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

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

Joulupukki is no more.

Next up - Weeping Angels (Doctor Who)

DQ’s Day 6 - Chapters 31 - 36

24. In these chapters, how does the mood in the reformatory change for Robbie? What small detail or moment struck you most: fear, hope, despair, or something else?

There is a plethora of emotions in the section, all that you named. After so much violence and despair there is some small hope when people start stepping up to the plate to do the right thing. But right along side this I have a terrible feeling that something will go wrong at the last minute. Surely evil in the form of Haddock can't prevail..

25. Robbie has to decide whether to trust some of the inmates or the ghosts (haints). What do you think it would feel like to make decisions when you’re unsure who is alive and who is a ghost?

A boy of 12 shouldn't have to deal with all this anguish (I have a 12 year old grandson and can't even fathom it!) Robbie has a remarkable strength of character probably inherited from his parents and nourished by his sister and community. It must be beyond stressful for him, I'm praying he makes it out alive to expose the evil and go on the live a purposeful and happy life.

26. We get to see a number of people from a different angle. Mrs. Hamilton visiting Miss Lottie and Gloria surprised me greatly. What was your opinion of her when she was first introduced and has it changed in any way?
When she asks Uncle June how long he worked at the Reformatory, his answer is so very precise that it stayed in my mind for a long time. Any thoughts?
(view spoiler)
Mrs. Hamilton mentions that the Klan burning the house of the NAACP lawyer who they tried to use to help with Robbie’s release. Did that make you reevaluate Mr. Loehmann’s behaviour and actions? Thoughts?

I picked up on that Mrs Hamilton was more than what she seemed from the introduction of her character to the story. And June was surely traumised from what he saw and sensed at the Reformatory - that is why he knows the precise amount of time he had to endure the place. From the outset Loehmann was aware of what he should do, but his background made him very cautious of putting himself out there and what that could mean for his family. But his sense of right slowly wins out.

27. What are your thoughts about the relationship between Redbone and Robbie and how it developed in this section?
Blue seems to me to be a bit of a manipulator, he only appears when it suits him, he leaves Robert and Redbone high and dry even though they are all aware of what they can expect to receive if they fail… do you think the horrors he endured justified his behaviour? Why do you think Redbone kept trying to protect him in the beginning?

The Haints seem to lose their humanity when they become a ghost. Blue is only interested in his vengence. I'm not really sure why Redbone protected him - hopefully it will be revealed by the ending.

28. After reading up to chapter 36: what do you expect will happen next? Do you feel hopeful for Robbie’s escape or rescue or more worried about deeper tragedies? Why?
Don't know - I'm really hoping for some sort of justice and that Robbie lives a full and happy life. I will probably be disappointed if this doesn't happen. In the real story, he died, so I'm hoping the writer his niece I believe rights the wrongs that happened with a happy and fulfilling ending.

LISA'S POSTS FOR CREDITS -

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DQ'S DAY 5 - CHAPTERS 25-30

20. In this part, we see Miss Anne Powell trying a bit more actively to help Gloria. We also see more of David Loehmann. What do you think of their actions at this point? Do you think they will face consequences?

Thank Goodness some of these characters are stepping up to do the right thing. Otherwise this book would be even more depressing. I doubt Miss Anne would face consequences because of who she is , Loehmann may face a demotion. But nothing on the scale of what these boys have to face.

21. The headspace of one Fenton James Haddock is an extremely uncomfortable place to be. We don’t necessarily learn anything we didn’t already know, or at least suspect, but several things are confirmed - in horrifying detail. Any thoughts about Haddock’s POV section, as he surveys his domain from Boot Hill? Is there anything that could dredge up even the slightest sympathy for him, or does he still seem irredeemably evil?

Huh, no sympathy from me. I'm hoping he gets dragged to Hell before the end of the book. And gets his just desserts.

22. Blue leads Robert to a particular haint, a man called Robicheaux who was a reformatory employee who also died in the 1920 fire. Boone traps the haint during Sunday church service. What did you think of this scene? And knowing what Blue says about haints otherwise, is Blue justified in using Robicheaux in this way?

Not sure if we are supposed to feel less empathy because he is a white employee. There shouldn't be a scale of who gets more because of who they are. Awful way to die whoever they are.

23. Gloria and Miz Lottie are finally able to visit Robert, where they reveal their plan to help him run away. Is this a good plan? Between Blue’s meddling, Boone’s watching, Redbone’s involvement, and any number of problems that Gloria or June or the others outside might face — what could possibly go wrong?!?

I'm just hoping that the despite the obstacles, the Robert in the story has a happier end than the real life Robert.

These historical novels based in fact are doing my head in. Too much cruelty and nastiness. There is enough in the world.. After I finish this, I'm going to have to read some meaningless space smut to recover!

Audrey Jane (friend)
1094 books | 95 friends
see comment historyDQ'S DAY 4 ~ CHAPTERS 19-24


16. We discover that the Warden Haddock is looking for spotters to collect haints and in particular Kendall Sweeting aka Blue. Why is that ? And what do you think of Blue's reaction towards Robert ?

