Geri’s Comments

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

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

Mikka wrote: "I had an acquaintance once who was hospitalized after a nervous breakdown, and the stories he told afterwards were horrible. He was treated like less than human, and one nurse even told him that he was welcome to try and complain, because nobody would believe him, anyway.
"

Terrible!

DQs Ch 16-17 (end)

28. What did you think Maud was saying to Sue when she sent the 2 of hearts card as a message?

29. Why did Mrs. Sucksby take the blame for stabbing Gentleman?

30. Did you like how Sue discovered the truth about her birth?

31. Maud tells Sue about her Uncle’s books, and that she is writing the same kind of books to make money. How did you like this ending?

32. What are your thoughts on the relationship between Sue and Maud?

33. What did you rate this book? Would you read another by this author?

I’ll be reading this. And also volunteer for day 1 DQs.

13. At the beginning of this section, Maud repeatedly calls Sue a “gullible girl”. Do you agree with this description, given Sue’s background and everything that has happened? Who is more naive: Sue or Maud?

After all the revelations, it appears both Sue and Maud were naive. But I could understand why Maud felt Sue was gullible, knowing what she did.

14. Do either Sue or Maud truly love the other? What draws Sue and Maud to each other despite their ulterior motives?

I think there was an attraction, but not so certain about love. I think both Maud and Sue were very lonely, unhappy women and that helped to draw them together.

15. At the end of Chapter 10, after their night together and Sue’s apparent rejection, Maud claims, “And so you see it is love—not scorn, not malice; only love—that makes me harm her, in the end.” Do you think this is true?

No, I don’t think Maud truly loves Sue. I do think Maud was hurt by Sue’s Behavior.

16. Do you think Sue and Maud could have figured out a way to outwit Gentleman and make a life for themselves if they had confessed their feelings? Or were the fears that made them hesitate too well founded?

Not sure what these 2 young women could have done on their own with no money. Women in a romantic relationship was also very unacceptable during this time as well.

17. What would you have done in Maud and/or Sue’s places? Would you have agreed to Gentleman’s plot to begin with, given each of their situations? Would you have followed through with that plot?

I actually feel Sue and Maud didn’t have much choice. I would have likely accepted Gentleman’s offer.

18. This book is tricksy! Did anyone anticipate Gentleman taking Maud to Mrs. Sucksby? If not, what did you think would happen to Maud after they left Sue at the mad house?

I was totally surprised by that twist! Mrs. Sucksby was even more conniving than I realized. I was very impressed by the author surprising me, not once but twice.

19. What are your thoughts on all Mrs. Sucksby’s revelations? Do you think you could ever raise a child and then simply discard her, the way Mrs. Sucksby has with Sue?

I couldn’t do this to a child. But not surprised Mrs. Sucksby could do this.

20. Has this section changed your opinion of Maud at all, for better or worse? Does finding out who her real mother was change your view of her?

I do feel sorry for her now. But she is the same person in my mind, whether her mother was a lady or not.

21. What do you think Maud will decide to do now? Is there any hope for her to escape Mrs. Sucksby’s plan?

I’ve read ahead so I won’t say more.

22. Are you enjoying the book? What do you think of the writing style? Are there any quotes you have particularly liked or thought interesting?

Yes, I am enjoying the book. I like that the story did not follow a predictable storyline. I really can’t wait to find out how the book will end.

Wasn’t sure if I’d be reading this. But who am I kidding? Of course, I’ll read it! LOL So I’ll volunteer to do day 2 DQs.

And congrats, Laura, on becoming a moderator for NBRC! I just read January’s newsletter.

8. Were you as surprised as me that it was Susan and not Maud that was put in the mad house? When did you realize that the original plan that we knew was not proceeding as intended?

Yes, I was very surprised. But also happy that it wasn’t proceeding in a predictable way. I didn’t see this coming until the author had them at the mad house.

9. What do you think of the switch in stories from Susan to now Maud? Why do you think Waters did this?

Now we are getting Maud’s story and it is interesting. We didn’t learn much about Maud to keep the secret of what Maud and Gentleman were planning from being revealed.

10. What were you thinking/feeling when reading about young Maud and the way she was treated by the staff and her uncle?

It was terrible how she was treated. I can definitely understand why she would go along with Gentleman to get out of that situation.

11. Which character do you like and why? Which character do you dislike and why?

I definitely dislike Maud’s uncle because of his cruel treatment. It’s tough to pick a character I like. The main characters are very complex, flawed characters.

12. Any ideas about what happens to Susan? What do you think happens next?

I do think Susan will get out eventually. And I think a showdown between the 2 woman will have to happen.

