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

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

Odd Thomas
Author: Dean Koontz
Finished 6/30/18
Series: Odd Thomas #1
Page count: 303
5 fabulous stars! Don't know why I put off reading this for so long!
BR / BOM: no
Cast of characters: Odd Thomas, Stormy Llewelyn, Wyatt & Karla Porter, Robert "Bob Fungus Man" Robertson, Little Ozzie, Terri Stambaugh, Rosalia Sanchez, Viola Peabody, Helen Arches

Red Sister
Author: Mark Lawrence
Finished 6/29/18
Series: Book of the Ancestor #1
BOM for June
Page count: 469
My comments in thread: Msgs. #181, 196 & 201
5 fabulous stars!! LOVED it!
Cast of characters: Nona, Hessa, Saida, Arabella, Clera, Jula, Ketti, Ruli, Abbess Glass/Shella Yammal, Sister Rose, Sister Wheel, Sister Apple, Sister Pan, Sister Rule, Sister Tallow, Sister Chrysanthemum/Mop, Sister Flint, Sister Kettle, Sister Oak, Sister Rock, Thuran Tacsis, Raymel Tacsis, Partnis Reeve, Sherzal, Zole, Yisht

Discussion Questions SET 3: chapters 21-34

Will come back and answer these questions tomorrow...

12) I was thinking about the sisters' names, and how they all have a surface meaning, and a deeper meaning, like Abbess Glass: clear, lets light through, breakable - also invisible, so you might not know its there until you run into it. What do you think the name Cage says about Nona? What are the surface and underlying meanings to the Sister name you would give yourself?

13) Walking the path takes clarity and serenity, but each person has a different recipe for what brings personal serenity. And what is serenity - is it just being 100% true to yourself? Does serenity need to be the opposite of being a fighter? Why do you think Nona can't achieve her serenity, or does she need to take a different path? What brings you serenity?

14) What do you think about Sister Pan words: "When you get to my age you need things like this to keep you alive. Take it from me. I have been too young to know, and I have been too old to care. It's in that oh-so-narrow slice between that memories are made. So enjoy it."

15) When they go to Caltess, Nona sees Raymel, and remembering Saida, attacks him. I was a little surprised there weren't more repercussions for that move. What do you think about the things now in Raymel that seemed to recognize and trigger something in Nona? Do you think she's been irreversibly poisoned?

16) I love the quote "A book is as dangerous as any journey you might take. The person who closes the back cover may not be the same one that opened the front one. Treat books with respect." What book that you've read comes to mind when you read this quote?

17) Nona sees Yisht digging under the dome, where the shipheart is. Do you think she is doing this on Sherzal's orders? Do you think Zole is a participant or a tool? I am so curious about the shiphearts and the emperor's Ark, and how they play into the mysteries of the ice with its tunnel systems and hidden "undercities abandoned by the Missing." Sister Pan's view is that the four tribes descend from travelers who came from another planet on a host of ships. Are you starting to put together theories about this, and the Path, threads, the Ancestor, etc?

Yaaayyy! Gryffindor is da bomb!

I have a bunch of books to post tomorrow -- including an O title!!

Comments and Questions
18&19 June
Chapters 9 - 20

7. So very much happens in this section, I almost don't know where to start. Ok. The Tacsis family sends 2 different delegations after Nona. The first time, Raymel's brother attacks her. Do you have any speculation what exactly is going on with her hands? I'm struggling trying to coincide a family with that much power, money, and influence having a son fighting in the 'pits'. Do you think we've really seen the last of this family?
I don't know quite how she does it, but somehow Nona can make blades either out of her own fingers or make them appear in her hands. She cut Raymel somehow and she cut the arrow during the Shield Test. Scary. Maybe something like The Wolverine? 🤔
I'm sure we haven't seen the last of the Tacsis family.

8. Nona appears so naive in social situations. She seems to place a high value on friendships. I found myself wondering if Clera had not somehow sold information on her in town and that is how she switched her penny for a silver coin. Do you see that naivete somehow playing a further plot point in the story?
I wondered how Clera had gotten ahold of silver! It didn't even occur that she might've sold info about Nona. I find Nona's naïveté charming and refreshing! If she did know everything, she'd probably be much too depressed to carry on. Hers has not been an easy life thus far...

