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

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

Cecily wrote: "8 books added! Close to finishing the one I am working on.
Friends 30th bday tomorrow, so I probably won't get much reading done tomorrow. Hopefully Sunday will be a little more relaxing!"

You are, as always, amazing! Have fun at the birthday celebration!

No special plans for this weekend except for sleeping in, reading and more reading! I've been madly starting a book a day every day with 3 or more per day on the weekends! I hope to finish at least one book every day... Oh and there's always piles of laundry awaiting! We want to see Mama Mia too, but will probably wait awhile.

Any word on when TT will end? I don't want it to be over, but hope to be able to finish An Echo in the Bone...

DQ set 2: Chapters 9-17

8. "If I catch killers, then maybe that means I'm not a killer," says Jazz. Howie then goes on to give a great reason why Jazz isn't a killer (love Howie)...are you seeing killer tendencies in Jazz?
I love Howie, too!
I honestly don't see any homicidal tendencies in Jazz! He misses his mom, takes care of Gramma, worries about Howie & loves Connie with all his heart!

9. Jazz has another interaction with Jeff Fulton, do you think that Jazz should share information about Billy Dent's victims with their families? If so, how would that impact his mental health?
Jazz needs to separate himself from his father completely. He was an abused child. None of the events was his fault. He's amazingly well-adjusted considering all he's been through. He could benefit from therapy & medication!

10. We see vulnerability in Jazz through the dreams he is having of cutting flesh, that he believes is his mom...and thinking that he killed her. Do you think these are really flashbacks? If so, why?
I'm hoping that they aren't flashbacks. How horrible! The dreams themselves are bad enough. You can dream about things you haven't experienced.

11. Enter Office Erikson once again, he comes from the town that one of the ladies was killed lived in, and we saw his behavior when he picked up Jazz from the high school. Why do you think G Williams isn't doing anything about this abnormal behavior and potential connections to the victim?
I'm really thinking it's Erickson. It could just be a red herring to throw us off, but still...

12. EDIT: Question removed

13. I've read this series and love it, it was actually one of my first book about serial killers (was scared to read them before). Are there other series that you recommend in this genre?
I don't normally read this type of thing. Oddly enough I'm reading Along Came a Spider right now. I think there will be a serial killer in it. I'm only about 70 pages in right now...

Chapters 6-13

7. During these chapters we meet Devin. What are your thoughts on him? How do you feel about the things he does to these runaways? October claims they used each other but love each other all the same. What do you think of their relationship?
He seems like some kind of paranormal pimp! He just uses the children for his own gain. He seems to care for Toby, but she still owes him. All the fae seem somewhat mercenary to me.

8. Winterrose did a lot for October - more then she ever knew. She kept her Home safe while she was missing. Why do you think that was? How was it that Evening cared so much for October when it's clear that October kept pushing her away?
I'm thinking we're going to learn something more about their relationship down the line. Maybe they're blood relatives?

9. After October's visit with Devin she gets trapped in fog caused by a rose goblin. The goblin hands her the key that Evening gave away right before she was murdered. By using the key October found the Hope Chest which she assumes is why Evening was murdered. The Hope Chest give a changeling the ability to become Pure Blood. If Evening had this why do you think she never told October or offered it to her?
Maybe Evening liked Toby being "less than" herself? Maybe she was keeping it a secret for reasons we haven't learned yet...

10. October gives the chest to Tybalt for keeping, making him promise to protect it for her. What do you think of him so far? I think his relationship with October is so interesting. To me, it seems like he cares about her even though October keeps saying there is nothing but hate between them. He's like a little boy teasing the girl he likes mercilessly because he's embarrassed he likes her. :)
Not sure about this one. It does seem like he likes her somehow.

11. It seems as if October's magic is becoming easier for her to do. Do you think the Hope Chest has already affected her? Do you think it will ever wear off?
It does seem like the brief contact with the chest helped her magical ability immediately. I don't know how long it might last...

12. We finally meet Sylvester and his family? What do you think of them? Connor seems like a strange guy to figure out to me!
Wacky! Sly & Luna seem to be nice & to genuinely care for Toby. Raysel seems batshit crazy! Such a little bitch. Apparently Connor & Toby have some past history between them...

The Emperor of the Eight Islands
Lian Hearn
Finished 7/19/18
Page count: 251
Cast of characters: Shikanoko, Akihime, Yoshimori, Kiyoyori, Kai, Masachika, Sesshin, Shisoku, Akuzenji, Tachiyama no Enryo, Tama,mTsumaru, Hina, Lady Tora, Gessho,mSademasa,mFuji,mIida no Taro

The Underground Railroad
Colson Whitehead
Finished 7/18/18
Page count: 306
4 stars!
Cast of characters: Cora, Caesar, Lovey, Randall, Ridgeway, Boseman, Homer, Sybil, Mollie, Sam, Valentine, Gloria, Mingo, Lander, Jockey, Wesley, Mr. & Mrs. Anderson, Maisie, Raymond, Lumbly, Fletcher, Ethel & Martin Wells, Royal, Jasper, Fiona, Mingo

DQ set 1: Chapters 1 - 8

1. What are your first impressions of Jazz? What is his motivation for spying on the crime scene and requesting to help investigate?
He seems like a likable dude, but he has lots of issues. I mean, who wouldn't? Knowing all that he knows about serial killers, I can see his interest & morbid fascination with the latest murder in his little town. He honestly believes he has the most knowledge about the subject...

