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

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

Finished and . Both 3 star reads.

On shelf and s/sheet.

That's great Tina.

Did you say you had one for Free Space? I've got heaps of space smut on my TBR so if you need one specifically I'm sure I could find one with a free love in space theme, LOL.

Day 5 Chapters 15 and 16

18. Is it DICOMY that is using Linus? Or is Charles Werner personally involved because of his history with Arthur? He is the only one responding to the reports Linus sends. Do you think he is jealous of what seems to be happening between Arthur and Linus?

I'm thinking the DICOMY at the instigation of Charles Werner wanted to close down the Orphanage and bring shame onto Arthur (probably because of what happened between Charles and Arthur) but the whole exercise backfired on them as they completely underestimated Linus.

19. The secret is out…Arthur is a phoenix. Wonderful power or a curse? Why would DICOMY want him to keep it a secret from the children?
I had already guessed this because of Arthur's earlier hints. It's the symbol of re-birth so I guess he is a symbol of the hope that humanity will progress and be more accepting of difference.

20. Theodore shows Linus his hoard, what did you think of it? What does it represent to you?

That Linus has completely won his trust and the Orphanage is exactly where he is supposed to be.

21. Linus is nearing the end of his stay. Do you think he will go home after everything that happened in the village? Will there be repercussions from DICOMY?

Ordinary 40 something Linus becomes a superhero, saves the Orphanage and finds his own home. Awwww.. I actually had a few tears in my eyes by the time I reached the end. 💕

Lexi
2531 books | 105 friends
see comment historyDQ Day 4 - Chp Eleven - Fourteen (p282)

14. Did you enjoy the visit to town? What are your thoughts on Helen? Does she seem like a real character or too convenient?

Yes, Linus sticking to his view that the children had every right to go the village was one of the turning points of the book. Growth in Linus and Helen's behaviour in supporting the children and trying to change the attitudes of the prejudiced. Sometimes it only takes the right person to create change. Think of the small group of original Pride and Mardi Gras activists of 20 years ago.

15. Why do you think that Sal trusted Linus to move his desk?
Sal finally starts to trust Linus from observing his kind actions.

16. Lucy has a nightmare in this section. Did this make him seem more powerful or more like child? How do you think Linus handled the situation?

Lucy is like many children with so called behaviours. They act out because of fear and that's all they've known. Linus handled the situation intuitively and wisely.

17. What do you think of the use of the word home, as a theme for this book? It has been used by Linus, Zoe and by Extremely Upper Management?

Home is so much more than a house or a location, it's being around those who love and accept you, one of the main themes of the novel.

I'll start for cheeseboard today - Set in Wisconsin Biggest cheese producing State in the biggest cheese producing country .Take Me Home.

Here are the links - https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/u...
https://www.worldblaze.in/largest-che...

Finished BOM and wrote DQ's for day 2. It was nothing like I imagined and a great book to discuss. 4 stars.

DQs Day 3 ~ Eight - Ten (p195)

9. Linus completed his first report for the DICOMY; what did you make of it? Did you think he reported anything that he should have left out? How about future reports – how do you think they will compare to this one?

LInus' first report is a combination of what is expected according to the RULEs but already we see some push back regarding the lack of relevant information going in and the fact that even with their differences they are still children after all. Arthur, the children and the house are starting to effect Linus already and will do so increasingly the longer he is on the island.

10. Ms. Chapelwhite takes Linus on a hike through the forest to show him a raft that she wants reported but doesn’t want the children or Mr. Parnassus to know about. Linus was taken aback by the message sent on the raft. (view spoiler) Did your opinion of Linus change when he suggested they send a message back? What did you think of his message?
Though Linus is a bit of a wet blanket originally there are hints of a warmer more compassionate man inside. His answer on the raft just confirms this.

11. Linus seems a bit smitten with Arthur. Do you sense there is a mutual attraction between the two? Do you think anything will take root and blossom?

Definitely, by the end Arthur and Linus will adopt the children and live happily ever after with them in the House by the Cerulean Sea!

12. That was quite the adventure that Lucy led. Were you surprised that Linus stepped up and began to join in on the story? What all did you learn about the children, about Linus, about Arthur and Zoe?
Linus is becoming part of the group and falling in love with Arthur and the children. Zoe is already seeing it and so is the reader. These are good people.

13. As this chapter wraps up, Zoe and Phee are talking with Linus listening. He can relate to Phee’s comment that she likes the trees better than she likes most people. Do you think Linus learned anything from the “lesson” that Zoe gave him through Phee’s growing the flower for Linus and her explanation of the trees and root system?

Yes, another allegory about having to change oppressive systems and bigotry by education. Often people's views are passed onto them by their parents and community, and sometime these horrible views have to be torn out by the root. Again, respecting people's differences and opening your mind to change is the key. Linus is coming to accept that everything he thought he knew is not necessarily correct.

