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

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

I was just looking at extra challenge tasks and noticed that we have done quite well on them. For #22 do we know if that is strict on the word "religious" or could it also be religion. I found a book that is tagged 12 times for religious and 34 times for religion.

JanEyre9 wrote: "Morning all! Can't believe this is the last day.

I have to take WW: Warbringer off the list. My father in law had a stroke so the last few days have been really stressful and busy and not really ..."

Hi Jan, sorry to hear about your father-in-law. I'm hoping for a speedy full recovery for him. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

COMPLETION POST



Book: The Sign of the Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Completed: 6-Dec
Pages:184
Fits: Characters: G-Gregson, W-Watson, L-Francois LeVillard, Author:Doyle #7. Play dreidel by reading a book with "four" in the title.


Book: My True Love Gave to Me Edited by Stephanie Perkins
Completed: 7-Dec
Pages:336
Fits: Authors: G-Gayle, D-David, W-White, L-Laini #28. Read a book with gloves on the cover.
BOM questions are complete for all 6 days.

DQs Day 6

Star of Bethlehem

36. Lydia was very impulsive, in switching tickets with Hulda. Have you ever done anything so impulsive? What did it make you think about Lydia's character and situation?
No, I've never done something that impulsive but I have been impulsive about other things. It made me believe that she was desperate to get out of her situation and she was willing to do most anything to change it.

37. Being British, the idea that an airport is four hours drive away is insane to me - I mean, I can be in France in four hours! which means I find it hard to connect with the situation (and, incidentally, completely got Hulda's outrage in the airport that getting a bus wasn't practical!) Did the setting of the story add or distract from your reading?
Not at all. I come from a very small town where it takes about 90 min on a good day to get the airport. The closest grocery store is 15 miles away. This story took me back to that time in my life.

38. Ethan's family was a really tangible element to the story. Do you think Lydia fell for the boy or the mob?
I think she fell for both. She was in love with having a family and she definitely had feelings for him especially since the kiss.

The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer

39. This story had a really unpleasant baddy, in the form of Reverend Thingy (I disliked him so much that all I retain of his name is that it began with S). Did you react strongly to him? Other characters?
I did he gave me the creeps from the start and so did Dame Somnolence. They were both terrible but especially him. He seemed like a pervert or at least that's the feeling I got.

40. The fact that the baddy was the priest and the love interest was a primoridal god-like creature made this feel kinda anti-religion. Do you think it fitted with the holiday theme of the collection?
Yes, because not everyone is pro-religion. It showed the fight/struggle between establishment and anti-establishment when it comes to Christmas and other holidays this time of year.

41. The imagery in this story was really powerful. Did you enjoy it?
I did. I didn't think I was going to like this story at all when I first started it but about 3/4 of the way through I started to enjoy it.

======
42. and finally: do you have a favourite story? which author(s) will you read more of?
I would have to say after reading all of them that It's a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown is my favourite with Star of Bethlehem a close second. I will probably seek out both of these authors.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "Yes, I went there at Christmas one time. I remember the Biltmore Estate being decorated beautifully. We went to a ..."

She's like a little kid. I swear she really does know who Santa is. We watch movies and read books about him. She loves Christmas music. I wrap her presents in tissue paper and put them under the tree for her. She's always so excited, usually more so about the tissue paper at first than the presents. Last year she got her picture taken with Santa. She kept looking up at him in wonder. It was so cute! I know crazy cat lady but she's my baby and my bestest friend. I laugh at myself all the time.

DQs: December 6th
Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus

27. What do you think of Vaughn's pranks? Do you find them funny throughout the story? Could you relate to the way he thinks - like everything is just a step away from a disaster to happen?
Vaughan's pranks are childish but somewhat funny. I love the birds pooping all over the car but it went too far with the fire which I know he was not planning on happening. I sometimes have that conspiracy theory mentality myself.


28. I've noticed that the stories in the book have some kind of continuity regarding fathers and them leaving. Did you get a similar feeling too? What do you think why Vaughn's dad left and what do you think of his mom and how she is handling the whole situation?
I noticed this as well. I'm not sure why he left other than pressure of responsibility. I think his mom is very uninvolved and is handling the situation poorly.

29. In my opinion, the quick love-to-be between Vaughn and Gracie felt a bit rushed. Do you feel the same way or do you have a different opinion? Do you think they go together well as a couple and why?
I didn't feel it was rushed. I had a feeling from the beginning that they were into one another but didn't let it show. I think they make a good couple, opposites attract.

30. During the reading, I also wondered how kind was Gracie's dad, the pastor, to Vaughn. What do you think was the course of his actions, do you think it was really just out of kindness as Gracie pointed out? Overall, how did you 'experience' the pastor? Did he seem like an actual pastor?
I think he was trying to help Vaughn. I do think it was out of kindness because he seems like a very good pastor. He seemed like the type of person who even when he's not "on the clock" he's available for his parishioners.

