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

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

Day 6 DQs
Chpts 26-33 (End)

20. So Molly and Reid finally got together (not like we didn't see it coming) but I was surprised how it escalated so quickly. Talking about sex already, after Molly's first kiss ever? And not wanting to take things slow? What did you make of this?
It seemed a little rushed to me but maybe that's how the teen dating world is these days. Also, it seems like Molly is trying to catch up to the rest of her friends and sister so maybe that's why it's on her brain so much.


21. Frankly my parents never gave me the dreaded sex or birth control talk so reading or hearing about them always makes me laugh. As much as I enjoyed that scene, do you think Patty jumped the gun with this considering how new the relationship between Reid and Molly was and that Molly had never had a boyfriend before?
I think she was justified in saying something.


22. We've seen how the relationship between Cassie and Molly has changed and how they have started to grow apart. Molly realizes how inevitable it is and believes that change is "the most basic of all tragedies." Do you agree with this?
Not necessarily change can be for the good as well

23. I loved Molly's transformation from the beginning of the story. She gained more confidence, found her own voice and became more comfortable in her own skin. Overall how do you feel the author did in dealing with these issues?
I think she did pretty well.


24. Going into this (& not really remembering the synopsis), I think I had different expectations for this story because of the title. What do you think of the choice of title and how it related to the story?
It's a memorable title but I don't think it works for this book.

25. How did you like the book? Thoughts, feelings? Any characters you most related to?
I thought it was good overall. I needed something completely different to read and this fit the bill

👏🏻Congratulations Lexi! I know you have a lot going on right now. I don’t know how you’re doing everything you’re doing.

Thanks Lexi, I’m sure they’ll fill it out when they complete reading it

I need to apologize to whoever claimed the first “S” on the spreadsheet. I thought it had loaded on my computer so I started putting the info for my book in before I realized it hadn’t loaded. Sorry-it’s missing the member name and title. 🤦🏼‍♀️

Just finished Lethal White.
Eni, I’m sorry you’re sick 🤒 I hope you feel better!

Eni wrote: "Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "Just finished BOM discussion questions for both books for the first four days. I also updated the ss with the word and the points."

yeah i saw :p thanks!

Did you ..."

Nope! I'm still reading it. I'll have it done by tomorrow. I work long hours so a book that long takes me awhile to get through. I generally tend to stick to shorter stuff during the work week-easier to carry around. I'm off today and tomorrow and am planning on knocking it out. It's a really good book (all of this series is) it's just slow reading.

Just finished BOM discussion questions for both books for the first four days. I also updated the ss with the word and the points.

Day 5
Chapters 19-25

15. The group decided to have a sleepover with Will bringing alcohol and later we find out he was puking in the middle of the night without any of the others noticing. There were quite a few things that bugged me in this particular chapter, but what are your thoughts on the sleepover and the conversations they had?
The sleepover was weird, especially when Molly was in between Will and Reid. I felt like she was being put on the spot and forced to choose. I think she really didn't know what she wanted at that point and was only trying to do what she felt was expected of her as far as the boys were concerned. I think she felt Cassie wanted her to be with Will because he's Mina's best friend and it would win her points with Mina if the relationship happened and also win Molly points with Cassie.

16. Molly likes Will. Molly likes Reid. Does Will like Molly? Does Reid like Molly? Oh wait, apparently Reid likes Olivia. And Olivia likes Reid. But then they don't, and Will actually likes Mina. WHAT. A. MESS. And we're not even at the end of the book yet.
Why do you think the author did this? Did they want to confuse us? Or were they trying to make the book a bit longer and hopefully more interesting?
I think she was just trying to show how fickle teens can be.
17. Abby seems to know Molly better than anyone else does (even better than Cassie, it seems), so why has it taken so long for us to finally witness a proper conversation between them??
I have no clue other than teens are so into texting instead of actually have a conversation on the phone or in person.

18. We haven't learned much about Max yet. He just seems like a random side character even though he's always with the group. He's part of the group. Do you want to find out more about him and do you think we will?
He's a secondary character. I don't really care either way.

19. We have read about Molly being in a daze a few times now which could have to do with her anxiety or maybe even some other mental health disorder(s). Can you relate to that in any way, and do you think her issues lie deeper than previously thought?
I think she is a typical teen. I'm not completely on board with teens being on anti-depressants. She doesn't sound like she needs them. She seems like a normal moody teen. Teens are in their own little self-absorbed worlds which is probably why seems to be in a daze.

Day 4
Ch 12-18

10. In Chapter 12 Molly is given a make over and the girls go hang out with the boys, where she drinks for her first time. Do you remember your first drink? What do you think about drunken Cassie speaking so loudly about Molly crushing on Will? What do you think about Molly drinking even though she's taking pills?
My parents were very open about drinking. They weren't really much of drinkers. My Mom has about 1 or 2 drinks a year and my Dad now it enjoys it more so. Growing up though on Saturday nights they would do a big dinner, generally steak and all the fixings including a bottle of wine. They always gave me a small glass. I think this is what kept me from being crazy when I got older. It was never restricted per se but it also wasn't flowing freely. I think it made me more responsible about alcohol. I think that was pretty obnoxious of Cassie. I found her overall to be an obnoxious character. I also think it was pretty irresponsible of Molly to drink knowing the side effects of Zoloft. I understand that she was trying to fit in though. Peer pressure is a demon!

