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

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

Jammin Jenny wrote: "I think we're just waiting for Celia to finish her book for the last stop."

You probably could approach the Travel Agent for a new Itinerary, Jenny. It usually takes them a little while to respond. It's end of our financial year here so busy, busy, busy for me. Hope everyone is doing okay.

Oh my goodness, Karen.. are you able to go on your holiday? What a mess!

Angie ☯
5524 books | 300 friends
see comment historyDQs Day 1: (end: "'I want' he said firmly 'a very fast horse.'"19% / Page 52)

1. Mort is nothing if not determined. He refuses to give up on being a “prentice” until the last stoke of midnight. Then at the very last second, Death arrives for him. Do you think Mort was quick to take the apprenticeship perhaps from feeling humiliated at the days events or was it something that truly intrigued him? Would you have been willing to work for Death?
I think there were elements of pride and not going back with his father. But he also seems a bright type of boy who is interested in the world and working for Death was an opportunity he couldn't refuse.

2. Death has a sarcastic tone during this first section. What do you think of his fawning over Mort to ensure he gets new clothes and food and Death eating with him like a regular guy? Is he up to something sinister or does he just want to make Mort comfortable?
I think Death has taken a shine to Mort. Also even though he is Death he isn't cruel or evil, just doing a job. He doesn't actual kill people, just does what comes next.

3. Mort may be a bit gangly and lost in his own head at times, but he seems to have a lot of compassion. Upon realizing that he was talking to Death, he asked him to spare his Dad. Later he tries to intervene and warn the King that he was about to be killed and finally on that same trip he wanted to tell the King’s daughter not to trust the Duke. What did you think of all that? Are these normal reactions to someone who is the apprentice to Death? Do you think it will continue as Mort sees more and more of Death’s duty?

I like Mort, he seems like a considerate, kind young man. Hopefully that won't change as the story progresses

4. What is up with the constant utterance of “Mort” every time someone calls our MC anything other than Mort or Mortimer after arriving at Death’s House and meeting Yasbell? Is there some significance to this or is it just rather annoying?! Lol!
I think there is more to Mort than meets the eye. He has self esteem, pride and wants to be treated more than the hired help.. he has ambitions and wants to progress in the world.

5. Mort, surprisingly, asked Death for an afternoon off. I think our dear Mort is growing up! He explains to Death that he wants to meet people for more than a few minutes. When he arrives in his own time and finds out where he is, he asks if he is near Sto Lat. He seems to have a plan when he says he wants a very fast horse. What do you think he intends? Will it work out like he plans?

It's something to do with the Princess.. now Queen. Mort is intrigued that she seemed to "see" him and wants to find out why . He is drawn to her somehow.

Megan
3364 books | 79 friends
see comment historyDQs Day 7 chapters 46 - end

30. Were you surprised by who was behind the meth? How the conversation leading up to the trailer was so casual?

Not surprised, I flagged this possibility in the last set of questions. How devastating for Daunis though.

31. How well do you think the author has dealt with the assault by Mike's dad? Did you expect her brother to basically blame Daunis for this? Do you think his reaction is explained when you find out what his mother did to their father?
It seemed a bit rushed over and I know Daunis is a strong woman but she just went on. No time to grieve and work through what happened to her. And no justice for her whatsoever!

32. The part with the elders on the ferry I think was perfect in this book. Really showed the community Daunis has tried to protect and help. Did you expect a part like this? Did it help in anyway improve what was quite a negative few chapters?

I loved the Elders kicking butt! It was one of the positive aspects of the book, exploring the way the Elders contributed to the community. So much wisdom if the younger people would only listen.

33. Was Daunis right to send Jamie away? What did you make of their romance? Was it a good addition to the book or did it distract you from the plot?
It was a very fitting end and was true to Daunis' character. But the romance reader in me wished we had an epilogue a few years down the track when they reconciled. We never even got to find out Jamie's real name!

34. Has this book taught you anything? Did you enjoy reading about the different culture and their traditions?

I did enjoy the book, something I wouldn't usually pick up. A lot of the customs and problems facing these First Nations people also happen here in Australia. Lots to think about moving forward.

. Finished 4 stars. Enjoyed it. BOM/shelf and s/sheet noted.

Day 5 - Chapters 30 - 38

21. Levi has an answer for why there's more money than expected in the joint account. Do you believe him? Would you join in his business opportunity?

The answer seemed a little too smooth for me. I really hope Levi is not involved in the drug trade. 😒

22. Daunis calls Levi out on his double standards - protecting her from the other boys sexual appraisal but being willing to objectify other girls himself, but isn't willing to challenge Mrs Hancock on her Bigotry Bingo racist comment. Sure there are different interpersonal dynamics there, but why is she more willing to challenge sexist comments than racist ones? A reflection on her ambivalence about her own racial identity perhaps?
I think it had more to do with that she is comfortable to challenge her brother but not an older woman who is set in her ways. Making a scene probably wouldn't of achieved anything. Daunis knows how to pick her battles.