Welcome to Christmas, CA

31. Would you like to live in a town like Christmas? If yes/no, why?
I used to live in a small town like that. I miss it now. I miss the sense of family but I don't miss everyone being in everyone's business. haha

32. What do you think you would be if you were a food?
something chocolate and decadent

33. Did you expect Rick acting this way and saving money so Maria could go to could go to college.
I didn't think to the extent it was. I had a feeling he cared more than she thought because he drove her to and from school, he always asked about her day and if she had done her homework.

34. Personally, I really liked Maria as a character - especially when she helped Candy so much. What did you think of her?
At first I found her to be a big baby about living there and seeming to be so self involved but she definitely redeemed herself.

35. What part of Christmas is your favorite?
Traditions, music, cheesy movies, decorations, all of it!

COMPLETION POST



Book: Cute Poodles, Sweet Old Ladies, and Hugs by P.J. Miller
Completed: 5 Dec
Pages:187
Fits: Characters: G-Greg, W-Dr Geoff Walsh, L-Liz, 18. Read a book where the character has a dog who was a stray/came from a shelter



Book: In Love With Alien Santa Claus by Zara Zenia
Completed: 5 Dec
Pages:176
Fits: Characters: G-Griz, D-Dasher, L-Jessica Lane, Title starts with I, #33. Read a book with green text on the cover.

DQs Days 5

Krampuslauf
22. Krampuslauf is an unusual holiday festivity. Does your community and/or country have unusual holiday traditions and/or festivals?
No, or at least not that I know of. We have the standard Christmas parade and Santa at the mall.

23. Penny and Silke were given the opportunity to decide if Roth was going to be punished. Penny showed more compassion with wanting Grieselda to punish him like Krampus would. What did you think about Roth being turned into a donkey?
I thought it was quite appropriate since he was an ass. I would hope that it would teach him some humility and the error of his ways.

24. Joachim told Hanna that his people are often beseeched for favors, but seldom invited to share feasts. When he offered her a gift, Hanna wanted to never forget that there’s magic in the world. Why do you think she wanted that?
Magic seemed to be a special aspect of her childhood to her. I think she wanted to hold on to her childhood and also to give credence to it since her father discredited her love of magical creatures.

What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth

25. Sophie is having a hard time adjusting to college life. Having to say “just kidding” and wondering what she has done this time. Do you think she misread situations?
I definitely feel she misread situations. I don't think she did it intentionally she just seemed quick to jump to conclusions about people without hearing their story.

26. Russell said the only constant in his life was the Simpsons. I feel when he was talking about his grandmother that she is a constant too, regardless of the amount of time he could spend with her. Is there something or someone that is a constant in your life that helps keep you grounded?
Without a doubt my close circle of friends, reading and my cat.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "Yes, I went there at Christmas one time. I remember the Biltmore Estate being decorated beautifully. We went to a special tour where you were able to go through roo..."

I don't have any children but I do have a cat that I do the Santa thing for. I know crazy cat lady! I also, keep up the spirit of Santa for all of my friends kids. It's fun to see the looks on their faces.

3 December

14. We are halfway through. Do you have a favourite of the stories so far? Is there one you are particularly looking forward to reading?
I would have to say It's a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown

It's a yuletide miracle

15. Marigold's apartment was a surprise. Have you ever lived somewhere with things piled up around you like that or where you had boxes unpacked for months?
No, I have never lived like that. I can't imagine how claustrophobic it must seem.

16. I thought this story had a nice style. Have you read any books by Stephanie Perkins? What did you think?
I have not read anything else by her but I will probably in the future.

17. I was trying to picture Asheville in my mind and ended up doing some google-ing. Have you ever been there or somewhere like it?
Yes, I went there at Christmas one time. I remember the Biltmore Estate being decorated beautifully. We went to a special tour where you were able to go through rooms that are not normally open. They had carolers and/or music in these rooms. They also had luminarias lining the driveway. It was very nice and really put you in the Christmas mood.

Your temporary Santa

18. This story was the most unusual for me. I felt like there was a lot more going on than what I understood (like the nasty sister and the strange interaction with the mum in the hallway). But I find that a lot with Levithan books! How about you?
I haven't read anything else by him so I don't have anything to compare it to. I feel that there was a lot going on and that the story was much too short.

19. I like how he is Jewish and his parents gave him the story about Santa and how "you can wave to him as he flies past if you want". Did your parents have any unusual Christmas stories or traditions?
We used to bake a birthday cake for Jesus but other than that not that I recall.

20. Did you ever see Santa? When did you stop believing?
My Mom never allowed us to believe in Santa because she believed until she was in sixth grade and was bullied because of it.

DQs 2

Angels in the Snow

8. Shy puts up a good front that everything is just fine when he is actually starving and lonely. Haley's invitation to dinner seems to be exactly what he needs. Why do you think he is making choices that are clearly making him miserable?
His pride is getting the better of him. He has a problem asking for help.