Hi Tina, we've all just got to keep going, but I agree it's tricky. Glad you can see a positive in all the uncertainty. I've always worked from home and there are lots of benefits, I agree. I'm sure a lot of things will change when the pandemic is under control and most of our population is vaccinated. Boy, I'd hate to be a politician or a health official at this time.

Coming down to the last two weeks of the Challenge. Woo Hoo. Lets see if we can move up a few places. We're a great team. 💖

ANSWERS TO DAY 2.

5. Cat made a good point about the music is of our world eg Bobby Darrin so I guess it's in an alternate universe to our own. I'm thinking somewhere in the UK.

6. The house seems absolutely magical and contrasts to the drab and rainy city. It seems that it unlocks some feelings in Linus, I'm thinking it's going to rock his world.

7. I love the imagination in the kids and their abilities. Chauncy the.. whatever he is, wanting to be a bellhop is a classic. At least he's got lots of arms for the job. Havenot quite put my finger on Arthur's ability just yet.. maybe all encompassing compassion and patience.

8. The moral of the story and the author's feelings come across pretty strongly. Everyone despite their gender, sexuality or difference deserves love and respect. The end.

DAY 2 QUESTIONS. JULY 17. CHAPTERS 5-7

5. The book is set in an unknown city and then onto Marsyas Island. Country Unknown. Do you think it is set in an alternate universe to our own eg UK or USA or a completely fantasy location? Does it matter or make you think differently about the storyline either way?

6. First impressions of the house and Linus' reaction to it? What is your own reaction to it and how it is described?

7. In Chapter 6 we are introduced to a colourful array of children and the enigmatic Mr Arthur Parnassus. Who is your favourite child and ability so far and what special talents do you think will be revealed about Arthur?

8. At the first dinner welcome for Linus the reader is bombarded with a plethora of notable pearls of wisdom from Arthur Parnassus which made me realize the allegorical themes of this story.
"Sometimes our prejudices color our thoughts when we least expect them to. If we can recognize that, learn from it we can become better people."
"Because even the bravest of us can still be afraid sometimes as long as we don't let our fear become all we know."
"There are things in this world that defy the imagination."
"He'd never be a bellhop because what Hotel would hire one such as him, people fear what they don't understand."

What point do you think the author is trying to make through the world and characters he has imagined and what do you think these quotes hint about the story moving forward?

Finished: - Finished for Task 183 - MPG Feminisim.

This was really interesting. 4 stars. The back stories of the women killed by the Ripper. Victorian London - Not a good place for a vulnerable woman!

ANSWERS - DAY 1

1. The Tower Teams Points! I had no idea what this book was about except it was a YA fantasy. Love the very pretty cover. As I've read on a bit I'm surprised at the allegorical content of the book. There are some heavy things to ponder while reading along.

2. I guess the humor is to balance out the serious themes. It's very droll in parts and wistful and thought provoking in others.

3. Linus at the beginning is full of insecurities and doubts but as the book unfolds I'm sure the impact of the house, children and Arthur will see him bloom to be the loving and compassionate man he can be.

4. Given I thought this was a light weight book going in I was surprised at having a child Anti-Christ as a character. I'm thinking he is representation of children who don't "fit in" whether they be LGBT+/neuro atypical/ or for whatever reason in some parts of uninformed/bigoted society. As Arthur points out early on "he is just a child" no matter his label.

Hope it's a wheel... 😘

Alysa wrote: "Big cats are cats. Totally counts, IMO 🙂

@whoever has a book for semaphore signals, please go ahead. I'm still not sure when I might be able to get to mine."

No worries, Alysa. I've already finished mine and posted it yesterday. 😊

Another day.. another week of lockdown. NSW was lucky to dodge covid compared to Victoria and most of the rest of the world really. But there's no dodging the Delta strain. I never thought I'd be looking forward to a vaccination, my first is next Tuesday.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Finished
I've put notes in for Jackanory :)

Great HF family saga. I think you would enjoy the series, Lisa! --edit-- I just noticed you have read it and I wa..."

I've always enjoyed Kate Mosse since I read her Labyrinth series years ago. Carcassonne has been on my travel bucket list for years. My sister and BIL (he is French) have promised me they'll take me on a tour there... one day.

I'm looking forward to the next instalment.. and find out all the details of the secret baby!

Finished. . On shelf and s/sheet.

Finished for - Characters Eat Pizza.



" I had Luigi's deliver a large pepperoni and pineapple pizza right before you got here. " Pg 117 kindle.

Finished and wrote DQ's for BOM .

Used for Jackonary.

Main theme is M/M in a world of Alpha/Omega. The Omega who is a man can have babies! No idea where this may fit into the story. There is also a secondary haunted house and friendly grandma ghost theme as well.

Yep, I can read anything for points, LOL.

For the Cheeseboard - I had an idea. USA is the biggest cheese producing country and Wisconsin is the biggest cheese producing State in the biggest cheese producing country in the World. So reading a book set in Wisconsin would fit? If nobody finds a cheeseboard I've got a book to fit there.. but I'll leave it to the end.

Also finished for sheep for Bingo.