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

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

Sammy wrote: "I'm making good progress and would probably have been able to finish it today if my mum hadn't called and spent over an hour on the phone 😆

Menfolk have just arrived home, so probably won't get th..."

End of Book 3 - (view spoiler)[ I really liked the POV shift.. I love Gabe.. 😍 but not a big fan of all the battle stuff so the POV shift and location was refreshing. (hide spoiler)]

Preeti
6545 books | 134 friends
see comment historyDQs Day 2 - Baneful-"My Own Wee Thing”

6. Jane gives Rochester a black-coloured thumb-sized stone to keep with him as a protective talisman. Do you believe in talismans? Please tell us about an object that you keep with you as a talisman?

I don't really believe in lucky charms, talismans really, although I always wear a heart locket my husband got for me, so there is that I suppose.

7. Between some of the chapters narrated from Jane’s point of view, we get chapters from Rochester’s point of view. What do you think of these “interludes”? Do they help or distract?

I'm neutral about them although they do give insight about what the character is actually thinking.

8. We are introduced to Dr. Poole. What did you think of this character particularly with regards to Jane meeting him in the poison garden? Were there any changes in your opinion after reading Agnes’ conversation with Jane about the late Mrs. Rochester?

If Dr Poole, is anything like the Grace Poole character in the original he would have been absolutely loyal to Mrs Rochester. I'm still not sure where this is going in regards to her death and who was responsible.

9. We have been told several times about a curse on Thornfield. Then Jane follows Rochester to the graveyard where his family members are buried. At this point Jane says “This was a story of heartache. Everyone in Mr. Rochester’s family had died before their time, especially the females. Then his wife had done the same.” Do you think there is a connection between the curse and the early deaths?

Seems to be..

10. We have been given information about Jane and her origin? What do you think of this twist in the tale?

Yes, that was a turn up for the books. And really deviates from the original. I'm not sure what that tidbit of information means for the overall plot moving forward.

Bonus: The author has used several of the same names as those of characters from Jane Eyre. Other than Jane, Rochester, we have Brocklehurst, Maria Temple, Mrs. Fairfax, Poole etc. What do you think about authors using the same names in retellings?

Don't they usually use the same names.. If they have the same part in the novel it's ok, it's when it changes its not strictly a re-telling I guess.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "I've got to get to SJM! My sister swears by them."

You’ll love them. 😊 Start with A Court of Thorn and Roses"

Sold.. I'll see if I can get it from the library to read during the challenge. I've resisted long enough, LOL

Laura..devouring books like crumpets wrote: "yes everyone is fine thanks, the lorry went down part of a narrow road that has a sign saying no lorries but they decided to ignore it.....

as a joke I sing to my kids

catch a smelly fart and pu..."

That's gorgeous. I'll have to remember that one for my four grandsons.. With them anything with pooh makes them laugh hysterically, they're 10,7, 5 and 4.

DQs - Day 1 - Prologue-Blackthorn

1. A paranormal retelling?? of Jane Eyre - this prompts the question about the original or let's call it the "source for inspiration". What is your relationship to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë? Have you read it? Loved/liked/disliked it?

I am a HUGE fan of the Bronte Sisters, Wuthering Heights is my favourite novel ever. Some of the most beautiful, passionate words written of all time. And Jane Eyre has some doozies as well.
This probably the most famous one -
Do you think I am an automaton?–a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong!–I have as much soul as you,–and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh;–it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God’s feet, equal,–as we are!”– Jane Eyre

2. What about Retellings? Is it a genre you like/avoid?

They seem to be in vogue now. I look at them as a homage to tales well loved and well told. Very rarely do they surpass the original but can be enjoyable reads.

3. Jane Aire as a witch in a school for orphan witches? How do you like the setting of this alternative Victorian world where magic is at least tolerated?

Interesting take but it is really Jane Eyre- light - so far.

4. What are your first impressions of Jane and Rochester?

Mmm.. quite pale imitations of the original characters but that's ok. It is a light read.

