Suzanne’s Comments (group member since Aug 13, 2015)

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

I decided to read vs. listen this time and luckily my library has a copy.
I don't remember much about this book except for a few deaths that happen later. I DO remember when I originally read it, some parents saying it was too grim for their children to read, and I didn't get what they were saying. This time, as I started it and Katniss was walking through the corpses on District 12, breathing in the dust of the dead, I was like "oooh....I see what they mean." I think in my first reading, I was so anxious to see what happened, that some of the grim just didn't register with me.

I love the more grown up Prim who can council her sister on strategy and be a helper, not just a dependent.

Sophie wrote: "Lucy, would you be ok picking Derail on that basis?

One of the other teams has ended up trying to work with a title that's NME. Given there are no letters before it they are both struggling now on..."

Yikes - that's rough. I guess if they have a supply drop book they could use it for "N", but that'd stink to have to use a supply drop book for that. I think that one wins the ultimate prize for most awful book to match!

I could do A Void of Magic if we want. I'd never heard of it, but I have access and it doesn't look terrible. But I'm fine not doing it - I suspect "Magic" is easy to match, but the shorter pieces are not.

DAY 1 CHAPTERS 1-7

1. Ahhh.. The Library! ..My happy place. And what a beautifully intriguing cover! How often do you visit your local library and have you visited any famous libraries around the world. Do share! I love libraries! I was a constant visitor at our local library, but I live in the county, which decided the city library was too expensive and they would do their own. "Their own" is kind of a mess - it's all donations, I'm paying the same in library tax, and the whole thing makes me sad.
I went to the library in the Monastery of San Fransisco in Lima, Peru a couple of months ago. It has 25,000 ancient texts and was absolutely beautiful. It also has a library cat.


2. The first chapters describe a barren wasteland with an equally hopeless type of existence for Livira and her people. But straight away we establish that there is something special about Livira as she rises above her surroundings and the life she seems destined for. But circumstances change... your first impressions of Livira and how she influences her new destiny. I like how Livira is feisty and asks a lot of questions.

3. The chapter headings.. how do they fit into the tale? Do you find them interesting as a guide or somewhat cryptic at this stage of the story? I'm doing the audio version, so I find them a bit interesting, but I'd rather have a chance to look at them.

4. Enter Evar in Chapter 4 and the scene changes from the barren Dust to the mysterious and atmospheric library and its Mechanism. A lot of information to absorb about how it all works and the role of Evar and his "family". Does the author do a good job in getting across what the library is and does? Is it good, evil or omnipotent? I am not 100% sure what is going on yet, but it's interesting so far. There were a LOT of characters as well as a new place introduced, so I'll need time to get to know them. But I'm interested in learning more!

5. "Evar, don't turn the page. I'm in The Exchange. Find me at the Bottom" .
Who wrote this sentence and what is its purpose at this point in the novel? What impact do you think it will have in the story moving forward? I have absolutely no idea what this is/who wrote it, but I'm pretty sure it's very important to the plot.

Yes! Sophie to the rescue with Ire - we all owe ya, Sophie!

Yeah I think that is a nice one to send back really. Quite a few options. I feel really bad that from reading their thread they really think we are trying to make this difficult for them. I feel as if with the letters we've been given, there aren't tons of choices - I don't think we are being intentionally mean. But both teams have sure done a good job finding things!

I think we cant start til the timer in about a week.

I can read Oboe Obituary if we need. But I did get a chance to read last time, so of course those who didn't have priority.

@Vicki - I'm not a captain, but I see several books on the shelter tab that you read - and it looks like you finished all the books you said you would. Yay!

I'm about 30% through my Horror book, and barring something really crazy I'll finish today or tomorrow morning.

I have 2 more to go - I'm partway through Liberty's Daughter and really like it - so it's going quickly. I'm sure I'll have the horror book done also, but leaving it for last since we do have a backup :)

Cicily- that's a big step - and you should be so proud of yourself!

I'm indeed a huge fan of all of you!
It's hot here too but a weird side effect of my illness is I'm cold all the time! I'm visiting the hospital for a couple hours every day getting IV antibiotics, which gives me some reading time. silver linings :)

Ouch - that's awfully hot. Lol I read that "with my fans" as in "I'm your number one fan" - and thought "that'd especially be hot with a lot of people."