Shellah wrote: "What made you want to read this book? Is this your first time reading it?

Lol, to be honest, it was the book of the month.

Why do you think Mrs Sucksby has such a soft spot for Sue? Do you think ..."

I am also wondering about Sue and Maude’s connection. Maude is terribly lonely and bored. And their relationship is so very complicated.

1. What made you want to read this book? Is this your first time reading it?

I read 2 other books by the author, The Little Stranger and The Paying Guest. They were both good, so I thought I’d try this book too.

2. Why do you think Mrs Sucksby has such a soft spot for Sue? Do you think it really is just here looks or do you think there is more of a connection? Do you think Mrs Sucksby has other favorites?

Sue is definitely Mrs. Sucksby’s favorite. I think Sue is the daughter Mrs. Sucksby lost or never had.

3. "Then again, do you suppose that when that money was first got, it was got honestly? Don't think it! Money never is. It is got, by families hers, from the backs of the poor - twenty backs broken for every shilling made. "(pg 32) Do you agree with Gentleman's view that wealth is always ill gotten? How do you think Gentleman's and Maude's family made their money? Would you think differently about this statement if it was made by a different character?

I am a bit cynical and do believe most of the time wealthy people do make money by taking advantage of the poor. There is usually a greediness or unscrupulousness necessary to amass a fortune. Gentleman is saying this, though, to give himself permission or rationalize cheating someone else. Of course, Maude is an innocent victim in all this.

4. What do you think of having a maid? Do you think you would like having someone dress you or would you rather has the "life without masters" as Sue describes living in London?

I do agree with Gentleman that needing a maid is what separates ladies from other women. I prefer taking care of myself. There is a lot of obligation that goes along with that type of privilege.

5. Who do you think is in the picture Maude keeps locked away?

If I remember correctly, I think it is her mother’s picture.

6. "I'm afraid, of my own dreaming!" (pg 93) In context it appears this quote refers only to Maude's nightmares. However, dreaming and premonitions are brought up in through out these chapters. Do you think Maude is really only referring to her nightmares? What other dreams might be scaring her?

Great question! I would assume she is also afraid of her own dreams of living a freer, less restrictive life.

7. Are you enjoying the book so far? Do you find yourself rooting more for Maude or for Sue and Gentleman? Any other thoughts you want to share?

Yes, the book is good so far. I feel most sympathetic toward Maude. But I know things will get much worse for her before they can get better.

Thank goodness the holidays are over and things can get back to normal! LOL I’ll start this book tomorrow.

Also, I guess I’m the only one who would consider having Mara’s ability. Something tempting about being able to dole out justice where justice is needed. I guess I have a bit of vigilante in me. LOL

I agree with everyone. This book was all over the place. And didn’t do much very well. This had to be the author’s first try at a book. But I am surprised at all the high ratings and the popularity of the series.

I kept going because of the hints of paranormal throughout the book. I think I will continue because the ending has made me curious enough to want answers. Darn the author! LOL I wasn’t going to continue before that.

Love the fertility angle! I do think you are on the right track, Alysa. It has to be something with the parents or a family inheritance.

Day 4 Chapter 46-59 DQs

20. Jude is still alive! Did this surprise you? Did you like this ending? Did Mara just imagine this?

21. Jude assaulted Mara before the building collapsed. What did you think of this revelation? Was it what you expected? Was it a satisfying conclusion to that mystery?

22. Noah has visions of people who are hurt, and can “hear“ and heal people. And Mara has the ability to kill. Any thoughts on how they have these abilities? If you could have one of these abilities, which would you choose?

23. Did you like how the mystery of who kidnapped Joseph was resolved?

24. The book was part mystery, romance and paranormal. Which part of the story did you like best? The least?

25. Will you read the next book in the series? What did you rate the book?

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Awesome, Thanks Geri!

I’m just starting that section now. For halfway through I am still intrigued and engaged with the story but the romance feels like it’s getting in the way. I have to keep rem..."

Yes, the romance does get in the way. LOL The paranormal aspect is what keeps me reading. I am beginning to think there isn’t something quite right with Noah as well as Mara. I will try to finish the book tomorrow. I hope I am not disappointed with the end. Will any or all the questions be answered?

Day 3 Chapter 30-45 DQs

14. Noah asked Daniel about Mara before they even met. Do you think this means anything?

15. Noah makes his relationship with Mara public. Jamie warned Mara that Noah doesn’t date a girl for long. Do you think something will go wrong and Noah and Mara will break up? Or do you believe Noah’s reputation is exaggerated?

