Vi’s Comments (group member since Jun 04, 2011)

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

I'll be starting a book that works for the Rita award category. Just in time too.

Janeylou wrote: "Chipmunk
X marks the spot - Read a book with bling on the cover - something treasure-worthy
The Marriage Solution
Stephanie Rose
283 pgs
11 june
Fits ..bling on c..."

How was it Janeylou?

You are on fire for the Chipmunk tasks!

Suzanne wrote: "Thanks Janeylou. Were you also going to post Molly Boys for the skin task?"

I think she has posted that info in post #951. Molly Boys for X-ray.

@Amanda: that was fast!! Wow.

@Janeylou: I haven't had the best luck with Vegas romance books. I wish you better luck than me

@Leslie Ann: I sympathize with you on the City of Brass.

Shannon wrote: "Gonna suck it up and finish The City of Brass right now. Im still struggling with it as its just not appealing to my tastes. Have about 100 pages to go.

Debating starting the Steph..."

I feel you. The only encouragement I offer is that the ending is good. Some unexpected things happen.

MN Lisa wrote: "We are about 44% done with the required # of books this month.

We are about 50% done with each page criteria, except the 500 page one. We are just barely over 50% for 400 pages.

I would suggests ..."

Thanks for the summary Lisa! I think we maybe good with the 600 pages.. as a bunch of us are/will be reading the King doorstopper.

Jen wrote: "I finished Fourth Wing and it was crack for me. I think it’s a combo of all the tropes and a touch of fantasy without being too complicated. I’m trying to get my hands on a physical copy because I ..."

Ooh that is good news. I'm looking forward to reading that for the BOM. Hopefully my book comes in by then.

Nanci wrote: "Vi wrote: "I was snooping around.. few teams are far ahead in their Chipmunk tasks.. around 50 - 60 tasks done on average. I'm really amazed by that! It has been only 9 days since June started."

T..."

Yeah, I'm amazed they're able to find books for each task. Sometimes the books I have on hand fits a task but not always. I think we are doing good. We may not have the mosr chipmunk tasks knocked off but we are also filling up the compulsory page criteria too. Chipmunk tasks are under free choice always.

Suzanne wrote: "I'd agree with what Kirsten said about the bling - I'm pretty sure it has to be some sort of jewelry. I'll get the Treasure book checked in :)"

AH, that makes sense. Just wanted to see if any of the books I read works for the chipmunk tasks.

But wow, we've knocked off so many chipmunk tasks overnight(for me). Way to go team!

Yeah I get what you mean. I was thinking some people are antique collectors and such so maybe a treasure in that sense.

Janeylou wrote: "Well id say so .."

I think so too.. A consensus would be good and then it can fulfill another chipmunk task.

I have a question - has a sword on cover. Can it be considered treasure worthy?

I was snooping around.. few teams are far ahead in their Chipmunk tasks.. around 50 - 60 tasks done on average. I'm really amazed by that! It has been only 9 days since June started.

For China category - I checked and out of 10, 5 towers are in China.

I've Jeannie Lin who writes books set in China. I have which I hope to get to soon. I have to finish a book due at the library first.

Fantasy recommendation: . Beautiful cover, lovely prose. Really enjoyed the setting.

I'm finally done with The City of Brass. I was looking forward to the end because of the hints dropped by some people in the BOM discussion. It was an interesting end, a little unexpected. I still don't ship any couple and unfortunately, I'm not able to connect with Nahri at all. I have a little curiosity about how the series progresses but definitely not continuing now. I'll take a breather for and start the King doorstopper tomorrow.

Nanci wrote: "Thanks for taking one for the team, Vi!"

haha, nah. This whole thing has helped to get this book off my bookshelf where it has been sitting too long. I try not to DNF until it's truly bad. That said, the characters are annoying (for me) so at this point, I don't think I'll continue the series. I love doing the BOMs for this reason - I get to see others POVs and the full range of enjoyment. It's fun.

Suzanne wrote: "I'm basically enjoying it, but it's taken me awhile to understand all the different factions, and I still am a bit lost."

Glad you are enjoying it Suzanne. The djinn/daeva and the origin of it was a rabbit hole I enjoyed getting lost in. They predate the Islam religion and was absorbed into it. I find these pretty interesting - it's the same with Christianity especially evident in Russia and Ireland.

Shannon wrote: "I'm also struggling to want to read the book. I have no clue why either bc I usually really like these sorts of books."

Oh thank god. I was thinking it was only me. I'm not connecting well the MCs. Its weird because the premise and the moral conundrums are quite interesting. but something is holding me back.

I've finally caught up with . How's everybody finding the book? I can't say why exactly but I'm not fully invested in the book. Maybe the writing which feels clumsy because otherwise the world and the mythology is my cup of tea.

Day 3 - Chapters 10-14

9. As he walks through the Daeva Quarters, Ali is shot by a toy arrow, let loose by one of the children playing about. Rashid suggests to Ali that he should punish the boy by taking him to be raised in the Citadel, which Ali refuses. What do you think this says about Ali, and about others in the city’s upper echelon?
I feel he's a contradiction - part of growing up is understand what you were taught and realizing that's not correct and trying to change. But at the same time, it's not easy to challenge the belief system that you were bought up so you would cling to it fully. That's what I can see in that scene.

10. Nahri and Dara have a moment, but are interrupted. Do you like this partnership, romantically or otherwise? Is it doomed, or meant to be?
No, not really. I can't really feel Nahri. I can't feel the chemistry and sorry to say, I felt the moment forced.

11. We learn about the terrible conditions in the shafit orphanage and the difficult lives all the shafit are forced into. Even though he immediately refuses to help, how do you think this will influence him in the future?
Like I said earlier, these are incidents that could influence him in his future thinking, might incite a change from him to the whole society.

12. As Dara and Nahri cross the last illusion shielding Daevabad, Nahri has an odd reaction and ends up flat on her back on the deck of the ferry, with Dara rudely refusing anyone’s assistance. Do you think this was caused by something related to what Nahri is, or something else?
I expect it's something related to what Nahri is. There has been enough foreshadowing about it.

13. Muntadhir takes Ali to a secret room filled with dead Nahids. Do you think this room will be a turning point for Ali? Do you think Dara will discover this and his relic, and what do you think will follow if he does?
Violating a belief system of another sect would be a hard pill to digest for Ali. I think he will discover it. But maybe not immediately.