23. The relationship with Jamie is continuing to develop, with Daunis letting him into the secret about her hockey-ending issue. 22 v 19 isn't as bad as initially thought (and Jamie is BIA rather than FBI, so it might stack up). Would you trust Jamie?

I really like Jamie.. I hope he is on the level and they can continue their relationship after they finish working the case. He seems a really sincere guy, although he is possible hiding a secret about his heritage.

24. Daunis has another flashback to Lily's murder, and (possibly) recovers more memory of it, leading to a big realisation, about the bad medicine. She's very much off-piste with the confidential informant role now, and doing her own investigation. Thoughts on the new insight? Predictions for the ending?

With all respect to indigenous beliefs, I'm a bit confused why she is hiding her theory about the small men. If she thought they wouldn't believe her why wouldn't she just tell them that there was no evidence of a mystery compound added to the meth? I'm sure she will solve the mystery, maybe coming into danger herself, hopefully all will be okay and she and Jamie will be able to start a proper relationship.

Lynne Day 4: Chapters 24-29

16. Daunis talks a lot about keeping her various worlds separate so they don’t overlap. Hockey World/Real World, Fontaine/Firekeeper And now she has to add in being a Sneaky Squirrel. Have you ever felt like you live in different worlds, and do you agree with Daunis that it is easier to keep those separate?

I think everyone has different "worlds" in their life. Whether it be family, different groups of friends or work colleagues. Sometimes they intermingle and sometimes it's best to keep them separate.

17. I love all of the interactions Daunis has with the Elders and how much she values their wisdom and guidance. What do you think of the role Elders have in the Ojibwe community? How does this compare to the role of senior citizens in your own community?

I love how the Elders try to be supports to their community. I think this happens in most cultures, but sometimes younger people don't want to listen. Mutual respect is the key.

18. Also - which elder’s coming of age story would you most want to read?
I'd love to hear more about the love affair between Daunis' parents. That must have been a doozie back in the day. Also some of Auntie Teddie's shenanigans, she sounds like she was a hoot.

19. This book has a lot of major themes (identity, community, racism, grief, justice, women standing up for other women, etc). Which theme stands out to you most or resonates with you most?

I've just visited Central Australia and learnt a bit more about our own First Nations Culture and there are a lot of similarities. Some terrible things have happened and a lot of disrespect. Hopefully we're all moving forward together. I'm finding that and some of the differences really interesting as well.

20. Lots of unexpected events and suspicious characters in this section. Who are you most suspicious of at this point in the story? 👀

I'm thinking someone unexpected which is going to be a shock. Maybe one of Levi's friends? Or a person in leadership who is using their position in a bad way?

Yay. Finally got picked for some DQs! The back room ones will be… interesting lol.

Good for my day. 😀

DQs Day 3 Chapters 16 - 23

11. Gramma Pearl shared many wonderful legacy stories with Daunis. I loved the reference Daunis makes regarding the storm and the thunderbirds bringing loved ones from the other world to check on them. As a result, Daunis has happy memories about storms versus being afraid and she consistently refers to Gramma Pearl when deciding what to do. Do you have any advice, stories or traditions passed down from family that you often think about? Something that you would share with your legacy...if so, share if you are comfortable.
I think most families have stories and advice from their Elders but not in the format of Indigenous people.

12. "The FBI is interested in learning what caused the group hallucination. I want to know if the kids are okay." Daunis obviously thinks the FBI isn't investigating for the right reasons. I observe all the time that young people have a different view on things than more experienced/older people. Who's right? What do we learn from situations such as this? Other thoughts?

Just because Ron is focused on the case because that's his job doesn't mean he doesn't care about victims. I'm sure he does. But definitely different generations do look at a situation in a different way. Neither is wrong or right.

13. Heather is clearly not liked amongst the girls at the beach party...why do you think Heather approaches Daunis about buying drugs? Do you think this has something to do with why she turns up dead, washed up at Duck Island?

Seems Heather is pushing drugs and see Daunis has a likely buyer because she is in a new relationship and Heather is selling sex drugs. Yep, she'd definitely involved somehow with the ring that Ron and Jamie are investigating. Not sure why she ended up dead yet. Maybe because she attempted to sell to Daunis and her bosses know that David was onto to them and are suspicious of Daunis.

14. In chapter 20, Jamie asks Daunis about the meaning of 'Firekeeper's Daughter'. It's her job to lift up the sun every day. What do you think about this explanation? Do you find additional meaning in this as it relates to Daunis and her role in the plot of this story?
I'm really enjoying learning about the culture and stories of these First Nations People, and Daunis seems exactly the sort of strong woman that the tales are about.

