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

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

Hello everyone! I'm very excited about joining the team.

This is my second Tower Team. I participated in the Harry Potter one last year which was ah-mazing.

I like to read a variety of genres but don't really care for sci-fi or dystopia. I'm not totally against them but prefer to read something else. I have been known to read blood, guts and gore and then turn around and read something fluffy with sunshine and rainbows. My reading palate is pretty eclectic to say the least.

I tend to work long hours. I have roughly an hour and half commute and I work 11 hour shifts so it can lead to an extremely long day. Currently, I have Thursdays and Fridays off but starting the 20th of October I'll have Sunday and Mondays (and hopefully Tuesdays) off.

I have one and a "half" cats. The full one is named Ciara and is my best friend. She is extremely spoiled and is a perpetual two-year old in cat form. She has me well trained. The other half a cat is Charlotte. He was dumped in my neighborhood about a year and a half ago and has only become friendly the last few months. My vet calls him Mr Charlotte haha. I had no idea what gender he was until long after I named him and that's what he responds to. I really don't think he knows the difference or maybe he does...He's a lover. He likes to be held and gives the best hugs.

Enough about me! I hope we have a fantastic challenge. I look forward to learning more about each of you. Go Team Ira!!!

Jessi wrote: "Hello and welcome Rebecca!!

Sorry for my absence today it's been a crazy busy day!!"

Thanks Jessi!

DQs Day 4: Book 5

18. In "Book 5" there is as much focus on Barry and Helena's relationship as there is on their attempts to stop the world remembering previous timelines and therefore avert catastrophe. What did you think of their romance, and how it played out over multiple time re-sets?
There wasn't much to it. There really weren't details other than she is supposedly Barry's love of his life.

19. Earlier in the book, I never got the sense that Barry was a particularly brainy person, but here we often see him doing advanced math and science stuff alongside Helena, on timelines where they met in their early 20s. What did you think of Barry's participation in Helena's work?
I found it odd but I guess if you keep reliving the same life over and over you're bound to learn/retain something.

20. Each April 16 2019 brings a brand new same old nuclear apocalypse! But if everyone in the world gets their "false" memories back at the same time, then everyone would remember those other apocalypses too. Do you think that humankind would really keep reacting the same way over and over, repeatedly dooming themselves?
I would hope not but probably yes. It's not enough time for anyone to really have the situation sink in.

21. The solution seems so simple, though I think it contradicts what we were told earlier in the book about the possibility of going back into a "false" memory. Did Barry going back to the "original" timeline make sense to you?
It did because it "erased" all the other false timelines and went back to the original "real" timeline.

22. In the epilogue, we learn everybody's ultimate fate. What did you think of Barry being the only person to remember everything? What did you think of Marcus Slade's demise and Barry's hand in it?
Crazy, I thought it was great because he didn't have anything to do with building the original chair. It was quite appropriate that it ended being Barry to kill him because ultimately Slade had caused him so much pain.

Cat wrote: "I was poking around the Backroom, and saw that Kelly had this one pop up on "books you'd like" ...

Emily's Magical Bejeweled Codpiece
Sadly only 48p"

I saw that on the smart bitches trashy books website awhile back ago. They used it for their cover art snark. I laughed so hard I nearly wet my pants! From what I understand though it is an absolutely horrific book.

DQs Book 4 (spoilers likely!)

13. This section opens with a quote from 1984
"he who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past."
Do you usually read these types of epigrams carefully, searching for hints about the theme of books? Did this quote give you a hint about what was coming? Having read this section, do you think it meets the expectations of the quote?
I usually read these without a lot of thought. I guess I should read them more carefully. The quote did allude to what was coming and I definitely feel that this section does meet the expectations of the quote considering what the team is trying to do by fixing events.

14. Helena doesn't hold out long, and joins the team in correcting tragedies. Did you agree with her decision at the time? Would you change your answer at the end of the section? Has you opinion of Helena changed over the course of the book?
Helena is a different type of person. I haven't really connected with her but I don't dislike her character. I agree with her decision and no I wouldn't change my mind.

15. The team start off idealistic... Would you be willing to be part of the team, fixing those sorts of tragedies? Do you agree with their ideals? The team got co-opted by the government very quickly. Did you expect that?
I think they were smart about picking what to "fix" and "not fix". I don't think I would want to be part of the team always having to relive all the memories and die to be able to "fix" the world. Plus, I think eventually it will just lead to more bad things. I had a feeling the government would intervene.

16. At the end of this section it all goes very grim (though I enjoyed the destruction of Trump Tower!). Do you think Helena can solve this, or is the world going to collapse in a mess of conflicting dead memories?
I don't know that she can solve it but if she does there's going to have to be something HUGE happen to stop it.

17. Do you have a provisional rating for the book? Why? And are you missing Barry and Marcus?!

I would give it a four at this point. I'm really enjoying it. It's different from what I would normally read. No, I'm not really missing them. They served their purpose for the first part of the book.

Day 2 – Book 2 &3
Most of these questions are spoilers for Book 1-3

1. Were you surprised to see how time travel works in this book?
Now that I've gotten further into it I understand how it works. I thought it would be more of a parallel universe type of situation but time travel makes more sense.

