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

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

Judith wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Y'all I read ahead through 14 and [spoilers removed]"

I think 'giving someone the whalebone' should become a new euphemism."

Hee Hee Judith. I like it.

Okay, now I'm really dating myself. My favourite childhood shows were Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie. And who doesn't love Gilligan's Island.

DQ Day 3: Ch. 11-13

11. Do you think the author has been able to give Bess and Alexandra individual voices? Do you like books with multiple points of view?

I was really surprised when the POV switched to Alexandra. It works really well to get both sides of the stories and both women's background story from their own POV. Generally I really enjoy switching POV's although it can be problematic with a large cast of characters and can break the continuity of the story.

12. What do you think ‘Eliza’ and Agnes were talking about in the kitchen? Do you think either Agnes or Maria know that Charlotte came from the Foundling home?

I've read a bit past Chapter 13.. so (view spoiler)[ was Agnes gossiping about Alexandra and how Charlotte wasn't her biological child? (hide spoiler)]

13. I think that Alexandra will get much worse re her fears of the outside after the mask prank. Do you think her thoughts about ‘Eliza’ will suffer because of it?

I was really glad to get an understanding of Alexandra's mental health issues and that trauma was perhaps the start of it. It gave me empathy into her character but it definitely impacted Charlotte and what has happened further on in the story.

14. Do you believe that Dr Mead was telling the truth about not knowing about what happened to Alexandra’s parents? Why has he lied about who ‘Eliza’ is?

Not sure if he has ulterior motives or lives in his own world and really didn't know. I'm leaning towards the latter.

Jessica wrote: "On an extra note, I don't trust this Dr. Mead fellow. Why is he playing both sides of this field. He's got some motive going on here! I can feel it"

Yep, definitely agree Jessica. He's got something going on, not necessarily good.

DQ Day 2: Ch. 6-10

6. Were you surprised to find out Daniel had a wife? I personally was super surprised as I originally believed him when he said he was single. What do you think of the way Daniel died?

I wasn't surprised because really neither Bess or the reader knew all that much about Daniel. Anything was possible.

7. How do you think Alexandra Callard knew about Bess and her daughter?

It had to have something to do with the younger Dr Mead, he seems to have put them together so there is some mystery there. I still Bess's brother may have been involved.

8. What do you think of the way Alexandra and Charlotte live? Do you think Alexandra keeps Charlotte home to stop her from being recognized or because she is truly scared of the real world?

I'm thinking that Alexandra is on the autism spectrum. Or neuro diverse in some way. Could also be from some childhood trauma. Definitely mental health issues there.

9. "Eliza" has been fired on her first day. What do you think of Alexandra's reasoning for firing her? Do you think part of Alexandra knows that she is Charlotte's real mom?

Not sure about this one, whether she knows or her insecurities and mental health is affecting her decision.

10. Do you think Bess will find a way to still see her daughter? How?

No doubt about this.. but I think maybe Charlotte will plead with Alexandra for her to stay. So she won't have to go at this time.

Alysa wrote: "Jessi wrote: "Finished Interview with the Vampire.

I'm thinking Anne Rice just isn't for me. This is my second book by her and I didn't really enjoy this one at all."

Ah see, your mi..."

Ah yes, Alysa. Your comment made me smile. I was 14 when I read Interview with a Vampire. It sent me down the paranormal path. And I love The Witching Hour book although the series went in a strange direction for me. I've tried to read a couple of the latest Anne Rice books and struggled big time. I thinks she's lost her mojo somehow.

Jessi wrote: "Tina ❣ wrote: "@ Lisa - Do you have a link for the page count for Redemption? I've had a look online and can't find one for a kindle version. If not that's okay"

Looks like Amazon ..."

Yes, that's where I got the page count from.

s://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Brazen-Bull...

Yes, when reading these historical fiction books it's interesting (and horrifying sometimes) to see what was considered normal practice for the times. In some things society has debated, pondered and legislated for improvement but we still have a ways to go in other things. And where you live in the world also has huge bearing on a person's health and human rights unfortunately.

