Lauri’s
Comments
(group member since Jan 23, 2016)
Lauri’s
comments
from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.
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Completion post!Glazed Murder
Jessica Beck
Finished 7/6/21
Page count: 291
Read for no task, but rather pure enjoyment!
Could someone please add it to our spreadsheet for me? Thank you kindly...
Completion Post!Mulch Ado About Nothing
Jill Churchill
Finished 7/4/21
Page count: 216
No particular task at all
Could someone please add this to our spreadsheet for me? Thanks so much!!
Completion post!Mort
Terry Pratchett
Finished 7/3/21
Page count: 243
BOM: Yes!
Discworld: Yes!
DQs in the following messages: #83, #148, #203, #213 & #214
Could someone please add it to our spreadsheet for me? Thank you!
DQ - Day 5Start: Albert sat on his narrow bed..."
21. Wow, Albert has got quite the temper on him! The way he goes about ordering the wizards around and wanting to change the current ways of the Unseen University. Do you think the changes would have worked the way he intended, had he stayed? What do you think happened to Albert's staff though? Also, one has to commend the owners of the Drum though to have passed down a debt for generations.
I think Albert is just a divo! He's been around for such a long time, putting one over on everyone including Death, he's just used to getting his own way. Maybe his magic has soured or has been misused for so long that the staff had just had enough!
22. Mort and Ysabell go on an adventure, and the changes in Mort seem to take root completely though Ysabell manages to snap him out of it. Somewhere down the line, the two of them have fallen in love. Did you expect this to happen? Do you think they are a good fit?
I knew it! Even if Mort was clueless, Ysabell surely did. I think they'll work out well together.
23. For someone who doesn't actually feel emotions, DEATH seems a bit put out with Mort, and it culminates in a fight between DEATH and Mort. Would DEATH have killed Mort? Or was he always planning to turn the hourglass around and have the boy start over?
I think Death has had a SOFT SPOT for Mort right from the beginning. He wouldn't have done away with him. It was kind of like scared straight, if you will.
24. What did you make of the ending? Was it a satisfying solution to the problem of a reality slightly out of whack? Mort tells DEATH that he has certainly learnt a lot while working as his apprentice. What do you think the most important lesson might have been?
I was not expecting the ending at all. At least Keli was saved. Death showing up to a wedding!? Hysterical!
25. Don't you just adore DEATH? *grin* Which was your favourite character or appearance in this book, and why?
I was partial to both Death and Mort. Their interactions were priceless.
26. Did you enjoy this book? If you've read the previous month's BOM, Equal Rites, does it compare? Or not?
I struggled with this one. I'm sorry, but I am just not a Discworld fan. I think I liked Equal Rites a little bit more because of Granny.
DQs Day 4Start: night shed its early casualties"
end: "'Now - are we going?'" (p200 / 76%)
16. Death trying to get drunk in the Mended Drum ! I felt for him during that scene. Do you think there's a way for Death to be human ? Assuming he wasn't human before like Mort ?
I don't think there is, really. It's the nature of the day-to-day job to not be human. How could he live with himself? (Pun intended.)
17. It seems Mort is not realizing he's changing and slowly becoming the 'grim reaper'. Even his behaviour is changing. People are noticing that "he's becoming more real. Nearly as real as Death". Is it possible that anyone can assume to role of 'Death' ? For example, as weird as it sounds, could Mort eventually reap Death's soul ?
Assuming that Death has a soul. I would think, yes, he would eventually be able to reap just about anything he wanted!
18. "What is it called when you feel warm and content and wish things would stay that way?" (has to be read in capital letters ;)) Death finally finds a job that suits him and brings him happiness. Did you expect he would be offered that kind of job ?
Nope! I would think people would run screaming when they saw him coming. But look how cats loved him. Just goes to show that you never can tell...
19. Has your opinion about Ysabell changed in the meantime?
She's more than just a goth girl rebelling against daddy! She knows things and she's a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
20. So it turns out Alberto Malich succeeded in postponing his death for more than 2000 years and knows exactly how long he's going to live: 91 days, 3 hours, and 5 minutes. Do you think he will move on and live what remains of his life in this book? If you had the option, would you want to know how much is left in your 'lifetime' ?
Why would anyone want to live for 2000 years? Crazy! I guess he has no choice but to move on now that he's been made...
I definitely do NOT want to know when my number's up nor the the manner of my death.
Completion post!No Rest for the Wiccan
Madelyn Alt
Finished 7/1/21
Page count: 295
Fits no particular task at all!
Could someone please add this to our spreadsheet? Thank you!