2. Did you anticipate the issues with Barry going back in time and Meghan? Do you think that is a realistic reaction?
No, I thought it was cool that he got to change his/Meghan's life. I think it was very realistic because he was grateful to get a "do-over". Who wouldn't be overwhelmed with joy at being able to save the life of a loved one and regain his marriage. I was hoping that things would turn out differently for Meghan but once the writing was on the wall for his marriage I realized that this book is about expiration dates on events. It may not happen now but if it is meant to happen it will eventually no matter what.

3. Now that we are about halfway done, what do you think of the characters and motivations? Do you feel like you connect to them or that they are real people?
I don't feel that great of a connection to any of them. It's like being outside the box and looking in but not really becoming connected.

4. At this point, in the book, multiple timelines are starting to branch. How do you think this would change your view of reality if it was this malleable?
For one thing it would probably become confusing as all. Reality would become very skewed.

5. Finally, this book is already optioned as a screenplay (I think) and many reviews comment that it reads that way too. Do you like books that read like a movie or do you wish the author wrote it differently?
It doesn't bother me either way I just enjoy a good book.

DQs Day 1

1. We start with a bit of a bang. Did you have any first impressions of what was going on? Time travel? Parallel universe? Delusions? Something else?
I wasn't quite sure what to think at first. I thought either parallel universe once I got into it a little bit.

2. What do you think having FMS is like? Why do you think it seems to be contagious, and how?
I would think it would make you feel like you were going insane because you wouldn't know what is or isn't real in your life. I'm not sure why it seems to be contagious other than maybe lives start overlapping so they become memories becoming "real" in some aspect.

3. The main characters are both dealing with loss; Barry with his daughter, and Helena with her mother’s memories. How do you think what they have gone through is affecting their careers and their lives?
Barry is probably always second guessing what he's doing, wishing he could change what is or has happened. Helena is anxiously wanting to help to her mother and is willing to do almost anything to accomplish that.

4. Why do you think Slade is going all in on funding Helena’s research? Something personal, or just financial?
I think it'll be something personal.

5. Is there a moment that you would go back to to start over? Share if you wish to.
Of course! Don't we all? I'd probably go back to second grade because that was one of my most favorite teachers. I loved second grade! The stipulation I would have is knowing what I know now so I could change a few things I've done.

6. Lots of stuff happens in Book 1. What do you think so far? Any Ideas on what comes next?
I like it so far. It's a little spooky that you could be able to change your life and relive memories or even have an alternate life. No idea what might happen next.

7. On a lighter note, would you prefer drinking Old Grand-Dad and Coors, or the ’47 Cheval Blanc?
And, did anyone else keep thinking of chipmunks when Helena was being mean to the mice?
That's a tough decision but I would probably have to say Cheval Blanc because I can't stand Coors. Ugh, tastes like water beer. If I'm going to drink a beer I'm going to drink a BEER. And no I didn't think of the chipmunks but you have put an image in my head now hahaha

NIIIICCCCCEEEE! Awesome graphic

DQ Day 3 - Aug 20
Natasha - starting "It's hard to know how to feel now" to end

15.) Why do you think Natasha wanted to know so bad why Rob cheated on her? Do you believe his answer? Do you think Natasha got what she was really looking for out of that conversation?
You just want answers from the cheater when you've been cheated on. Been there done that and didn't learn and had it happen again. I'd like to believe his answer but once a cheater always cheater-which in my book also makes you a liar. I think she felt better afterwards but I don't think it changed anything really.

16.) What do you think of Natasha's assessment of Charlie? And people in general? Do you agree with her?
I think she was bang on. I totally agree with her.

17.) The chapter of Joe the security guard made me think of all the things people put off (myself included). What's one thing you've put off that wish you hadn't?
Getting a different job and traveling more.

18.) So. . . who (living or dead) would you invite to dinner and why?
That's a really tough one. So many people to choose from. I would have to say any of my grandparents. I never got a chance to get them know as an adult and I have so many questions I'd like to ask.

19.) When Daniel was talking about "love" and what not before and during the cab ride, was anyone else thinking teenagers need to dial it down a notch or 12?
I definitely felt that at least these two needed to notch it down. They hadn't even known each other for 24 hrs.

20.) Were you satisfied with the ending? Was your rating what you predicted in Day 2's questions?
My rating stayed the same. It seemed too neat and tidy the way it ended. I had a feeling something like that would happen but that was just too perfect.

DQ Day 2

Question 1

What do you think of the way the author represents the different cultures? (Jamaican/Korean/American) I find this always interesting to see how the characters act and what their motivations might be and what part of this has come from their culture? I also think it’s interesting because Nicola isn’t from either of these cultures as far as I know but in Everything, Everything which I have read she was writing a lot about her own life experiences and her own culture.
I think she's doing a good job. She's not going overboard with stereotypical characteristics of either culture. I feel like both families seem like normal dysfunctional American families.

