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

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

The Good Wife of Bath

4.35 · Rating details · 892 ratings · 156 reviews
A provocative, immersive medieval novel starring one of literature's most unforgettable characters in her own words--Chaucer's bold and libidinous Wife of Bath.

In the middle ages, a famous poet told a story that mocked a strong woman. It became a literary classic. But what if the woman in question had a chance to tell her own version?

England, 1364: When married off at aged twelve to an elderly farmer, brazen redheaded Eleanor quickly realizes it won't matter what she says or does, God is not on her side--or any poor woman's for that matter. But then again, Eleanor was born under the joint signs of Venus and Mars, making her both a lover and a fighter.

Aided by a head for business (and a surprisingly kind husband), Eleanor manages to turn her first marriage into success, and she rises through society from a cast-off farm girl to a woman of fortune who becomes a trusted friend of the social-climbing poet Geoffrey Chaucer. But more marriages follow--some happy, some not--several pilgrimages, many lovers, murder, mayhem, and many turns of fortune's wheel as Eleanor pursues the one thing that all women want: control of their own lives. (less)

New to me author - Hyde

3.88 · Rating details · 504 ratings · 121 reviews
Edward Hyde has a strange gift-or a curse-he keeps secret from all but his physician. He experiences two realities, one real, the other a dreamworld state brought on by a neurological condition.

When murders in Victorian Edinburgh echo the ancient Celtic threefold death ritual, Captain Edward Hyde hunts for those responsible. In the process he becomes entangled in a web of Celticist occultism and dark scheming by powerful figures. The answers are there to be found, not just in the real world but in the sinister symbolism of Edward Hyde’s otherworld.

He must find the killer, or lose his mind.

A dark tale. One that inspires Hyde’s friend . . . Robert Louis Stevenson. (less)

I'll volunteer for DQ's

Cat, I forgot to mention in my last set of answers the side plot about Mr P possibly being her grandfather. Is that where the author was heading with that gem, I wasn't sure? If he was he wasn't doing a very good job of it really. Watching over her isn't the same as active family participation in my book.

That's interesting Karen because I was looking for a setting for Uno and realised it was never stated where the hotel actually was. I assumed somewhere in the USA but what State or city was undisclosed. Maybe the author didn't want the distraction of a stated location. Thinking about it it was kind of like a play with only a few locations, the hotel, Molly's flat and the restaurant.

Links to Lisa's answer for bonus BOM points.

DQ's Day 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ's Questions Day 2 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... Message 25
DQ's Day 3 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... Message 51
DQ's Day 4 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... Message 59

Lexi (friend)
2667 books | 121 friends
see comment historyDQ Set 4 Feb 5th
Chapters 25 to end

13. How did you enjoy the book? How was the pacing and how the story was told?

To be honest I was pretty blah with this book. It was okay I guess, the ending was a bit of a surprise. I had to read it a few times to get it straight.

14. Did the romance with Juan surprise you? Thoughts on it?

I picked up on this about chapter 25. When I realised JM was a single man and was sending money back to his Mum and siblings. They seemed to be a happy couple.

15. How did you like the ending and parallels with the pillows and the actual murderer? Did anyone guess it?

That was a surprise what had happened with Molly's Nanna. And adding the parallels with the Black murder.. I guess that was a bit of a red herring thrown in at the end with the mysterious "Who's in the mirror" scene. It was a bit confusing till we had the full disclosure at the end.

16. Finally, thoughts on Molly’s development as a character? Most guessed she was an unreliable narrator, but do you think it realistic that she knew the murder and the nuance there but not the drugs?

Did she really develop? I'm thinking no, well maybe she wasn't as trusting but she was still the same old Molly with her quirks and attention to detail. Definitely on the Autism Spectrum somewhere. Thus she was able to hone in on some things and scan past others.

For me this was a 2-3 star read, can't say I enjoyed it overmuch but didn't hate it either.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Oh a side note - I’m confused with how penniless she is.
I know Wilbur stole their savings, but her apartment seems to be in a bit of a dodgy building and she still can’t afford the rent or even fo..

I'm thinking the inference is that even though it's a dodgy apartment most of her paycheck which is minimal wage is going for her rent.

DQ Set 3 Feb 4th
Chapters 13 to 24

9) There seems to be a subtle parallel between drugs causing issues for Molly's parents and now herself. Do you think the author had an intent behind this, if so what? Or just a convenient coincidence? Do you think we will ever know who Molly's father is? Her Gran seemed to know but never said. Do you think Mr. Presten knows?

I don't see much of a parallel between Molly's parents drug problem and the fact that she has been framed for a drug murder. Is there a subtle reference that Molly's cognitive differences are because of drug addiction much like fetal alcohol sydnrome? I'm thinking who her father is has nothing to do with the plot at this point, unless Mr Preston is her secret father!

10) Calling Rodney for help? Poor Molly!! Was anyone surprise what Rodney did with the information she gave to him? Do you think Mr. Snow is involved?

I actually think that Molly turning the tables on Rodney is her revenge for his mean and degrading treatment of her. Not sure about Mr Snow, perhaps he is turning a blind eye to what is going on. Maybe he is getting kickbacks under the table.