2. "Ever since arresting Dear Old Dad four years ago, G. William had kept in touch with Jazz...". How would you characterize the relationship between Jazz and G. William? Why is the sheriff so adament about one body not meaning a serial killer? Is he trying to protect Jazz, himself, or both?
I think G. William has become almost a surrogate father for Jazz. He is in denial that a serial killer may be at work in Lobo's Nod. He's probably trying to protect everyone all at once.

3. Howie has been the only friend who stayed with Jaspar after his father's exposure. Jaspar claims that he needs Howie to keep him "close to the line of safety and legality". Do you think Howie realizes what Jazz needs from him? Why doesn't he get angry when Jazz gets him into trouble?
Maybe Howie has no other close friends, himself the object of pity and/or scorn. He sees in Jazz someone who needs a true friend who will treat him as an equal. They need each other.

4. Deputy Erikson has caught Jazz's attention twice now with his behavior at the crime scene and his unexplained appearance at the morgue. Do you agree with Jazz's assessment of the deputy, or do you think there is a reasonable explanation for his actions?
Personally, I'm wondering if the deputy might be our killer!

5. The Impressionist states he "had been given a rule" not to interact with or harm Jaspar. Who do you think might have given him that rule and why?
God only knows! Perhaps the voices in his head gave the rule?

6. Jazz has the mantra, "People matter. People are real.", as a screensaver and pictures of all his father's victims in his room? Do you think this actually helps or hurts him? Is Connie right about letting go of the past?
I think it's bad to dwell on all that depressing & horrible stuff. It must be difficult to have been indoctrinated into murder at such a young age. He needs major therapy!!

7. "His upbringing... told him that women were simultaneously special and useless." How do the three women in his life (Connie, Melissa, and Gramma) match with what he has been taught? Do they reinforce or challenge the idea? What kind of influence are they on Jazz?
Well Connie is undoubtedly a good influence on Jazz. His mom was the ultimate victim and Gramma is batshit crazy! End of story. He needs more help than one poor social worker can provide...

Welcome Kristina!

Set 1: Prologue to chapter 5

1. What strikes me is the heartlessness of the fae, or perhaps a better way to say it is their lack of humanity. That curse was so cruel: October was spelled into becoming a fish, and the spell stuck for 14 years, twice the length a human is held in the fae hollow hills. Do you think there is any relevance to the amount of time the spell lasted? Why do you think October calls the 6 months after she emerges from the spell her penance?
Yes! Very cruel, indeed! Well, if they're not human, why expect them to have any humanity whatsoever? Not sure why the spell should last 14 years. Maybe October calls it a penance because she was doing something she knew she shouldn't be doing when the spell was put upon her...

2. The daughter's name is Gilly and her mother was turned into a fish? Seems like someone should have seen that coming. Ok, the question: If Gilly is a quarter fae, doesn't that make her a changeling as well? If 14 years has passed, it seems she didn't need to make the choice, or she chose human - do you think the choice has been made? What do you think about a daughter not wanting to see her mother - even with just a quarter fae, wouldn't there be some things that are strange in her life? Wouldn't she want some answers?
I found it very strange that a daughter wouldn't want to see her mother ever again. You'd think that even though she may believe her mother abandoned her, she'd want to at least meet with her one time...

3. I laughed at the comparison of cats to Sidhe, "...where both sides said, "I don't need you," and both answered, "You'll still stay." How many cat caretakers (as one never OWNS a cat) out there agree? (Non-cat people: feel free to chime in. ;)
Cats are cats and that's that. Dogs have owners, but cats have staff. They seem to think its a privilege for us to wait upon them. I'm guessing Sidhe must me much the same...

4. In these few opening chapters, we are introduced to two characters, Tybalt and Evening, both of whom October seems to have a hate/love or love/hate relationship with, while there is still some sort of a bond. Do you think this typical of the fae, or just October?
I'm getting a strong impression that the pure blooded face look down upon the changelings. Even though October has some badass skills, they still will always feel superior.

5. After 5 chapters, I am having a hard time understanding October. I know she is a changling and so only half human, but I don't understand why she doesn't go to her child. I am hoping there is more context about her pre-fish years so I have a better view on why she makes the choices she makes. What is your take on October?
I'm not sure yet! I want to like her, but then she's turned into a fish, is bound to solve a murder by tasting blood, goes to a mysterious faerie court....

