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

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

I'm in. I can do DQs if it's the 20th or later - if that's too restrictive, I'll just be a reader :)

District 7

I'm in, and can do DQs for this one.

DQ Day 4: Chapters 34 – Epilogue

13. The necromancer has been defeated. How do you think this plot line ended? Did you like the resolution?
I did like the resolution and how they used the book.

14. This and the first book are used as prime examples of the cozy fantasy. Have you read other books in this genre? What are your thoughts on the genre, and would you read more?
I've read tons of fantasy, but not a ton of "Cozy fantasy". I wonder if Gail Carriger would count for that? Kind of like Becky Chambers writes cozy science fiction.


15. If you have read the first one, how does this one compare in terms of worldbuilding and character development? If you have not read it, does the characterization and worldbuilding make you want to read the first book in the series?
I did read the first one. Hmmm...I think I liked it a little more, and it perhaps had better worldbuilding. I mostly loved the book-related stuff in this one.

16. Do you like Epilogues on books? Did you enjoy seeing the characters in the future?
I CAN like epilogues, but this one should have had a big spoiler warning.

DQ Day 3: Chapters 23 - 33

9. Hurrah! Finally the bonedust arrives! What do you think of Satchel as an addition to the characters?

I loved Satchel. In fact, I spent much of the book worrying about him when they ran out of bonedust.


10. Mystery book sale! How are you liking the changes to the bookshop? Have you / would you buy mystery book sets like this? A fun bonus: make up your own mystery book set and post your three word descriptors for us to pick a set!

I loved this idea - it reminds me of our library's "Blind Date with a Book". I'd totally buy some of those packages. For me? "Mysterious, Meaningful Magic"

11. The necromancer is on her way! What do you think of these dreams and of the sword from the book?
I wanted to explore all of the book portals! And the sword is cool.


12. A hint here that the end of the relationship is not going to be as clean as Maylee and Viv said it would be. But, what do you actually think about this plot strand - necessary, surplus, well-done, meh? Discuss!

I don't like goodbyes, but I thought if they were going to have a relationship, it was bound to leave some sadness. Even just friends knowing they would part would be sad!

DQs Day 2 ~ Chapters 11 - 21

5. What was your impression of the Man in Gray when he first came into the Bookshop? Of what significance do you think he holds?
It was pretty clear that he was evil and up to something - what good person would smack Porkchop!? I was pretty sure he was connected with the necromancer, since that is the "big bad" we know about.

6. The Gatewardens were an interesting group. Immediately taking everyone involved in the fight to the cells! What did you think of their tactics? I didn't agree with it - especially KEEPING everyone in the cells. I guess they are waiting for someone to confess or something?

7. I feel a little bad for Maylee; she seems to have real feelings for Viv but I feel like Viv is going to leave in a short time. Maylee said she was good with whatever time she could get, but I have to think it will still hurt. What do you think of this? Is any amount of joy gained worth the potential risk/hurt? I think the willingness to risk is a personal call, but I too worry about Maylee! She needs a long-term relationship and Viv doesn't seem to be the one.

8. “The shop … will last a little longer. It’s been better lately. A bit. A few more visitors. A few more books.” “But in another way, it’s the best it’s ever been. It’s been better for me. Having you here is connecting me to why I do this. To why I used to love it. I don’t know if I can explain it, but watching you read what I give you, putting a book in your hands and seeing what happens to you once you put it back down … I can’t make you understand how that gives me something I didn’t know I had to have.”

I liked this explanation Fern gave to Viv about why she wanted her in the shop. I think that it would be great if everyone could find the thing that reminds them of why they love things. Have there been any exchanges or quotes that made you stop for a second to think about them or that made you laugh?

I loved a lot of the quotes about books - I don't have a print copy, so I can't replicate them. But I think the love of books was my favorite part of THIS book. Oh, and Satchel.

DQS - DAY 1, 3 Jan

1. Thankfully, on GR this book is simply listed as "Bookshops & Bonedust", but my kindle edition adds the subtitle "A Heartwarming Cosy Fantasy and TikTok Sensation".
Recently I noticed this increasing trend (or is it just me?) of publishing books with these types of subtitles. How do you feel about them? Necessary info or off-putting advertisement?
I HATE this trend so much! I don't want the "title" to tell me how I'm supposed to feel about a book. And mentioning TikTok too? Ugh.

2. In the first 25% of the book we are getting introduced to Viv, Iridia, Fern, etc. and other characters presumably playing a major part in the plot? How do you feel about them and their characterisation? I really like all of them. Of course, I knew Viv from the original book, so I had pre-built like there. But I really love Fern especially, and Iridia is growing on me.

