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

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

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

A Wind in the Door
Author: Madeleine L'Engle
Finished 6/7/18
Page count: 224
Word count: 48,484
Series: Time Quintet #2
Cast of characters: Meg Murry, Sandy & Dennys Murry, Charles Wallace Murry, Dr. Colubra, Calvin O'Keefe, Mr. Jenkins, Proginoskes, Blajeny
Cover items: a dragon, a snake

I'm baaaack!

Grave Secret
Author: Charlaine Harris
Finished 6/8/18
Page count: 306
Series: Harper Connelly #4
Cast of characters: Harper Connelly, Tolliver Lang, Mark & Matthew Lang, Manfred Bernardo, Lizzie, Drexel & Katie Joyce, Chip, Hank & Iona, Mariella & Gracie
Cover items: a crow & a human skull

Hi everyone! I'll be traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii for our Aunty's 100th birthday party this weekend. I'll probably be out of touch from Friday through Monday, but I'll keep reading the whole time! Not to worry, I'm staying in Hilo town & not going anywhere near the lava. Hilo is about 20 miles away from all the action.

I hope to knock out at least one more book before I go, but may not be able to post. Still working on the massive Lilac Girls for May's BOM & need to start on June's. Happy happy!

Completion post!

The Keeper of Lost Things
Author: Ruth Hogan
Finished 6/3/18
Page count: 320
5 stars! Magical!
BOM/BR: no
Cast of characters: Anthony Peardew, Laura, Sunshine, Freddy, Felicity, Bomber, Eunice, Portia, Gavin, Eulalia, Grace, Godfrey
Cover items: flowers, a key, blue button, jigsaw puzzle piece, religious medal
I think this cover qualifies as indigo...

Double completion post!

Children of Blood and Bone
Author: Tomi Adeyemi
Finished 6/2/18
Page count: 525
BOM: yes
1st post in the thread: 188
5 stars!! Totally amazing world building!!
Cast of characters: Zelie, Yemi, Mama Agba, Baba, Tzain, Amari, Inan, King Zaran, Binta, Lekan, Nailah, Kaea, Kenyon, Roen, Zu, Kwame, Folake, Rehana, Kato
Black cover with a single female face with big eyes & white hair
Magic galore!



Girl of Nightmares
Author: Kendare Blake
Series: Anna Dressed in Blood #2
Finished: 6/2/18
Page count: 332
BOM / BR: no
4 stars!
Cast of characters: Theseus Cassio Lowood, Thomas Sabin, Carmel Jones, Morfran, Gideon Palmer, Jestine Reardon, Aunt Riika, Anna Korlov
Cover items: young girl with long dark hair, flame/lava because she's in hell!

Steven, hope all will be well for Grandma & your family. Sending hugs & prayers your way. Be safe!

Team Hermione
Chapters 13-32

6. We are halfway through the book. Do you like the characters? They seem to be developing more for me. What do you think about the interaction between the two set of brothers and sisters? What do you think of their relationships?
I do like the characters actually. I like the contrast between the caring, loving relationship Zelie and Tzain share with the dysfunction seen in Amari & Inan's relationship. Although Zelie & Tzain had great loss & abject poverty, they seem much happier and loving than Amari & Inan.

7. There is a strong message in this book. One that I knew before starting it. (Read the author's note at the end.) But also the parallel to the holocaust and people being punished for being different. Do you think the author has a bigger message?
Definitely. I don't like to think about real life while I'm reading. It's pure escapism for me and this book really delivers! I don't even want to go to bed at night! I just want to read on & on.
I know the world often persecutes those who are different. It's a well-documented fact. In this story we see darker skin & the stigma of the white hair, religious oppression, genocide... Nothing new under the sun. Horrible, yes. Real, yes. Ms. Adeyemi has chosen thus forum to highlight the horror.