16. The dog’s owner and now Morales dies after being the object of Mara’s rage. Is Mara causing this? Do you think she had something to do with her friends deaths as well?

17. Mara’s arm is totally healed! How do you think this happened?

18. Do you think the threat against Mara’s dad was real? Will something happen because of this?

19. The rescue of Joseph was exciting. Any thoughts on who kidnapped Joseph? Why do you think Noah knew where Joseph was?

I have read ahead and jotted down some DQs for day 3 since nobody has volunteered yet. :) The book is getting more interesting!

I’ve read 2 other books by Waters. And they were really good. I’ll join the discussion and volunteer for the last day of DQs!

9. I really have no idea what direction this book is going in. Is it a mystery? It is a romance? Is it paranormal? What do you think? Are you intrigued enough by the story that it doesn't matter?

I think it is trying to be all three. I am intrigued enough to keep going.

10. Thoughts on the development of the relationship with Noah? He seems a little bit too perfect and I can't help but wonder if that perfection is just through her eyes... she is such an unreliable narrator.

I actually don’t think he is perfect. I have trouble liking the rich, bad boy type. His Britishness and ability to quote from classics like Ulysses seems pretentious to me.

11. Do you like the romance? Do you think it will help Mara heal?

I think I may be too adult for this romance. It was nice when Noah stood up for Mara, when Anna tried to humiliate Mara by showing her drawings of Noah. But most of their conversations aren’t all that interesting.

But I did find the story about Noah’s parents interesting. How Noah’s mother died. How Noah doesn’t like his dad. And Noah’s dad being in biotechnology. I do wonder if this will become more of the story later.

12. We are half way through - have your thoughts on Mara changed? Do you like her character?

She is likable enough. But I still think she is very messed up. I’m not sure what to believe from her POV.

13. What's with the dog being scared of Mara? Considering that reaction, do you think it is more likely that she was around when the owner died?

I think the dog senses the evil spirit in Mara. Mara may have been the one that killed the dog’s owner.

1. What made you decide to join this book of the month read/discussion? What are you expecting from this book? The discription above didn't give me much and maybe that is why I'm intrigued.

I discovered this series a while ago and decided to give it a try. I like YA and supernatural stories, so it should keep my interest.

2. How do you like the writing style? Are there things you have problems with or is it easy to read?

This is a fast, easy read for me. My only problem and why I didn’t get far the first time I read this, was that the first few days at Mara’s new school, really were over the top terrible. Too over the top terrible to be believable. This time I am just going with it!

3. What do you think of Mara and her family? Do you like the family dynamics, her interaction with her brothers? Did her parents make the right decision taking her away to a different part of the country?

I think the family dynamic is pretty normal. Her mother is understandably worried. I can also understand why Mara would want to get away and not have to be reminded of her friends. But I don’t think it will work.

4. Do you think when Rachel, Claire and Mara were using the Ouija board they called an evil spirit or something? I just don't think Mara has PTSD. The first chapter (BEFORE) reminded me a little of the starting chapter of The Diviners by Libba Bray, although that was creepier and much better. Do you think Mara is possessed?

Yes, I do think a spirit was called. Mara is seeing some crazy stuff, more than simple PTSD, I think.

5. What do you think of Mara's new classmates? Anna - Future enemy (or victim)? Noah - love interest #1? (He does get his own series.) Jamie - love interest #2?

Anna is definitely Mara’s enemy. She does not like Noah paying any attention to Mara. I don’t think Jamie will be a love interest. If I remember correctly, I think he told Mara he is gay. Noah will definitely be a love interest.

6. What happened to Mabel's old owner? Did Mara do this with some sort of paranormal power?

The fact that the man died shortly after she saw him, does point to a spirit or entity doing Mara’s bidding.

7. Do you like watching shows with ghosts or about paranormal activity? I love them when they are fictional like Supernatural (best series ever, I just love Sam and Dean). Sometimes I watch real life paranormal ghosthunting shows on Investigation Discovery, but those freak me out. I think you shouldn't play around withthese kinds of things.

Yes, I watch a lot of supernatural shows like Stranger Things and The OA, etc..

8. What do you think of Rachel, Claire and Jude? Any predictions on what is going to happen next?

No predictions. But I do want to know what happens in the asylum that leads to Mara’s friends dying. I am also curious about why Jude and Mara’s relationship was not great after only a few months. That seemed strange. And why didn’t Mara like Claire?

I’ll volunteer for the last day of DQs. Too much going on right now. But things will be better by then.

I started this a few months ago, but didn’t get far. It could have been my mood at the time. I’ll give this a second try!