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

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

Thanks, It seems pesto is the secret ingredient to add flavour!

Am I the only person who loves cheese, but not halloumi. I think it is so bland and tasteless my husband argues it's how it's prepared?

Any tips on how to make it more to my taste?

Finished my last book with - Features cooking competition celebrating Day of the Dead in Santa Fe.

Thanks Karen. I am able to finish one more before the cut off (if the afternoon goes how I've planned.. reading in front of the heater with a cup of tea!)

DAY 2 QUESTIONS - CHAPTERS 4-7

7. "But sometimes I think that sadness drilled down deep and some of it might just be there for good"
"now get lost and leave me to my book."
"There was love in that house but none of us really knew what to do with it."
In chapter four we learn more about Norma's parents and life in their house as she grew up. Does learning about Lenore's past make you more sympathetic to her? And how about their parenting style, I can't imagine ever telling my children or grandchildren "to get lost" because I wanted to read a book. (Ok, I'm sure all parents might have thought it at times, but saying it to a child is a definite no no in my book!)

8. In juxtaposition to Frank, Lenore and Norma, we have alternating chapters about family life from Joe's POV. Thoughts and why does the author structure the novel this way?

9. Chapter 5 - the horrible incident with Frankie and Charlie. How did you feel reading about this injustice? Could anything been done to avert this tragedy? How does Amanda Peters' writing the scene add to the heartbreak?

10. What you think of Aunty June and her role in the story? Why does she encourage Norma to interact with the Indian protesters only to pull her back when she is recognized as Ruthie?

11. Joe seems to be a tragic figure as the story of his life is revealed. How he has responded to racism and trauma make you feel when reading this book? Are you enjoying the story or does it make for uncomfortable reading?

Richard, it’s the 17th at 9 am UTC.

We are 10 hours ahead .. so month 2 doesn’t start for us till 7 pm.

I know you are keen to reset.. but sorry not till 7 pm.

Preeti wrote: "I have completed and updated my 2nd Bhutan book.
Is the last date for round 1 today (16th) or tomorrow (17th)? Thanks!"

There is 22 hours 18 minutes left according to the time clock. Depends where you live when it ends. But it is the 17th.

I've got one for Day of the Dead.

Denise
2029 books | 4 friends
see comment historyDQs for day 1

Some of these questions will lead to possible spoilers. Please be sure to hide any spoilers

1. What expectations do you have for the book based on the blurb or other description of the book?

No expectations at all before picking up the book. I'm only reading it because its a BOM. But now that I've started and realise what it's about, I'm sure its going to be an uncomfortable read.
2. How reliable do you the think the 2 narrators are?

It's based on their memories, so I'm sure although they think it is a truthful representation there will be some inconsistencies and recollection of events from their POV. This is not always "the truth".

3. Chapter 1 opens with " The day Ruthie went missing the black flies seemed to be especially hungry...Indians made such good berry pickers...something sour in our blood kept the black flies away". How does this establish Joe's view of the relationship that exists between the whites and the Mi'kmaq?

He is picking up on the inherent racism of the time sadly from a young age.

4. How much is Norma dreaming vs remembering? What do you think the dreams foreshadow?

I guess the dreams are her sub conscious trying to break through remembering her former life.

5. How do you explain Lenore's paranoia about Norma being out alone? How do you account for the incongruity of her insistence that Norma likes to play with baby dolls when she sees Norma choosing other playthings?

She's paranoid because she knows "Norma" isn't hers by biology and probably had arranged for her to be snatched. So she doesn't want it happening to her. She seems to have mental health issues from her losses, so she is trying to keep "Norma" a little girl.

6. Why did Joe act so clingy when he returned from his first "guide" with his dad?

Not sure, maybe because he was trying to reassure his mother he wouldn't leave her. Or because of the events of the guide. The not so subtle racism .

Great going, ladies.

Hero and the Crown is done. And have now cracked open 151-200!

Commander Waterford from The Hand Maid's Tale is our latest baddie to defeat. Happy reading.

I've also just about finished WW183 - author born in Mexico - Silvia Moreno-Garcia

And just completed one for WW194 - O

Yay, Got picked for DQ's for the next BOM -

All good for me (Sky) Day 2 !

Richard wrote: "Ok, now I can't complete any more books until the next 'month'"

Not too many days to go Richard, about 5 I think.

Maybe you could start them, but not finish them till after the new month? Is this allowed?

What do you know - I found coral reef in my book. pg 322 "They drifted near the coral reef" 😊

Oh good one.. 👍

Okay, I'll see as I read. Crossing fingers for a coral reef!

It's a tricky one.

I found one for WW186 - character visits a coral reef. Does it specifically have to mention "coral" ? . They're in the Carribean and mention they go out to the reef in a small boat.

Richard wrote: "I've finished my cap for this round. 🤓"

Fantastic effort, Richard. You are a reading machine, hope you enjoyed all of your books for this round. 😊

Original at Message 73

Lisa' posts for book tokens -

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 - DQS - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 5 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 6 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...