9. The faux trial, the truth test, the Shield test. Wow! It was nonstop. I had to keep reminding myself that Nona is not yet even a teenager. It was hard to stomach. That one man could force all of this cruelty and chaos. And that everyone went along with it. What was your biggest takeaway? What did you enjoy the most? The politics, the revelations, the action? Were you satisfied with how it eventually resolved?
It was gripping-- some horrible stuff! I found myself wishing that the high priest would simultaneously combust! He was hateful. Remember what he did to poor Four Feet! Evil, corrupt bastard! I was a bit disappointed that they didn't put Jacob on trial and punish him horribly!

10. We learned more about the prophecy. Both what is rumored and what the Abbess believes. We also learn what Arabella and Nona will claim as their Sister names. Do you think it was really Arabella in the Prologue? Have you changed your viewpoint on Arabella?
I was saddened at Nona's choice of name. Why Cage? Is it a reminder, a call for something to fight against? Or is it what she sees as her ultimate end? I'm still not sure if it was Ara in the prologue or not. She seems to be more of a friend to Nona now. I'm still not sure what to make of the knife chucked at Nona on the first night, though.

11. As we come to the middle of the novel, have your thoughts changed regarding any of the characters? The style? The book itself? Any major surprises? What do you think will happen next?
I am still loving this book! As others have mentioned before, I get a little Harry Potter & Dumbledore vibe going between Nona & the Abbess. I'm also thinking maybe Clera is not the best friend one could have. Hessa, on the other hand will be loyal & true... Can't wait to finish!

Lilac Girls Day 3 Discussion Questions
Chapters 16 - 26


Q15. We hear now of some of the experimental operations carried out on the "rabbits" How do you think the girls are managing to get through it and still help one another?
Sometimes your friends are all you have left. You will either come through your ordeal or you won't. I work in a mental hospital and you wouldn't believe all the tortured broken people that still exist in the world today.

Q16 Caroline, still in New York, but no longer with a job in the French Embassy starts to sell war bonds. How do you feel about her character development?
Caroline seems a little detached to me. She means well, but can't have had the experiences of the other girls. The American way is to throw money at problems, right?

Q17 I am concerned that we are now over half way through the book, there have been some floral references but as yet we have no idea WHO the Lilac Girls are and WHAT their association is. Do you have any ideas on either the Who or the What?
Nope. Not one clue yet. I haven't looked ahead either!

Q18 Herta arrives at your front door - knowing what she has been involved in what would you do?
I would let her in. I'm of German descent myself, although more of the dark haired variety. Who knows what my ancestors did to survive?

Q19 this is more of a general question. There are a LOT of Historical Fiction books that focus on WWII What is there in this book so far that will make it stand out for you?
I love the female POV. So much about war is written with the kill'em all & let God sort 'em out aspect. While that may be exciting, I prefer more of the cerebral.

Comments and Questions
16&17 June
Chapters 1-8a

1. The opening line of this book had me really sit up and take notice! Did it hit you in the face too? What's your favourite opening line from a novel? (Mine is Anna Karenina: "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way"
I like Anna Karenina, too, but I didn't even recall that line until I read it here! Yes, child and hanging should not belong in the same sentence. I sometimes write favorite book quotes down in a little notebook, but can't recall any great opening lines offhand.

2. The Author's Note at the front says to skip it and return only if you need it. So.. I skipped it. (I'm not big on spoilers). How about you? Did you skip it, or read it?
I skimmed it a bit and moved on. Sometimes I'm a book rebel...

3. How are you finding the style? Do you like the flashbacks into Nona's past?
LOVING this book! I think the flashbacks are useful and realistic -- especially when Nona snaps back to reality right in the middle of one. It also is a great vehicle for just giving us a bit of background on a "need to know" basis.

4. Raymel Tacsis is "surrounded by Academy men sweating to keep him from death". Would you want people to try and save you like this, given the risks?
Nope. Live or die, it's all the same. When your number's up, your number's up.

5. What do you think of the world building? I'm finding it quite intriguing. And I love the names of the Sisters (flint, apple, wheel!). What name would you give yourself?
Like I said before, I'm loving this! It sucked me in immediately!
I think I'd be sister Chocolate!

6. Initial thoughts - are you enjoying the book so far? Any favourite characters?
Nona is my favorite, of course. I also like Abbess Glass and Hessa a lot...

