the 16th.

Edited again to say... Here is the link to the time clock that Deanna had posted... https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown...

I'm back from holidays and read to start... My first book for the challenge with be which is the pre-challenge BOM.

So I turned in 3 of my bom points for an extra chance for dq’s for A witches heart.,

Thanks so much. Yes I’ll turn in 3 for an extra chance.,😀

I actually meant after tower teams start? Sorry.

Hi Mods, can I still earn more during tower teams., I’m going to be reading Cartographers when I get back from holidays.. if I use three now, will that leave me hypothetically with two?

Back up for team Ajax.

I’ll be back up for Team Ajax and will use one of my BOM credits please.

Hi Team, regarding volunteering for BOM dq’s. I see team mates have already volunteered. I have 4 previous BOM credits. Do you want me to volunteer and use one to try and guarantee one of us gets picked or hold off till later in the challenge?

Hi Abir, great to see you and be on the same team again!

Hi everyone, Lisa checking in. I’m on holidays at the moment and will chat more later. This will be my 8th TT, so bit of a challenge addict. Looking forward to playing with old and new friends. 🥰

My shelf is NBRC Tower Teams IX 2022.

Ah! Thanks so much. Can resume holiday fun now. 🤣

Hi everyone, I’m away on holidays and only have my phone and it’s not letting me see who’s on the teams.! Torture. 😬. Would someone mind posting here what team I’m on? Eternal thanks.