3. What about world building? Is it enough? Interesting enough or do you need more to get involved int the story? How about the premise of an abandoned/struggling bookshop?
The world building is fine for me, because the world and the magic aren't a huge part of what the book seems to be about. We know there is something bigger going on, but we are in our own little story. I LOVE the bookshop, and the suggestions, and everything about that.

4.
“I gotta ask, is that the same mug you’re always cleaning, or do they all get a chance?” The sea-fey’s gray brows rose. The tattoos on his forearms boiled as he scrubbed. “Didn’t think you’d notice. Old tavernkeeper’s secret. Wash one, everybody assumes the rest are clean, too.” He grinned at her.

One of my first highlights in the book. This really made me smile as it really shows the cliches how barmen/women are depicted in books/films?
Did it make you think of such a (memorable) landlord/lady character in any previous readings?

I can't think of any, but this quote made me laugh.

Extra Q: This book has actually been written and published after Book 1, Legends & Lattes. Have you read it? If yes, what did you think?
Yes - I read and adored Legends & Lattes.

I was so horrible at tracking here - but I did keep the older books in mind and just entered the rest - I finished 52 out of my goal of 50 so yay!

Things I found:
I read zero from the first four TBR years on GR (2012-2015). I guess I seriously should think of culling those from my TBR

New books sure seem to attract me :) Although I blame Netgalley for a lot of that. I probably should cut down on Netgalley.

My favorite of the ones I read was probably Where'd You Go, Bernadette - very entertaining. I was also happy that I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, as that is one that I've kept thinking I SHOULD read.

Yes it is a great placement for sure! The challenges in this group are always super competitive - lots of fantastic readers and teams. We did an amazing job with reading and working together - thanks everyone!

They fit just fine LaurLa - thanks a bunch!

The musician was a perfect mini-challenge to have with you on our team! The shelves are no problems - I too forget all the time, so I'm glad I'm not alone.

Thanks Kari! You read a ton this challenge! So glad you were on the team :)

Nanci and Amanda I am so grateful to the both of you - you have done SO MUCH!! And to the rest of the team!

I hope everyone has a good holiday! I'll keep an eye out for last minute books.

I have my books all set.

@Janine - can you get Texas Fall on your read/wheel shelf?

It's all looking good :)

Thanks Leslie. Have fun at the Nutcracker!

I stayed up super late and finished my books. I need to get them shelved properly and checked in, then make a bunch of cookies for a Christmas party. While listening to an audio book and hoping it gets finished on time :)

That's awesome - thanks Janine!

Each one of you has been amazing this challenge. And your attitudes and personalities are even better than your reading!

Here is the official countdown timer:
https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown...

Can you all believe it has been 10 weeks!?

I'm not sure - I'll for sure finish mine - Bobbi will you be finishing yours? We have them all claimed at least. I'd say just read what calls to you the most :)

I can't believe it's almost over - Saturday will come swiftly! I'm into my 2nd musician book and will for sure have it done. And I've been listening to a "U" book that is a bunch of short Christmas mysteries from all over the world. Most of them are pretty good!

Thanks! I think I'm OK for once. I'm almost through with Charm City Rocks which has been really good. And the other one is short :)

DQs, Day 5 Chapters 46-end

20. Between Henry, Martha, and Opaline, whose story was most compelling for you and why?
I like Opaline's story the most by far. Henry was so indecisive, and he and Martha were slow to do ANYTHING. I would have loved to see more Opaline.

21. Holy moley… Lyndon! I did NOT see that twist coming (ch 52), did you? What are your thoughts about his story?
I was really glad that Opaline went after revenge, because I hated Lyndon. I even hated that in Ch. 52 he was still so sure he was right about killing, and so hateful about the twist thing.

22. What did you make of the relationship between Opaline and Martha? If you guessed, did you get it right?
I DID get it right, although I guessed it pretty late in the story - around where Martha's mother talked to her.

23. What about Mme Bowden? Did you enjoy her resolution? If not, what other scenario would you have preferred for her?
I guess she just made magical appearances? I wanted to know more and have a better explanation (or maybe one I could understand.
24. What did you make of the magical elements in the book?
They were ok. My favorites were Mme Bowden and the bookshop itself - I loved how it changed displays, etc.

25. Is there anything that struck you about the plot, story, characters, etc that hasn’t been part of a discussion question over the 5 days? Not that I can think of :)