An American Marriage
Author: Tayari Jones
Finished 6/24/18
Page count: 303
BOM/BR: No
Cast of characters: Celestial & Roy Hamilton, Andre Tucker, Olive & Roy Hamilton, Othaniel Jenkins, Evie a Tucker, Gloria & Franklin Davenport, Davina Hardrick

Grave Mercy
Author Robin LaFevers
Finished 6/22/18
BR: Yes! 1st comment Msg. 97
Page count: 549
Cast of characters: Ismae Rienne, Gavriel Duval, Sybella, Annith, Sister Beatriz, Guillo, Sister Serafina, Sister Vereda, Sister Widona, a Sister Thomine, Chancellor Crunard, Sister Arnette, Anne, Isabeau, Francois, Madame Hivern, deLornay, Benebic of Waroch

I finished Grave Mercy!! It took me awhile to get back to it, real life and Internet issues got in the way. But I LOVED it and definitely want to continue with the series.

The whole thing seemed so plausible, I need to research and see if the saints mentioned are real and were actually worshipped in Brittany. I do realize it was fantasy, but it read like historical fiction to me. I read half yesterday in 2 long sittings!

Chapters 1-10
(view spoiler)[ I found it upsetting that Ismae believed she had truly been fathered by the God of death! It's horrible the way women are treated as commodities to be bartered or liabilities. This is still happening in the world today! Ismae was fortunate that she wasn't killed outright and that the priest was kindly.
The Convent of St. Mortain was a strange place, indeed. It was probably one of the only places that would harbor a supposed witch. It must have been very scary to find out she was to become a trained assassin! Can you even imagine? What if she declined? She really had no other choice in the matter.
It's a revelation to Ismae to learn she has intrinsic value to the convent and that there are other girls like her. I am most intrigued by Sybella & want to learn more about her.
I would also like to know how Sister Vereda receives/interprets her visions! And more about how the mysterious marque appears on the intended victims.
Ismae is very naive about the world at large & it is difficult for her to interact with the gentry. I think Sister Beatriz has her work cut out for her! I'm sure Ismae is much more content with her poisons & weapons than playing the part of "companion."
I'm not sure who to trust at this point -- the chancellor or Duval. (hide spoiler)]
More to come!

Wedding Day Murder
Author: Leslie Meier
Finished 6/22/18
Series: Lucy Stone Mysteries #8
Page count: 240
Cast of characters: Lucy & Bill Stone, Toby, Elizabeth, Sara & Zoe a Stone, Sue, Sid & Sidra Finch, Ron & Thelma Davitz, Geoff Rumford, Norah & Lance Hemmings, Frank Wiggins, Ted, Phyllis, Andy Dorfman
Cover items: roses, bride & groom, wedding cake, skull...

Day 2
Chapters 9-15

8. (Chapter 9 - Herta) - Herta arrives at the re-education camp and realizes that they are killing the prisoners. She also meets Fritz again, someone she knew from medical school. She says she’s going to leave because of what they are doing at the camp. Do you think she will leave?
I don't think Herta will leave Ravensbruck. I think she'll be seduced by the position & Fritz. You can overlook a lot for a nice place to live. I like to think she'll come to her senses at some point.


9. (Chapter 10 - Caroline) - Paul returns to Paris, and then Hitler invades Paris. Paul gets a call in to Caroline. Do you think they will ever see each other again? How would you feel if your loved one was in the middle of a war zone?
I don't think Paul and Caroline will see each other agin. I don't think they should anyway! I can't even imagine a war zone! We're kind of desensitized by all the movies and even by the news stories we see. What would you do while bombs are falling? How do you stay safe, find food? So sad and devastating...

10 (Chapter 11 - Kasia) - Kasia and her family are caught by the SS and sent on a train to a camp. Kasia feels bad and thinks she brought this on herself. Do you think they are arriving at the camp where Herta works? Should Kasia feel guilty about bringing this arrest on everyone?
I don't think they're going to the same camp where Herta works. That would be too neat. She should feel guilty about getting them all taken away! She was playing hero(ine) and got caught. She wasn't careful enough.

11. (Chapter 12 - Caroline) - Caroline takes on a top secret mission in locating all the camps - re-education and extermination. Do you think she might find Paul in one of them?
I don't think Caroline will ever find Paul. I hope she will find love with someone else, though.

12. (Chapter 13 - Kasia) Kasia and her family are taken to the same camp where Herta works. Her math teacher is murdered in front of her and she is assigned to pull her to the pile of dead people. She must be facing such desolation and hunger. Have you ever felt this same sense of isolation, hopelessness and anger? How do you think you would handle it?
Inconceivable! We are so pampered and lucky. Most of us will never see a dead body. Poor Kasia! The human brain can only handle so much before it just shuts down...

13. (Chapter 14 - Herta). Herta and Kasia’s mother Halina are working together now at the clinic. They seem to forming some kind of friendship. How do you think this will play out with Herta being German and Halina being German/Polish?
I hope their friendship will be a true one and that Herta's mother will help a bit. Not all Germans were villains.

