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

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

COMPLETION POST

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
Book: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
Completed: 30-Nov
Pages:304
Fits: Title: T
I also completed the questions for BOM.

Irish Thoroughbred

Book: Irish Thoroughbred by Nora Roberts
Completed: 28 Nov
Pages:189
Fits: Title: I

Shelter in Place
Book: Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts
Completed: 27 Nov
Pages:438
Fits: Author: N

Craving
Book: Craving by Helen Hardt
Completed: 27 Nov
Pages:288
Fits: Series: S (Steel Brothers Saga)

E & L are in progress will have them completed by deadline tomorrow.

Irish Rose
Book: Irish Rose by Nora Roberts
Completed: 29 Nov
Pages: 250
Fits: Title: I

Irish Rebel
Book: Irish Rebel by Nora Roberts
Completed: 30 Nov
Pages:256
Fits: Title: I

Alysa wrote: "Researching has shown:

I apparently cannot get a copy in time to read next week, but just in case anyone can, Dead Poets Society works well. It isn't long, and in addition to the D ti..."

I got a copy of it. What were you thinking of putting it down as?

DQ Day 3 Ch 17-end

10) Judge Frankenstein did not let Elizabeth know that he was fighting to get her inheritance back. If she would have known, do you think she would have handled things differently with when she found Justine and forced a marriage between her and Victor? Would she have been a different person?
I definitely think she would have been a different person, a less conniving person who didn't feel she had to fight tooth and nail for her security. I do think that she would have still felt that she needed to control Victor.

11) Victor said, “You made it clear from the start you did not care what I did so long as you did not have know the specifics. It was our agreement.” Did Elizabeth contribute to Victor’s madness? If she would have told him he went was going too far at any time, would he have stopped or just not tell her?
I think Victor was beyond help already by the time Elizabeth was brought. I don't think anyone knew the true level of his madness. I think she enabled him by covering things up and making sure that no one knew about his madness.

12) Victor wound up leaving after the conversation Elizabeth saw with the monster. Later we found out that he was watching and protecting Elizabeth. Was Elizabeth committed to an asylum to keep her safe or to get the monster out of the way so Victor would be able to continue with his work?
I think Victor had her institutionalized so that he could run wild and work freely without being hindered.

13) Was it surprising that Victor killed Henry and used part of him for his experiments? Were you surprised that Mary and Elizabeth friended the monster and let him chose a new name?
No, it wasn't surprising that he killed Henry. I think he was very jealous of Henry. I also was not surprised that the ladies befriended the monster. They were trying to gain his trust by allowing him to change his name.

14) Do you believe that Victor finally succeeded with his experiment to retrieve Elizabeth or that he needed to go forward with the experiment on her to have her back the way she was?
Victor wanted Elizabeth to be the scared little girl she was when she came to the Frankensteins. I don't think he was successful with his experiment.

15) How did you like this retelling to the original and/or other retellings?
I enjoyed this book but it has been so long since I read the original that I can't fairly compare the two. I haven't read any other retellings of Frankenstein.

Discussion Questions Part 2 (Ch 12 to 16)

6)Sometimes we are strangers even to ourselves
Another great quote in this book! Do you think Elizabeth was just referring to Henry here or about all 3 of them? She seems quite restless and unsettled since finding Victor. Why do you think this is?
Do we ever truly know ourselves or others completely? Everyone is constantly evolving to suit the environment they are in. People also always tend to hold back a little of themselves that no on else knows about them. I'm constantly finding myself commenting to people "I didn't know that about you." I think she knows Victor is a huge wildcard. She never knows what he is going to do next. Elizabeth has to keep on her toes when it comes to him.

7) It's fairly well established a this point that everyone is frightened of Victor to the point where most seem to want to avoid him as much as possible. Elizabeth comments that at night when she was scared and having horrible nightmares she went to Victor. And sleeping by his side, she had no nightmares. Why do you think that is?
Elizabeth was "given" to Victor at a tender age thus instilling that sense of security when she is around him, if she didn't have Victor she would not be in the position of privilege she is in. Victor is her security blanket.

8) Why do you think everyone was so willing to believe Justine killed William? To believe her going mad so suddenly and randomly? Do you think she actually did it? If not, who do you think it was?
Someone needed to be the scapegoat and Justine fit the bill. I don't think she killed him. I don't think she had it in her to harm anyone. I think Victor's creation killed William.

9) Elizabeth sees her actions towards saving Justine from her previous life as the only selfless thing she has done in her life. Do you think her actions were truly selfless though?
Absolutely not! She needed someone to boost her ego and Justine fit the bill. Plus, Justine helped with the younger children giving Elizabeth more time for Victor.

