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

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

Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "Alysa wrote: "Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "Do I need to do anything for Crazy Rich Asians since it's a book of the month? i.e. answer questions”

Yes, you need to answer questions/“participate”..."

Completed all 3 days of DQ's.

DQs Part 3

14. Part 3 labels its chapters with locations, rather than the POVs used in the previous parts. Why do you think this is? Did you notice the change? Do you have a preference?
I don't think I even noticed the change. I should have paid more attention. The story seemed like it kept the same flow as before.

15. We see the outcome of three different relationships in this section: Alistair and Kitty; Astrid and Michael and of course Nick & Rachel, plus – of course – the flashback to Rachel’s mum’s experience of love and marriage across the money divide. What do you think Kwan is saying about the power and influence of money on relationships? Do you think the parents are reasonable in their view point, that you have to come from money to fit into the lifestyle? Can you see a happy ending in the future for Astrid, Michael, Rachel & Nick?
I think that Kwan is saying that it is very hard to crossover to either not coming from money to having money and from having money to not having money. It definitely puts on a strain on the relationship either way. Lottery winners are a prime example of this. Are you ever truly accepted once you win the lottery? You always have to be on the lookout for all the people trying to take advantage. I'm not saying that you couldn't fit the lifestyle it just might be difficult. I think Rachel & Nick will definitely make it.

16. Kwan uses this book to expose the foibles of the Asian super-rich elite, from extravagant weddings and conspicuous consumption to the snobbery within the families. Do you think the book is successful in its social satire?
My best friend is Chinese and I have seen how it is in these families first hand. I definitely feel this book is very successful in relaying the social satire. I have many stories that I can compare.

17. Obviously this has been made into a movie – have you seen it? What do you think will work well? And less well?
No, I haven't seen the movie. I think the movie will be even more over the top as far as personalities and gossiping goes. I don't think the actual vibe of the book will carry over.

18. This is the first in a trilogy – will you read the next books in the series?
more than likely but I might wait a bit

Discussion Questions
Part Two Chapters 1-18

1. How do you feel about Michael's desire, early in his marriage, to live independently from Astrid's family fortune by selecting to live in a place he could afford to buy, even though it was far below Astrid's accustomed lifestyle? How much weight do their different economic backgrounds carry as the reason Michael cheats on Rachel? Were you surprised to learn that Astrid had not told Michael about the other properties she owns?
I understand why Michael feels the way he does. He wants to show everyone that he can provide for his family. I think that it weighs heavily on Michael that they are from such economically different backgrounds. I don't think hr realizes the full extent though how different they are. I'm not surprised that Astrid did not tell him. I think there were a lot of things that she hid from him just as he hid a lot of things from her.

2. It seems as if Amanda's mother, Jacqueline, is vying to set up Amanda with Nick. At the end of chapter 7, Eleanor is feeling "the stars are beginning to align". How do you think this could impact the story?
I didn't think it would impact the story much only in that Nick would be annoyed by his mother and her friend interfering.

3. Rachel isn't fitting in very well at the bachelorette party. Do you think Araminta is aware of how rude the girls are being to Rachel? Whose side do you think Araminta will take if forced to choose?
I think Araminta was clueless. She seems from what little we see of her personality to be a very kind, down to earth person. I think she would be very upset if she knew what has happened. I think she would take Rachel's side. She was very kind in her introduction of Rachel when everyone gathered for the party.

4. We learn Bernard has a history of bullying Nick and others from the time they were young and hasn't matured or changed over the years. Give your reaction as to the bachelor party and the solution Nick devises for Colin, Alistair, and Mehmet to escape the yacht.
I think the bachelor party was more of a party for Bernard and his friends rather than for Colin. I think it was brilliant of Nick to come up with the escape plan. The part B bachelor party was more to Colin's liking.
5. After her accident, Astrid confronts Michael about his cheating. Astrid is ready to hear the truth, forgive Michael, and work on making their marriage happy, but instead Michael quickly packs his bag and leaves. Do you think this move is final? Will Astrid continue to pursue him? Will Michael change his mind and return to her?
I think they are both living in a fantasy world and have been since the start of their relationship. They both need to come clean.

6. What do you think Eleanor means on the last page of the final chapter for Part Two when she states, "We should all just sit back and watch, because things are about to get interesting."
Eleanor thinks she is going to be able to break up Rachel and Nick. She is plotting and scheming and thinks things are going to start rolling to end the relationship.

7. Have you enjoyed the book thus far? What is your prediction on how the book might end?
I already finished the book but it ended about the way I thought it would.