11. On the fourth of July, Reid and Molly hang out and we "see" sparks fly between them. The author seems to be giving a lot more dialogue between Molly and Reid than between Molly and Will. Do you think she's steering us into rooting for Reid?
Absolutely!

12. Cassie blows up at her mom for grounding her. How do you feel about her clear change in behaviour and her "obsession" with Mina?
I think it's growing pains. She's a teenager who's finally starting to act like a teenager. She hung in the wings before and now she's taking part. The obsession with Mina is weird but it goes back to feeling like she's being replaced.

13. We are introduced to Mina's parents and they seem pretty chill and cool. However it seems like Mina hasn't told them she is dating Cassie. Since she seems to have a good relationship with them, why do you think she hasn't told them?
She probably feels they wouldn't be accepting.

14. Molly finally blows up with Cassie and tells her what she thinks. She also realizes she has a big crush on Reid, however she is reluctant to think about dating him over Mina's comment. What do you think about Molly's actions at the party?
I thought it was terrible of Mina to say what she did about Reid. She had no right to do that. It was extremely immature on her part. I think it was terrible of Cassie to just expect Molly to do what she wants her to do as if she's her little puppet. I think Molly was justified for getting upset at Cassie and Mina.

Eni wrote: "I am currently reading Harry Potter #1, which counts for classic, so no worries. I'll have it finished by tomorrow.

Annalisa i did notice that. I also mentioned it. But it should be fine. I rathe..."

Great! I was going to read A Clockwork Orange to replace Dune. I may still read it but not finish it until the last minute in case we don't need it this week.

Lexi wrote: "Thank you, Rebecca"

You're welcome! You've saved me many a time.

No worries Lexi we’ve got you covered. Get some rest. I should be able to get a short one in. I’m off today and tomorrow. The thing I have going on is I’m getting my “hair did”. My hairdresser is lightning quick. He’s a hair superhero!

Yep put me down for two horror books. You know me well Lexi lol

I’m good with it!

Day 2 - chapters 7 - 11

6. In chapter 7 it dawns on Molly that whilst she's never been kissed she's also never been rejected, and she starts to wonder about that. I was surprised that it was such a revelation to her. Do you think she'll be able to start to act differently now, take chances and be open to rejection?
I don't think she'll act differently unless she becomes aggressive with taking chances. I think her feelings will be badly hurt by rejection but I also think she'll bounce back. You can't miss something you never had before.

7. Reid takes Molly to the supermarket and plays the supermarket game - guess the songs that will be played. It turns out Molly is pretty good at the game. Do you do anything similar or have secret skills at obscure games? How do you like the developing friendship with Reid?
I seem to be able to make calls for baseball games before they happen. I guess it's just educated guesses as far as knowing how a batter generally bats, how good a fielder is or what pitch a pitcher might throw. I freak my friends out sometimes with my calls lol
The friendship with Reid is cool. I like that he seems to be a little more her speed. He's kind of nerdy and seems to be a responsible guy in that he has a job even though it's his parents shop. He could still be lazy about it. I think she needs someone who's a little less experienced and I get that vibe from him.

8. We see a lot more of Molly's family in this section, including her Grandma! What do you think of the family dynamics?
The family dynamics seems good. It's not your standard family but it still functions as one. The two moms seem caring and involved in the girls lives. There's always one cuckoo in every family and Grandma just happens to be that person. I think she's more about shock value than anything.

9. Cassie announces her new relationship via Facebook update, and doesn't tell Molly directly. Does this change how you feel about Cassie? Molly?
I've had weird feelings about Cassie from the get go. She seems at times to be very self involved and other times definitely wants to look out for her sister. I think she should have told Molly before she posted it but that's teenagers. She was probably caught up in the moment of a new relationship and just didn't think about it.

Thanks Lexi!

Just switched to the other version. I’ll update it on the ss tonight when I do the first round of questions for it

That little sneak! I hope she’s feeling better now.

Yes she does! I always know there’s going to be a new book each fall. Now that she’s doing some other series there’s even more to look forward to.

Reading for Team When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

16 June
Chapters 1-6

1. Have you read anything by this author before? Do you have a favourite? If not, why did you decide to join the read?

No, the book looked interesting and I keep seeing the author's name pop up for other books.

2. Molly has a "generic face" and finds people always think they know her. **I have this exact problem!!** Is it just me? Do strangers often try and work out how they know you?
I don't have the generic face problem but I do have the generic personality issue. It doesn't happen too often but I come in contact with A LOT of people everyday and every once in awhile someone will say you remind me of my cousin, my neighbour etc.

3. Reading about Becky Albernatti, she was a child psychologist who decided to start writing after she had her first child and claims Jaclyn Moriarty as her writing inspiration. If you wrote a book, which author would be your inspiration?
So many to choose from. I guess I would have to say Janet Evanovich. I love the slap stick comedy/romance/mystery that she provides. I always love a good laugh in a book and it's hard to get me to laugh out loud when reading but her books do it for me.

4. It always intrigues me when adult authors are able to write well with a teenage voice. I guess Becky's work background helps. Do you think she is accurate in her portrayal of teens?
I think she's fairly accurate. You can't put all teens in a box. Everyone is different. I do think her work gives her some insight has to how they think but I know that they aren't giving up everything to her.

5. So we are setting up for the Will v Reid decision. Seems an easy one to me. Who do you prefer?
I think so far I'm picking Reid. He seems more her speed and style. Although the jury is still out on Will.