14. (Chapter 15 - Caroline) Caroline finds out that Paul and Reena are on the list of prisoners in Paris. She continues to support the orphaned children in Paris by selling some of her family silver. She stands up against anti-semitism in the shop. I really like this character’s gumption and willingness to stand up for what’s right. Have you ever been in that situation? If so, what did you have to do?
Caroline has wealth & privilege on her side. It's easier to stand up for rights when one has confidence & entitlement to back it up. I've never had to do anything so very difficult. When I was bullied in middle school, I took it every day until I just couldn't stand it anymore! I chose the biggest of my tormentors and decked her. I never got in trouble and was never bullied again.

A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Finished 6/17/18
Page count: 416
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1
BOM/BR: No
Cast of characters: Feyre, Tamlin, Isaac Hale, Elain, Nesta, Tomas Mandray, Lucien, Alis, Rhysand, Amarantha

Cover items: woman in black, scrub brush

Lilac Girls
Author: Martha Hall Kelly
Finished 6/16/18
Page count: 487
BOM: yes! For May (start 5/16)
1st comment Msg. #226
Cast of characters: Caroline Ferriday, Kasia Kuzmerick, Herta Oberheuser, Paul Rodierre, Roger, Pia, Evelyn Shimmerhorn, Pietrik Bakoski, Nadia Watroba, Zuzanna Kuzmerick, Betty Merchant, Halina, David Stockwell, Fritz, Luiza Bakoski, Anise Postel-Vinay...
Cover items: 3 ladies, trees, lilac flowers

But the main question is: Are we all still having FUN??
I know I am! I'm baaaackkk from the Big Island all safe and sound. No breathing difficulties, no lava sightings. The National Guard & police departments have roadblocks to prevent the stupidly curious and/or looters from getting too close. We saw smoke during the day and an eerie red glow at night, but that's about it. Had a wonderful time with family we don't see too often!

I'm back to work, have a mountain of laundry and am very sore & tired, but I kept on reading through it all! Will post more books soon...

Hex Hall
Author Rachel Hawkins
Finished 6/16/18
Page count: 323
Series: Hex Hall #1
4 stars! Wonderfully snarky!
Cast of characters: Sophie Mercer, Jenna, Archer Cross, Elodie, Mrs. Casnoff, Chaston, Cal, Anna, Taylor, Alice, Ms. Vanderlyden
Cover items: schoolgirl in uniform, ghost in a green dress, black cat, pond, lawn, trees

Discussion Questions Set 1
Chapters 1-8

1. I'm not sure what the significance of the title is just yet. I'm sure it will be revealed within the story...

2. I was a little confused by the different POVs at first. The girls themselves as well as their settings are so very different. I like Kasia the best thus far.

3. I think the different places put everything into perspective. After all, war is hell, but much more so when your town is occupied by an enemy force.

4. I definitely think that Pietrik has feelings for Kasia & would have acted upon them naturally if he wasn't struggling with the war effort. I'm not really sure what's become of Nadia & her mother at this point.

5. I do feel a bit sorry for Herta. It's not really her fault. She was a victim of her time.

6. I don't think Caroline & Paul have any sort of future together! I predict he will either get back together with his wife or find a more sophisticated & wealthy woman.

7. I am already feeling sad for all the girls, especially Kasia. I think she is in the most precarious position of them all.

Hardcore Twenty-Four
Author: Janet Evanovich
Finished 6/12/18
Page count: 285
Series: Stephanie Plum #24
Cast of characters: Stephanie Plum, Joe Morelli, Ranger/Ricardo Carlos Manoso, Lula, Simon Diggery, Diesel, Grandma Mazur, Zero Slick, Connie, Edgar Koot, Johnny & Judy Chucci, Daryl Meadum

Morrigan's Cross
Author: Nora Roberts
Finished 6/8/18
Page count: 321
Series: Circle Trilogy #1
Cast of characters: Glenna Ward, Hoyt & Cian Mac Cionoith, Blair Murphy, Larkin Riddock, Lillith, King, Moira of Geall

Antigoddess
Author Kendare Blake
Finished 6/7/18
Page count: 333
Series: Goddess War #1
BR: Yes!
My 1st Message in the thread is #6 -- I still can't do a link
Cast of characters: Athena, Hermes, Aidan Baxter/Apollo, Cassandra Weaver, Demeter, Andie Legendre/Andromache, Henry Weaver/Hector, Celine, Hera, Aphrodite, Poseidon

Cover items: black cover, white feather