Discussion Questions for Day 1
Prologue & Chapters 1-18 (Part 1)

1. In the prologue, Reginald Ormsby wouldn't let Eleanor, Felicity, Alexandra and their families stay at the hotel. What do you think the author was trying to say with this opening? Were you surprised at how the situation was resolved?
Not at all surprised. I knew there had to be some sort of bang to set the tone of how outrageously rich the characters are. I think the author was trying to show how people are misjudged based off their race or clothing. I think he wanted to set the tone for how he has been treated in the past or has seen others being treated.

2. The second encounter with Eleanor Young in chapter 2 seems completely at odds with the woman introduced in the prologue. What are your first impressions of Eleanor as a person? as a wife and mother?
Eleanor is a woman of many facets. She is fiercely loyal to her family but has certain expectations that she feels must be met. She is a mother first and foremost and no matter what she doesn't feel anyone would ever be good enough for her son. I find it funny though that she goes to bible study and acts the way she does. Very contradictory!
3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?
I think wants to be incognito and live a "normal" life. He loves his family and their ostentatiousness, but at the same time he likes blending in with the crowd. I think he is living in a fantasy world by not telling Rachel at least something about his background and has totally blindsided her. He probably should have followed Astrid's advice to a point.

4. Rachel has clearly made several incorrect assumptions about Nicholas and his family. Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?
I think Rachel was thinking "what the hell have I gotten myself into?" when she was going up the drive to Tyersall Park. I was very surprised that Peik Lin and her family had never heard of the Young's or Tyersall Park. You would think with as much gossiping about families that there would have been something out there mythical about the Young's.

5. Astrid's return from Paris has not at all gone as expected. What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?
Astrid is living in a fantasy world herself. She wants everything to be perfect but is actually making her life worse by flitting around the world on trips and not being with her husband and son. I feel sorry for both her and Michael because they are both unhappy people, more so for Astrid though because you never expect the one you love to have cheated on you for so long. I felt some sympathy for Michael at the lunch because it has to be tough being an outsider in that family with the background he has.

6. Rachel clearly has an amazing relationship with her mother. What did you think about their relationship? Do you think it will make it easier or harder for her to understand Nicholas' family? What about her friendship with Peik Lin? Do you think it will help her interact with Nicholas' family?
I think it's nice that Rachel has the closeness she has with her mother. Her mother is very out of touch though with the Singaporean Chinese though because she has not been a part of that culture for a long time. She is old world Chinese. I think this hinders Rachel's understanding of Nicholas' family because her mother keeps giving her the wrong advice trying to be helpful. Her relationship with Peik Lin is DEFINTELY more helpful because Peik Lin comes from a similar background as Nick and Rachel has known her for a long time.

Alysa wrote: "Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "Do I need to do anything for Crazy Rich Asians since it's a book of the month? i.e. answer questions”

Yes, you need to answer questions/“participate” in discussion..."

Thanks Ashley, I'll do that right now.

I'm here (running into the room skidding across the floor)!

COMPLETION POST

The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye

Book: The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye by David Lagercrantz
Completed: 16-Nov
Pages: 10hr 50 min or 347p
Fits: T-title: The

Christmas Camp
Book: Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler
Completed: 16-Nov
Pages: 368
Fits: H-character: Haley Hansen

The Unexpected Wedding Guest

Book: The Unexpected Wedding Guest by Aimee Carson
Completed: 12 Nov
Pages: 220
Fits: U-title: Unexpected

Princess: A Private Novel
Book: Princess by James Patterson and Rees Jones
Completed: 15 Nov
Pages: 384
Fits: R-author:Rees Jones

Alaskan Holiday
Book: Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber
Completed: 13 Nov
Pages: 460 (large print)
Fits: A-title: Alaskan

Crazy Rich Asians
Book: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Completed: 17 Nov
Pages: 546 p
Fits: Y-character: Nicholas Young


I should have my other two books finished either tonight or hopefully in the morning. I'm so glad that I ordered the large print versions of a couple of the books because that really bumped the page count and I felt like I read them faster. LOL

Do I need to do anything for Crazy Rich Asians since it's a book of the month? i.e. answer questions

Ashley wrote: "Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Finished details on spreadsheet

Sorry about your trick Rebecca! I got sick on a cruise before too, it ..."

So do I! It’s so beautiful there. I think I’m going to try to plan one for in two years when my Dad turns 70. He’s been talking about it for awhile.

Ashley wrote: "Finished details on spreadsheet

Sorry about your trick Rebecca! I got sick on a cruise before too, it was awful"

Thanks Ashley! I'm sorry you got sick. Would you ever cruise again? I think I would just not with the company I just went on.

