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

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

I'm in for this too. I'll be getting the book from library this week.

I'm in. Let me check whether my lib has it.

I'm tired and I didn't even read 24 hours straight. Who knew read-a-thon could be tiring? How many books did you all read?

Ooh, this is another book I've been putting off forever. I vaguely remember the first book - so I'm all set to read the second. When are you guys starting?

I'm up after a good sleep. I managed to finish but barely. I'm off to do the dreaded job of picking the next book.

Btw, Anomander, I loved Bourne Identity. It was the first "adult" book I remember reading when I was 15 from my father's bookshelf. It's a bit long but engrossing read.

I'm reading and I'm finding myself constantly putting the book down. Of course, me being sleepy could also be the cause (its 3 AM here). I'm probably gona hit the sack once I finish the book.

I'm thinking of starting a series - I've shortlisted due to their availability:


The Jim Butcher book is overdue for a read though. Has anyone read the Michelle Sagara West book?

Jex wrote: "I'll be honest...I look at my shelf and grab the one that looks the smallest :-P"

Ah, good one Jex. I'll give that a try for the next book.

Anomander wrote: "Vi, what are you reading? Try Kate Daniels series?"

Read and loved. I'm trying to catch up on challenge reading - so far on my second book. How are you all doing?

I finished a book and starting on another now. let me see how long I plug before I fall flat. It's difficult choosing which book to read next!

I have some mixed thoughts - the main characters (Julie, Alessandro etc) were not interesting at all. Eva Maria was but mainly due to her absence. I liked Friar Lorenzo the best. He was by far the only worthy character in the whole book. I've given it a 3 star rating mainly because I liked the prose.

Now, for some recs. Susanna Kearsley writes books like this - two stories intertwining; one from the past and the other present. I'd highly recommend and . Both of them are romance and they are fiction. I loved them. And after reading hers, I'm not that impressed by Fortier's intertwining idea.

Ladies, thanks for an interesting buddy read. I really enjoyed it and it made me think :) :)

I'm finally done with the reading. On to the questions for IX.II - X

1. I am not impressed with Umberto. The guy made mistakes, true but to let one of your own daughters to be a scapegoat? What is your reaction?

2. I'm reluctantly impressed by Janice during the last few chapters. Has your estimation of her improved? I'm realizing she's one character who we can't get a proper sketch on because of the narrator and also because of the unanswered questions.

3. Quote from chapter: IX.II - Juliet saying: (Click on spoiler for a more lengthy extract) (view spoiler)[ “You’ve never done a rational thing in your life!” She closed her ripped shirt with a tight knot. “Why start now?”
As she stomped away from me, I very nearly did sit down and give up. To think it was all my own doing—this whole nightmare of a treasure hunt—and that it could have been avoided, had I trusted Alessandro and not run away from Castello Salimbeni the way I did. If only I had stayed where I was, hearing nothing, seeing nothing, and, most important, doing nothing, I might still have been there now, once again asleep in my canopy bed with his arms around me. (hide spoiler)] But my destiny had demanded otherwise. What destiny? Do you agree or disagree with Juliet's assessment? Could she have done anything differently?

4. What do you think happened to Umberto? Do you think he took the stones?

5. I suppose Juliet falling into the river and the reviving is supposed to mark the breaking of the curse. What is your reaction on reading that passage?

6. So finally we learn that everyone is related to everyone else. What do you think about Eva Maria - the way she reacted to Umberto. I can't help think that if they had trusted Juliet in the beginning, then lots of stuff need not have happened.

7. Last question: Did your initial estimation of Romeo and Juliet change after reading this book, given that this book is steeped in some historical events?

Please do share your thoughts regarding the end of this book

Ok, i'm catching up on the reading now. Questions will be up in a while.

Sashana wrote: "Thanks, Vi. If no one else jumps in then you're free to do it. By the way, awesome work on yesterday's questions (you're a natural). I'm answering them right now"

Cool, I'll take note of that. Thanks! I'm glad the questions were.. questions :P

Sandy wrote: "Earlier in the book (don't even ask me to find the page) a tour guide was speaking in a church/cathedral and mentioned that there was a hidden grave. At the time, I wondered if it was Giulietta's. Agree that this is taking too long."

Wow, good catch Sandy. I kinda vaguely seem to remember that. Let me see if I can find it.

I'm also getting paranoid on the unknown gang. Who the heck are they?

I can do it but it will be late since I have a dinner engagement tomorrow.. If somebody can do it earlier, then I don't mind!

I know this is silly of me but I just want to go into the book, grab Juliet and shake some sense into her. I have a few decidedly not good analogies in my mind which I wouldn't want to go into.

And the absurd thing is I really liked her at the beginning. But that like is slowly but surely turning into frustration :(

Anomander wrote: Was he coming to see Julie or Juliet?"

Sorry, I don't get your question.

Oh, Yay, finally another person who is NOT impressed by Juliet. Anybody from the other POV, please.

I can swear that the last para of the chapter for yesterday ended in Friar Lorenzo coming to meet Juliet? Is it not so for you all?

Tugce Nida wrote: "Sorry I am alittle behind in following the discussion as i am having quite a busy weekend. But something is bothering me so i wanted to ask before we move further in the book. Can someone tell me w..."

I can't answer you since I too have the same question. She just believes what everyone around her be it Janice or Alessandro or anyone says without even questioning anything. Arggh, it's frustrating for me :(