Kerri’s Comments (group member since Sep 29, 2015)

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

Aaaannnnd, I just realized you said my post and not the sheet, lol. Don’t mind me, it’s midnight here and I should really be asleep 😅

It looks like it's in view only mode for me. I don't know if it's because the challenge hasn't started yet or because I'm not the captain? Either way, I can just update my previous post as we claim things until it's opened up :)

I could also read Illuminae for #2. I’ve been meaning to read that book for forever.

I could Smoke & Iron by Rachel Caine for #3! The Great Library series was originally supposed to be a trilogy.

Here's what is on the spreadsheet for the first round

10. First published on the 10th of a month - Zuza
9. With at least nine characters (need to have a speaking part, do not need to be main characters) - Zuza
8. That has a carnivorous animal on the cover - Sarah
7. Written by an author who has published at least seven books (as listed on Goodreads) - Kristin
6. That is number six in the series - Sarah
5. That was first published in the 1950s
4. Where the audio version has at least four narrators
3. That is part of what was originally a planned trilogy, but became a longer series (can include .5 books added later) - Kerri
2. That has two authors (as credited on Goodreads) - Kerri
1. Which is the author's debut novel - Kristin

@Kristin

I’d love to you join you guys, then! I read about 2-4 books in a two week span.

Kristin wrote: "Zuza wrote: "@Kristin I am in."

Ok great! If Sarah accepts then we just need one more team member."

Do you guys still need a fourth?

This sounds like an interesting challenge!

I recently moved and we're still settling in, so I'm going to say my average books/fortnight will be 2-3.

My Goodreads username is 5259471-kerri

Day 4 DQs

16. Bri was frustrated with peoples' negative reaction about the message and intentions of "On the Come Up," saying that they are "just words." Where do you think the line is on free speech and do you think they are "just words"?

I'm of the opinion that freedom of speech allows you to say whatever you wish, but it doesn't protect you from dealing with the fallout of what you say. Freedom of speech does not equal freedom from peoples' reactions to your speech. In a sense, On the Come Up is just a song and "just words", but a lot of people will always take words at face value. Do I think that should stop artists from writing what they feel? Nope. But they need to be prepared for the potential backlash and decide if they are ready to handle it.

17. Bri has her rant on Instagram. Your reaction and thoughts about people airing their feelings in an unrestrained manner on social media...?

Again, it's their social media, so they are free to do what they want on it. Doesn't absolve them from dealing with the backlash, though. If you're gonna show your butt for the whole world to see, be prepared for the comments that are sure to be coming your way.

Day 3 DQs

11. At the beginning of this section, Bri is struggling between staying loyal to Aunt Pooh as her manager or going with Supreme, who has more experience. Which would you choose? Do you think she made the right choice?

12. Supreme wants Bri to play into the "thug" role to help make a name for herself. Jay says that she doesn't get the luxury of playing a role. Do you agree with that? Why or why not? How do you think it will effect Bri, in the end?

13. Do you think Bri should let Malik and the student coalition release the video of her being thrown to the ground by the security guards? Do you think it would help their cause?

14. After Jay heard the news story and parts of On the Come Up, she bans Bri from rapping. Do you think that was the right thing to do?

15. Oh boy... Bri's Instagram story! I understand the anger, but I'm not sure I agree with the response. What repercussions do you think there will be?

DQs Set 2: Chapters 7 - 12

7. We meet Bri's family in this section, and more about her home life. What do you think about the two main women in her life: Jay and Aunt Pooh?

I think they're both interesting women with very different value sets. I'm proud of Bri's mom getting off drugs and keeping herself clean. And I'm disappointed in Bri's aunt for being about that life, even after seeing what drugs did to her sister. But they both have a lot of depth to them and I'm hoping to get more of a glimpse of who they are.

8. Malik's reaction to her song is different to everyone else's - whilst he does rate it, he's also concerned about the interpretation that could be put on the lyrics. Do you agree with him?

I do agree with him. But I also see what Bri was trying to do. She was "acting like a thug" because that's the label that she feels people want to slap on her. She was being facetious, but, like Malik said, most people won't take it like that. Especially people who *would* automatically label her as a thug because of her skin color. I just feel like there may have been a better way to approach it.

At the same time, she is the artist and if that's how she wants to express herself, then that's how she should feel free to do it. I'm just worried about how it will affect her if she does finally put it online.

9. Bri reacts unexpectedly to both Curtis and Malik, seeing them in new lights. Whilst the Malik romance angle is shut down swiftly, what do you think of Curtis?

Curtis seems like a distraction, to be honest. He came out of nowhere! Of course, some relationships do start that way. I don't know... I honestly think any romance would kind of detract from the main story. It just seems unnecessary? She is a teenage girl, though *shrug*

10. Supreme approaches Bri to praise her performance at the Ring, and they end up talking about her music and how to get it out. Do you trust Supreme? You think Aunt Pooh will come good for Bri?

I don't trust Supreme at all. There's a reason Law fired him and I'm sure it was a good one. I just feel like he's going to take advantage of Bri, especially since Aunt Pooh is currently MIA. I hope Aunt Pooh is okay... I know Bri said she disappears a lot, but I'm worried. I'm a worrier, lol.

Day 1 DQ's

1. Wow. What a fabulous, first sentence. What were your thoughts after reading that?

That first sentence definitely hooked me! Knowing the premise of the book, I figured she was talking about "killing" in a rap battle, but, ya know, that split second of not knowing just reeled me in.

2. Do you think Brianna's dad was killed by a "Crown"? Any ideas who might have it done it? Do you think we will find out later in the book?

I'm not sure if he was or not. I feel like we'll find out later on in the book who killed him or who might have killed him. It's a possibility that he was killed by one of the two gangs in the area. I am a little suspicious of the dad's recently fired manager, though...

