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

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

How’s Cameron doing, Judith?

I’m so sorry that has to be absolutely miserable! I think you should go get two extra large ice creams.

Can’t wait to get this started I’m in between books right now

Way to go team WHSPR!

Just finished Good Omens. I already had 3 days of BOM questions done for it. SS is updated.

Thanks everyone for a great challenge!

Day 3: Thursday and Friday

10: How do you think the baby mix up influenced how Adam turned out? Or was the mix up what was really supposed to happen in going with the theme of all actions and events being part of a divine plan?
I think it made him into a rather normal human being.

11: Crowley and Aziraphale tried to shape the upbringing of the Anti Christ only to have the wrong kid. Do you think Adam would have discovered his powers earlier if they had been influencing him instead?
More than likely. He already had been doing things like changing the weather.

12: Do you think Anathema knew that Adam might have special abilities when she met him? Was that why she gave him the reading material?
No, I think she just thought he might like to read them.

13: Like me, were you worried about what had happened to the 3rd baby? What did you think when you read the little size piece about Greasy?
I was concerned but I'm glad that he's ok.

14: There are some secondary characters that seem to have no real purpose in the book yet: Raven, Newt and Shadwell for example. Do you have any theories as to the parts they will play in stopping or helping the impending Armageddon?
I don't think these two authors would put characters in their books without having a reason for them. I definitely think they are going to come in handy (or maybe not so handy) when Armageddon rolls around.

DQs Day 2: Wednesday

5. Aziraphale and Crowley discover that Warlock isn't the antichrist and are in search of the real antichrist; why do you think they didn't catch on to this earlier?
I think they didn't catch on because they didn't know another child had been born at the same time at the same place.

6. The manor is just a little different than when the babies were born (hehe). How do you like Mary Hodges changes? Is the portrayal of corporate retreats accurately reflected?
I found the changes hilarious! To go from a hospital run by satanic nuns to a corporate retreat is ingenious. I find team building/corporate retreats to always be ridiculously over the top and this just takes it to the next level.

7. Aziraphale is excited to have the very rare book of prophecies in his hands and treats it with utmost care; does his love of books endear him to you more (well, his upgrade of Anathema's bike also made me smile at him)?
Yes, I definitely think so. I'm terrible about the condition of my books-no cracked spines, no cheetos/doritos eating while I'm reading, if its leaving the house it goes in a plastic bag just in case there's a sudden rainstorm. I can be quite obsessive. It drives everyone around me nuts but I feel that the author put a lot of work into writing the book and that needs to be respected.

8. War is on vacation; this scene is packed with nuances, but we get the sense of impending doom; what do you think the lords of hell add to the story, do you like it?
It was ok and I think it was a necessary element of the story but it's not one of my favorite parts.

9. Keeping Cat's theme going, what is your favorite quote from this section?

“I don’t recognize this,”

“What is it?”

“It’s Tchaikovsky’s ‘Another One Bites the Dust’,” said Crowley, closing his eyes as they went through Slough. To while away the time as they crossed the sleeping Chilterns, they also listened to William Byrd’s “We Are the Champions” and Beethoven’s “I Want to Break Free.” Neither were as good as Vaughn William’s “Fat-Bottomed Girls.”
I like all the references to Queen and Freddie Mercury. Any of the song references are hilarious to think about them being played as classical music. I mean can you imagine hearing "Another One Bites the Dust" being played to the tune of the 1812 Overture by Tchaivosky? BWAHAHAHAHA!

DQs Day 1: In the Beginning - Eleven Years Ago

1. What's prompted you to pick up the book (except BOM points!)? Is it a first time read, a reread, a rereread, because of the mini-series?
It's a first time read. I've haven't read anything by either of these authors but now I'm thinking I might need to.

2. I really enjoy the humour in the book, but am aware it's a very British sort of humour. Do you find it funny? Any stand out lines so far?
I do find it funny. I enjoy sarcastic, tongue in cheek humor. I've just been laughing along with it.

