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

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

Anomander wrote:
Yeah, but then she is in a foreign country with little or no resources.

She could have given to the hotel manager for safe-keeping..

Why not? He knew Julie had died in the accident and so had no notion that a Juliet may still be alive. When he falls for Julie, it is because he likes her genuinely as a person.

You're right but he believes that Juliet is the real Juliet after her going the second time. I dunno, I maybe the only one but I'm still not convinced completely.

"But isn't she trying to solve the mystery?"

Yes, but she doesn't seem to have any urgency - when you see so many stuff being stolen, wouldn't you want to solve the mystery as soon as you can?

Questions for VI.II - VII.II:

Whew, quite a few developments in 50 pages.

1. The curse says A plague on both your houses . Which houses do you think it means? There are, actually, three houses involved in this mess and everyone seems to think its Salimbeni and Tolomei. Do you agree/disagree?

2. Who do you think would have broken into the hotel room? Do you think Juliet should have been more careful given that somebody had already broken in once?

3. While the development between Alessandro and Juliet was evident, I'm a little off-put by his declaration. I can't yet believe that he is falling for the Juliet person rather than the Juliet name. I'm a little convinced by Juliet falling for Alessandro, though. What do you think?

As an aside, I feel VII.I was rather awkwardly written. ><

4. How much do you believe that Alessandro's bad luck curse?

5. That was a rather... surprising development of Romeo. Looks like Rosalina would have gotten pregnant just before Giulietta's arrival. A little icky, isn't it, Rosalina carrying when Romeo and Giulietta doing their stuff?

6. OOK, what's this? Janice ransacked the room? What's your reaction?

OK - conspiracy time.

7. Given that Sienna is not a big city, finding a graveyard shouldn't be that difficult, right? Evil Salimbeni tried to circumvent the curse by giving them a holy ground - which should rather mean that Giulietta/Juliet can try to narrow down the field. I'm wondering why it's taking her a while to do this? Especially when she's in a race with unknown party?

8. What are your theories on the unknown party? Who do you think is behind this stealing? Umberto/Luciano Salimbeni? Where does Janice fit into all this?

9. Now, lets discuss about Juliet. Random things are getting stolen from her. Even the damn Romeo and Juliet copy. So she's sorta in a race with the other party. But why isn't she more prudent? Why doesn't she want to figure who could have done it faster? I can't figure this girl out..

Conspiracy time ends..

10. Friar Lorenzo has finally joined the party. The only missing person from the first party. What do you think he's going to tell?

Questions for V.IV - VI.I

1. In the beginning of chapter V.VI Janice seemed to be reallyintereste in the whole story and Julie was even surprised with her. Do you think she really cares and why does she care?

We know Janice from Julie's POV only. So i'm trying to give her the benefit of doubt. I was not really surprised about Janice wanting to hear the full story but I am irritated about her insisting stuff like photo.

2. What do you make of Bruno's death and do you think Alessandro was involved?

Nope. I think I can already guess the ending (atleast the one I want) and in that Alessandro is not involved.

3. Janice claims Alessandro was the one who ransacked Julie's room, do you believe her? what could his reasons be?

No. I don't believe her. I'm irritated with her insisting on this point even though you can barely make out who it was on the photo. I sorta trust Julie's guts *ducks*

4. I believe Julie&Alessandro are our modern Romeo&Juliet in this story. And do you think they are forced to repeatthe actions of their ancestors? In what ways their lives were parallel or echos each other or differ?

Yep, I think so. I could nitpick all the way but the major difference at this point is they don't trust each other. But, I think that if they do trust and fall in love, then theirs can be a better love story.

5. Do you think the story of Romeo&Juliet is only about love?

To be frank, I only see stupidity in Rome & Juliet. *ducks again*. I can never get past the sleeping potion? Really Juliet? I only see it as a tragedy.

6. Romeo? Alessandro?! I knew it! know that we know his true identity, why did he keep it a secret and was he rightin doing so?

There are two reasons I can come up with - 1. It's his right. His name, his identity. He doesn't seem to believe in the curse so in a way, his actions are right for him. 2. Building upon reason 1, he wants Julie to like him for what he is and not because of some stupid roles. Yep, second reason is romantic and probably wishful :P

7. Nino was very kind and understanding to Guillietta, did he fool you? Do you think he is as bad ashis father?

I actually pity the kid Nino to be bought up by his father. But the adult Nino - nope. He even lied to Guillietta when she asked if he killed Tebaldo. He was just pretending.

8. What did you think of Eva Maria's invititation and Julie's acceptance?

I don't know. On one hand, maybe the lady just wants to put the old feud to the ground. Or does she have any other ulterior motive?

9. Maestro Lippi isabout to tell us a story called "the curse on the wall", what can that be about and it's significance on our story?

Could it be about the wall Maestro Ambrogio painted?