5. What do you think about the occurrences in Thornfield? Are they really caused by supernatural elements or is it human action?

At first it seemed it was just the wise women angle, eg woman using nature to heal and thus causing suspicion but the events in the Blackwood chapter brought it into the supernatural realm.

I've got to get to SJM! My sister swears by them.

Finished Part 1.

It's fun to be back with Gabe and crew again (not so fun for them I guess) and yes, the F**k my face is really catchy.. but I think you have to have Gabe's charm to get away with it. (Can't imagine me using it, (out loud anyway) I think the grand children would have a heart attack!

So.. (view spoiler)[ Are Aaron and Baptiste really dead... Are we going to see a showdown with Lachlan down the track.. Dior and Phoebe a couple? I guess Gabe thinks of her as a daughter and so far she's gay, and he's a one man woman, so that rules out any hanky panky there.. On to book 2.. (hide spoiler)]

Volunteer backup for Cass (District 6)

I'll be reading for District 6. (Backup, backup for Laurie and Cass)

I'll be doing both as well.

Bad luck I didn't get picked for DQ's for Salt and Broom despite having another entry.

Great going Laurie having your book picked! Guaranteed DQ's= big points. 😁

Anouschka wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Laura..devouring books like crumpets wrote: "As for off putting book characters i totally agree they can ruin a book i just read one where the Male MC would interrupt, assume and con..."

Yes, it seems a bit unclear at the moment. I agree. Hoping when the mini is revealed the strategy most advantageous will become more obvious.

I've started.. wish I would have known the author would have included a handy recap at the beginning..

I'll be reading in parts and reading quicker books inbetween.

Just an observation.. hate to be a downer but who thinks.. (view spoiler)[ that Gabriel will die in the end, being the hero and re-uniting him with his beloved family! (hide spoiler)]

Natasha wrote: "I'm still alive I promise. I read a book which actually fit a task which is great. Looking forward to the new monsters."

Great to hear from you Natasha.

Yes, two more Wheels on the way for our reading enjoyment. 😁

Mutant Spiders are squashed!

Our 100th Monster is - Devil's Snare.

And a new Wheel O Monsters is coming very soon.

Keri wrote: "So I’m kind of confused, are there specific things we should be reading for or just read what we planned and for it in?

Also, books need to be started on or after 5/15 begin of challenge right?"

Keri, yes you have to have started your book after the challenge started - 15th May, and what ever time in your zone that matches 9 am UTC.

Whatever book you're reading has to have one of these in it - Defense, Food, Shelter or Weapons - as long as you can justify it, it fits!

Laurie B wrote: "Andy wrote: "for anyone (like me) who needs a long time to source BOMs

I think, from looking at the polls, the BOMs staring during June could be:
and [bookcov..."

Great job, Laurie. I'll be reading too..

Cass☀️ wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "My first two books..

Then this one.. I'm soooo looking forward to it..[b..."

I am Cass. Nearly finished it and it is really different and refreshing.. in a good way.

Melindam wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "I actually don't mind the odd love triangle.. (hangs head in shame.. )"

No, please don't!!!!

As I keep saying about books: one's Love Boat may turn out to be another..."

ooh.. love that.. I'm going to try and use that sometime.

Melindam wrote: "- Characters not talking to each other
- he/she/they thought ... forced misunderstanding
- love triangles"

I actually don't mind the odd love triangle.. (hangs head in shame.. )

Sonia wrote: "Melindam wrote: "Sonia wrote: "How about a Pet Peeves Monster Wheel?

*giggles*

OK... once my brain can focus instead of being all over the place, I shall put together some crazy and uncommon ide..."

wet towels on the floor/bed
empty food packets/wrappers left in the fridge/pantry
watching your train/bus zooming away when you're 5 seconds late
the toilet seat up
going to the library to get a book which is supposed to be on the shelves.. but it's not..
waiting years for the next book in a series..
cliffhangers.. and the next book not out for years
series you're following abandoned by the author or dropped by the publisher
authors killing characters you love