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

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

I think this will be so much fun!

Wow that's fantastic! Nice work everyone!

And it's so cool that any non-mini challenge books we read still count for page points, which are really the majority of the points we get anyway. Haha I'm hoping I get to some non-mini-challenge books - but I'll of course finish those claimed books first :)

In my opinion that works. That's a cool looking cover!

Oh that's so perfect to combine the book with the trip. I just put the first one in that series on my TBR - the book you read sounds really interesting and I like the description of " warm-hearted, atmospheric . . . with a very interesting twist'

Awesome! Welcome back Vikki. I'm glad it was good in spite of the weather. I only know Scotland from books, although I'd love to see it in person someday. But weather is always is factor in the books too :)

Thanks for changing the "Kings" reason Christina! oops! We were leaving for a movie and I totally forgot that part.

(Edited because my library hold just came in): I am going to read the book She Who Became the Sun - it is currently "P" on the mini-challenge. But it has a map at the front. I'm going to switch it to that task and switch The Justice of Kings (finished yesterday) to #55 Royal title in book title. Hope that's ok!

Welcome back! That sounds fun (and exhausting)!

CB wrote: "I’ve been meaning to read Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty and it’s a longer book too, so I just added it to the planning sheet"

That's great CB - those longer books help so much with this challenge!

I think it's great you are reading that even though it isn't your favorite type - and wow - way to push through those deadlines! Audio is super handy for long drives!

DQ: 18 May - Sugi and Chikako's Hotel for Pets & Between Friends

9) Considering Satoru seems to be quite perceptive overall, do you think he knew about Sugi’s less charitable feelings about him, both in the past and during this visit?
Satoru is SO kind - not intruding on Sugi's "claim"on Chikako, and also at the first, not intruding on his friend's desire for the kitten, until his friend couldn't keep it. I'm not sure if he knew about Sugi's feelings, but if so, he overlooked the less charitable ones.

10) So far, the chapters have all been combining Satoru and Nana’s journey with Satoru’s past with several other people, as well as their backgrounds. How do you feel about this interlude (chapter 3.5) focused entirely on the man and his cat? What does it add to the story?
I think it added more bittersweet feelings to the story. I loved what the chinchilla said on the boat "it's his human who was lonely." Sniff.... And then staring at the rainbow. The two of them are so in sync.

11) For the first time, we got a hint of what’s going on with Satoru when the dog said “he smells like he isn’t going to make it” in chapter 3, and this came up again in chapter 3.5. So it sounds like Satoru is ill… was that your prediction for question 4? That was my prediction, but I had hoped I was wrong.

12) Squabbles between cats and dogs were really present in these sections. So: Are you a cat person or a dog person or both (or neither)? I am definitely a dog person, but we have 3 cats and 3 dogs. They all get along, although occasionally the dogs will chase the cats a bit. The cats will also come running to play with the dogs on occasion. I liked the interaction and how they were each so protective of their person's feelings.

Wow nice job everyone! I'm so impressed by all the things read already!

DQ: 17 May - The Unsentimental Farmer

5) I really like reading the cat's thoughts. It can be quite funny. Do you think these are convincing cat thoughts?
I'm not sure if they are exactly how cats think, but I enjoy his thoughts! I really liked the scene at the end of this section with the sea and how he wanted to fish until they actually got close.

6) In this chapter we are introduced to Yoshimine, another potential owner for our cat. What do you think of him and his backstory? I liked the backstory and I like Satoru more and more as we learn more about his life. I also REALLY loved the grandmother in this part.

7) Do you think Yoshimine would have been a good owner for Nana ?I think he would have been fine, and would have appreciated Nana's hunting skills. But I don't think he would love Nana like Satoru does.

8) Yoshimine has already a kitten called Chatran, and Satoru makes fun of him for naming his cat with such a cliché name. What is for you the most cliché cat name(s)? In french it is quite common to call a cat Chaussette (meaning sock), Mistigri or Felix (actually a cat food brand) Mittens, Felix. But I think I have a bigger mental list of cliche dog names, so I want to see what other people say to this one.

Thanks for checking in Vikki! That sounds like a wonderful weekend - I hope you enjoy yourself tremendously.

@Alyana - that works perfectly - so yay - the poetry is covered. Thanks for finding an alternate poem.

DQs 16 May: Prologue - The Husband Without a Wife

1. How are you liking the way the story is written with its alternating POVs ? Is there a POV you prefer ?

I like the cat's POV/comments. And so far I'm liking how this is written. It feels as if, at the end of the first chapter, this might be a string of related short stories? I guess I'll find out!

2. Through the flashbacks we get to know Satoru's personality a bit more. What do you make of him so far ? What did you think about his way of helping his friend Kosuke?
I liked the story of the boys running away so that Kosuke could keep the cat. It was funny how it escalated. And I thought It was sad and sweet about how his parents died, and the blotter paper.

3. Talking about Kosuke, what's up with his parents ? It seemed to me that Kosuke was genuinely convinced that his father would agree to keep the cat (Hachi). What did you think about his backstory ? It sounds like Kosuke's father is a real jerk and doesn't listen to others at all. I hope Kosuke can come out of his shadow and stick up for himself and for his poor wife.


4. Why do you think Satoru can't take care of Nana anymore ?
I'm guessing Satoru is dying, but I hope I'm wrong.

Thanks for linking the Backroom BoM Christina - those discussions are always fun - often more fun than the book itself!

Leslie Ann wrote: "I will add some books tomorrow. My daughter had her second child last night so been a bit busy."

Congratulations Leslie!!! Are they doing ok?

No worries Alyana - I hope you find some books you LOVE soon - that would help with a slump :)

I'm back - it was a quick trip but good to go. I got about 30% in to my long fantasy book, so that was good.

And so happy about all of the reading you've all done - way to go!

Leslie - You have to answer all the question for (at least) 3 days. Some answers can be short though :) I'm glad you are enjoying the book- I want to start it tonight....or tomorrow. Need to help the granddaughter get ready for school first.