9. Haley asks Shy about his meals, invites him to dinner, and then brings muffins which she puts straight into the refrigerator without giving Shy a chance to stop her. Do you think she suspects that he doesn't have any food? What did you think of her solution of fixing dinner and then dragging him up to her apartment to eat it?
I don't know that she suspected that he didn't have any food. I think she just thought he couldn't cook. I think it was a nice solution to the problem even though she was upset that he had lied to her. BTW who has someone pet sit/house sit and leaves them without any food?

10. In the end, it turns out that Haley wasn't completely honest, and she confesses her deception to Shy. What do you think initially motivated her to deceive him? Why is she telling him the truth now?
I think she was in denial that her relationship and ended and that she might have felt attracted to Shy. She told him the truth because at that point she was feeling the attraction and wanted to come clean with him in hopes of taking it further.

Polaris Is Where You'll Find Me

11. Given that Natalie has lived at the North Pole since she was a baby, did you find it odd that she seemed so completely alone at the party and separate from the elves?
She's Santa's daughter so maybe the elves felt a little intimidated by her. She is a teenage girl with teenage feelings and teenagers can be moody and broody.

12. What did you think of Santa as a dad: the dress, the dance, the fact he can't be lied to?
He seemed like a cool dude.

13. The end of the story was really open ended. Do you think Flynn is right that she will go away someday and stop believing or do you think she will stay at the North Pole?
I don't think she'll stop believing she's been a part of the magic her whole life. I do feel that she will need to leave in order to live her life.

DQ's - Dec 1

Midnights
1. Mags and Noel meet at a New Years Eve party and we read dialogue from 4 consecutive celebrations. To me, it’s pretty obvious Noel is interested in more than a ‘friendship’ relationship with Mags. What are your thoughts about why Mags is so reluctant?
Mags seems shy and unsure of herself. She has low self esteem which is shown when Noel tells her that she is his best friend but then she lists off others that are his best friend therefore discounting their friendship.

2. Not sure, but Noel appears to have some experience with other girls…Natalie, Amy, Alicia…while Mags doesn’t interact with other boys. What’s keeping Mags from other boys and if Noel really likes Mags why is he kissing/dating other girls?
Mags seems shy and uninterested in other boys whereas Noel tends to be the life of the party attracting girls to him.

3. It seems that Noel is really the one open to different things and specifically change vs Mags who appears likes things status quo. One quote ’everything was the same and everything was different’… what does this mean to you?
She stayed and continued on going to school while everyone else went on to college somewhere else. She didn't change her routine. Her feelings for Noel had changed though.

The Lady and the Fox
4. The man (Fenny) is outside standing still…in the trees always at Christmas, always in the snow… What do you think about this man? He says he’s where he’s supposed to be…he’s only allowed to come when it snows…why do you think he’s supposed to be there?
Fenny is held under a spell and is only allowed to appear when it is snowing.

5. Fenny gives Miranda the Fox Damask from his coat as a present and she fixes it so the fox is no longer chained and returns it to him one year later, again as a present. Is this ‘fox’ magic? Would he have been able to be free of the lady had this not occurred do you think?
I don't know but many times symbols help with releasing a spell.

6. The fact that Miranda’s mother is in jail is one aspect of this story that requires ‘imagination’. What does her mother have in common with Fenny (the man in the snow) and/or the lady? Do you think her mother is really in jail in Thailand?
I'm not sure. This story was short and very abstract so it left a lot out for interpretation.

7. The book was written in a ‘different’ style. If you were going to put a label on the style, what would you call it and why? Does Link’s style remind you on another author you’ve read…if so, who?
I'd have to guess to say a fairy tale but I don't really know. I did not like this one. It didn't remind me of anything I've read before that I can think of.

It was good, not what I expected. It was very rite of passage with “boys” going against the school dean and the cool teacher. You should read it if you get a chance.

COMPLETION POST



Book: Dead Poet's Society by N.H. Kleinbaum
Completed: 2 Dec
Pages:166
Fits: Characters: O-Know Overstreet, G-Ginny Danburry, also fits for #30 on the extra challenge

COMPLETION POST


Book: Nuts by Alice Clayton
Completed: 1 Dec
Pages:320
Fits: Character: L-Leo Maxwell


Book: The Love Season by Elin Hilderbrand
Completed: 1 Dec
Pages:304
Fits:

Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "Deanna wrote: "Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "COMPLETION POST

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
Book: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
Comple..."

TCO sorry...

Deanna wrote: "Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "COMPLETION POST

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
Book: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
Completed: 30-Nov
Pag..."

Absolutely sorry about that!

Deanna wrote: "Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "What is our strategy for next week? Are we doing the extra twist to the challenge or not worrying about it? Are we focusing on the vowels more than completing the w..."

ok sounds good ;-D

I’m in! The cover and the title hauled me in. The summary actually sounds decent

What is our strategy for next week? Are we doing the extra twist to the challenge or not worrying about it? Are we focusing on the vowels more than completing the word? Just wondering because I'd like to plan and I don't want to find books to fulfill "goodwill" if we aren't worrying about the consonants.

Also, I have the new BOM of the month so that's one I will be reading for next week.