Haddock is a very evil man and is worried that the haints will find a way (maybe through someone like Robert) to expose his years of horror to the community. Even in this time, it would be probably too much and he would face consequences. Blue seems to be the Leader of the Haints and is frustrated at Robert's agreement to help Haddock destroy them. Thus his attitude to Robert.

17. What do you make of Redbone's reaction to finding out Robert is a haint spotter ? How do you think this will affect their relationship from now on ?

We still don't know if Redbone is boy or haint? But either way he is strongly on Blue's side, so unless Robert helps the haints I'm sure the relationship wtih Redbone will be over.

18. How do you think Gloria will help her brother run ? Do you think she will use her psychic abilities in any way ?

Probably, they seem an important part of the plot. She has noted how men react to her so she may use this also in combination to get the best of them.

19. At the beginning of the book, the author mentions that her "great uncle, Robert Stephens, died at the age of 15 at the Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, Florida". How does knowing that a story is based on a true event(s) influences your reading experience ?

Honestly, I'm finding the inequity and cruelty of the time pretty hard reading. Especially after coming off the last BOM - is there no end to human evil. Also, I'm hoping it's not a shadowing of Robert dying in this book. Hopefully she will change the ending so Gloria and Robert get away and contribute to change in the Civil Rights movement.

DQ'S DAY 3 - CHAPTERS 14-18

1. In these chapters, Robbie’s connection to the haints becomes stronger and harder for him to ignore. How does his growing ability to sense them shift his understanding of the danger he’s in?
Do you think they’re trying to protect him, warn him, or burden him with fear?

The Haints serve all three purposes and Robbie has no doubt of the danger he is in. Hopefully their warnings will make him as careful as he can but it probably won't make a difference. In such an evil place with soulless men, it will be a miracle if he survives it.

2. “Joe Friday wasn’t real. The Funhouse was real.” - Chapter 14
The Funhouse is one of the Reformatory’s most disturbing places, and this quote marks a moment of realization about fantasy vs. lived experience.

What does this line reveal about how the Reformatory crushes childhood illusions, and what does it suggest about the boys’ relationship to fear and punishment? How did your understanding of the Funhouse shift after this chapter?

It was pretty obvious of the ironic nature of calling such a place The Funhouse. Coming from a different place and time it is baffling the evil men can do to each other and the fact that it's children is unfathomable.

3. So far, which physical space, such as the dormitory, the fields, the Funhouse, or another area, felt the most oppressive or unsettling to you?
How does Tananarive Due use setting as a tool of control or foreshadowing?

Definitely the Funhouse, just the name sends shivers down my spine. But the way she describes the whole physical landscape seems oppressive to me. It's very effective to give the reader such an unsettling feeling as you turn each page and are faced with another unfair situation for the characters. And that's putting it mildly!

4. These chapters give us deeper insight into how adults navigate power, respectability, and racial danger outside the Reformatory, especially through Gloria's visits and observations.

How do the interactions among Miss Anne, Miz Lottie, Gloria, and the courthouse officials reveal the different ways Black women attempt to protect their families or assert agency within an unfair system?
Whose behavior or attitude in these chapters stood out to you the most, and why?

Definitely Miz Lottie and how she handled the Sheriffs on the way back to Gracetown. She is 80 years old and has been part of racial inequality her whole life. It would be easy to give in but she still loves fiercely and stands up for herself and the Stephen's children. A woman to admire for sure.

5. I think we can all agree that Gloria’s Papa is not going to win Parent of the Year.
Chapter 16 includes the tense phone call between Gloria and her Papa.
What were your thoughts and emotional reactions to that call?
Did it change how you understand their relationship, or how Gloria carries the burdens of her family’s situation?

I find the relationship and the part of the Stephens' father one of the most interesting aspects of the book. By fighting inequality and being part of the civil rights movement history would admire him for his efforts despite the great personal cost. And what is happening to his children really brings this home. They are feeling the burden of his activism. I'm sure he loves them but he feels what he is doing must take priority. It's a very sad situation.

I've finished too. Now back to the BOM - which fortunately fits Round 5. 😊

Judith wrote: "Alright everyone, books finished from her on forward can be used for Color Mini Set 3."

That's awesome. 😁

I can grab the X - that will be it for me for this round.

DQ'S DAY 2 ~ CHAPTERS 9-13

6. “Florida’s soil is soaked with so much blood, it’s a wonder the droplets don’t seep between your toes with every step.”
This quote (borrowed from section 1) gives a chilling image tying the land to the racism and violence of the time. How does this image of the land itself being haunted by violence deepen the atmosphere of the story? Do you see the land/soil as a metaphor for memory, history or something else more supernatural?

Tying the moral story to the landscape is really effective if done well, and it is done well in this novel. It heightens the emotions, the sorrow and cruelty that permeates every part of the society at that time. And the supernatural element further enhances this feeling too.

7. Gloria is determined to help and protect her brother. How do her efforts and determination evolve in this section? Do you see her choices as brave, reckless or both?