DQ Day 1 - Chapters 1-5

1. How are you liking the writing style ? Are you enjoying the story so far?

I haven't read Stacey Halls' other book but this one is exactly the kind of historical fiction I like. Easy reading and I really like the time period especially set in London. Great reading about places I have visited. Characters are engaging as well especially Bess and Keziah and her family. Strong female friendship is always a bonus.

2. After reading that opening scene, what do you think of the practice of the Hospital taking babies based on a lottery (the coloured balls in the bag) ?

In any time period this is horrible but even more so by our 21st standards. The number of babies that would have died or been mistreated in 18th century England would be high. One way of looking at it is that being accepted here which seems a lot better run than other orphanages might be fortunate for some.

3. At some point Bess says that "knowing she [Clara] could be anywhere instead of nowhere at all was torture even more exquisite." Implying that not knowing where her child is is worse than knowing she's dead. What's your opinion ? Or would you rather not know ?

Can't answer this question, both scenarios seem beyond awful. Thankfully have no personal experience but I have read people's accounts when their children are missing presumed dead that at least in knowing they can let them rest in peace. Just tragic.. shudders...

4. What do you make of the child's father, Daniel Callard ? Everyone keeps asking Bess if he's really dead. Do you suspect there's more to Daniel than we've been told so far ?

Mmmm, definitely seems that way... a mystery to be explored for sure..

5. Time for your theories ! Who do you think claimed Clara on the 28th of November 1747, the day after Bess gave up her baby ?

I'm guessing Daniel is more than a merchant (aristocrat or royalty) and his family has claimed the baby... or outside chance the brother Ned had something to do with it..

I finished my first book also. It must be the day for strange reads. . Nothing like I expected, just didn't get it at all.

Audrey Jane wrote: "Thank you, Sophie ! Really enjoyed this individual challenge (definitely a keeper)."

Oh yes.. let's do it again some time.

Michelle wrote: "Oooh, thanks to you both! Lots of things I haven't discovered yet. Adding to my list for the challenge."

Historical mystery - Here's some great ones -

Sebastian St Cyr -

Wrexford and Sloane -

Veronica Speedwell -

- Lizzie Hardwick

- The Bronte Sisters Mysteries.

Thanks for the challenge, Sophie. I really enjoyed it.. and had a blast trying to catch Sammy in the Edge category but she reigned surpreme. Congrats Sammy.

And to all the other winners and participants. Hope you all enjoyed playing!

Thanks Tina. That is super helpful. I've been on Goodreads so long I just work everything on Goodreads time, whatever that is. Depending on daylight saving midnight is usually between 5-7 pm Sydney time. After a while it just becomes second nature.

It's been wonderful for challenge addicts to go from Uno to TT and I had the individual Inside Out as well... I hardly watch TV now too many books to read and add, LOL.

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Team - I created a listopia for our book suggestions so people can see all the books in one place. I only added my suggestions currently as I didn't want to add others unless they requested it.

ht..."

Thanks Diane. I've added some on there too.

Me too.

For TT purposes, which version are we using? The one we are actually individually reading or a default one for everyone. Thanks Mods. 😊

Oh fantastic Stacey that you got picked for DQ's! I'll be reading along, I picked up my book yesterday..

Not long to go now till TT is go..happy reading everyone.

Here's another book for our recs. It was my favourite book from last year.

by V E Schwab. It was so imaginative and a killer ending.

Morning everyone, (or evening... )

My library has the BOM so I've volunteered for back up for Stacey for the DQ's. I'm guessing different readers can still use the BOM for different tasks even though it's the same book?

I'll be reading for next month. I have read and watched the TV adaptation with David Tennant and Michael Sheen which was a hoot. My first Sir Terry solo book though.

I'll in and will backup Stacey for DQ's for Team Carrot.