15. Daunis finds Heather during her mushroom sleuthing on Duck Island. During her thinking she has an 'ah-ha' moment regarding her Uncle's journals. When she goes to look for them, she's quick to assume that they don't exist because of the connection to the FBI and the confidentiality required...do you think she's right...thoughts?

I think the journals are hidden somewhere because of their content and Daunis will realise this and find them later on in the book.

Day 2 Chapters 9 to 15

6. I thought that the opening scene with Daunis and the gun would show up again towards the end of the book. That’s usually what happens when authors use this kind of device. Were you surprised that it happens not even a quarter of the way in?
Yes I was. Maybe the chapters preceding were the author's way of setting up the scene and introducing the reader to the culture of the characters and how important it is to the overall story. Then the murder and how the two are intertwined and the impact on Daunis' life. A before and after scenario.

7. We knew there would be a murder but we’re you surprised that it was Lily who was killed? Did you suspect something bad would happen between her and Travis?

It was definitely leading that way. We knew Travis was troubled and there was tension between them that could spill over to disaster.

8. The synopsis also hinted that Jamie was not all he seemed. I thought he would be something to do with the murder but not that he would be an undercover agent. What did you think it was that Jamie was hiding?
I thought it was something like abuse or he had been in a gang or escaping a horrible situation. The scar on his face led me in this direction, it was mentioned quite a lot.

9. If you were Daunis would you have agreed to be a confidential informant? I’m not sure I would be brave enough.

No, not me but she seems a really strong person with values of loyalty doing the right thing so I'm not surprised she agreed to help to get justice for her loved ones.

10. Being a confidential informant seems to be very complicated with Daunis being expected to really investigate what is happening rather than just let them know if she comes across anything suspicious. How well do you think Daunis will be able to do this as it’s her own community and perhaps members of her own family that she will be investigating?

She is strong and intelligent. It did seem a lot for an untrained eighteen year old girl though.

Tina ❣ wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Tina, would this pass for a Crown on the cover? "

It seems more like a tiara than a crown"

Yes, I thought that as well but it was worth a try, LOL.

Another problem for tourist operators is getting staff. Uluru can only run at 60% because they just can't get the workers. And some of the staff they do have are working 7 days a week. It was a great time to go as it wasn't crowded and the cool temperatures made it much more enjoyable.

Mod
DQs Day 1 Chapters 1 to 8

1) Was this book on your TBR before it was announced as a BOM and were you hypnotized by the beautiful cover art? Were you familiar with Ojibwe culture prior to reading this book?

Not at all. The cover work is beautiful. And being Australian I only have a very vague understanding of First Nations People of the USA.

2) Several social issues have been touched on so far including racism (including within race (skin tone) and within families for biracial children), enrolled v. descendant tribe membership, substance abuse, illegitimacy, and mental health. Does the author seem to be pulling this off so far or does it seem like too much to have it work for the story?

Not at all. So far finding it an interesting read with a lot of relevant issues.

3) Characters. Any favorites so far? Does anyone else want to be adopted by Granny June, or is that just me?
All the characters are interesting so far. Escpecially Daunis and Jamie.

4) The author weaves tribal culture into the story and makes it an important aspect of Daunis's life. Including having her work in the tribal language into her interactions with the kids. Language is such an important part of culture, loosing a language means more than just a loss of vocabulary words. Are you enjoying this aspect of the story?

Yes, but struggling with the pronounciation a bit

5) The quote "when someone dies everything becomes past tense, except for the grief. Grief stays in the present." really hit home. How did you react to this statement, did is resonate with you as well?

Beautifully put.

Tina, would this pass for a Crown on the cover?

Sally906 wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Back from my trip, had an amazing time in the Australian Outback. Thanks for recommending the Sounds of Silence dinner Karen and Sally, it was great. And walking around..."

Oh Sally that's such a shame. But completely understandable. We were lucky to get to the NT and back, even getting into the NT before the outbreak in Sydney meant a one and half hour quarantine check. I can only imagine what it will be like now.

Back from my trip, had an amazing time in the Australian Outback. Thanks for recommending the Sounds of Silence dinner Karen and Sally, it was great. And walking around the Rock and flying over, wow. Hope you get to Queensland, Karen.

I finished -

and .

Finished .

On shelf and s/sheet.

I'm heading off tomorrow to Uluru! Yay. I won't be much online but will be reading in the 7 hours of flying time. I'll post when I get back early next week.

Yeah I think Race is more difficult. I also have a mythology book somewhere in Mt TBR I can use if needs be.

We're getting through those tasks now. Well done team.

Celia wrote: "Do we have anything for rodent on cover yet? I can move up my next Hitchhiker's Guide book, , if we need it. I plan to read it anyway and both..."

That would be great Celia. I think that is one of the tricky tasks and nobody has it on the spreadsheet. 👍