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

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

-Firefly or Leverage?Haven't watched either one
-Gray's Anatomy or Law & Order? Law & Order BUT I have Grey's queued to watch at some point
-Favorite tv show growing up? Now? Cartoons I guess, I didn't get to watch a lot of tv. My Mom loved Hanna-Barbera cartoons so she got me hooked on them and Tom and Jerry. Now, I have to say baking shows, true crime, game shows, all depends on my mood. I don't get to watch a lot of tv with working evenings and having very busy mornings.
-Favorite comic book growing up? Now? Archie. Don't have one now.
-Do you read graphic novels? Any favorites?No, I'm pretty boring...
-Do you prefer the Marvel movie universe or DC? Superman especially the Brandon Routh, Christopher Reeves versions
-Which Doctor was your first? (I shouldn't have to explain, but I mean Doctor Who.)Haven't watched it but it is on my extensive list of shows to watch
-Which Doctor is your favorite?None yet...
-Are you planning to take off work to make sure you can see the Doctor Who holiday specials?No
-Do I have Doctor Who on the brain? HAHAHA

Sidenote: One of my favorite authors, Jenny Colgan, writes or used to write Doctor Who books

DQs: Day 3 ~ Chapters 12 – 17

9. It seems like the whole book is a test of Charlie’s character. Hera’s conversation with Charlie is one example. Charlie suddenly asks if Hera and Persephone like him. She says they were sent to watch him, but they like him because Charlie chose to take them in and treated them well. Do you think the book is portraying a series of tests from his uncle? What do you think it means?
I definitely think it's a test, Uncle Jake wanted to make sure that Charlie was qualified to take over his "business".

10. “Business is business. It’s different from respect and friendship.” What did you think of this statement? Do you agree with it or do you think these things can’t be separated?
I do agree with it! I have always had the saying that as your boss I cannot be your best friend at work but outside of work is a whole different story. I have had success with this and also failures but I think those friendships would have failed anyway.

11. Charlie was quick to pick up clues on the Lombardy Convocation members. What did you think of his assessment? Did it change your opinion of him?
Charlie is definitely smarter than the average bear or cat in this instance lol I love how he is not afraid of evil members. I have also somewhat changed my opinion of him from being a milquetoast to a lot braver than he seemed.

12. There has been a lot of great banter in the book so far. I have to say I think both parts with the dolphins were my favorites. What has been your favorite line/quote, or your favorite part of the book so far?
The dolphin parts are definitely stellar but so are his conversations with Hera.

DQs: Day 2, Chap 7 - 11


5. We learn Hera and Persephone are both sentient cats. My cats love lying next to me and staring at my computer screen (when they’re not stomping all over my keyboard), so I can picture a cat using a computer vividly. What mischief would your pets come up with if they were sentient? Even if you don’t have pets, what mayhem do you think could happen?
My cats wreak murder and mayhem all the time! Charlotte loves to read and Ciara is the analyzer. They both have their own credit cards (old gift cards) and I swear they know how to use them!!!

6. Charlie seems to be surprisingly chill about going along with everything happening, from sentient animals to attempts on his life to being whisked away to the Caribbean. Does that make sense to you, with how his life was before the book started? How would you react if you found out your uncle was a supervillain?
I would think I was being punked! Charlie seems like a pretty type of guy, very go with the flow, don't rock the boat, just get by in life so no it doesn't surprise me.

7. Although travelling there was a bit of a hassle, St. Genevieve sounds like a pretty sweet place to be. Where would your ideal villain (sorry, process disruptor) lair be set?
Somewhere in the mountains in Scotland

8. We got a list of more or less exciting options including sharks, so: what is Charlie going to decide? How is Jacobs going to “die”? Or might his death end up being a real one after all?
I don't think his death will be real and I have no idea what Charlie might choose. There's so much to choose from!

Bonus question: The (soon to be striking) dolphins have, uhm, quite the vocabulary. Any favorite insults? Do you want to give coming up with some creative insults a shot yourself?
Can't really come with anything off the top of my head right now. They are hilarious though!

DQs: Day 1, Chap 1 - 6

1. I'm so excited to be reading another John Scalzi book with you all. He has quickly become one of my "always read" authors. Is this your first Scalzi book? What are your expectations?
Yes, this is a first time reading a book by him for me. I have zero expections, really but I'm hoping for a funny book based on the cover.

2. What are your first impressions of Charlie? Do you think he is using his sad life events as an excuse to coast through life easier as his siblings and attorney seem to imply? Do you relate to him so far?
I don't relate to him so far because he seems like he is kind of wallowing in his own misery. He seems like a nice enough guy who is down on his luck and needs to pick himself up and do something to better his life.

