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

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

Karolyn wrote: "I’m officially 2/3 done with my massive Steven King novel. Fingers crossed I might finish tomorrow."

That's an achievement. I have to crack open in month 2.

Hi Ilsen, we are on a team again together. Welcome to Team Ajax.

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

The New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code returns with an unforgettable World War II tale of a quiet bookworm who becomes history's deadliest female sniper. Based on a true story.

In 1937 in the snowbound city of Kiev (now known as Kyiv), wry and bookish history student Mila Pavlichenko organizes her life around her library job and her young son--but Hitler's invasion of Ukraine and Russia sends her on a different path. Given a rifle and sent to join the fight, Mila must forge herself from studious girl to deadly sniper--a lethal hunter of Nazis known as Lady Death. When news of her three hundredth kill makes her a national heroine, Mila finds herself torn from the bloody battlefields of the eastern front and sent to America on a goodwill tour.

Still reeling from war wounds and devastated by loss, Mila finds herself isolated and lonely in the glittering world of Washington, DC--until an unexpected friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and an even more unexpected connection with a silent fellow sniper offer the possibility of happiness. But when an old enemy from Mila's past joins forces with a deadly new foe lurking in the shadows, Lady Death finds herself battling her own demons and enemy bullets in the deadliest duel of her life.

Based on a true story, The Diamond Eye is a haunting novel of heroism born of desperation, of a mother who became a soldier, of a woman who found her place in the world and changed the course of history forever. (less)

TEAM AJAX

Abir wrote: "I just realized that if we exceed the number of books we set as our monthly limit we will loose points. So now I'm slowing down a bit"

I think it will be okay Abir as the points are a total group effort. And there are bound to be people where real life kicks their butt and can't read what they allocated. Hoping I'm not one of them, LOL.

I'm up to I think. Such an original, interesting series.

LISA'S POSTS FOR BOM CREDITS.

DAY 1 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 2 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 4 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 5 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 6 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQs Day 6
7 May XXIII - XXVII


22. We get a letter from Daniel and Tam explaining their decision to keep the Map and Tam’s survival a secret. What did you think of their reasons? Would you have done the same?

Seems pretty intense. Surely they could have thought of another way to foil Wally? As I mentioned previously there were six of them, plus the resources of the NYPL.

23. All through the book it was said that “ the purpose of a map was to bring people together” What do you think of this statement. Do you think maps achieve this goal or do you have any item/activity that you think completes this purpose?

I think in this instance it tore them apart. It's not the maps that bring people together, they are just the tools to get people there. It is then up to the people and sometimes as we know IRL that just ain't happening.

24. What do you think Nell did to save Agloe? And what did you think of everyone´s reaction to her disappearance?.

Knowing Nell it was some brilliant scheme. The author just left it hanging because with the little information the reader got, it could have been anything.

25.Apparently, everyone got a happy ending except Wally. Did you like the way the book finished? Did it feel rushed or a little underwhelming? Any loose threads you disliked?

Someone said, I think it may have been Andrea, good premise, not so good execution. My thoughts exactly, really good idea, but I didn't really warm to the characters and the romantic elements just left me cold. A lot was left to the reader's imagination and not really adequately explained. But maybe that's the way of magic realism. Don't delve too deep all the whole thing falls over.

26.Finally, Do you think you would read another book by this author?

Probably if it was another BOM. I'd do anything for points, LOL.

Lexi's real life is a little too real right now so here are questions from Day 5.

18.) Bear's big bad secret and how Romi was involved was revealed. And the real story of the fire. Thoughts. What you expected? Better than expected? At big fat letdown?

To be honest, a bit of a let down. And given the great premise of the book, all the human drama was a bit childish in comparison. It never explained really why Wally went so much over the edge, was it a result of Tam being with Daniel and super jealousy that he couldn't let out or did he always have mental health problems. Or was the moral that some people just can't handle secrets?

19.) What do you think of Wally the serial killer/arsonist/burglar? I know everyone responds to grief differently, but he's started down this path long before the fire. Do you think he'll get his comeuppance? Also, what's Wally's end game do you think?

Answered in the previous question. I think it's obvious that Wally is going to be foiled probably by Nell and is going to end up dead.

20.) We learn about Daniel's side of of the Junk Box Incident. Does it change your opinions at all of Daniel and what he did to Nell?

Mmmm, I kind of thought that was his reasoning. Protecting Nell from a crazy Wally. Surely they could have come up with something not so dramatic? There were six of them plus the resources of the NYPL...

21.) Still, though. Who heck is Cabe and what's his deal? Do you think the last section will shed light on this loose thread?

Huh, Cabe who... ??

Wow, what a coincidence or is it? The universe works in mysterious ways.

Moderators of NBRC wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "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 tw..."

Thanks for the ruling.

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.,