11) Does Molly's arrest make you think about how venerable certain members of society are to the criminal justice system? Discuss.

For sure, this is a huge subject. I think quite a lot of people who end up in gaol for more petty crimes have mental health issues and/or come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. And in Australia a very current issue is the percentage of our indigenous population who end up dying in custody. Things need to change for sure.

12) The setup. Did you enjoy this? Was anyone surprised that Rodney and Giselle were doing the horizontal tango? What did you think of Molly's call to Giselle, do you believe what Giselle said?

It was a surprise but on reflection probably shouldn't have been. Mmm, Giselle, I'm really hoping she is sincere this time especially when Molly gave her the heads up that she needed to flee. I'm hoping at least that Molly can take from the situation that she was a good friend to Giselle and she should be proud of that. Even if it proves to be an error in judgement she was the bigger person.

DAY 2 DQ'S - CHAPTERS 6-13

5. The plot thickens as we find out that the hotel is being used in illicit drug deals. I felt so bad for how Molly has misconstrued her friendship with Juan Manuel and "date" with Rodney. Your thoughts on how they are using Molly. Does the fact that Molly doesn't seem to understand the true nature of things kinder to her in the long run?

6. I'm not quite sure yet what to make of Giselle. Gold digger or victim? Do you think she is sincere in her fondness for Molly or just using her?

7. Uh oh, the tide is turning and Molly has become a person of interest in the Black murder case. How much do you think Molly's personality, how she interacts with people and sees the world is a factor in this?

8. Half way through do you have any theories on the circumstances leading to Mr Black's death and whodunnit?

Carrie (friend)
2568 books | 84 friends
see comment historyDQ Prologue - Chapter 5

1. I found the prologue to be thought provoking. Tipping customs seem to vary from place to place, country to country. When you stay at a hotel, do you clean up your room before checking out or do you leave it messy? Do you give consideration to items you're leaving behind (receipts, notes, etc)? Do you leave a tip for the housekeeping staff?

I'd never leave the room super messy. Always put rubbish in the bin, pull the bed clothes up and wipe up in the bathroom. When I've gone on cruises over multiple days I always leave the housekeeping staff a tip.

2. On pg. 18 (of the hardcover edition), Molly discovers the body of Mr. Black. After she calls the front desk she looks up into a mirror. "On the wall in front of me was a gilt-framed mirror, reflecting not only my terrified face back at me but everything I'd failed to notice before." What do you think Molly means when she says everything she failed to notice before?

Not sure, is she saying she sees herself metaphorically or has she actually seen something in the reflection?

3. The reader learns that Molly is a little different. She struggles in social situations and often takes things said to her in a very literal fashion. It also seems she lives by a strict code of morality and cleanliness instilled in her by her Gran. Were you caught off guard when Molly has a run in with Cheryl and begins to fantasize about the things she'd like to do to Cheryl - spray bleach in her face, strangle her with a bathrobe tie, push her off the balcony? Could Molly have a dark side?

Molly seems to be on the Autism Spectrum or neuro diverse. Mmmm, I'm not really sensing a dark side to her just a different way of looking at things. And who hasn't fantasized bringing hell and destruction down on someone who has done something bad.. doesn't mean you actually follow through.. hopefully, LOL.

4. Are you enjoying the book so far? Any predictions as to Mr. Black's killer?

It's okay, I'm fairly neutral on it so far. I'm thinking maybe Cheryl (love her nickname) did in Mr Black or one of his business associates. I hope it isn't Giselle that would be too obvious.

All good for my day. My library copy is in so I can read in glorious red hardback.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Yes - I mean it doesn’t work for any of my uno coloured cards 😉"

Lucky I'm reading the kindle version (red) so it picks up Red 0 - Standalone for our team so all is not lost.

by S.A. Cosby

Beauregard "Bug" Montage: husband, father, honest car mechanic. But he was once known - from North Carolina to the beaches of Florida - as the best getaway driver on the East Coast. Just like his father, who disappeared many years ago.

After a series of financial calamities (worsened by the racial prejudices of the small town he lives in) Bug reluctantly takes part in a daring diamond heist to solve his money troubles - and to go straight once and for all. However, when it goes horrifically wrong, he's sucked into a grimy underworld which threatens everything, and everyone, he holds dear . . . (less)

Sorry, I'm not sure how to link it but these are my posts. Would you mind linking Mods. Thanks.

DQ 1 Message 28 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ2 Message 35 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ3 Message 42 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ4 Message 51 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ5 Wrote questions - Message 59 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ6 Message 76

Day 6 DQs: Forty-Two - Forty-Five

23. Did you like the resolutions of the book?

I actually did in the book, of course IRL you just can't take the law into your own hands much as sometimes you'd like to... I guessed one of the major characters would die and there were hints that Buddy Lee wasn't going to live long because of his cancer so to go out fighting was kind of poetic.

24. Would you recommend this book to others? Do you have any recommendations inspired by this book you'd like to make?

I have already recommended it to my sister. Even though super violent which is not my thing and not my usual kind of book I did enjoy the story and it did make me think and learn. I had never heard of intersectionality for example.

