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

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

Day 5 - The Game - end

21. Even though Nora loved her life with Ash and Molly she still returned to the library. Were you surprised that she didn’t stay? Did you want her to stay in that life?
I totally freaked! I thought it was a wonderful fit for her & that she was doing great & was happy.

22. When Nora reconnects with her brother Joe she finds out that the reason he had been avoiding her was nothing to do with her decision not to continue with the band. I think that Nora’s experiences in her other lives helped her to accept that this was the truth. Her old self was so wrapped up in thoughts that she was responsible for other people’s happiness I feel she may have thought he was just trying to be kind due to her suicide attempt. What are your thoughts?
Everybody thinks the world revolves around them. It's human nature. We have to be reminded often that it's not all about us. Everyone is on their own exclusive journey. Even the people we love don't really know what's going on in our heads and vice versa.

23. Were you happy with the ending? Where would you like Nora’s story to go next?
I did like the ending, although I found it a bit "underwhelming." I'm glad Mr. Bannerjee helped Nora and they connected on a new level, also that Mrs. Elm was still alive & Nora went to visit &'play chess with her. Sometimes small things really do make all the difference.

24. Nora got to experience so many lives and possibilities - different careers, different relationships and the chance to live in places all over the world. If you were able to experience another life what would you want to experience?
Easy! Successful novelist with homes in several different countries! Or maybe a travel blogger -- 5-star all the way!

25. Did you enjoy the book? Was there anything in the story that resonated with your own life? Is there a message you will take away with you?
I did enjoy it, but it was a quiet story about a quiet life. You need to be happy with what you have. Ambition & drive are all well and good, but an unrealistic longing will only lead to heartbreak.

Bonus: While reading the story certain parts reminded me of films and TV shows I’ve enjoyed. Films like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Sliding Doors’ or tv shows like ‘Sliders’ and ‘Quantum Leap’. Are there any films, shows or books that you were reminded of?
I kept thinking of "It's a Wonderful Life." It's one of my favorite Christmas movies! I try to watch it at the beginning of December and then again right before Christmas. It's all about attitude. And gratitude.

Completion post!
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
V.E. Schwab
Finished 6/6/21
Page count: 442
Fits the following tasks:
#56 - characters go to the cinema - how it fits: Addie and Henry go to the movies

#194 - recommended by Team Carrot Ironfoundersson

#223 - black cover



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

Annalisa wrote: "I fixed the issue with Well Met."

Thanks for ALL your help! Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy. I know I ask for a lot of help, but I've never been able to manipulate theses spreadsheets. I think my iPad is just too old... Or maybe I'm just too old!

Erin wrote: "Okay so I just finished Well Met for task 107 - characters in costume. And when I was looking in the spreadsheet I noticed Lauri also read Well Met for task 21, but on the task page..."

Thanks for noticing! I was wondering what happened there...

Discussion Questions - Day 4: Ryan Bailey - A Pearl in the Shell (79%)

16. What were your thoughts on the interview Nora did? Did she handle it well? What do you make of her thoughts on life in this interview compared to the speech she gave as a champion swimmer?
I thought she did a wonderful job, considering. It must've been so hard to process the information she was only just learning & giving coherent answers to the interviewer. This turned out much better than her not-so-motivational speech!

17. Nora tries for a simpler life working at animal shelter. Did you see this as a life for Nora at all during the book? Do you think she will incorporate this into her chosen life? If not, what will she take from this life if anything at all?
I didn't think it was a total departure from her character. After all, she had cared for Volts. It was Dylan that I thought didn't seem like a good fit for her. I think she is a naturally good caretaker, so maybe she will have pets or even a child in subsequent lives.

18. In 'The Many Lives of Nora Seed', we are given a large summary of all the other lives she tried. Did any stand out to you? Did you think any of these lives would have suited her? Do any relate to what you would want to experience or have thought about experiencing? I was amused by the life where she only ate toasts and like hearing about her lives abroad. Though was a bit concerned with all the lives she chokes on something.
The line about toast totally cracked me up! I could see her being a chess master or a researcher. Maybe a blogger or teacher. Crazy cat lady would still fit!

19. The life with Ash was the one I was waiting for when reading. What do you make of it so far and what do you think will happen? I thought she would stay in this one and was intrigued about the family life she had built.
I thought so too! I thought that would've been the end right there! She'd even made up with her brother and had a terrific little girl! Oh, AND the was a Professor at Cambridge writing a book! I mean, seriously, what could be better?