Day 3 Questions end: "Then Cutwell sighted carefully ... [spoiler removed]" (p151 / 58%)Q11. Do you think Mort is physically changing? When it says, "The gargoyle looked up into his face and suddenly felt like a very frightened doorknocker indeed, Mort's eyes glowed like crucibles, his expression was a furnace, his voice held enough enough to melt iron. It didn't know what he could do, but felt that it would prefer not to find out." - it seems these may be actual physical manifestations. With the photo Mort sees soon after with the wizard Cutwell, do you think that was originally Death in the photo before a transformation?
I'm not quite sure, but apparently Mort is taking on some of Death's characteristics! It's not a choice, it's just happening as if by osmosis...
Q12. What do you think about the plot point where Keli is dead, but is not? Do you think this was a clever twist of the author or do you find it a confusing jumble? How will this affect the story and will Death find out what actually happened and react?
Definitely a confusing jumble! I'm struggling with this one as a whole. I don't think death will do anything in particular about Mort's little faux pas. He seems to be changing as well. He's embracing the whole lord of the manor thing....
Q13. There suddenly seems to be sign that Death may be playing matchmaker of sorts with Mort and his 'daughter'. Are you surprised, and what do you think will happen with the relationship between him and Ysabel?
I think a real relationship may actually develop between Mort and Ysabell. (Even if she's in her 40's by my calculation>!) How can time stand still like that? And what if Keli isn't dead in reality? Just a strange aside... I think Death's daughter should've been named Keli & Ysabell the princess! It just seems more fitting to me somehow!
Q14. Do you think that before Mort was chosen by Death, that he was a normal boy? Do you think he must have some wizard properties buried or are his "abilities" gathered from being Death's apprentice? What do you think about Mort attracting death's attention - what is so special about him?
I'm guessing that he had a touch of wizard in him from the get-go. He was a strange & introspective boy. No wonder his parents despaired!
Q15. Mort seems to be getting a bit homesick after his day off, and Death is changing his tune as well. What do you think about Death's new adventures to experience some human experiences, try to understand fun and how humans behave?
I don't even pretend to understand what's going on in this one! As Alice once said, "Curiouser and curiouser.)
I can cover task #213 - Mini skirt on cover with For a Few Demons More
Could someone please put me down for it?
Completion post!No Tomorrow
Luke Jennings
Finished 6/29/21
Page count: 256
Fits task #117 - MPG Espionage
Villanelle is a Russian spy and Eve works for British Intelligence
Could someone please add this to our spreadsheet for me? Thank you so much!!
Completion post!The Wonder
Emma Donoghue
Finished 6/28/21
Page count: 291
Fits task #212 - Spoon on cover
Could someone please add this to our spreadsheet for me? Thank you!
Completion post!Shadow of Night
Deborah Harkness
Finished 6/27/21
Page count: 584
Fits task #136 - MPG Witches
MC Diana is a witch (as are numerous other characters!)
Could someone please add this to our spreadsheet for me? Thank you!
** I literally just finished this 15 minutes ago & now I'm watching the 1st episodes of the new season of A Discovery of Witches on AMC! How cool is that?
Annalisa wrote: "Hi all, You might notice that I've moved some books around on the team SS. I did this because the books didn't fit the task they were currently one. I am not going to get to it this weekend, but ..."
Okey dokey! I was wondering what I was going to do with myself for all of July!
DQs Day 2Q6 - Mort walked through the walls a few times but couldn't when he tried to get into the castle. Why do you think this happened?
Maybe when he was with Death, it just happened, but alone he didn't have the power to manage it. Plus he was probably overthinking it.
Q7- What do you think of Ingneous Cutwell's character?
He was rather self-important and dismissive of Mort. He may be a charlatan
Q8 - The Abbot has been reincarnated 53 times. The concept of reincarnation is an interesting one. If you were to be born again what life would you choose?
A pampered housecat, for sure!
Q9 - Death sent Mort to reap three souls. In light of how he performed do you think Mort was ready for the job?
Not at all! The oy is far too kind to make a reaper.
Q10 - Mort found Ysabelle's handkerchief in the library. Why is she reading other people's life?
I would assume that she is dissatisfied with her own life & is checking out others...
Completion post!Firekeeper's Daughter
Angeline Boulley
Finished 6/24/21
Page count: 496
Book of the month: YES!
Fits BINGO square C5 - butterfly
How it fits: the faces on the cover form a butterfly
Still can't do a link, but see my discussion question answers in msgs: 85, 126, 181, 200, 213, 223 & 224
This was an excellent & thought-provoking book for me. Definitely 5-stars!