3. In the very first section the angel and demon discuss whether the two actions they took in the Garden of Eden (tempting of the apple and giving up the sword) are actually actions for the opposite team: is it good for humanity to have knowledge? Do you have a view?
Knowledge is good but it can also be destructive. Sometimes the more you know the better, sometimes the more you know the worse. The more you know the more you want to know,

4. The best part about this section, imo, is the frenemies relationship between Aziraphale & Crowley. Do you enjoy it? Do you have a favourite of the two?
I like them both equally. They play well off one another. IF I had to choose one over the other I would say Aziraphale right now because of his bookstore.

I just started it today but I’ll have it and the BOM questions finished by the deadline

Burn baby burn 🔥

DQs - Part Four

17. Henry’s character has turned out to be a bit of a conundrum to me. What do you think has contributed to him using and manipulating people the way he does? Were you surprised at the end of the book when he was being praised as a hero? Do you think Kelton and Alyssa should have spoke up about his dishonesty?
I think it was his own survival mechanism. It didn't surprise me and no why say anything. They don't have any way to prove that he was or wasn't there. Someone lucid enough will eventually come forward and say "Who are you?" and the game will be over for him. That's the way these usually pan out.

18. Alyssa finds out that Kelton spied on her back in 8th grade and in this section, she slaps him on the face hard. Did you think her behavior was appropriate given the amount of time that passed? Would you have handled it differently?
I can understand that she was upset, it was an invasion of her privacy and whether it happened today, yesterday or years ago it still happened. I think the way she reacted was normal and I probably would have done the same thing.

19. Hell and High Water—In this part our band of survivors experience all kinds of ‘hell’. Henry leaves his friends ‘high and dry’…betraying them…getting them almost killed...again. Kelton shoots the two brothers who were attempting to rape Alyssa and manhandle Jacqui and Garret. Alyssa displays her worst self with the mother of the two men, leaving her to perish in the fire and Alyssa almost ‘mercy’ kills her brother. What were your thoughts about any/all of these circumstances? Were the situations realistic? What do you think they could have done differently?
Since the book was written for the drama and the story I think it was a bit hyped up more than a real situation might be. I think I probably would have done the same thing. Kelton had to protect the girls and there was nothing Alyssa could have done with the mother.

20. A New Normal—When a person goes through something ‘traumatic’ you are bound to be affected in some way…this chapter gives us a glimpse of how the characters have been impacted/changed. What character’s change had the biggest impact on you? Have you ever experienced an event that changed how you see or do things? Do you think it takes something dramatic to get people to ‘wake up’ and make necessary changes?
I would have to say Alyssa but she's really the only one that the authors go in depth on. Her way of thinking is probably how others are now thinking as well. I do think it takes something completely life changing for people to get on board many times. Unless it happens to them they either don't care or are passionate for the opposition.

21. Do you think anyone is to blame for the way this disaster unraveled? Could it have been diverted?
I blame the politicians and their greed and complacency. There are plenty of things that could have been done to get ready for the potential stoppage. More desalination stations, more shelters, more public awareness of the situation...

22. Will this story impact how you use water? If so why, and what will you plan to do differently?
I honestly had already been thinking before reading this how cool is it that you turn on the tap and water just comes flowing out anytime we want. I think of people in some third world countries who have never and may never experience this. I don't think I will be changing anything though. I'm already very careful with water usage.

Day 3 DQs


11. With the introduction of Henry we see a similar situation as the McCracken's, with Henry holding a stockpile of water and his neighbors in desperate need. Why do you think Henry's neighbors didn't attack or steal what they needed from him? He was only a teenager after all and he was alone.
I think they didn't get desperate until they got sick. Also, he was willing to trade although his trades were pretty large but when you need a necessity for life you become desperate and willing to trade things you normally never would have parted with.


12. What did you make of Henry? Would you have allowed him to join your group? Do you think they would have made it as far as they have without him?
He gave me a bad vibe from the get go. It's hard to say if I would have allowed him to join. I think just because we would all be in the fight to find water together I would probably allow him to hoping that he would be able to contribute and not be selfish. I think they would have because Kelton was doing the navigation. He also seemed very knowledgeable about survival methods. I think Kelton was the greatest asset to the group.

13. In times of crisis people will do just about anything out of desperation, which we see with Hali in the Target parking lot. How do you think you would handle something like this?
It was a sad situation and one that was very tough to stomach but at the same time very true. People are like that, they are selfish.