20. What are your thoughts of Mrs Elm as her guide? Do you think she does a good job or could do something better? What advice would you give if you were in her position?
I loved Mrs. Elm! She reminded me of so many school and other librarians I've known. She was also quite a good therapist! They don't tell you what you should do, they just help you examine your own thoughts and feelings / actions. I don't think anyone could have done it better.

DQs Day 3: The Tree That Is Our Life - Wild and Free (59%)

11. Regarding the system error, that occurred when Nora tried to return to the library after that speech. Do you think Nora could have trouble returning to the library from one of the next lives that she visits?
Yes, I think that was a definite red flag. We really don't know how this all works,

12. But you will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life. (p. 151) Do you think Nora is going to "find the meaning of life", "be happy forever in a parallel life", or "will want to die and leave the library forever"?
I don't think anyone will ever know the meaning of life. It's meant to be a perpetual mystery. I'm hoping that Nora will find happiness in a parallel life instead of wanting to die!

13. Are you surprised about Nora meeting Hugo, another Slider, as he calls people like them in the in-between?
That was a bit surprising, but if we're to embrace this premise, it only stands to reason that there would be others.

14. For Nora it's a library, for Hugo it's a video store. What do you imagine would your variant of the in-between be? (And obviously you are not allowed to say library now, because I'm guessing most of us would go with that answer. Be creative and let me know what else you would feel comfortable with.)
It would have to be a library or at the very least a book store! My book covers would be blue, though...

15. We finally get to see Nora's life as a rock star. In what direction do you think this will go? Is it going to be the life Nora is happiest with and stays the longest/forever? Or do you think that she's going to leave it rather soon again?
I'm thinking a simple life would be best with not a lot of public scrutiny. Happily married with a cat, primary school teacher, mother, crazy cat lady...

DQs Day 2: The Penultimate Update - Peppermint Tea (39%)

6. Were you surprised that Nora's second choice was related to her cat? What did you think of the outcome?
No, not particularly surprised at all! That was the creature she was most attached to in her "root life." Volts lived, but as all cats, he was pretty indifferent to humans.

7. How did the reality of Nora's Australia line up with what you imagined it would be like?
I was amazed that she was an Olympic Medalist. Everyone can have dreams growing up, it's true. But apparently she was good enough to have made it on an Olympic level! Just competing is a huge honor, but Nora had actually WON! Just because you get what you wish for doesn't necessarily mean you'll be happy.

8. What did you think about the similarities between Nora's life in Australia versus her original life?
She was still alone, still being medicated, no real connections... Fame and fortune don't make you a better person.

9. On the surface, Nora's life with a swimming career seems to be the most successful so far. Do you think the positives will outweigh the negatives this time around?
Nope, not at all. Antidepressants are never good. I've gone down that road till I was so numb! The house could've burned down around me & I wouldn't have cared. Probably wouldn't have even noticed...

10. Any predictions for how Nora's speech will go in the next chapter?
I think she will have a ginormous panic attack & run out of the room!

Could I please claim #96 - Coming of age? I have Bless Me, Ultima



I also plan to read all 3 of the June BOMs!

DQs Day 1

1. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?

I actually was waiting for this to be available from my public library since early December & just got my copy in May!

2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
I am enjoying it -- makes it go so fast though!

3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
I kind of feel sorry for her so far. I haven't formed an attachment as of yet & am sensing mental illness here,

4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?

Nope! Definitely not! Way better off not knowing. Que sera, sera!

5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?

It was sad, but not unexpected. We all want someone to love and for them to love us back. Obviously he was absorbed in his dream & just expected her to roll along with him...

You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently...
Truth!

Completion post!
Tricked
Kevin Hearne
Finished 5/31/21
Page count: 341
Fits task #135 - MPG Paranormal



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

Could I please claim tasks #136 MPG Witches with Shadow of Night & #204 7th in series As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust ?

Completion post!
Last Scene Alive
Charlaine Harris
Finished 5/30/21
Page count: 229

Works for task #5 camera on cover



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

Annalisa wrote: "Lauri wrote: "Completion post!
Dumplin'
Julie Murphy
Finished 5/27/21
Page count: 371
BOM
I can't do a link, but I answered all the discussion questions. Please see..."

I didn't think BOMs could be used for other tasks. I don't see anything else it fits anyway, so that's fine as is.

I called #41 yellow cover on May 22 in msg #160. I then saw that it was already taken, so I quit reading it as I didn't see anywhere else it could go.

This is a bit of a free-for-all when anyone can fill in the spreadsheet without looking back at what other tasks people are reading for, isn't it? Just saying....