I did think it was very naive of her to go to the McCormack's house especially as it was approaching dark. She surely has seen enough and suspected enough to know that it probably wouldn't end well. But such is her determination to do right by her brother, she must have thought the risk was worth it. It was reckless in many ways but the whole situation is fraught with danger. To do the right thing in this time comes with so much personal cost. It's confronting.

8. This novel blends supernatural elements with the brutal reality of Jim Crow Florida. How do the ghostly presences heighten the sense of dread compared to the human threats? Or do they have another purpose?

They add another layer to reenforce and shine a light on the years of systematic abuse. It's awful enough with what is happening in real time, but to know it's happened before and probably will happen way into the future is sobering.

9. From what you have read so far, how do you see Robbie’s perspective begin to shift to one of survival? What small details show his growing awareness of the danger around him?

It's sad to see such a beautiful sensitive young man have his innocence stolen by a brutal system. And the reader doesn't even have the comfort to think it's just a story, because it isn't. But it's sort of uplifting for the reader also that despite what is going to be great personal cost to Robbie it still hasn't broken his spirit. I guess in a way he is an example of all the brave souls that comprised the Civil Rights Movements of the 60's to bring about much needed change.

10. What do you think of the novel so far? What questions are you left with and how do they affect your expectations for the rest of the story?

It's forcing the reader to confront some awful truths about humanity. And the sad thing is we never learn. Awful atrocities are still happening in our time now. I'm trying not to feel too upset and reading it as a learning experience for a time and place I don't know too much about.

Twice the Gabe to enjoy! 🤣

DQ'S DAY 1 - CHAPTERS 1-8

1." A gripping, page-turning novel set in Jim Crow Florida that follows Robert Stephens Jr. as he’s sent to a segregated reform school that is a chamber of terrors where he sees the horrors of racism and injustice, for the living, and the dead."

MPG's for this book include horror, historical fiction and thriller. Given the above blurb and the MPG's, what are you expecting from this book? Thoughts on what the balance will be between the real life horror of living in this time and place, the supernatural elements of the story and how this will shape the tone of the novel?

2. The Jim Crow Era of Florida in the mid 20th century - being an Australian I only have a basic knowledge of what this actually was and means. What is your understanding of the time - if you are an American did you learn about this in school?

3. In the opening chapters, the author paints a picture of sad circumstances - the loss of a mother, an absent father and systematic racism. But there is a real feeling of warmth between Robert and his sister Gloria and Lottie their Guardian. Thoughts on Robert and Gloria's character, and how does the circumstances shape their relationship?

4. Mr David Loehmann seems like a kind man despite the fact that he holds back on doing more for Robert initially. Why do you think the author includes the line "then he pretended to sneeze, saying " A Jew" where his sneeze should be" (A deputy) Do you have any empathy for Loehmann who knows he should do more, but doesn't?

5. First impressions of The Reformatory? Why do you think only the children can see the haints?

No worries.. just when you get to it.

My sister is coming over tomorrow to get the book as she can’t wait after my gushing lol.

I know I’m going to have a huge book hang over. Got to get stuck into the BOM tonight , no rest for the wicked!

The Society of Unknowable Objects

The world of unknowable objects - magical items that most people have no idea possess powers - has been quiet for decades . . .

But three current members of a secret society have remained watchful, meeting every six months in the basement of a bookshop in London. They are pledged to protect their archive of magical items hidden away, safe from the outside world - and keep the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artefact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends the Society's newest member, author Magda Sparks, to investigate.

Within hours of arriving in Hong Kong, Magda is facing death and danger, confronted by a professional killer who seems to know all about unknowable objects, specifically one that was stolen from him a decade before. Magda is forced to flee, using an artefact that not even the rest of the Society knows about.

Returning to London, Magda learns hers is not the only secret being kept from the other two members. And that the most pernicious secret is about the nature of the Society’s mission. Her discoveries will lead her on a perilous journey, across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States - not in pursuit of an unknowable object, but an unknowable person: the killer she first faced in Hong Kong. In doing so, Magda begins to understand that there are even more in the world who are chasing these magical items, and that her own family’s legacy is tied up in keeping all these secrets under wraps.

Magic has always been too powerful to reveal to the world. But Magda will learn there might be something even more powerful: the truth

Finished!

Jay K put me through the emotional wringer.. but all the pieces came together for a very satisfying ending.

Even though it was a great read.. very sad to say goodbye to Gabe and crew.

But apparently another trilogy is in the works - part suicide squad and part Game of Thrones. Can't wait.

Talk soon..

I got DQ's for the last BOM and thank you to the awesome BOM Goddesses I've got Day 1. Which fits in perfectly with my reading schedule.

Just finishing up my doorstopper - I've been drawing the ending out because I don't want it to end. I can highly recommend it if you love Fantasy/Vampires - just fantastic storytelling.

Oh that's perfect thank you. Day 1 questions will be up - probably tomorrow afternoon my time. 😊

Oh my.. this is so good, I don’t want it to end. I have the last part to read and I’m leaving it to tomorrow to saviour the ending..

Very good. I'm dying to discuss!

Any sign of your treasure, E?