10) Upon seeing the monster having a conversation with Victor, that Victor appears to lose, Elizabeth's reaction is to find out what it is holding over Victor, remove the hold, then kill the monster. Do you think this is a normal reaction? What would you have done?
Elizabeth has/needs to have control over Victor in order to do this she needs to know what secrets he might have. I think she feels she needs to kill the monster to eliminate anything that would cause her to lose control over Victor. I think most people including myself would feel this way if put in this situation. He endangers her lifestyle.

Discussion Questions Part 1 (pg 1-124)

1. I love this quote in the story. “Justine did not have to pretend, as she always seemed genuinely unaware of the effect we had on men. I, however, was perfectly aware of my beauty. I considered it a skill, alongside speaking French, English, Italian, and German. It was a language of its own, in a way; on that translated well in different circumstances.” What does this tell you about the different characters of Justine and Elizabeth?
Elizabeth seems to be a take charge type of person whereas Justine seems more like a follower. Elizabeth knows what she wants out of life and Justine seems like she is happy to have been rescued from the life she came from.

2. Elizabeth truly seems able to control Victor’s dark character. She helps him clean up after the incident with his younger brother, and comes up with a story to help save Victor. Why do you think she is able to do that when no-one else seems able to control him?
Elizabeth was "given" to Victor so she feels she needs to do whatever it takes to control him. She knows what her job is and feels that if she does not protect and keep Victor under control she will be turned out by the Frankensteins.

3. When Henry proposes to Elizabeth, she immediately begins to worry whether she can be the wife he needs. But she decides to send him to Victor to ask for his blessing. She figures there can be two outcomes - one Victor will return to her and ask her to marry him, or two Victor will give his blessing and she can marry Henry. This “plot” comes from feeling desperate to belong and the fear of not being needed by the Frankenstein’s anymore. What would you do if you felt that way?
I think given the time period I would probably have done the same thing she did. The fear of being turned out in the street would be greater than the fear of marrying either Henry or Victor.

4. When Elizabeth burns down the house that Victor was using for his experiments, she hears a large splash in the river. Who do you think it was fleeing the burning building? Do you think it’s the same man Elizabeth saw out her window at the boarding house and out of her carriage? Or do you think her mind is playing tricks on her?
I'm not sure who it could be. My guess is Victor's first result from his experiment. I definitely don't think her mind is playing tricks on her. Her mind seems very sharp and in that moment she would have been hyper alert for any sounds or movement.

5. Re-tellings are now one of my favorite new genres. Do you like this retelling of the Frankenstein story so far? What other re-tellings have you read that you really liked?
I have read some other retellings of books but they are more contemporary than this version of Frankenstein. It's been quite awhile since I read Frankenstein but this version is definitely easier to read. I'm enjoying it but I think I need to re-read Frankenstein.

COMPLETION POST

Next Song I Sing
Book: Next Song I Sing by Donna McDonald
Completed: 19 Nov
Pages: 203
Fits: Character-C-Chloe Sanders

Room Service
Book: Room Service by Jill Shalvis
Completed: 17 Nov
Pages: 250
Fits: Title-R

The Wedding Date
Book: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Completed: 24 Nov
Pages: 310
Fits: Character-A-Alexa Monroe

Morrigan's Cross
Book: Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts
Completed: 22 Nov
Pages: 321
Fits: Author-N

Dance of the Gods
Book: Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts
Completed: 23 Nov
Pages: 321
Fits: Character-B-Blair Murphy

Summer People
Book: Summer People by Elin Hilderbrand
Completed: 21 Nov
Pages: 352
Fits: Author-E

The Noel Stranger
Book: The Noel Stranger by Richard Paul Evans
Completed: 22 Nov
Pages: 352
Fits: Author-R

Valley Of Silence
Book: Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts
Completed: 23 Nov
Pages: 318
Fits: Author-R

Yours Until Dawn
Book: Yours Until Dawn by Teresa Medeiros
Completed: 24 Nov
Pages: 384
Fits: Title-Y

Sorry but is all my stuff good? I did it so fast I hope I didn’t miss anything else

COMPLETION POST

Lethal White

Book: Lethal White by Robert Galbraith
Completed: 18-Nov
Pages:992 (large print)
Fits: S-character: Cormoran Strike

The Blue Bistro
Book: Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand
Completed: 18-Nov
Pages:321
Fits: D-character:Adrienne Dealey

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...