Rebecca ’s Comments (group member since Sep 03, 2016)

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

Finally finished the Turkish author book! Sorry it took me so long...

DQs Day 3

12. When Norma tells her mother she's pregnant, Norma notices fear in her mother's eyes. What do you think that fear was about? Do you think she was remembering her own past experiences and worrying about Norma, or was she fearing that this would lead to Norma finding out the truth somehow? (Thinking to all of the bloodwork and stuff that comes from this, though admittedly not sure in the time frame if that was as much of a concern.)
That she was losing her and/or because she has had a bad time with pregnancies that Norma will as well and have the same heartbreak she did.

13. Ruthie was from Nova Scotia and went missing in Maine, yet Norma and Ben ran into each other in Boston of all places — somewhere his family would not be expecting her. Later, when they need some time away, Norma's husband takes her to Nova Scotia, where she feels some familiarity and connection to the land. Are these crossovers just coincidences, or do you think that in the grand scheme of the story, something more (fate, a higher power, etc.) is leading them to each other?
I definitely feel the universe was trying to tell her something. Fate wanted her to know her story.

14. We get the backstory in this section on why Joe didn't know he had a daughter at first. Knowing what we know now do you agree with his family's decision to keep him in the dark? Have your opinions on Joe changed with this piece of backstory revealed?
I don't agree. I always feel that everyone good or bad deserves to know that they are a parent it is then up to them to decide what to do with that knowledge.

15. "I would learn to love the little one." What a strange thing for Lenore to say when broaching the topic of adoption — especially considering Norma's circumstances. What did you think when you read that — especially seeing how Lenore treated Norma growing up?
I thought it was weird considering her own situation with Norma. She had to learn to love Norma even though she was the child she wanted and craved. The fact that she would learn to love an adopted baby was almost an admittal of what had taken place with Norma.

DAY 2 QUESTIONS - CHAPTERS 4-7

7. "But sometimes I think that sadness drilled down deep and some of it might just be there for good"
"now get lost and leave me to my book."
"There was love in that house but none of us really knew what to do with it."
In chapter four we learn more about Norma's parents and life in their house as she grew up. Does learning about Lenore's past make you more sympathetic to her? And how about their parenting style, I can't imagine ever telling my children or grandchildren "to get lost" because I wanted to read a book. (Ok, I'm sure all parents might have thought it at times, but saying it to a child is a definite no no in my book!)
Oh it would be a definite no in my book as well! Yes and no-I can understand where she came from but I also feel that she needs to overcome. Their parenting style was weird, not normal at all at least to me, very overbearing, helicopter parents.

8. In juxtaposition to Frank, Lenore and Norma, we have alternating chapters about family life from Joe's POV. Thoughts and why does the author structure the novel this way?
I think she wanted to show the differences between the two families lives.

9. Chapter 5 - the horrible incident with Frankie and Charlie. How did you feel reading about this injustice? Could anything been done to avert this tragedy? How does Amanda Peters' writing the scene add to the heartbreak?
I felt angry that something like this could happen. She did a good job of making the scene very heartfelt.

10. What you think of Aunty June and her role in the story? Why does she encourage Norma to interact with the Indian protesters only to pull her back when she is recognized as Ruthie?
I liked June, I think she helped to balance out the parenting style of Lenore and Frank. She was a little crazy in a good way and gave a sense of normal to Norma's weird life.

11. Joe seems to be a tragic figure as the story of his life is revealed. How he has responded to racism and trauma make you feel when reading this book? Are you enjoying the story or does it make for uncomfortable reading?
I am enjoying the book, in fact I enjoyed it so much I finished it lol I think Joe is sad and angry, it's a lot for him to take in.

DQs for day 1

Some of these questions will lead to possible spoilers. Please be sure to hide any spoilers

1. What expectations do you have for the book based on the blurb or other description of the book?
No real expectations, I think I had it in my TBR for awhile and I think I marked it TBR because it was going to take me out of my usual genres.