14. I was shocked to learn that Jacqui had left a bottle of the antibiotics for Herb and Daphne. Did this change your opinion of her?
It did because up til that point I really didn't care for her.


15. We meet Water Angel's group, who are civilized and working together to survive. Henry compares it to communism and doesn't think it will last. Do you agree that it's only a short-term solution and that they will eventually turn on each other?
I'm hoping that the water will come back on before they have a chance to get that far. I think what they have for the time being works. People are getting sicker so it's easier to brainwash/convince them of things to keep them believing and being persuaded to do the biding of Water Angel.


16. Trust is a big issue that comes up again and again. Do you think Jacqui and Henry have proven themselves to be trustworthy? What about Alyssa and Kelton (despite the past drone incident)?
Out this group I would trust Alyssa and Kelton but not implicitly and Jacqui more so than Henry. He's just skeevy.

Day 2 Questions

6. The power plant vignettes at the beginning of part two are intriguing. We have the activist assuming the water is destined for the wealthy, the water guy just trying to do his job, and the plant manager trying to keep the power on and take care of his workers. With which side did you sympathize?
I think all three of them are trying their best to do what they feel is right.

7. Why do think the author has both of Alyssa and Garrett's parents go to the water desalination center at the beach? Do you think the events on the beach are realistic or over the top?
I feel they didn't think it would be as bad down there as it was. They didn't want to split up because they felt two adults were better than one or one with a kid. Mob mentality is crazy is stuff so it was probably pretty realistic.

8. Kelton states, "Things are gonna fall apart pretty quickly now... Critical services shutting down, unreliable communication--any minute now it'll all give way to urban Darwinism." Do you think the view is too pessimistic, too optimistic, or on track? Why?
I think Kelton's thinking is correct. He's a smart kid.

9. Jacqui comes into the story in this section as a new main character. What do you think of the addition of her character? Have you changed your opinion of either Alyssa or Kelton now that we have reached the halfway point?
I'm not sure that I like Jacqui. She seems a little too rogue and selfish. I'm still liking the other two.

10. I have a few problems with the mob scene and the events as they play out at Kelton's house at the end of the section. Did the sequence of events seems reasonable to you? Why or why not?
I kind of felt like it was a zombie apocalypse scene. I think that the Dad fired too soon knowing that his other son was probably on his way and since he heard the key in the lock. He knew that Brady was the only one who knew where the key was at and I doubt that anyone else could have found it with the doomsday plan in place. The key hiding place seemed pretty ingenious. The Dad was all worked up and couldn't think clearly anymore.

Day One: Part One

1. Living in southwest United States, I'm very familiar with droughts and water rights, so this hits close to home! Do you enjoy dystopia novels that have an element of truth to them or do you prefer pure fiction? Why or why not?
I'll be honest I'm not a big fan of dystopian novels. I do like that this has an element of truth though.

2. Kelton discusses three types of people, sheep, wolves, and herders; do you believe humans truly fall into these roles during challenging times?
I would say he probably is correct. I haven't had first hand experience with this per se but everyone has different levels of dealing with a situation. Some are leaders, some are followers and some people freak out and can't handle it.

3. What do you think of Kelton and Alyssa as the MCs of this story so far?
They are likable characters. I haven't found anything annoying about them. They seem like they will develop nicely.

4. Near the end of this section, Kelton's dad tells a neighbor, "as if your lack of foresight is my fault", how do you feel about this, do you agree?
I feel you always have to be prepared to a degree for a crisis. Everyone knew that the water was drying up for awhile and could have stocked up but they chose to ignore this because they probably felt there was no way it could actually happen.

5. I'm enjoying how the vignettes add a little something different to the story, the reporter and the family at the airport offer a different lense about the events, what are your thoughts?
I agree. It gives you a sense of what is happening outside of Kelton and Alyssa's neighborhood.

I’ll move Dry to a Z. I found a Z character in it 😃

I just finished reading two of the BOMS and the questions for this week. I'm going to try to get Dry and Good Omens done for next week. What to read next for this week?...