DQs Day 4 Chapters 34 - 44

12. Have you read any of Baduga’s books before? I’m finding this quite different for her dipping into HF. Your thoughts if you have read the others? If not, are you interested in picking up some more of her books?
I liked the Six of Crows series a lot - it helped that in that one I really liked some of the characters, and I enjoyed the action. I've only read the first of the Shadow and Bone Trilogy and am not really interested enough to continue. BUT if I want to continue The King of Scars series, which I thought was pretty good, I'd need to finish Shadow and Bone. Does anyone else have these "seriesous" problems? :)

13. Many of the characters are changing from what they were first presented as. If there anyone you are finding you like more than you did originally?
The changes in Santángel and Valentina were what I liked most about this book.

14. Do you believe there will be a HEA here? Or is Luzia doomed?
I have finished so won't "predict". BUT I pretty much felt like Luzia was a selfish character all of the way through - seeking power above anything. So I wasn't totally anxious for her to have an HEA.


15. Bardugo’s family were expelled from Spain during the inquisition and she said in a People interview “This was something I was passionate about learning about, because it's my own family's history”. Do you think this adds to the story that she has a personal connection ? Is there anything in your family history you wish you could research more?
I think that's very cool! Family history can be so interesting! I'd love to get details in my family's story. And I think it's neat the author learned more of the circumstances her family might have been facing in those times.

DQs Day 2 Chapters 13 - 23

5. Luzia’s refranes combine elements from diverse cultural traditions, creating a powerful form of magic tied to her Jewish heritage. Does the portrayal of Luzia’s magic suggest that blending different cultural traditions enhances personal power and resistance, or does it emphasize the delicate balance and possible loss of identity in such a blend?
I like this question - I hadn't thought about the implications/reasons for the mixed languages. But after the question, I'd vote on the side of making her stronger. I think bringing in great things from diverse cultures is wonderful and each strengthens the other.

6. Characters like Valentina and Hualit demonstrate varying levels of ambition and moral compromise on their paths to security and success. Is pursuit of personal safety and financial security a justifiable reason for ethical compromises, or should ambition be tempered with moral integrity?

I do not like the compromises they have made and the lack of integrity. But I do understand that they are under immense pressure, so who am I to judge, really? But when I DO judge, I feel like they could/should be better.

7. Have you done other reading set in late-16th-century Spain? If not, are you having any problems following the political intrigues and social mores? What’s your favorite time period to read for historical fiction?
I know a little about the time, but certainly not about the royal politics. I do like HF, but probably most of what I've read have been set during the World Wars (so more modern).

8. What do you make of Santángel? At one point we get the line, “And Santángel would be free.” Free from what, do you think?
I listened to this while I was travelling, so I've finished it. But I do like Santángel - he's probably my favorite character.

Nosy bonus question. Are you reading this book for historical fiction, for fantasy, for romance, and/or for DQ points for your BG team? 😉
For sure for the points. I don't really love any of the characters, so I might have stopped reading it early-on if I didn't want those points :)

I mostly liked it. I didn't really LOVE any of the characters, but some of them grew on me. I did really like the ending.

I have my completed books in the spreadsheet. I still need to finish DQs for The Familiar - but that'll have to wait til late afternoon when I get home again :)

I finished the Familiar and am almost done with my nonfiction. I can't update til Sunday and should have a couple more done by then.

Day 1 DQ’s
1- Although Valentia feels shame in her actions to confront Luzia and her magic she still threatens her to use it at her dinner party. What were your thoughts and do you feel bad for Valentia and her desperation?
I don't really LIKE Valentia at all but I do find her a bit sympathetic, or at least have some pity for her. The opening scene with the start of the marriage, made me very sad for her. And when Luzia finally caved in and performed the goblet repair because she saw the look on Valentia's face....I pitied Valentia too.

2-Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house and gave her extra chores. Why do you think Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house? Valentia is desperately holding on to Luzia, who is the only thing giving her a bit of hope. Of course, that never works.

3-How did using music and song to make Luzia magic work make you feel or think of. Well, it makes sense to me, as I think music is powerful. It also makes me think others may try to copy her. Although I think some of the words may be Jewish, which would be dangerous.

4- Don Victor(De Paredes) shows up at Casa Ordobos to make sure Luzia has a room with and even hints at having her join him if not. Why do you think having Luzia in her own room benefits either of them? He wants to be able to mold her into what he and his master needs.

Stephanie I hope the kitten is ok!