Lauri’s Comments (group member since Jan 23, 2016)

Lauri’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

DQs 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?
Yes, it seemed especially important in high school. Family stuff, hula stuff, boyfriend stuff. You really didn't want the world's to overlap or for the people to meet or interact. Nothing was as high stakes as Daunis' Secret Squirrel mission, though.

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 the way Daunis interacts with the elders, especially Grandma Pearl.m
I think that elders are often marginalized and their wisdom is disregarded. We have a lot of Asians in Hawaii & they revere their elders. We have absorbed a lot of these values. We just got back from celebrating our Aunt's 103rd birthday!

18. Also - which elder’s coming of age story would you most want to read?
Grandma Pearl's -- without a doubt!

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?
Identity, for sure. I am German, Irish, Spanish, Portuguese and some sort of Native American ( but we're not sure what tribe.) I married man who is Filipino, Spanish, Chinese. How mixed is that?! So what am I, really? What about my son? I want to learn more about Jamie...

20. Lots of unexpected events and suspicious characters in this section. Who are you most suspicious of at this point in the story? 👀 Mike & Call-Me-Grant. I think Mike's dad is especially "hinky!" And a big ol' perv, too!

Completion post! (IF it works!)
Wicked Appetite
Janet Evanovich
Finished 6/22/21
Page count: 313
I think it works for BINGO square C1 - OOOK!
How it works: it features a monkey named Carl who makes noises like Eek! Eep! And OOOK!



Please let me know if it fits...
If so
Could someone please add it to our spreadsheet for me? Thank you kindly!

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 loved that reference/story, too! My parents always told me that the Angels were bowling whenever there was thunder! Kinda silly, but I bought it when I was young.

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?
There is really no right or wrong answer. I think that the officials try to maintain a level of impersonality because they have to. The rest of the world takes everything at a personal level. In a perfect world we could strike a happy medium. Unfortunately, there is no perfect world.

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?
Not really too sure there. Maybe because of Uncle David? I'm hoping Heather's death wasn't a warning for Daunis and/or Jamie.

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?
The story is beautiful, although not fair. Women are always caretakers. She deserves her own story and her own name -- apart from her father. It also shows the great responsibility of lifting the sun up daily. Daunis surely feels a great responsibility to her family and community.

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?
There will be something there for her to find. She's a smart girl. Maybe even some sort of intentional clue left for her.

I can cover task #212 - Spoon on cover. I have The Wonder



Also would a book with a monkey that constantly "says" Ook! Eep! Eek! work for BINGO square C1 OOOK! ?

If so, I'm almost done with Wicked Appetite which has just the monkey...



Could someone please add these to the spreadsheet for claimed tasks for me, please?

I'm baaaack.....
Completion post!
The Upside of Unrequited
Becky Albertalli
Finished 6/21/21
Page count: 336
Task #147 - U in TRUTH spellout



Could someone please add this to our spreadsheet for me? Thanks so much!

DQs 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?
Even after reading it and the synopsis, I was still totally shocked when I read it! And, yes, I cried. I've seen too many people addicted to meth turn on their loved ones. It's a horrible epidemic that affects all social classes and areas.

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?
I was very surprised that it was Lily. I was thinking Levi or maybe one of the twins. I had a bad feeling ever since Travis' character was introduced. I was hoping it was alcoholism or opiate addiction that had him & not meth.

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 had NO idea that Jamie would turn out to be undercover. How very 21 Jump Street! I thought maybe he had a criminal record or a secret love child. I had such hopes for him with Daunis! (Still do, actually!)

9. If you were Daunis would you have agreed to be a confidential informant? I’m not sure I would be brave enough.
Yes, I think I would agree. My best friend was killed before my eyes and then finding out Uncle David had been helping the Feds. Yes, definitely, even though it would be scary.

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 a very intelligent and resourceful young woman. I think she is above suspicion & will be able to learn things no one else will.

May I claim task #147 - U spellout, please? I'm almost done withThe Upside of Unrequited...



Could someone please mark it on the spreadsheet for me? Thanks so much!

