Geri’s Comments

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

Note: Geri is not currently a member of this group.

Laura wrote: "Are you guys participating in towers VI?"

Not really sure what that involves. I don’t usually sign up for challenges. I read a lot but don’t like to choose a book to fit a category.

So what does everyone think so far?

I have to admit I am a little disappointed in the writing. I was hoping for a darker, more atmospheric and suspenseful book. This is a little more dialogue driven than I like. It reads like a simple mystery to me. I am curious enough, though, to want to find out what has happened to Micah.

Chapter 1-15

(view spoiler)[ I’ve never read a book about a woman going through IVF. Should be enlightening.

There are a lot of things Micah hasn’t told his wife! They are low on money because he isn’t working. Definitely a good reason to disappear.

I am listening to the audio and Bella is a bit annoying with her constantly saying her daddy is in Godland. LOL Somehow I don’t think this is the obvious and she is saying her daddy is dead.

Not sure Micah did die in a plane crash. So many things are unexplained right now. My head is spinning! (hide spoiler)]

I will be starting this book tomorrow. Does Brooke have the link to this buddy read, Laura?

Laura wrote: "End-- only read if you finished;-0

This book was so beautifully written. I think Pan did a great job of writing the book in both the past and present as well as writing about a topic that no one t..."

I agree this was a wonderfully written book! I was happy to find out what 2.5 day was in the end. That had me boggled in the beginning of the book. LOL

Melitta wrote: "I feel that Axel chose to date Leeann out of fear in trying to sort out his own feelings for Leigh "

I agree with you too on this. Axel is young and it probably seemed easier to start something with someone new than deal with his feelings for his best friend. It was wise of Axel, though, to figure out that things with Leeann could be more genuine. And he broke up with her.

13. Have you ever had a friend like Axel who came and bailed you out of an situation? I'm looking forward to reading why they are no longer friends because it seems like he would do anything to help Leigh and make her happy. Any ideas?

No ideas. But I do like their friendship too. I do think Axel is developing feelings for Leigh as well.

14. Scary situation. Leigh definitely wasn't thinking about her dad's feelings when she left camp and didn't tell anyone. As a parent this scene was a bit terrifying though I understand why she left. I'm guessing because Leigh's dad sent her away to camp, didn't check with her and the fall out from leaving camp all contributed to their uneasy relationship that we see now. What do you think?

I think their relationship was strained even before camp. Leigh definitely feels like she needs to take care of her mother. I think the stress and worry over Leigh’s Mother is affecting all aspects of their family life.

15. What are your thoughts on electroconvulsive therapy?

Definitely a last resort!! It seems very cruel. But if it does help, then it is worth it.

16. Maybe not a question but I think Feng is (view spoiler) Anyone else agree or disagree?

Yes, I have thought from the beginning something was odd. I agree with your guess.

17. I really hope Leigh gets the art chance that her teacher told her about. Do you think she will get to go or there is too much going on in her family.

I do think something will come of this. Leigh does seem to have talent. So I hope she does go.

Chelsea wrote: "I just noticed that so far there's only two other people reading this, lol. Hey, ladies! I'm a little behind but I'll try to keep up!"

Welcome Chelsea! I am having trouble keeping up too. But I will finish since this is a good book!

8. Are you enjoying the author's writing style; switching from the past to the present?

Yes, I like this format. I feel like I am getting a full backstory without it dragging down the story in the present. I am listening to the audio and the writing and narration are very good. It’s a bit haunting and very emotional. I am also enjoying the descriptions of the food and markets. I wish I could try out some of the food!

9. In chapter 42 ( 37%; loc 1901) we read this poem
"I lost a world the other
day.
Has anybody found?
You'll know it by the
row of stars
Around its forehead bound? "

What do you think the poem means to Leigh's mom? What do you think she lost?

Leigh’s Mother definitely has suffered a loss. It obviously affects her and may be one reason she struggles with depression. Even though I do know depression can be a chemical imbalance in the brain.

I do find it interesting how Axel, in some ways, knows more about Leigh’s Mother than Leigh does. And Leigh did get angry at Fong (sp?) when Leigh accused Fong of acting like she knew more about Leigh’s Mother than Leigh. I find Fong a bit of a mystery too. Something is a bit odd.

10. Any idea who the two girls are in the picture that Leigh and Axel found?

At first I thought it was Leigh’s Mother and her Sister. But the paper may be too old. So I am not sure. I am curious!