Day 5
Novice - End
21. As Rosie battles the crisis of being a doctor in a hospital in the middle of a jungle with less than enough resources at hand, Claude/Poppy is thrust into a school to teach English to the kids there, which are very different from what she is used to - much simpler, maybe. If you had an opportunity to go to a place like that, would you take it? Do you think it would be life-changing for you? If yes/no, why?
I don't know that I could do it. I'm such a creature of comfort and a germaphobe. I would like to think that I could go and help others somewhere remote but I just don't know if I would be able to get out of my comfort zone.

22. What did you think of the ending? Did you think Aggie and Poppy would make up? What about Penn selling his fairytale - do you think that is a story that you would read yourself or would read to your children, about Grumwald who was a prince and a princess at the same time?
I said earlier that this is type of book that Penn should be writing and lol and behold that is what he ended up writing and it sold. I don't know that I would read it. I think it would resonate with a certain type of audience though. I thought the ending was ok. It left a lot to the imagination as to Poppy's future. I wasn't sure that she and Aggie would make up but I hoped they would.

23. I especially liked the end chapter where his/her story is drawn out, a metaphor for everything Poppy went through. Did you think it was a good addition to the book? And what about the moral: 'story is the best magic there is'. Do you agree/disagree?
I agree that stories are the best magic. You can write/imagine whatever you want and that makes it magical. I guess it was a good metaphor by the last chapter I was ready to be done with the book.

24. All in all, did you enjoy the book? How would you rate it?
I gave it three stars. It was ok. I got kind of annoyed that it was so drawn out and the POV got to me after awhile.

Day 4 - Who Knows? - Aid Ambiguous


16. Throughout the book Penn has used fairy tales to explore the issues in their lives. Did you enjoy this approach?
I did, I also thought that maybe that should be the type of book he should be writing.


17. All 4 boys admitted to telling Poppy's secret. Were you surprised by this? And how did you feel when it was later revealed how Poppy was outed?
No, because I think they all felt terrible about any little slips they made. They wanted to give Poppy and their parents someone to blame. I was angry because they woman should not have read the file and should not have discussed it with her husband. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree considering how Marnie acts.


18. Up to this point I really enjoyed the scenes with Mr. Tongo. What did you think of his guidance to Penn and Rosie? Do you believe that by sheltering Poppy they hindered her development?
I thought Mr Tongo was a fun character who has probably seen a lot things in his tenure. I don't think they hindered her development in the slightest. I think they gave her the chance to discover who she is and embrace it.


19. On the one hand we have Penn enthusiastically researching vaginoplasty for Poppy's future, but on the other we have Rosie more along the lines of making decisions based on the present. Considering that Poppy is only 10 and taking into account the events leading up to this discussion, which side did you most agree with?
I think as a parent you always want to be able to put a quick fix on any problems your children have. I think Penn thought that by changing Poppy's genitalia that everything would be fixed not necessarily so. Rosie is more clinical in her thinking since she is a doctor. I didn't agree with either one. I felt that it was a discussion that needed to be had between the two of them with as many facts about all the choices and then presented to Poppy to make the ultimate decision. Nothing needed to be done quickly.


20. Unexpectedly Rosie decided to work at the clinic in Thailand and to take Claude/Poppy with her. Did you think this was the right thing to do for Claude/Poppy? For her family?
I think Rosie thinks that getting away with Poppy will give her time to think decide what will make her most happy. I also think Rosie wanted to show Poppy another side of life with different struggles. Give her time to think.

DQs Day 3 - Everyone Who? - Hedge Enemies

11. The description of them unpacking - pictures on wall first - is so true to me: pictures on the wall, books on shelves and the rest can wait. Do you unpack like that? More widely, did you enjoy the information about the family settling into the new neighbourhood?
Books on shelves first the rest can wait. I liked the information it gave insight as to what type of neighborhood they had moved into.

12. Rosie is having difficulties settling into the new job, and the senior partner's slightly wonky (but oh-so-real) view about how flexible working actually functions. Do you enjoy that Frankel is bringing in adult life issues wider than just parenting a trans kid?
I think she had to bring in other issues to show that Poppy wasn't the only thing the parents were dealing with. There are 4 other kids, a job, and life in general.

13. Roo.... poor Roo. What did you think about his video project when you first read about it? How did you feel by the end of the section? Any thoughts on how Roo's story will pan out?
At first I thought he was angry at his parents for all the attention being placed on Poppy but then I started to think there had to more to the story than meets the eye.

