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

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

Jenny wrote: "Nit enough orange in that one I think,"

Thanks! That's what I was thinking too but depending on how you look at the physical cover it looks orange sometimes and red other times.

Orange?

Christina wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "DQs Day 1
Chapters 1 - 6

1. Can you even imagine losing a 10 million dollar anything?! Have you ever lost something and felt as Ray is portrayed in chapter 1...constantly retracing..."

100% I broke out in a cold sweat until I had it back. We had gotten on the train going to Victoria Station which was nonstop. I asked the conductor to call back to the station and they said they didn't have it so when we got off the train I got right back on and went back to Stamsted because I knew it had to be there. When I got back I talked to an employee who had me follow him to lost and found and it was little room full of little black purses like mine. He asked if anyone had found a purse and the guy there said yeah some crazy American lady left hers on the back of a luggage trolley hahaha It was mine and it was all there thank goodness!!! Restored my faith in humanity a wee bit lol

-What is your favorite book genre?Probably thrillers and romance, I'll read pretty much anything depending on my mood. I don't care for high science fiction or space opera
-What is your favorite movie genre?I'm a mood watcher but I really love Christmas movies and thrillers I would say.
-Give me your top 5 (or so) books that you want to recommend that you read recently. (There have been way too few recommendations on this team so far.)Katherine Center has been a great find for me. I also just read my first Lynn Painter book which was great. Anything by Janet Evanovich is hilarious.
-What are your top 3 most recent movies? Where you in the theater or were you at home?Maverick, Hallmark/GAF/TBS/TNT Christmas movies all watched at home
-What is the weather like where you are?cold
-If you went to your high school dances, were there group dances? If so, what were they? The Time Warp? The Macarena?Didn't go to any dances
-Have you ever taken a helicopter ride?No but my brother is a helicopter reporter
-Have you gone sky diving? Parasailing?Nope and no
-How many US states have you been to?25ish
-How many countries?17 I think
-Do you prefer chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal raisin? (Do I even have to ask?)Ahhh chocolate chip of course!
-Have you ever owned a weird pet?I don't know if this counts but my cats all have had interesting personalities.
-Can I get more random thoughts going through my head?
I'm sure you could lol

DQs Day 1
Chapters 1 - 6

1. Can you even imagine losing a 10 million dollar anything?! Have you ever lost something and felt as Ray is portrayed in chapter 1...constantly retracing your steps over and over? What are your thoughts on other security precautions, if any, that should have been in place?
I have! I lost my purse in London at the airport/train station BUT I miraculously got it back with everything in it believe it or not! I think he should have been better about locking it. Leaving it unlocked while you step away for a few minutes invites trouble but at the same time where would you be able to lock it up in a hotel room. You definitely don't want to take it in the bathroom with you while showering...

2. At this point in the book, when/where do you think the Stradivarius was taken?
Maybe while he was in the shower?

3. Money can be a keen motivator...the ransom note leads us to believe it's all about the money...do you think it's possible it's about something else?
Hard to say since the violin is valued at more than the $5 million they are asking for. Also, Ray can play on another violin which won't be the same sound but I don't think the average person would notice.

4. It's eluded to that Ray is about to make history because of his race with the upcoming competition in Russia. His family sure doesn't seem to be proud or supportive. Should Ray be proud of this accomplishment or is putting the focus on race poor form by everyone concerned?
Ray should be extremely proud of his accomplishment. He was worked hard and been through a lot to get to where he is at without the support of his family. I want to know how he got the stradivarius.

I have a u book that I’m going to read hopefully tomorrow

Nice! Enjoy!!!

Same here…

-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!