3. “When people name cats, they usually do it in one of three categories: food, physical characteristics or mythology,” Morrison explained. What do you think Mathilda imagines Charlie's choice of "the goddess route" says about him? What sort of name would you choose and what do you think that could tell someone about you?
Well educated. He has a strong personality. I generally choose regular old cat names or human names depending on whatever pops into my head when I get to know the cat a little.

4. What would your reaction be if a rich, but estranged family member left you a huge inheritance?
I would be curious as to why they would leave it to me if they were estranged from me. I would also be somewhat excited and honored that they thought of me.

I feel your pain Tati! I just had some dental work done and it’s no fun. Thanks goodness I have a high pain threshold. My dentist was amazed I wasn’t crying calling her for pain medication

Just finished my last book for this round

Thanks to whoever filled in the date for Kill Joy for me yesterday! I was going to do it when I got home from work but instead there was a very pleasant surprise that someone had already done it.

Also, I should finish Manhunt this morning before going to work

Go for it! I would

I have two letters claimed of which one is finished and about 1/2 thru the other one. I’m hoping to finish it either tonight or tomorrow morning. I’ll update the spreadsheet tonight when I get home with the one I have finished. I’m hoping to get in one more 🤞🏻

-Do you play an instrument or sing? Some piano and I'm on again off again teaching myself how to play guitar
-Ever been on stage? Yes, school plays
-Ever been in a band? No
-Favorite museum you have been to? So many to choose from. I've been lucky to have gone to many museums around Europe and the US. I can't really pick a favorite, I love them all for different reasons.
-Favorite work of art? So many to choose from.
-What work of art have you not seen yet but really want to? I'd like to go back to the Vatican. I had a very hurried tour the day I was there because they were closing early.
-Do you prefer old masters or modern art? I would have to say old
-Ever used a ceramics wheel? No, but I think it would be fun
-Ever recreated the scene from Ghost with your partner? Teehee
No, hahaha

Something weird is going on with GR this morning so I apologize if I have three posts for these questions. Every time I hit post it does this crazy html message even though I refresh the page when I start the questions.

DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-22

10. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
I definitely think it is possible to remember something from that age. I think it would be fuzzy and not very detailed. Everyone always has their own version of a story especially one that is that old

11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
It was weird have the second POV added this late in the book but I think it adds something. Everyone has a redeeming quality and this may of been the one time he used it by saving his sister.


12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
It could be anything. I read Horrorstor and didn't see what was going to happen in that one either. This is a horror story so the more horrific the better I guess.


13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
No clue!

DQs Day 3; Chapters 16-22

10. Pupkin is,,, alive??? Okay, no big surprise there to be honest, but we did finally get some interesting background info from Louise and Mark's childhood, even if that's not how Louise remembers it. Do you think she really doesn't remember, has simply forgotten, due to trauma or it just having happened way too long ago, or does she remember but chooses not to acknoledge it? Or maybe Mark misremembers himself and it didn't even happen (that way at least)? They were both still very young after all, Mark especially. Is it possible to remember something that happened when you were only two years old?
I think it's possible to remember something at that age but it's going to be very fuzzy and not detailed. Also, it's like a car accident everyone has their own interpretation of what happened


11. The second perspective adds a new layer, however it only got added halfway through the book. Were you surprised we got Mark's POV at all, and would you have preferred for it to be there from the beginning of the book? Also, has this last section changed your opinion on him in any way? He did save Louise from Pupkin after all....
I was surprised especially since it was added so late. Everyone has redeeming qualities and maybe this was his one time of using his redeeming quality with saving his sister which was shocking after the trauma story.


12. To me, the last chapter feels a bit like a fever dream, definitely like they were on drugs. I personally don't remember which MPGs the book has and don't want to check in case of 'spoilers' now, but do you think there's a possibility the house, our main characters, the puppets, the dolls, Pupkin, everything- isn't actually haunted and none of it is actually happening?? What if it's just a dream (which would be the worst ending ngl), mental problems like Louise wants to believe, or mold in the house that's effecting them like this plus possible drug use from Mark when he was away?
I read Horrorstor and it was just as strange as this book is and not very enjoyable just like this one. No one idea what could be happening I'm sure it will be something creepy, kooky and unusual since this is supposed to be a horror story.


13. I can't help but wonder how the book is gonna end... If Pupkin is indeed an evil puppet come to life I only see one way it can be destroyed - fire. Do you think they'll end up burning down the entire house (although Hill House (in the show at least) wouldn't let itself be burned down either, so who knows if that would work), or will the dolls and puppets take over? What do you predict will happen in the rest of the book?
No clue!

DQs Set 2: Chapters 8 - 15

6. Were you expecting those wills? Why do you think both parents were so unfair on the kids?
No, I thought it would be split evenly or go all to Louise but then we wouldn't have had a story. No idea especially since they seemed to have loved them both evenly.