I just saw the team status. We are doing very well but I really feel like I need to majorly up my game. Hopefully, I can whiz through some books this week!

COMPLETION POST

Operation: Midnight Cowboy

Book: Operation: Midnight Cowboy by Linda Castillo
Completed: 10 Nov 2018
Pages: 256
Fits: O title

These are my last two books for this week. I also updated the spreadsheet to reflect them.
Overkilt

Book: Overkilt by Kaitlyn Dunnett
Completed: 10 Nov 2018
Pages: 304
Fits: O title

Alysa wrote: "OMG that’s sounds terrible! I am so sorry you got sick on your cruise!"

Thanks! I'm just glad I have good friends and I'm sorry that some of them got sick as well. No shrimp for a very long time hahaha

COMPLETION POST

Home Sweet Murder
Book: Home Sweet Murder by James Patterson with Andrew Bourelle
Completed: 8 Nov 2018
Pages: 297
Fits: Author's name starts with B-Bourelle

Scarlet Toys

Book: Scarlet Toys by S.M. Shade
Completed: 6 Nov 2018
Pages: 180
Fits: Character's name starts with L-Wyatt Lawson

Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America
Book: Devil in the Grove by Gilbert King
Completed: 9 Nov 2018
Pages: 434
Fits: D in title

I updated my changes on the spreadsheet since I had other books listed. I should have the two "O"'s done by morning. Sorry I wasn't able to read as much this week. Devil in the Grove really slowed me down...

Alysa wrote: "I hope Rebecca manages to get online -- she probably has so many books completed!
And has anyone heard from Megan?"

Sorry I hope I'm not letting anyone down. I think I'm only going to get 5 in this week. The cruise was miserable I got food poisoning on the first night and it went downhill from there. If it hadn't been for the friends I was with I think I would have jumped overboard lol Plus, I got Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America from the library in the mail while I was gone so I had to read that first thing because it's not renewable. It was a very detailed, information packed book, very sloooow reading. I'm so glad I read it but I'm also extremely glad to be finished with it! I'll post what I have so far.

Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "COMPLETION POST

Hitting the Books

Book: Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay
Completed: 27-Oct
Pages: 277
Fits: N:Lindsay Norris

Every Dog Has His Day

Book: Every ..."

COMPLETION POST
The 17th Suspect

Book: 17th Suspect by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
Completed: 1 Nov
Pages:351
Fits: Y:Yuki

Alysa wrote: "Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "Alysa wrote: "Has anyone heard from Rebecca? She hasn't finished any books yet and isn't she leaving for her "no internet" cruise tomorrow?"

Sorry I made you nervo..."

Thanks! :-D

Alysa wrote: "Has anyone heard from Rebecca? She hasn't finished any books yet and isn't she leaving for her "no internet" cruise tomorrow?"

Sorry I made you nervous. I promise I would NEVER leave my team hanging.

COMPLETION POST

Hitting the Books

Book: Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay
Completed: 27-Oct
Pages: 277
Fits: N:Lindsay Norris

Every Dog Has His Day

Book: Every Dog Has His Day by Jenn McKinlay
Completed: 27 Oct-28 Oct
Pages: 267
Fits: C:Chaos the Cat

Wedding Cake Crumble

Book: Wedding Cake Crumble by Jenn McKinlay
Completed: 28 Oct
Pages: 267
Fits: A:Angie

Into the Water

Book: Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
Completed: 28 Oct-29 Oct
Pages: 400
Fits: N:Nel Abbott

A Willing Murder

Book: A Willing Murder by Jude Deveraux
Completed: 29 Oct-31 Oct
Pages: 10hr 56m 336
Fits: D:Deveraux

Paradox

Book: Paradox by Catherine Coulter
Completed: 27 Oct-29 Oct
Pages: 11hr 39m 448
Fits: C:Catherine

Worth It

Book: Worth It by S.M. Shade & C.M. Owens
Completed: 30 Oct-31 Oct
Pages: 281
Fits: O:Owens

His Treat

Book: His Treat by Penelope Bloom
Completed: 29 Oct
Pages: 188
Fits: R:Ryan

Frat Hell

Book: Frat Hell by C.M. Owens
Completed: 30 Oct
Pages: 178
Fits: N:Noble

INCOMPLETE
The 17th Suspect

Book: 17th Suspect by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
Completed: N/A
Pages:351
Fits: Y:Yuki

(I'm hoping to complete this book before I leave in the morning, either way I will either delete it or post it completed.)

Thanks Deanna for the info!

Crud I’ll be on the cruise when it’s announced! No internet! Aaaarrggghhh this is not good lol

We have two weeks of candy corn right? We don’t get a new word until the end of next week on the 9th or 10th?