25. Will you read SA Cosby's other title?

Yes, my library has it. I might even nominate it for a future BOM! This one made great discussion.

I'd like to volunteer for DQ's as well. This book is already on my TBR for next month so great timing.

DAY 5 DQ'S

19. There has been a few comments about the metaphors which seem quite a prolific part of the writer's style. Got me thinking about the title. Does it set the tone for the emotion of the story or is it overly sentimental in relation to the powerful issues the book explores?

20. Starting Chapter 34 and stuff is getting serious with Grayson's thinking making a shift in how he is going to deal with the situation. At this point do your expect Buddy Lee and/or Ike to survive the story and get justice for their sons?

21. Wow a big revelation that Buddy was the person who desecrated the graves. Thinking about what we have learnt about Buddy Lee and Ike, does the end justify the means and was it the only way forward to get justice in this case or should they have left it alone and let the usual channels investigate? What does this action say about Buddy Lee and also the fact that Ike took the bait say about Ike?

22. Buddy Lee finally twigs that the big bad is Christine's husband, Gerald the judge.. a fact that us brave readers had worked out pages ago. Does this detract from your overall enjoyment of the story and how do you think the action will play out in the final pages? Do you see it all ending neatly with Buddy and Ike prevailing or do you suspect a final twist is in the air.

DQs Day 3 Ch 29 to Ch 33

15. We learn why Ike was sent to prison. Still unclear to me why it was only a manslaughter charge but thoughts on what this says about him as a person and his relationship with his family?

It seems that Ike's background made him loyal to the wrong people. And his misplaced loyalty impacted on his wife and child big time. Then when he was finally released his background came against him again by his non acceptance of his son. Seems he got it so wrong so many times. It's a difficult question, how does a person rise above their background when all they know is violence and hate. It's not something that many can achieve without education and strong mentors.

16. Second, what did people think about the fight scene? I had been good with the metaphors up that point, but they were a bit much for me then. (Also, if the horse is screaming when you geld him, you should be using a local block, thank you).

Now it's been mentioned, I find myself looking for the metaphors. It's part of the author's writing style, it doesn't really bother me all that much.


17. Also, we now meet Tangerine. I did guess that she was trans, but still am not sure if that is the only thing the person on the other end of the phone is covering up. He seems to know too many gangs for that. What do you think about her as a character and if there is another secret?

You're more tuned in than me. Never guessed it but now I'm thinking it probably was obvious. And it makes the reason for the boys being killed stronger, not only were they going to expose probable wrong doing but outing someone in politics or running for office. Would be a death knell for someone's career. I'm really thinking now it is more than likely the Judge who married Buddy Lee's ex wife.

18. What do you think of the character growth and the continued look at homophobia and violence against LGBTQ+ within the black community (as well as in general)? Do you think the growth is realistic/too fast? Does it matter with both sons being dead?

This issue seems to be the main theme of the book. I'd be interested to know if the writer is a gay black man and is drawing from personal experience. I'm going to google. Edited to add - He's not gay. His wife's name is Kimberley. Buddy Lee seemed already to be moving in that direction before this happened but for Ike it seems to be somewhat of an epiphany. It's part of the pathos of the story, it took the death of their sons for these two men to realise the error of their ways and what they missed as fathers. As I mentioned before it usually takes a lot for people to move away from their background and what they learnt/observed in childhood.

DQs Day 3 Ch 22 to Ch 28

10.) This book is full of metaphors. Very full of metaphors. Do they help the story along? Or are they distracting? Funny? Any favorites so far?

You know, I think I am so involved in the story and the implications of racism and homophobia that I haven't been paying close attention to the metaphors. So they must be blending in and I am enjoying the writing so they mustn't be distracting. I guess a lot of them are coming from Buddy Lee. I'm finding him a really engaging character despite or maybe because of his flaws.

11.) Anyone else think the voice on the other end of the phone is Christine's judge husband? [looks at Cat for mentioning this already. Grabs spray bottle]

Yep, if it isn't the so far unseen but much mentioned Judge Gerald Culpepper aka the dick second husband, I don't know who it can be.

12.) The conversation touching on intersectionality with the bartender I thought was interesting and on point. Ike seemed to struggle with it and the whole concept of it. Do you think people give enough consideration to the ramifications of intersectionality in today's world?

Admission.. I had no idea what intersectionality was
spend half an hour on google. Wow, way too heavy for my pay grade. But I did think it was really interesting a line in the book which had me thinking .. that some black people hated gay people more than racists. Like what...
13.) What did you think of the scene between Buddy Lee and Christine at the trailer? Do you think Buddy Lee meant what he said about Derek? That he was who he was and that should of been more than enough for his parents?

That's why Buddy Lee is such an interesting character. Despite his flaws and they are many he still is learning and growing. And accepting the mistakes he has made. So sad it took the death of his son for him to acknowledge this.

14.) So we finally meet Mr. Get Down. Impressed? How much is he involved do you think? I'm guessing he knows the score but isn't the voice at the end of the phone.

Yep, stereotype much.. He's in on it for sure but not the main player.