6. When October relives Evening's death, she hears Evening say about her: "...she'll find what's been left for her to find, she'll end this mockery at last." What are your guesses about what the "mockery" is? Do you think it has something to do with why the Queen of Mists won’t help find Evening’s killer?
I'm guessing that the Queen either knows something about Evening's death or ordered it herself. Perhaps she was too outspoken or not reverential enough? She definitely didn't seem surprised to hear of it! Not sure what the mockery could possibly be yet!

The Fall of the Governor: Part One
Author: Robert Kirkman
Finished 7/13/18
Page count: 294
BOM/BR: no
Cast of characters: Lilly Caul, Phillip Blake, Penny Blake, Martinez, Austin Ballard, Bruce Cooper, Rick, Glenn, Michonne, Bob Stookey, Gabe, Dr. Stevens, Alice

Sarah wrote: "And I've never been big into scary movies. When I was a kid, I was a big scaredy-cat. While I could handle them now without having nightmares, I just have never seemed to get into them. But my read..."

Don't feel too bad, Sarah. As a kid, I was terrified by scary movies (and stories!) Now I can watch & read them, especially in October for Halloween. I still have vivid dreams about The Excorcist, The Omen (especially the musical score!) and Pumpkinhead. Silly or what?

Succubus Revealed
Author: Richelle Mead
Finished 7/12/18
Page count: 277
4 stars!
BOM/BR: No
Cast of characters: Georgina Kincaid, Seth Mortensn, Jerome,Roman, Cody, Carter,Hugh, Peter, the Mortensons: Terry & Andrea, Brandy, Kendall, Morgan, McKenna, Ian & Margaret. Nanette.

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World
Malala Yousafzai
Finished 7/9/18
Page count: 240
BOM/BR: No
Cast of characters: Malala Yousafzai, Atal, Moniba, Ziauddin, Toor Pekai, Khushal, Safina, Malka-e-Noor

Delicious and Suspicious
Author: Riley Adams
Finished 7/8/18
Page count: 278
BOM/BR: No
Cast of characters: Lulu Taylor, Ben & Sara Taylor, Sebastian Taylor, Coco & Ella Beth Taylor, Rebecca Adrian, Susan Meredith, Mildred Cameron, Tony, Morty, Big Ben, Buddy, Flo, Peggy Sue, Cherry, Jeanne, Evelyn, Derrick

Last Ride to Graceland
Author: Kim Wright
Finished 7/6/18
Page count: 352
BOM/BR: No
Cast of characters: Cory Beth Ainsworth, Bradley Ainsworth, Laura Berry Ainsworth/Honey Bear, Gerry, Leary, Fred, Dirk, Marilee Jones, Eddie, David Beth, Phillip Cory

Hi everybody! I'm here, I've just been uncharacteristically quiet lately. I took two days of vacation & have been reading obsessively! I can't seem to settle down & have been flitting from book to book! Dunno what's wrong, really. I just feel sort of "off." I hope to finish a bunch this week & then keep chipping away at some longer titles...

Hope everyone is doing well. Warm supportive thoughts to you & your hubby, Steven. And good luck on the job search, Cecily!

Hope everyone is reading something great!

Shakespeare's Landlord
Author: Charlaine Harris
Finished 7/5/18
Page count: 218
Series: Lily Bard #1
BOM / BR: No
4 stars! I'm having my own personal Charlaine Harris readathon here!
Cast of characters: Lily Bard, Thea & Marshall Sedaka, Pardon Albee, TL & Alvah York, Claude Friedrich, Deedra Dean, Norvel Whitbread, Joel McCorkindale

The REST of the book...

I was impressed by the feel of the entire book. It was very evocative. Loved the danger and intrigue of it all.
(view spoiler)[Although Ismae was young and naive, her faith was admirable. Then she started to learn that things are not always as they may seem. She began to experience doubt as well as the stirrings of affection in her own heart. I was quite surprised that the marque was something tangible. It could actually be seen by the initiated... (hide spoiler)]
Now I really want to see what happens in the subsequent books!

Dietland
Author: Sarai Walker
Finished 6/30/18
320 pages
BOM /BR: no
Cast of characters: Alicia "Plum"Kettle, Verena Baptist, Kitty Montgomery, Carmen, Helen Rosenblatt, Eladio, Delia & Herbert, Constance, Nicolette, Elsa, Gladys, Erica, Julia, Leeta, Rubi, Sana, Marlowe.

The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare
Author: Lilian Jackson Braun
Finished 6/30/18
Series: The Cat Who #7
Page count: 249 pages
BOM / BR: No
Cast of Characters: Jim Qwilleran, Iris Cobb, Koko & YumYum, Hixie Rice, Junior & Senior Goodwinter, Polly Duncan, Gertrude "Gritty" Goodwinter