2. How reliable do you the think the 2 narrators are?
I have no reason at this point to believe that they are unreliable, it's the beginning of the story.

3. Chapter 1 opens with " The day Ruthie went missing the black flies seemed to be especially hungry...Indians made such good berry pickers...something sour in our blood kept the black flies away". How does this establish Joe's view of the relationship that exists between the whites and the Mi'kmaq?

4. How much is Norma dreaming vs remembering? What do you think the dreams foreshadow?I don't think the dreams are foreshadowing anything, they seem like they are repressed memories something we all have.

5. How do you explain Lenore's paranoia about Norma being out alone? How do you account for the incongruity of her insistence that Norma likes to play with baby dolls when she sees Norma choosing other playthings?
She's probably afraid that something will happen to her since she is an only child. She wants to keep Norma a little girl.

6. Why did Joe act so clingy when he returned from his first "guide" with his dad?
He saw his Dad who is an authoritative figure in his life lose his power.

The book I’m reading right now works for book tagged book 10x or more. I thought I put it on the spreadsheet but maybe I didn’t. I was 1/2 asleep when I updated last night after work 😂🤣

Vicky wrote: "For the author born in Turkey several teams have read Labyrinth Or books by Orhan Pamuk."

I found an author that was born in Istanbul according to Wikipedia-Ayse Kulin. She has a book that looks very interesting but I won't be able to get to it until Tuesday-ish because I'm going to cap out today but I will go ahead and claim the spot

Thanks Vicky! I will keep that in mind. I am going to hit my cap this month but the next book I’m going to read is going to take me a bit longer. It’s also my last library book so I’ll have a little more choice on finding books that fit harder prompts

You can find it on the spreadsheet on the last tab. I think it’s called reading stats

5 books over whatever you put down for what you read in a month. Mine was 8 so my cap is 13

When does the new month start? The 17th? I’m reading my last book before I’m capped for the month 😩 I know I can start something else and just not finish it but I don’t want to mess anything up by posting that I’ve finished too early

ChrisP wrote: "It is good to be here. I look forward to reading with you. Looks like wires got crossed and I missed a couple of days. I read obsessively and like to compete. I haven't participated in a TT in a lo..."

Welcome Chris! I hope you have a fun time with our team. Happy reading!

Shelby wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "Could someone please add more rows at the bottom of the main tracking sheet? Thank you!"

Fixed Rebecca. Spreadsheet had gotten locked on a sort somewhere, but should be back to nor..."

Thanks Shelby!

Could someone please add more rows at the bottom of the main tracking sheet? Thank you!

You are truly amazing! Thank you so much!!!

Shelby wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "Do we have any librarians in this group? I have a book that doesn't have page numbers that I'd like to read but I need to have the page numbers added"

I'm a librarian Rebecca. Give..."

Thanks Shelby! Here's a link to it on Barnes and Noble. I thought we could use it for a quick, hard book-that sounds funny especially since it's a Christian novel hahaha Amazon doesn't have page numbers for it either

Hearts at the Holy See by Therese M. Travis, 140 pages

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hear...

Do we have any librarians in this group? I have a book that doesn't have page numbers that I'd like to read but I need to have the page numbers added

Shelby wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "Sorry everyone I haven’t been able to finish my book but I’m hoping to today. I got home from work Saturday and started feeling bad. I slept most of yesterday (14 hours) which is un..."

Thanks Shelby, I'm finally starting to feel somewhat human again haha

Navi wrote: "Hi everyone! Just a quick check in. My sister gave birth yesterday!! So it’s been a bit busy for me. I haven’t read as much as I would have liked but hoping to jump back in soon!"

Congratulations Aunt Navi! Have a wonderful time with the baby!

Sorry everyone I haven’t been able to finish my book but I’m hoping to today. I got home from work Saturday and started feeling bad. I slept most of yesterday (14 hours) which is unheard of for me. I’m starting to feel a little better so I’ll try to read this afternoon. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to help out much

Done! And the spreadsheet has been updated