I am slowly catching up.. Can't wait to join in on the discussion.

Hi guys, I fell sick :( I won't be able to join for a couple of days (I just can't concentrate enough to read). I'll catch up once I get better. Sorry!

I can do the questions on 16th or any other day afterwards. I'll second what Nida said :)

We have a digital library here but due to the stupid geo restrictions, it doesn't match the physical. Geo restriction sucks big big time. But, yes, it's better than nothing.

Tugce Nida wrote: "Vi wrote: "Nida, what library option? You mean, borrowing from your library?"

yes exactly and it's not something common here."

Nida, what library option? You mean, borrowing from your library?

Around 50 pages per day should be ok. Now, all that's left is to find the book.

I'll try to join in for the group read as well. Work's crazy atm, but I should be able to read some each day.

Hey, Nida! *waves*

Great challenge Sashana! I don't know how I missed this. I'm in. I'm starting with Fantasy since I have a looot of them piled up to be read. I will finalize the list later.

Fantasy:

1. Dark Fantasy: Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
2. Epic Fantasy: A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin
3. Fairy Tales: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
4. Fantasy Of Manners:
5. High Fantasy: Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
6. Low Fantasy: Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
7. Magic Grave Dance by Kalayna Price
8. Paranormal:
9. Sword And Sorcery:
10. Urban Fantasy:
11. Dragons:
12. Heroic Fantasy:
13. Mythology:
14. Supernatural:
15. Unicorns

Oh thank god! I knew I wasn't the only person not to like the Stackhouse series. I couldn't even finish book 1 at all - even though I renewed twice at my library two different times. That was a total of 84 days that I couldn't finish the book. I've written that series off as a lost cause.

Another author that I just can't get into is Susan Mallery. I tried two different books of hers - one I finished but found the premise so so stupid and the other I couldn't even finish.

Lisa Kay, Done! Changed.

I don't think Stannis will make a pact with Robb if that red lady was guiding him. After all the furore about Stannis in the last book, I expected him to be something better. Oh well.

Also interesting is whether Bran will become a shaman or something similar. It's a guess though.

Lisarenee, I can do the questions for 9th July.

I gotta agree, I was lost in the prologue. I though maybe I had the wrong book or something. Totally pitying Sansa now, idiot girl. Before starting this book, I've made it my mission to not take sides for this book since something or the other happens. Anyway, here are today's questions.

9. I gotta ask: What are your theories regarding the wolves howling and Bran's reaction? (it might be childish but I have a feeling it might be important later on?)

10. The dream Bran has when he's supposed to have a dreamless sleep: what is he dreaming as? Is he a dire-wolf? Or is it symbolic of a time to come?

11. Arya rocks :P. Now we know who Bull was. Wonder how the queen knew? Littlefinger? Varys?

12. Finally we get a little bit history on the King's history. I confess I got lost sometimes. Question is does this information serve any purpose later on?

13. Whew, look at the list of demands in the treatise. Its more unbelievable as each item is read. Young as he is, I felt the terms could have been better. What's your thoughts?

14. Was Robb wise in letting the River lords depart? Maybe he could have granted them a reprieve instead of permanently? I can't help feeling that divided like this is not good.

15. Theon is a wildcard. We will soon be having from his POV (self: no sides!) Do you think his going to his father heralding some thing? Any theories?

16. Another theory question: Which would you prefer: Robb aligning with Renly or with Stannis or maybe Dany? At this rate, aligning with Renly is the possible solution since I think we are seeing Robb's inexperience with war here.

No problem Lisa Kay :)

Lisa Kay, I can be your standby.

I'm in. I can do the questions for July 6th.

Okay, so I was totally absent but I finished the book last night. And I'm still digesting it. Good thing I bought all the four books at one go. I will definitely join the next group read and I promise (to try) to keep up with the pace.

I'm baaack. Didn't have time to read unfortunately. Hopefully I can get back on track tomorrow. Sorry I went missing though :(

@Lisarenee and Lisa Kay

2. I don't think its advisable to call the banners now. True all those stuff happened. But winter is coming!!!! and they would need to conserve their strength. Further Robb is only 15. He needs guidance.

4. I never knew Catelyn's stupidness could go to these bounds. (I read the chapters just before posting the questions) I mean who the heck will capture the younger son of Lannisters in a public inn? Now all the events are escalating out and she is the catalyst. I think its imperative that Ned stays back with the king. In the middle of things. Not in the Winterfell where he would be isolated w/o any news.

6. I agree with you LK. He wants someone to tell everything as it is but does not want that person to disagree with him. He's a study in contradictions. But really, when it does come to politics, he's clueless, but the danger is he does not care. And now, he's a wife-slapper also. I know, times and reason but still doesn't make it pretty to read.

Things I'm really looking forward to read: the cronies prediction of Dany's child. More Dany besting Viserys.