14. The last chapter has a discussion about gender pay equality, and Rosie realises that Poppy had no idea about this, and wonders if they have done her a disservice by sheltering her too much from equality issues. Do you agree? Do you think it's realistic that Poppy wouldn't know?
I definitely feel it's realistic that she wouldn't have known she's a little kid and little kids don't worry about those things. In there eyes all things are equal. I don't think they've done a disservice I think they have sheltered her as all parents shelter their children from the outside world.

15. I find the narrator's voice slightly odd: it veers from a high-level view down into intimate POV, and chucks in a whole load of Ominous Warnings of Impending Doom. Are you enjoying the writing style?
It's different-I don't love it but I also don't hate it.

DQs Day 2: Maybe to Rival Neighbor Princess

6.) The adults in this book have a wide range of reactions to Claude. You have the fun Mr. Tongo, the principle, Victoria Revels, Miss Appleton, the gun totting Nick, the horrible Cindy (who risks a kid's life like that!?!) and their reactions to Claude vary drastically. Thinking about these characters, I keep going back to the quote "At home Claude is loved no matter what. At school, sometimes it feels the opposite: you are not loved no matter what."
What do you think about this quote, is it true? What does the reactions of the older kids and adults versus the younger kids say about society?
I agree that at home you are loved and you never know in society. Home is where you should be accepted unconditionally. Maybe others in the family don't agree with you but they still love and accept you. Younger kids don't know any different and it's a beautiful thing. They don't see skin color or demographic all they see is another kid who might be fun to play with. The rest comes later when the parents/society teaches them what they should think (or maybe shouldn't think). Opinions and prejudices are pressed into their little minds when what they had before was true and pure love for another.

7.) In this section we learn where the title comes from. Do you agree with Penn's statement?
I do because life can be a mess and you sometimes just have to roll with the punches.

8.) Claude chooses his new name, and as new names are wont to do, a new identity. Were you surprised at his choice? Do you think it was a good choice? Or a foreshadow of danger ahead?
No, I really wasn't surprised. I knew it wouldn't be a form of Claude and he seems like a very introspective person so choosing Poppy seemed very likely. I think it was an excellent choice. It was the name of a beloved family member and he is choosing to remember her by honoring her and choosing her name. The whole book seemed to foreshadow danger ahead. I keep waiting for the moment when someone finds out the secret.

9.) Do you agree with Rosie's decision to move the family? Do you think problems will crop up with Roo in their new home with how attached he was to life in WI?
I do agree. I think a fresh start was the way to go. She felt the need to protect her baby. I definitely think there will be problems but I also think there would problems if they stayed in WI. He's a teenager-they're moody, broody and problematic no matter where they are.

10.) What are your thoughts on keeping Claude/Poppy's gender secret in their new home? How do you think the truth will come out? When it does, what do you think will happen to Poppy?
I 'm not sure how I feel about this, although a fresh start was why the move took place. Poppy needed to have a chance to establish her identity without all the stigmas of the people around her in WI that were toxic. Someone will slip eventually. It's hard to keep secrets. I think she'll self-destruct but come out stronger.

ay 1: Start - Halloween

1. Did you have any preconcieved ideas about this book before you started, what where they?
No, I went into it open minded. I don't normally read this type of book so I hoped it would be good.

2. Rosie shares with us the continued pursuit of having a daughter and possibly having a version of her little sister Poppy in that daughter, what was your reaction to that?
I understand where she comes from. She's outnumbered by males in her family and she misses her sister.

3. What do you think of Rosie and Penn's parenting style so far?
I think it's great! Embrace the child and their feelings. Even though they are a little person they have feelings and ideas as well. I feel as long as it isn't hurting them or anyone else go with it.

4. I'm loving grandma, she doesn't even blink twice when Claude wants a bikini; what do you think would help Claude most, letting him wear bikini and dress in public or restricting him to only wear those at home?
I think being able to dress however he likes would help him the most.

5. It breaks my heart when Penn shows Rosie the drawings Claude has made of the family, where he is getting smaller with every drawing. What should they do?
Have a talk with Claude, maybe take him to therapy.