Also I'll be on a weekend trip to the Big Island (Hawaii) so no internet/phone.... I'll be back online on Monday.

Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon wrote: "Lauri wrote: "Still working on Shadow of Night, Killer Cruise, Mort & Firekeeper's Daughter. I may be able to cover an I & a U for spell..."

I am really enjoying Shadow of Night, but there is so much information packed into it, it's taking me twice as long to finish as I had anticipated. I love historical fiction and am fascinated by witches. I love the TV show! As we know, the book is always better!

Completion post!
Killer Cruise
Laura Levine
Finished 6/18/21
Page count: 256
**Note : My copy actually had 295 pages, but I couldn't find an edition that matched on GR!
Task# 124: set on water-based transport
How it fits: set on a cruise ship



Could someone please add this to our spreadsheet for me? Thank you!

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?
Wow -- that's actually 3 questions! I had never heard of this book before it was a BOM, and yes, the cover art is stunning. I knew a little bit about Ojibwe culture before starting this book.

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?
Racism is very real, even within the same ethnicity. Illegitimacy doesn't seem to be as big of a deal now as it once did. Everyone has some degree of mental illness! If a person says that don't have some psychosis or neurosis, they're lying! (I work at a mental hospital...) Substance abuse is very real and I consider it the most serious problem. I think the author is doing a great job thus far. I'm very worried about Lily.

3) Characters. Any favorites so far? Does anyone else want to be adopted by Granny June, or is that just me?
I do like Daunis, but also Levi, Jamie and Lily. I really like Aunt Teddie, Uncle Art and the twins, too.

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?
I like this aspect very much! I'm trying (and most likely failing) to sound out the words.

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?
Yes, it definitely resonates. My mom passed in 1998 & I still miss her every day. I'm better, but it will never go away completely.

Annalisa wrote: "Another request - please acknowledge that you have read this message.

1. If you are claiming tasks and need them added to the ss please put that in your post. Apoorv and I will acknowledge it one..."

Got it! And you guys are doing an awesome job!

Still working on Shadow of Night, Killer Cruise, Mort & Firekeeper's Daughter. I may be able to cover an I & a U for spellouts too!

I'd like to take #117 MPG espionage. I have No Tomorrow

Completion post!
Bless Me, Ultima
Rudolfo Anaya
Finished 6/14/21
Page count: 290
Fits task #96 - Coming of age
How it fits: Antonio grows up, starts school, learns the healing arts from Ultima, a curandera (healer) & learns about life



Could someone please add this one to our spreadsheet for me? Thank you!

Apoorv wrote: "Lauri wrote: "Apoorv wrote: "Would BINGO square D6 work? Chess was integral in the book. It was a game Nina always played with her school librarian & guide to the Midnight Library"

That totally wo..."

That was a stretch! Thank you.

Could I please claim task #124 - set on a water-based transport? I have Killer Cruise

Completion post!
As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust
Alan Bradley
Finished 6/10/21
Page count: 392
Fits task #204 - #7 in series. It's #7 in the Flavia DeLuce series



Could someone please add this to our spreadsheet for me? Thank you!

Apoorv wrote: "Lauri wrote: "Hi gang! How is everyone doing? I was just checking the spreadsheet & I had previously claimed task #136 - MPG Witches. Now it's blank again! Could someone please put me back in? I'm ..."

Would BINGO square D6 work? Chess was integral in the book. It was a game Nina always played with her school librarian & guide to the Midnight Library.....
OR
We can do task #194 Recommended by Team Cheery Littlebottom. And that's all I can come up with!

Hi gang! How is everyone doing? I was just checking the spreadsheet & I had previously claimed task #136 - MPG Witches. Now it's blank again! Could someone please put me back in? I'm reading Shadow of Night & should finish by this weekend.
Thank you!

Completion post!
The Midnight Library
Matt Haig
Finished 6/5/21
Page count: 288
June BOM

Can't do a link, but see my discussion msgs #30, 84, 124, 125 & 148



Could someone please add this to out spreadsheet for me? Thank you!