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

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

Louise
9437 books | 262 friends
see comment historyDQs: Day 6 - Chapter 56 - End

23. What are your thoughts on the immediate aftermath of Harry’s accident? Was Evelyn right in her actions? Who or what was she protecting?
Wrong, wrong, wrong and typical Evelyn. She was always good at justifying things to herself. She may have reconciled to herself that she was protecting Harry's legacy or their daughter, but she was also doing it for her own reputation and life as well. When I got to the end of the story I understood a little better why she did it and perhaps wasn't as judgemental as when I first read it. When it was divulged at the end the real circumstances I though, great twist!

24. Robert became husband #7 when Celia, Evelyn and Connor moved to Spain to live out Celia’s days in peace. What were your thoughts on this section? Did Evelyn finally find happiness if only for a little while?

I suppose she did, although not good that she still couldn't tell the truth about their relationship.

25. “… “They never did care about getting it right. The media are going to tell whatever story they want to tell. They always have. They always will.” How true do you think this is?

Never let the truth get in the way of a good story is what a lot of tabloid journalism thrives on. Then and now.


26. We finally find out the reason why Evelyn wanted Monique to write her Biography. Were you surprised by this. Could Evelyn have handled it differently?

What a great twist. Of course she could have told the truth and it is easy to be judgemental but the times also were. All her life's work would have been destroyed. I can see why she did but can't really agree with it.

27. The story ends with possibly the most controversial of themes dignity in death and the right to choose. Monique makes a conscious choice to allow Evelyn the dignity of choosing to die. Is this something you could do?

Very personal decision. In this case it was clear these were Evelyn's wishes and I would have respected that.

Wow, that was a surprise. Had so much fun travelling over the years and wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and Holiday Season.

I'm sure we will all be in another group challenge either on the same team or frenemies sometime soon.

Jenn wrote: "Checking in! Hope everyone had a great weekend."

You do, Jenn. Christmas preparations... need I say more. 🤣

I'll have to see how I go with my reading list but I've got a few In Deaths that I could read for I's as well if I have time.

Discussion questions day 2

6. How do you think Evelyn handled her relationship with the abusive Don? I think Evelyn struggled with her self worth so I think she just wanted someone to love her which is why she accepted that abusive behavior.

Unfortunately Evelyn was a product of her time and experience. Many ordinary non famous women of this time would have covered it up as well and Evelyn was very determined to make a go of her career what ever the cost. Thankfully we seem to be moving towards that domestic violence is never acceptable in our time, although we're not there yet. Reading this really makes me angry especially the parts where Don took his inadequacies and frustrations out on Evelyn. What a dick. It is not okay!!


7. How believable do you feel the progression of the friendship to romance between Evelyn and Celia is, especially bearing in mind the time period? I think it was very believable. I am sure during those times it was less accepted to be in love with the same sex.

They totally covered it up in Hollywood, to be outed would be the absolute end of your career. So it makes absolute sense the way Evelyn and Celia played it.

8. Do you think the author got the old Hollywood vibe right?
It seemed very accurate and it was one of the parts of the book I enjoyed. I haven't read any other books set in Hollywood at this time.

9. What do you think of Evelyn’s plan to fake a miscarriage in order to gain sympathy instead of getting bad press? How does it make you feel about her character? I think it was once again Evelyn doing what she need to do for her career rather than for her mental/physical health.

Again, Evelyn did what she felt she had to do to succeed. And at this time, better to fake a miscarriage than be labelled a bad wife. When reading it makes my blood boil the ridiculous standards women were held to when men could get away with nearly anything. Evelyn played the system as much as she could with the cards she had been dealt. You have to admire her for her determination.

DQs: Day 1 Chapter 1-8

1. Chapter 1 starts with a news clipping and ends with a blog post and chat. What do you think of this nontraditional style? Were you surprised that it didn't continue through the next 7 chapters?

I'm thinking it's setting the scene as per the lead character is in the entertainment industry and of the Golden Years of Hollywood. This is how things would have been reported. I found it kind of interesting. Once it's set the scene it moves to more of the story of Evelyn so it's served it's purpose

2. Monique Grant is a little known writer. Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography for a reason. Any thoughts to why? Is is just her style? Age? Or do you think it is ore personal?

