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

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

Nice work team!

I finished my two 800ish page books today - phew. They were both pretty good - I especially liked because I'm a sucker for Zombie Apocalypse books :)

Cat wrote: "For the fans: who would win in a face-off between Granny W and Lord Vetiniari??"

I'd vote for Granny, but kind of like Sammy said - it is hard for me to see either of them beaten.

DQS - Day 4

13. Simon was kept very much a mystery character throughout the book. What is your opinion of him? How will he be able to support Esk in the future (or will he)? To me, Simon is one of those who dreams up powerful things and doesn't think about the consequences - not evil just...doesn't think. I'm not sure about the future - I think they will at least communicate. Esk is at least more about the real world and I think she's more powerful than Simon really

14. The meeting between Granny and the Archchancellor and their actions afterwards are a pivotal part of the book. What were your impressions? The part I remember the most was they had a Wizards Duel like in the Sword and the Stone cartoon. I loved that. And I like that Granny would have won.

15. With duality of witchcraft vs. wizardry being one of the main themes, what do you think about the ending? Was it satisfyingly concluded? I thought the conclusion was the least satisfying part of the story. I'm not sure why - things were resolved. But in general I like the beginnings and the "Hook" of Discworld more than the endings.

16. How did you rate the book?
If you are new to Terry Pratchett, do you consider checking out more of his books (NOT just because of BOM points :)?
If you are familiar with his books/a fan - any changes in your earlier impressions/opinion? I gave it 4 stars. Same as when I read it several years ago. I think I found more funny things this time though.

BONUS: Any favourite scenes? :) I liked all of the scenes involving the staff. And the duel between granny and the wizard. And, I loved granny's impact on the city! ,

Awesome. This is going to be fun! And naughty

DQs - Day 3

9 . What do you think on the creatures from the dungeon dimensions? Do you find them creepy?I didn't really like them - just because I liked the rest of the story more I think. But I do find them creepy.


10. I enjoyed the Esk’s thoughts about being both witch and wizard and wanting to defend the one to the other. Do you sympathize with this view (more in general than in specific regards to magic fields)? I think its great that she defends both - I do sympathize with the view - it's cool to find good things in opposing viewpoints

11. Why do you think Esk’s magic did not work? I think she just got nervous?

12. Esk is supposed to be precocious but also nine years old. Do you think she acts in a way you could see a nine year old acting? Maybe sometimes- but she IS an unusual child. She's probably more driven and responsible than the 9 year olds I know

As a member of Team Ook, the bonus question is: Is not the librarian wonderful and would you want to be turned back in his place?
I'd stay in the library!

Sammy, the book I just read When You Came Along contains a proposal for Jack. If you already have one for that, I can put in other tasks :)

Laurie that's some pro detective work! I had never realized how prolific Dolly was til I read Songteller. We are over 90 chapters in and have started to giggle when she says (insert song name) is one of my favorite songs. I think they are like her children. All beloved. That makes me happy.

Oh nice! I am putting that on my list.

It has been so delightful! She totally cracks me up. And I love that she combines great passion and empathy with a strong desire to succeed.

Sammy - you are the ultimate planner - I bow to you!

Welcome Elen!!

Aw Sonia. That seems like stress upon stress! You poor thing!

DQ - Day 2

Starting with a Bonus question...
“They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it is not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance.” (Granny said)
First off, who are “they”? I have always wanted to know. Secondly, do you agree with “them”?
I always assumed it was one of those sayings like "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." I agree it is dangerous IF the person then thinks he or she is well educated on the topic. Because then they are not willing to change or learn more. However, gaining a little knowledge on the path to more knowledge is great.

5. Esk went ahead and did not follow Granny’s advice, and thought since she had a feeling she could get into the bird’s brain, then why not do it.
When you were a kid, did you jump off the swing, or touch the hot burner? If so, give us examples.
Do you think she learned something from it, or are we looking at shades of her future University life?
I wasn't super risky - but if there was a rule
I thought was dumb, I'd break it. Like I once wore shorts into the boys dorm because I thought it'd be funny and that it was a dumb rule. But, of course, I got into big trouble. I still think it was a dumb rule though.
I think Esk goes by instincts a lot and is impulsive. I think she'll still have to do that at university.

6. What do you think of Hilda and her version of Headology? What do you think of Headology in general?
Headology in general is like placebos or maybe faith. Convincing someone that something will work. Her version is pretty good - all of the mystery! I liked it.

7. Esk finds herself on a moving barge. Loved loved loved the resume of talents beyond washing and sweeping that Esk rattles off in an attempt to stay on the boat. What skills could you bring to the barge? My mind would go blank and they'd kick me off. I'm good at math.... I also liked how much Esk helped with bargaining in the town and stuff.

8. Speaking of the barge, what do you think of Esk’s decision to just leave Granny? Did she mean to leave on her own adventure, or was it an accident? Do you think her matter of fact attitude is a product of her magic, or just her personality or upbringing? I think her attitude is her upbringing, and the fact the staff has always taken care of here. I think while leaving Granny was accidental, Esk just wasn't too worried.

DQs - Day 1
1. If you are new or relatively new to Discworld, what do you think of Pratchett’s world and writing style so far? For more experienced Pratchett readers, what are your favorite things about his writing style or Discworld in general?
I really like Pratchett's insightful and funny comments about the craziness in the world. He is the author of many of my favorite quotes.