Could someone please add this to our spreadsheet for me? Thank you!
Laila Jane wrote: "I actually have a book with 2 dogs on cover and already added my book to the spreadsheet"No problem! Who knew it would be so hard to find!
Jun 25, 2021 02:07AM
Day 7 chapters 46 - end30. Were you surprised by who was behind the meth? How the conversation leading up to the trailer was so casual?
I had never suspected Coach Bobby! Even Mike -- I thought he was just a stupid jock! These people were just so cold and selfish! I guess Stormy had redeeming qualities, but his loyalty was misplaced.
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?
I believe that it's part of all Native American culture to be stoic in the face of pain and adversity. But I was so hoping that Daunis would report the rape & Grant would be prosecuted! I had no idea about the tribal thing and the letter of the law. It doesn't seem right.
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?
The elders came through admirably! They triumphed over technology and helped to protect Daunis! I totally did not expect that at ALL! I thought maybe Levi would draw the line at attacking an elder. Wrong again!
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?
Yes, Daunis needed to send what's his name away. The parts where she died and where she imagined the little boy kinda blew my mind.
34. Has this book taught you anything? Did you enjoy reading about the different culture and their traditions?
Yes, most definitely. I learned a lot about the culture and loved the traditions and ceremony of it all. The part with the women's circle and the yellow pansies was so touching and meaningful. I would really like to see a sequel someday
Jun 25, 2021 01:44AM
Chapters 39 - 4525. Wow there was a lot went on in these few chapters and we learn a lot about the various players. First off Grant Edwards, we suspected he was sleazy and had secrets but not a sexual predator. Should Daunis have followed him? What would you have done? Will Daunis open up about what he did to her or keep it inside?
I was praying that she would have reported the rape, but when she took that bath, I knew it was all over. I wonder if without her shoulder injury if she could have taken him? I guess he's too big of a guy and also a wrestler. Asshole!
26. The money in the joint account leads Daunis to break into her brothers room in search of clues. The scarf she finds in Levi’s room why do you think Levi kept it hidden after telling Daunis he would do anything for her.
So sad about Levi! I had had a bad feeling about him for quite awhile. Smooth, too smooth. The more you lie, the easier it comes. So sad. I guess maybe it meant something to him, too, so he kept it for himself.
27. Daunis finds the stash of meth in her wardrobe on her return from Levi’s it would seem that he is setting her up to take the fall. Is this something he is doing of his own back or is someone else pulling the strings.
I don't think he has the resources to produce the pucks or distribute them. I'm betting on Call-me-Grant, the rapist.
28. Dana drugs and kidnaps Daunis. What is her involvement in this? Who else is involved?
I guess Dana would do anything for her boy. Hard to believe she's a judge! Did I mention I think it's the rapist?
29. Daunis wakes up to find Jamie has also been kidnapped and is being held with her. She works out that they are on Sugar Island. We are hoping for a rescue - who do you think will come to her aid?
I'm guessing it will be either Ron or TJ. I'm thinking TJ knows more than he's letting on...
DQs 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 he had no other real choice left. I'm sure he was humiliated not to have been chosen all day/night! I don't think I would have been thrilled to ride off with Death.
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'm thinking he wants to take Mort home for his daughter. He seems like a nice dude, he just has a sucky job!
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 think Mort will have a very difficult time not being such a nice guy!
He's going to have to stop trying to warn people about their impending doom. I'm surprised Death didn't get really angry with Mort!
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!
He wants to be called by his name. Surely that's not unreasonable. Everybody wants a little respect, right?
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?
He wants to pay a visit to the King's daughter, of course! He probably would've been better off at a whorehouse! This will not end well...
Jun 23, 2021 11:38PM
Day 5 - Chapters 30 - 3821. 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?
That whole story sounded shady to me. I'm hoping that Levi is not involved, but it's not looking good for him at this point.
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?
Plus familiarity. She feels safe and justified challenging Levi, but not Mrs. Hancock or Stormy's dad. She is not secure in her own cultural identity at all and I don't blame her.
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 would WANT to trust Jamie, but people are dying suspiciously here! If something were to happen to her, who would investigate?
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?
I really don't see where this is going to end up! Robin's death freaked me out. I don't want any of the remaining characters to die! (Except maybe Grant -- he is totally expendable!)
Ok...weird question #874: would a book with a lot of dogs on the cover work for 2 dogs on cover? If so, I think I found one today at the library...
Let me know because it's a quick mystery read!