11. Chapter 48 was a tiny bit bittersweet reading about the happy, fun memories that Leigh and her dad used to participate in. Any ideas why they grew apart? What are your fond memories from childhood about your dad?

One reason may be just the natural growing apart stage when a child gets older.

I do have fond memories of my dad and I going to many Chicago Cubs baseball games together. They were definitely good times!

12. I'm enjoying Pan's book; she makes the reader feel an array of emotions. My heart is breaking for Leigh having to deal with her mom's depression and attempted suicide and a father who is absent and not reachable. I'm now feeling a bit of outrage at Leigh's dad that he didn't answer Leigh's numerous telephone calls when she needed him and his reaction to his wife and her struggles were not supportive. What did you think of this scene?

I agree Leigh’s dad was distant. I am wondering if this is just his nature or the way he copes with the stress and worry over his wife? Either way, I understand your outrage.

I thought of one reason why he might discourage Leigh from painting. Since his wife was “artistic” as well by playing the piano, maybe he worries Leigh will be more susceptible to dark moods too. But I do wish he could be more supportive of Leigh!

A little busy here, Laura, but I will answer the questions tomorrow. Is anyone beside me and Laura reading the book? This really is a well written story!

Welcome Vicki! This should be a good read!

Hi...Can we get a thread for for May 1? Thanks!

OK. Let’s start May 1 with Trespassing since Laura can get that for free. We can decide when to start The Good Liar once Trespassing is done. I’ll request a buddy read thread.

DQs Day 1 Chapter 1-25

1. Why did you want to read this BOM?

2. Leigh’s Mother left a cryptic note and her meds in the garbage. The note said, “I want you to remember.” What do you think Leigh’s Mother wants her family to remember?

3. Leigh sees a red bird and believes it is her Mother. Leigh’s Father believes the bird and/or the color of the bird may have significance to Leigh. What is the significance of a bird to you? And the color red?

4. Leigh’s Mother never spoke Mandarin to Leigh, she renamed herself Dorothy and discouraged Leigh from learning the language and culture. Any guesses why Leigh’s Mother was so estranged from her family? Do you think Leigh’s Mother should have allowed Leigh to learn the language and culture?

5. Leigh and her Father have a strained relationship. He is so opposed to Leigh’s painting. Any thoughts on why? Do you think he is a good Father?

6. Leigh’s Grandparents burned the box so it could be with Leigh’s Mother. And somehow Leigh is able to see her Mother’s memories now. What do you think about the supernatural aspects of the story? Will this help Leigh figure out what her Mother wants Leigh to remember?

7. What do you think about Axel and Leigh’s relationship? Why do you think Axel has started dating Leeann?

Great! I can read either or both too. What dates work?

Hey, Laura, Brooke, Molly. Anyone interested in buddy reading Trespassing or The Good Liar early May?

Laura wrote: "Did you get moved Geri?"
We got a lot done last week. Movers will be moving furniture next week. Lots of fun!

I read the book you thought was awful, Laura, and I agree! It wasn’t good.

Glad everyone did enjoy the book. My head was spinning at the end of the book too!

Laura wrote: "I 've fallen asleep on the couch two nights in a row! Reading has been slack. I just finished an awful book; I 'll start this one tomorrow. Looking forward to reading all your spoilers.

Anyone wan..."

Sounds like you have been overworking yourself! It’s been crazy busy here too. My reading schedule is going very slowly. What book was awful? Just curious.

So sorry about your sister in law’s sister!

Brooke wrote: "I finally started!

Chapters 1-13
"

Brooke (view spoiler)[ I agree Billy was an interesting character from the beginning. He was a bit “gray”. Murray and Sarah kept me interested too! (hide spoiler)]

Molly (view spoiler)[ Great comparison between the two couples, Anna’s parents and Murray and Sarah.

I really got invested in Murray and Sarah. I was heartbroken when Sarah died.

I did guess early on that Anna’s Dad was dead. I figured this out since we never heard from him, just Anna’s mother. There were also some hints that Anna’s mother was the drinker.

Yes, the ending was a bit crazy. I didn’t quite understand how Anna’s mother did not jump when Anna saw her jump?! (hide spoiler)]

Molly wrote: "I have a little less than 100 pages left"
I found this book hard to put down too. Interested in what you have to say, Laura and Brooke!