Completion Post!
Equal Rites
Terry Pratchett
Finished 5/29/21
Page count: 240
May BOM!
Still can't do a link, but please see my discussion answers on pages 47, 81, 243 & 262

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

DQS - Day 4

13. Simon was kept very much a mystery character throughout the book. What is your opinion of him? How will he be able to support Esk in the future (or will he)?
I think it's too early to even begin thinking of that. Simon could be really great, or he could get lost in the woodwork (literally.) I don't think Ms. Esk will need to be supported at all. She will be able to take good care of herself!

14. The meeting between Granny and the Archchancellor and their actions afterwards are a pivotal part of the book. What were your impressions?
Granny is a force to be reckoned with. She could surely do better than that fat, pompous dude -- wizard or no wizard!

15. With duality of witchcraft vs. wizardry being one of the main themes, what do you think about the ending? Was it satisfyingly concluded?
Nope, not for me. I want definite endings (preferably happy ones), not just vague suggestions!

16. How did you rate the book?
I gave it 3 stars -- mainly because it made me laugh out loud several times. I am still not too impressed with Discworld as a whole. This is about the 4th book I've tried & only the 2nd one I've finished. I am going to go ahead & read Mort next month, but on the whole? Not a fan.

BONUS: Any favourite scenes? :)
I did like when Esk first encountered the Zoons. the child is fearless.

DQs - Day 3

9 . What do you think on the creatures from the dungeon dimensions? Do you find them creepy?
Definitely creepy! I don't discount the existence of other dimensions and unidentifiable creatures. I just wonder why our imaginations insist on making them as hideous as possible!?

10. I enjoyed the Esk’s thoughts about being both witch and wizard and wanting to defend the one to the other. Do you sympathize with this view (more in general than in specific regards to magic fields)?
Definitely once again. Back in the bad old days, mankind (or person kind, if you will) must have put restrictions on everything that males or females could or could not do. I assume that's the premise here where females could not be wizards! It seems that witches were doing a fabulous job all on their own, staffs bot withstanding!

11. Why do you think Esk’s magic did not work?
Maybe she just freaked out because of all the eyes on her & the pressure to perform well.

12. Esk is supposed to be precocious but also nine years old. Do you think she acts in a way you could see a nine year old acting?
Oh, you wouldn't believe all the things 9-year-olds can do! Her thought processes are astounding, though.

May I please claim #5 - camera on cover? I have Last Scene Alive

Completion post!
City of Heavenly Fire
Cassandra Clare
Finished 5/28/21
Page count: a whopping 735 pages!
Fits #50 - features Devils or demons
How it fits: lots & lots of demons!!



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

Completion post!
Dumplin'
Julie Murphy
Finished 5/27/21
Page count: 371
BOM
I can't do a link, but I answered all the discussion questions. Please see messages 264, 272, 278, 284, 301 & 306.



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

DQs Day 6
Ch 51 - End

25. Willowdean, oh Willowdean. You are your own worst enemy. First she breaks Mitch's heart because she is finally (somewhat) honest with him, and then she lets her insecurities get in the way of Bo sharing his feelings. Have you ever let your insecurities and other people's opinions stop you from doing something?
I'm sure I probably have! That's why I ended up with a clerical job instead of becoming a rock star!

26. Will sees Ellen crying, but lets the moment pass. Later on the judges ask her about loyalty during her interview and she has some some hard realizations about her friendship with Ellen, and finally gets her moment to apologize. Did you think their make up scene was realistic? Have you ever had a friendship end on bad terms?
I didn't think it was realistic. It was too public and not in a very good place. They would've both been to worried/preoccupied with pageant stuff to have done it properly.

27. Will digs deep to find her confidence and walks the stage in her swimsuit. That takes courage, regardless of your body shape or size! No way I could do it. And then she goes completely off script for her talent and does her best Jolene (great song, btw). Do you think her mom did the right thing by disqualifying her? If you had been the pagent director, would you have let her compete?
She totally rocked the swimsuit competition AND the talent! I secretly love Dolly! I think Rosie had no choice but to disqualify her. It would not have looked good it she had let her slide.

28. Will and her mother have a nice moment when Will is helping her get dressed. What do you think about their mother-daughter relationship? Do you think they are finally beginning to understand each other?
May-be. They love each other, but the teenage years are always difficult. I know I was a total bitch to my mom from about age 14 - 17... I think her Mom is a bit self-absorbed.

29. Willowdean leaves the pageant after Millie is named second-runner up. It makes me a little crazy that they leave it unknown. Who do you think is crowned the winner? Did you like the ending?
I'm sure one of the perfect princesses is crowned the winner. I would have loved to have known who it was, though. How could Will just have walked out like that? I did NOT like the abrupt ending. I want to know more. I'd really like a college days sequel...