This is a re-read for me so can't give too much away. It seemed very personal, I was thinking maybe Monique was Evelyn's long lost daughter at this stage.

3. Evelyn's quote "The world doesn't give you things, you take things" really struck me. How does this phrase resonate with you?
This is really perception. Some people may think it's the only way to get ahead, it feels a bit aggressive to me though.

4. Evelyn learned early on about how to use her looks and sex to get what she wanted. She seems to see it as taking what she wanted and doesn't regret her life decisions. Especially in the back drop of the Me too movement, how do you feel about Evelyn and her decisions so far?
It's of a time and place so it's difficult to put our 21st century way of thinking into someone's decisions made then. Power imbalances though are never positive and it's a shame young women felt that this is the only way to get ahead.

5. Do you like the back and forth between Monique/now and Evelyn's back story?

I really enjoyed it, thought it was one of the best parts of the book.

Thanks Namita. 😊

UPDATE ITINERARY 10

STOPS 1-4 COMPLETE

STOP 5 - COMPLETE

STOP 6 - COMPLETE

STOP 7 - JENNY AND CAT

STOP 8 - CAT

Sally906 wrote: "No I couldn’t. I did look - can see where she said she was going too. On her shelf she finished Saving Francesca about that time - which fits - but never posted a completion."

Great thank you. If she doesn't pop in soon to post I'll fill it in.

Sally906 wrote: "Didn’t Cat post back in early October she had finished the Aussie book for stop 5 and was about to post her completion?"

Yes, Sally but I went back and couldn't find her completion post. Maybe need fresh eyes, see if you can find it. 😊

UPDATE ITINERARY 10

STOPS 1-4 COMPLETE

STOP 5 - CAT - I think she's finished but needs updating on the spreadsheet and I couldn't find the actual post.

STOP 6 - COMPLETE

STOP 7 - JENNY AND CAT

STOP 8 - CAT

Great Louise. Always a bonus when you enjoy a book.

I'll pop back with where we are up to - aiming to finish this itinerary fully by the end of the year.

Lovely...

I have 3 Q's -

Queens of the Sea 515 pages
The Third Victim 384 pages (Quincy and Rainie)
The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile - 416 pages also contains I for Isabella of Castille.

I'll also be reading the BOM.

First up I'll be finishing this doorstopper Winter of the World at 900+ pages.

It's going to be a great finish.

Maddy wrote: "Awww, I was on such a roll! Can I still post them just to feel awesome about finding them? :D"

Save them for next round Maddy. We may get more "I"'s. I think the last round is going to be a doozy! Lots of tricky letters and out there tags. Fun. 😜

Thanks Lexi.

Have we got enough books for this week? Any letters we need?

My copy of came in at the library in time as well so I'll be able to read the last BOM. So hopefully it fits to include in the last round. Lexi got DQ's. 😊

Sophie wrote: "Maddy wrote: "what.. is that?"

That is the side effect of people in the group joking that they would have to search for extreme quality pizza and the mods getting carried away... Sorry!

We need 1..."

It's all good Sophie! You know us Challenge Addicts live for Qs, Xs and Zs and impossible tags.. All part of the fun. 😜

Oh my.. this is going to be an interesting round. No 5 is the easiest... we'll all be searching for tricky letters whatever we get. I hope we get something with a Q because I've been saving a few books for that.

That link is coming up Secret Group, Sophie so we'll just have to wait for the reveal on Weds or Thurs, LOL. Gee, I hope we get something with a range of letters to finish off. It's been a great challenge. Hope we can finish Top 3.

Thanks ladies. I haven't had the pleasure of a pumpkin spice latte, I'm sure they are somewhere to be found in Australia probably Sydney City so I'll have to go and find one.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate.

So a question about Pumpkin Pies? Are they a sweet dessert dish or a savoury dish you eat with the turkey like mashed pumpkin in pastry? Not sure they sound all that delicious either way .