8. What do you make of Inan's struggle with his magic? Do you think he will eventually embrace it? Will it affect his relationship with his sister? His father? Or his thoughts about Zelie?
It must have been a frightening revelation for Inan to realize he was a Maji. I still don't know how that's possible... Zelie has said that resisting is already making Inan week. I think he'll be forced to embrace it. Amari will still love him no matter what & I believe he feels the same way about her. Their father, however, is another matter entirely!

9. There is a lot of cruelty in this book and it is described in detail. Do you think it could be lessened or is it necessary to get the point across?
I don't think it's overly excessive. If it wasn't that extreme, it wouldn't be so terrifying! The only thing that really bothers me is Inan and Amari being forced to fight each other...

10. I'm going to repeat Cat's question about the magic system in this book because we learned so much about about its origins at Chandomble Temple. What do you think about the magic system? Did the author put enough into it to make it believable? Do you like the overview of the Maji clans at the beginning of the book with the symbols?
I think Ms. Adeyemi did an excellent job the the Clans & magic. I would like to know more about how each skill set works & how they interact with each other. I have lots of questions!

Team Hermoine

I've been wanting to read this for awhile now. I actually picked it up while waiting for Girl of Nightmares to come in at my library. I've read what others have written, but I only trust my own opinions, so here goes!

Chapters 1-4
(view spoiler)[the feathers are gross and disgusting! Plus I hate birds! Why would Athena, of all the gods, be so afflicted? And Hermes so near death in the desert?
Cassandra the prophetess doing parlor tricks in the school cafeteria? Well, I suppose we all have our problems. But still. Torture to be a high school student!
I really didn't like the idea of anyone walking on Demeter like that. I pictured her like a dying elephant. All loose skin stretched out on the ground for all to trample. Very disrespectful. She seemed quite matter of fact about it all. Very accepting. Now a quest to find the Oracle! Goody!

I'm wondering if Cassandra's friends, Aidan & Andie, will play a part in everything? Are they undercover? Are the gods or demigods themselves? I don't know what to think at this point.

The Nereid ambush in the bar was intense! Was not expecting that at all. And why would Poseidon begin eating his own children?

So now it is revealed that Aidan is Apollo. Why are they all manifesting as teenagers? The most powerless creatures of all... <\spoiler>

I think chapters 1-5 poses more questions than answers... Onward! (hide spoiler)]

Elen wrote: "I think Lauri's last book what was posted accidentally to our team thread is not posted.

Link to book"

Thanks so much Elen & Eni! Guess I'm a little confused here!

Thank you, dear Captains for the clarification on BOMs. I have Lilac Girls, too! Although it is very good, Children of Blood & Bones is mesmerizing! No way I could've finished both in time! Good to know I can take my time with Lilac Girls!

Just got this one from the library -- I was wait listed forever!

Day 1 - Chapters 1 -12
1. What made you pick up this book? Do you have any expectations / hopes for it?
Really reading because it's a BR here, too. I hadn't heard of it until it showed up in a reader poll. The cover is intriguing, as is the synopsis. Anything with magic always interests me!

2. We open up with some action and it doesn't let up at all! Do you like this breakneck pace or is it sacrificing characterization?
I LOVE the action! I honestly was sucked in by the 1st sentence & haven't been able to put the book down!

3. There are 3 POVs - do you have a preference at the moment?
Right now I think I like Zelie's POV best. I feel most sympathetic towards her. I don't really trust Amari yet, although I think there is more to her than meets the eye.

4. What do you think of the setting and magic system that we've seen so far?
The setting is great! Nice world building with the villages and the big city. The magic system is well done. Can't wait to find out more about it in depth!

5. We end this section on a reveal -- how do you see it playing out?
Is Inan a Maji? How could this be possible? He only has a streak of white in his hair... In Hawaii, they say people with a white patch of hair are blessed ( or kissed) by Pele, the goddess of fire. Maybe this is true in other cultures as well? I hope that he will embrace his magic, aid Zelie's and the others and never go back to his brutal father again! But somehow I doubt this...

Onward!