2. So we have our plucky heroine Esk and her witchy mentor Granny Weatherwax. What do you think of our two main characters and their relationship with each other?
I like how Esk isn't afraid of Granny and is brave in general. And I love how smart Esk is. Granny is just funny and I love her personality.

3. A major theme is witch magic vs. wizard magic (and women vs. men), and I can’t wait to learn more about these different magical theories and world views. What do you think of this dynamic, and which type of magic are you more drawn to?
I'm more drawn to witches - maybe because I love the witch characters in Discworld.

4. Oh dear. Esk went a bit too far with the borrowing. What do you think is going to happen next? And what will Granny say or do?
I've read the book before, but I do enjoy this interplay between Granny and the staff. LOVE the staff. And really tradition is a pretty strong thing.

Bonus: I am really enjoying Pratchett’s wit so far. What is your favorite quote from this first bit? Mine is:
“What’s an elephant?”
“A kind of badger,” said Granny. She hadn’t maintained forest-credibility for forty years by ever admitting ignorance.

I love all the above mentioned quotes. My favorite in this section is probably "as you grow older you'll find most people don't set foot outside their own heads much. "

I loved - my favorite book this year so far!

I finished my genetic engineering book and will put it in the spreadsheet soon as I write a review.

My ideas always hit during times I should be sleeping too!

My current book has genetic engineering and a couple of the other prompts. I'll post more after I finish it.

I liked the "young teen so I don't get too mad at her" comment. I need to remember that also. I think it triggers me because I regret similar things :( I should be more understanding about stupid choices!

DQ Day 4
Chapters 33 to 43

16. Dolly Parton night was a surprising treat for the girls! Definitely a different experience. It felt to me like it could have been a healing point or turning point for Will in more ways than one. What do you think about the scene, did it add anything special to the book, and do you think it will hold significance in some way later in the story?
I loved this scene - it made me forgive the book a little because I'm SO frustrated by the love triangle. I thought the girls watching the show and people just having confidence and pizzazz was exactly what they needed.

17. I’m almost over Callie and Ellen myself at this point. Friends fight, but this has really blown up. When Callie approaches Will in the bathroom with her mini speech and says that she knows Ellen has always “been good to Will”, what do you think her point was with the speech? Was she truly angry on her friend’s behalf when she went into her admonishment on how wrong it was for Will to be upset that Ellen was entering the pageant? Do you think she’s trying to help Will in a twisted way with her rude advice, or do you think she’s just trying to rub salt in wounds? Would you keep trying to speak to Ellen and make up after the rebuff she issued at Harpy’s after two months when Will tried again to make up?
The thing is, Will DIDN'T try to make up - they just were in the same place. I'm pretty frustrated with Will also - just apologize already. They were both in the wrong, but aren't friends worth talking things through!? I'm not really sure about Callie - in some ways she just seems correct and like she's trying to help them reconcile. But Tim doesn't like her, which makes me more suspicious of her.
Oh about her telling Will about "trying" - Will immediately thought it was a weight comment. I didn't - I thought it was more like "smile and be nice" type of comment that Will took wrong.

18. Mitch and Bo affect Will in different ways, but it’s pretty clear Will is using Mitch in more ways than one. She has him to hang out with on weekends when Ellen is gone, and she went from having a dance partner where she rested her head on his chest throughout several dances before pulling away from him immediately when they get outside so he doesn’t “get the wrong idea”. Mixed signals overdose! Do you think she doesn’t realize what she is doing, that she is subconsciously using him, or do you think she isn’t considering his feelings enough? What do you think is going to happen between them?
I think Mitch is a sweetie and although I don't think Will is consciously using him, I think she is totally disregarding his feelings. I don't think she'll end up with him, and I swear, if she hurts him I'm going to be so mad! I love Mitch's views on life and how he watches out for his Mom. Grrr... this part of the book makes me so mad and worried because here is this sweet kid who is going to lose out to the hot guy and get his heart stomped. Well, that's my prediction anyway.

19. The Sadie Hawkins dance seems important in Clover City. I had heard of a song about it, but had no idea it was an actual dance at a school. What do you think about the traditions of finding inventive ways to ask people to the dance? Were you surprised that Bo was finally grabbed up for a date? What did you think of Will’s attempt to ask Mitch immediately afterward, and her creativity in doing so?
It wasn't creative at all. But I GUESS it was good she asked him. .... I think if not taken to extreme the creative dance invites could be fun.

Oh my goodness - Kadin with rainbows and unicorns - I'm amazed you made 26 pages. Best wishes finding a fantastic book next.

Sammy wrote: "So I've figured out that according to the rules, I can join in with the Mort BOM, if - I answer the questions before reading the book (not a problem, I've read it 5 or 6 times before,..."

That works well! Way to analyze!

Good job team for 100 books! That's impressive.

I picked up a couple long books - one zombie one that is on audio so I can only listen when my husband isn't talking to me, which doesn't happen that often since we are in an RV - but it's my favorite world of zombies and I'm loving it. And I started reading North and South (John Jakes) because it is set in one of the states we were staying in and I wanted some history :)

I'm so glad this challenge fits long books as well as short ones!