Question 2

What do you think about the characterisation of our two main characters? Do you feel that they each have their own voice and ways of acting? In other words do you think you would know who is talking before reading the chapter title?
I definitely feel I can tell them apart.

question 3

What do you think of Daniel’s parents store? What do you think the author is trying to do here? Do you like how this has been done (eg. Clever/Obvious/Deep/Cop out)
I think it makes sense that they own that store since so many other Koreans have opened stores like it. It's what they were shown/taught when they moved to the US. I don't like how Mr Bae treats Natasha though.

Question 4

What do you think of the title? There was mention of it in this section. Do you think there will be a deeper meaning to it?
I'm not sure what to think of it yet. I'm hoping there will be more references to it.

Question 5

One quote that really jumped out at me was “Maybe part of falling in love with someone else is also falling in love with yourself”. How do you find Nicola’s writing? Are you impressed by it? Do you know what rating you might give it at this stage - will be interesting to compare to what you give it at the end.
I'd so far it's a 3.5/4 for me. I like her style I just wish the story would move along a little faster. I feel like it's one step forward two steps backward.

Question 6

How do you feel at this stage about their relationship? Are you a fan of ‘all-in-one-day’ romances like this has been so far? Are you swept up in the story?
I think it's rushed and not real. I'm not a fan of all in one day romances there's no "meat" to them. I'm really swept up in the romance but I am interested in whether or not they get deported.

Question 7

Natasha mentions at one point that Daniel is like her father. This is interesting because of the way she feel about her father and his acting which is similar to Daniel’s poetry. What do you think of this aspect of the story?
Her father is a dreamer and Daniel seems to be a dreamer as well. She feels that her father got her family into the situation they are in but has done nothing to help them. I think she sees Daniel as being in a situation but doing nothing to change it.

DQ Day 1

1. Many authors of late seem to like the many narrators style of writing. This author throws in different perspectives as well. We have first person narration for the two main characters, third person for some secondary ones, and second person for a chapter on “irie”. Do you find this style easy to follow? Do you like it?
I like the narration style in this book. It gives me a chance to get inside the characters heads and experience their feelings and thoughts.

2. There is a big contrast in the home life of Daniel and Natasha, but they are both put under great pressure. How do you feel about the parental pressure to succeed in a proscribed way (Daniel), vs being an appendage to someone else’s big dream (Natasha)? (Not sure if I expressed that thought clearly).
Natasha's father seems like a selfish brat that her mother keeps putting up with and is willing to do anything for him. She has her own dreams and ways of accomplishing them but that is being taken away by the deportation. Daniel's family seems to be only concerned with the best colleges, becoming a doctor, and being successful. These are all good qualities but put a lot of pressure on him to do what he feels they want him to do versus what he wants to do.

3. Natasha’s life is in the US. What do you think of how she handled the INS interview with the new guy? How do you think you would handle a situation like hers? (Immigration and Dreamers are a hot topic, so delve into it or don’t…up to you).
And, what about Irene? Discuss.
Irene is a strange character. I'm not quite sure what to think of her. I have to think there is something huge going on there that we may never find out. Natasha was great in the interview. That guy had no idea what he was doing.

3. What did you think of the coffee shop scene? Are you liking these characters, and are you seeing them as a potential couple? Do you have a sense yet about where they may end up?
I liked the scene, it was sweet. I like both characters so far and could see them as a couple although it would be a rocky road family wise with acceptance on both sides I think. No clue-hopefully Natasha doesn't get deported.

4. I love the time machine question. If you had access to one, where and when would you go and why?
I would go back to second grade (favorite teacher) and use the knowledge I have to change my life and to help others to have a better life. Of course I'd have to stay back in that time period and progress forward to accomplish that.

5. What about the question of love? Do you believe in it? (Sorry about the Cher song ear-worm). Do you think that it can be proved scientifically? Do you think it would make any difference in how we experience it if it could be proven?
I do believe in love. I skeptical about it being proved scientifically. I think it would be more mechanical instead of heartfelt. BTW I have to add this quote from The Princess Bride: And wuv, twue wuv, will fowwow you foweva…
So tweasure your wuv—

7. For those with a love for science and/or poetry, did the epigraphs from Sagan and Eliot at the very beginning of the book hold any special meaning for you? How about after you started reading the book?
Hasn't done anything for me yet.

👍🏻thanks Judith!

Sorry it’s so slow that’s not what you need this week. Did you get your a/c back? I’m sorry you’re having such a rough week.

I’ve got a backlog of Elin Hilderbrand books to read and I just happened to get The Beach Club from the library which is her first book. 😃

Sure that sounds great!

Finished both of my countdown books. I’m going to start a spell it out book but I’ll save the last chapter until everyone finishes the countdown and round 1. For a team that wanted to take it easy we sure reading a lot and quickly lol

That sounds like a good idea, I think it’ll be easier to keep track that way. I finished one of mine and marked it on there already. We have to read all of these 10 before we can move on right?

You go for it Judith! I have my second book to finish and I’ll find something else to work on. No worries 😉

I’m almost done with my first book and should have the second completed tomorrow.

No worries Judith that’s great you had books that fit already.

That’s so great! I’m glad he’s doing so well! Yeah time flies when you’re having fun.

Lexi & Jenny you cant be that close to one another and not meet!