7. Yikes! killer stuffed squirrels! The first violent haunting here, was it effective?
Definitely! Gross! The thought of taxidermy makes my skin crawl no matter what it is.

8. Despite the various creepy things that Louise has experienced, she's refusing to let her aunt exorcise the house. Would you still be hanging onto rational reasons over accepting family help?
Probably not at this point, I would be hoping that anything might help to get rid of the weirdness.

9. We've had more insight into the childhood of Mark and Louise. Does this change your opinion of either of them?
Mark seems like an entitled spoiled brat and Louise seems like an over achiever and always mad that her brother was never made to finish anything or be productive. He took advantage of their parents.

I think I've found a white, Nashville book...

DQs Day 1
Ch 1 to Ch 7

1.) What are your first impressions of the family and of Louise and Mark? How pivotal do you think their relationship (or lack thereof) will play in the story.
Aside: I plan to steal and use the phrase "Terminal Assholism" in future. Thank you Hendrix!
That they are weird. All the creepy dolls and puppets and the father with his weird papers he writes. To a point normal brother and sister rivalry which I have with my own brother who is a terminal asshole (lol). I think it will play a huge part in the story and the selling of the house and settling the estate.


2.) The book is organized into sections following the 5 stages of grief. Does this impact your expectations of the book at all?
No, not really. I have low expectations for this book. I just read Horrorstor by him and it was ok but not great.

3.) Okay. Life size dolls named after her children. Weird, creepy? Would you be excited to have them as part of your inheritance?
Very weird and very creepy. I would definitely not be excited to have them. They would be either sold as fast as I could or taken to the dump. Not a fan of dolls


4.) Have you ever experienced a family post-death squabble/fight like the one Louise and Mark had in front of the junk clean out guys?
Sort of when my grandmother died. My uncle is a terminal asshole and caused a scene about her belongings being divided up.

5.) Did anyone else google Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers? If so, were you surprised to find they were a real organization? Has anyone interacted with them before or a similar organization for other religious beliefs? [note: please keep responses respectful to people's beliefs, this is a safe space]
I didn't but maybe I should. No interaction with any group like that but I do have a friend who works for a puppet workshop making costumes for puppets.

Carrie wrote: "Hi all. I am going to have a week or so of not reading. My dad passed away yesterday. If you don’t want to wait for me and would like to replace my spot, I completely understand. Thanks."

I am so sorry Carrie...sending you massive virtual hugs. Don't worry about us we're good. Take care of yourself and your family. I'll be praying for all of you.

What a sweetheart! I think your idea of black stripes would work well lol

Jenny wrote: "I wish you had pictures of that!!!!!

I have never tried to dress up my cats. I am afraid of being murdered in my sleep if I do. teehee"

HAHAHAHA

Ciara has loved being dressed up since I got her at 5 months old and I think I have gotten lucky with Charlotte since he was a stray that came to me at about 4 years old. He does love his ties and his bandanas. We haven't tried too many shirts, I think that might be too much for him. Ciara is a prima donna though. She has many, many dresses lol Her favorite is a dark green half crushed velvet half frilly skirt that has diamondlike beading on the sash. She wears that for her Christmas pictures. I tried to get her to wear a different dress one year and she wouldn't have anything to do with it! It's amazing what personalities animals have!

Kaley you could always try collars that have neckties, those are Char's faves. I don't think he notices that he has it on even. The banana split episode sounds hilarious!

-The Munsters or The Addams Family?BOTH!

-Favorite Halloween costume(s) from your sordid past? Raggedy Ann I had an obsession with her as a 5 yo. I think because my grandparents gave me some of the books as a present. My friends all thought I was weird to want to be her because it was my Mom's old costume.

-Are you dressing up this year? No, I have to work that night

-Do you like candy corn, or think it is an abomination? Love it, but I really only like the Brach's kind

-Which was scarier- Alien or The Exorcist?Alien

-Favorite season of American Horror Story? Haven't watched it

-If you have kids, are you going trick or treating with them? I do The Great Pumpkin with my cats. This year they are getting Christmas inflatables. Ciara is getting a Highland Coo (Cow) and Charlotte is getting a Tyrannosaurus. They love anything with lights. They'll sit there for hours and hours watching them.

-Can you do the skeleton dance?No, unfortunately

-Have you ever contemplated painting black stripes on your orange kitty-cat? If so, do you have pictures? I've never had an orange cat but that would be fun. Charlotte was the prison librarian last year at his vet's Halloween party. He stayed in his cell (crate) with some of his books. I made a nameplate for him and old style checkout cards for some books on top of his cell. He also wore his bow tie. He won first place in the cat division! Ciara was a punk rock girl with a plaid skirt and her skull and cross bones killer t-shirt. She was very mad she didn't win anything. I wish I had pictures but my phone crashed right after that and I lost them