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

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

Christina wrote: "Yup food words are still a "trigger" for me too lol, although I don't think I've EVER read a book with vinegar in it."

Now it seems every second book has a vinegar.. Is there a chance that Restaurant will return? I better start making a note of where it pops up then for future reference. 🤣

Marie (UK) wrote: "Cat wrote: "Day2 DQs Chapters 11-21

6. Grayson, Gremlin and Dome sound like a bunch of nefarious solicitors to me but their "Club" definitely has very different priorities. Tangerine was obviously..."

I think you're onto something there. That would be a great twist.

Sonia wrote: "Since we are asking stuff.... how about a my restaurant rocks sometime this year?

Former team trouble is still noticing ingredients on books."

That is so funny.. every time I see the word "vinegar" I have flashbacks.

Day2 DQs Chapters 11-21


6. Grayson, Gremlin and Dome sound like a bunch of nefarious solicitors to me but their "Club" definitely has very different priorities. Tangerine was obviously aware of something. What do you think she was going to talk to Derek about?

Dodgy solicitors, LOL, I like it. I think I've watched too much Sons of Anarchy, but it sounds like the MC did the dirty work for a dodgy politician/political party or public servant. Tangerine knew something and was going to squeal. And bring the whole house of cards down.

7. I think we could have predicted that violence was inevitable as Ike and Buddy Lee look into who was responsible for their son's deaths. Does it change how you feel about their characters? I am sure that none of us would turn to violence, but maybe we would feel like it. How far would you go?

I can't imagine the pain they are going through added with the guilt of how they behaved to their sons when they were alive. Yes, I think there was always going to be violence. It's interesting with Ike especially how even though he had apparently changed his life and was a successful business owner the violence was not too far from the surface.

8. We meet Christine, Derek's mother. Buddy lee describes how they met and lived before their divorce but then we meet her in person at the cemetery. What is your opinion of Christine and how do you think she has achieved her peace that she claims she won't let Buddy lee take?

Absolutely no respect for Christine, she seems like a fairly shallow person to me. Anyone that abandoned their son to marry and give herself a better life just no. How does she sleep at night.. I guess this where the prescription drugs come in. Try and block out what she'd done.

9. I am fascinated by the author's take on grief and it's repercussions. When LaPlata says he understands how Buddy Lee feels what is your reaction to his statement?

I don't think you can really understand what another person is going through unless you've walked in their shoes. And every individual will have a different response to grief due to personality, beliefs and life experience.

I am going to find it very difficult to stay on track with this book and not read ahead - started 2 other books to try and control my need to know...

I agree, it's a great book!

DQ1 Chapters 1 through 10

1. We have been introduced to the main characters, and the reason for them being thrown together. Do you like them yet? Do you sympathize or empathize with either or both of them?

Would I like them IRL? Mmmm.. possibly I would find them a tad scary. But as book characters.. you bet I do. Despite the way they treated their sons I'm finding myself full of empathy for them. Both of them are men from particular backgrounds, education levels and from a time where having a gay son would not have been easy. It would have been seen as wrong and even a reflection on themselves as men. Not saying it is at all right, it's all kinds of wrong but I can understand it. It's interesting that underneath they still loved their boys, so sad it has taken their deaths for the men to articulate it.

2. This story touches on some big topics; homophobia, crime, poverty, screwed up family dynamics, race, etc. Do you like the way the author is presenting them to us?

Yes, there is a lot to be unpacked in these pages. The author is doing a great job of incorporating these ideas through the storytelling with out coming across as preachy. As a middle aged white woman, and not from the USA the passages about what its like to be black are pretty confronting. And I know indigenous people from my own country have struggled with the same. Gives the reader a lot to think about.

3. We get a chapter on the bad guys, (maybe the killers?). Do you have any feel yet for why the men were killed?

Yes, killed by an outlaw gang possible bikers on the orders of a cartel or dishonest politician in case they knew anything told to Isiah from the mystery female contact. Disguising the murders as homophobic and rascist.

4. Do you think the police are actually trying to solve the crime and running into walls, or do you think they are not trying very hard? Why?

Doesn't seem like they are making an effort, could it be orders from above? Police involved in the bigger picture or are they just snowed under and under resourced? Either scenario would work.

5. Are you enjoying the book so far?

Yes, very much. Not something I would ordinarily pick up but am enjoying the writing and the storyline.

Eldarwen wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Is there a page number requirement for books used in this challenge? Thanks Mods."

No, no page requirements.
Though we assume you aren't going to read a 20 page novell..."

Thank you. 😊 Just one novella that perfectly fits a task.

Is there a page number requirement for books used in this challenge? Thanks Mods.

LISA'S ROUND THE WORLD CHALLENGE 2

LISA'S ROUND THE WORLD CHALLENGE. 1 COMPLETED

ITINERARY 8 BOOKS COMPLETED 8/8

1. Ushuaia (AR) - Fortaleza (BR) Read a book with a blue, purple, or black dress on the cover. 5 stars 4/22/22
2. Fortaleza (BR) - Malabo (GQ) Read a book shelved (listed on the first page of the "top shelves" of the book) as 2002 - plurals and minor spelling variations are acceptable 9/29/22 4 stars.
3. Malabo (GQ) - Pula (HR) Read a book that has the birthstone Alexandrite in the text or title. 2 stars 2/18/22
4. Pula (HR) - St Petersburg (RU) Read a book that has been shortlisted for a literary prize 1/14/22 2 stars
5. St Petersburg (RU) - Chengdu (CN) Read a book with a teacup on the cover 4 stars 4/27/22
6. Chengdu (CN) - Gunnison (US) Read a book that has a predominately blue and bronze cover. 3/15/22 3 stars
7. Gunnison (US) - Key West (US) Read a book that has a strong police presence. by Robert Dugoni. 1/4/22 4 stars
8. Key West (US) - Ushuaia (AR) Read a book that has the birthstone Aquamarine in the text or title pg 201 aquamarine . 1/25/22 3 stars

Thanks. All good for my day.

I just a note from the library letting me know my book will be in next Tuesday so I'm all good for DQ's. 😊

I'm in for DQ's. Can I request the last day if picked as I'm waiting for it from the library early January. Thanks.

Sophie wrote: "While you all recover, how did you find the book cap? Was there anything you'd like to see us try for the next challenge?

Feel free to either DM or message in this thread."

I loved this Wheelathon and got a chance to read all those Q books I'd been hoarding!

As to the cap, I really thought it was a good idea and made the playing field a lot more even. In our team we didn't feel the pressure at all to read longer books, everyone just read what they wanted and when we read more than the quota the longer books were selected to be added. No one had a problem with this at all and we finished 3rd so competitive.

Thanks for the opportunity for feed back.

Congratulations everyone, third is a great result and we had a heap of tricky letters especially in the last round.

To our wonderful Captains, a big thank you. And a really great team.

Everyone have a lovely Christmas/holiday season and see you all in the New Year in another challenge....Uno is coming up in Perks, just sayin' 🤣

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings to all.

Thank you Mods for another fantastic Wheel a thon and big shout out to all the Captain and Co- Captains also. Well done all.

I won't be finishing any more books as Christmas cooking is in full swing.

Great job everyone.

Great going everyone. I think we're looking at a top 3 finish. Woo Hoo.

I will be finished the green text on cover today.

Thanks Celia. Yes, it is sad to say goodbye to this challenge (and this team). See you around Goodreads.

Great going gals.

I think this will cover green text on book - a lovely peppermint shade of green for the title and series name...

Well done Jenny. It will be sad to say goodbye to this challenge. 😢