3. What did you think of the Rookie Royale?

It was so good! I was curious how the author was going to weave in Bri's rapping and I loved being able to be inside her head while she came up with her rhymes. And her rhymes were fire! Also, it felt good to watch her take down Milez... ugh.

4. Pages 66-67. Does Brianna's behavior warrant a trip to the office? Thoughts?

I don't think she deserved a trip to the office, but I have to agree with what her mom told her later. As a young, black kid in the world we live in, there are certain things that you can't get away with that your white peers don't even have to worry about. I think, as a kid, I would agree with Bri's reason... they had no real reason to search her backpack beyond the fact that she "got smart" with them the day before. As a mom, though, I would encourage her to just do what they said and deal with their behavior later, in a safer environment. It's sad, but I'm just afraid of what could happen to my kids because they just happen to be black.

But, also, as a mom, I would have WENT OFF on that guard! How dare you put your hands on my kid just because she wouldn't hand over her backpack!? Ugh... I was so angry for Bri and her mom.

5. What is your favorite scene from the first 6 chapters? (why? )

Definitely the battle in the Ring. Bri killed it! And I loved the description of the atmosphere and the lyrics and just everything about that scene.

6. Have you read Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give ?If so does that make you have any expectations for this book? What do you think after the first six chapters?

I have read The Hate U Give and I loved it! Gave it five stars. I enjoy how this book makes mention of the events that happen in THUG. I'm trying to not have expectations for this book because I did love The Hate U Give so much. I don't want that book to influence this one. So far, I'm really enjoying this book! I find it very easy to fall into Bri's world and get wrapped up in the story.

I'm good with my set :)

I'm in for this! I'll volunteer to write questions, as well :)

I just finished this book yesterday and, I must say, I enjoyed it. It wasn't my favorite recently read book, but I felt like the author wrote a solid thriller. It had twists, it had turns, but they weren't anything spectacular or mind-blowing. I found the POV switches interesting and almost necessary... I don't know if I could have gotten through an entire book written in Russ' POV... or Jade's... or even Cameron's and he was the character I liked the most! Or, should I say, disliked the least. (view spoiler)[I was okay with Cameron until he killed Pauley... not cool, Cameron! (hide spoiler)]

I think my main takeaway from this book was the author's writing. It was beautifully written! There were quite a few sentences that made me stop and think and a few that just read like poetry. I would definitely be interested in reading something else written by this author.

All in all, it was enjoyable and I'm thankful that this group had this giveaway because I don't think this book would have ended up on my radar, otherwise. I'm happy I won a copy!

Discussion questions and comments
August 19&20
Chapters 12-end

20. It's funny how everyone is stuck at that lime. I kinda wish that it does end up having special powers. :P
Since everyone is now at the same place (except for Spider probably, but somehow I wouldn't be surprised if he shows up somewhere), any idea what will happen on the island?

I definitely thought everyone was going to end up running into each other. I thought either Rosie or her mom might end up dead in Coats' cellar. It all actually worked out much better than I was imagining, lol.

21. Who could be the one wanting revenge over Anansi that he goes after his children? Obvious suspect from the stories would be Tiger, but wouldn't he then help Charlie from the start? Not going this sneaky way?

It's definitely Tiger. Tiger wants the songs and the stories back so that he can shape the world to be like it was before. And he just generally hates Anansi, so I can see him going after his children.

22. Rosie and her mom can hear and feel big animal in the house? Could that be same one stalking Spider? And how could that be connected?

I think the lines between the worlds was becoming blurred (Rosie could see Maeve, after all) when it came to the people most intimately involved in this whole thing. Tiger knew about Rosie, so he was using Grahame Coats to get to her.

23. Of course all Anansi's help for Charlie is giving him a hat. *eye-roll* You think that fedora has some special powers? Or it's just that Charlie has more confidence now in himself and that brought up his own powers?

I think it was more Charlie coming into his own. Like you said, he had more confidence in himself and he was coming to terms with the idea that he and Spider are really one in the same. So, if Spider has powers, so should he. I honestly think he convinced himself he had power like Spider could convince other people that they wanted to do what he wanted them to do.

24. Is it me or Charlie and Spider switched roles?
Do you thing that tiger and Coats got what they deserved? Is that punishment good enough? Not good enough?

Spider is learning what it's like to be human while Charlie is learning what it's like to be a god. They haven't really switched roles, just picked up the bits of themselves that were missing. I do think that Coats and Tiger got what they deserved. Now they will be trapped annoying/eating each other for eternity.

25. Your thoughts about ending? Did you like the book? Is there anything you wish happened differently?

Though some things were a bit unbelieveable (Daisy is really just going to marry Charlie? They barely know each other!), I did enjoy the ending. It made me happy to see Charlie come into his own instead of continuing to let people walk all over him. It made me happy to see Spider actually, genuinely care about someone. And Charlie's morning beach walk with his son was just super cute.

Discussion questions and comments
August 17&18
Chapters 9-11

12. I'm kinda glad that Spider is having troubles, but I have a feeling that Charlie isn't safe either. Do you think Charlie is going to change his mind after he sees what's going on? That maybe that's not what he wanted?

Charlie certainly isn't safe and I don't know why he thought he would be with the promise he made. It's like he forgot that he is a part of Anansi's bloodline, too. Sheesh.... I think Charlie is already regretting what he did and trying to make it better. It seems like he is coming to care about Spider, though maybe that's because he found out that Spider is potentially a part of him that Mrs. Dunwiddy pulled out of him.

13. Did Spider really think that Rosie would laugh it off when she finds out a truth? At least her mom is happy. :)

I don't think Spider has ever really had to think about consequences because he could just convince people that they aren't made at him. He doesn't want to do that with Rosie, so now he has to deal with real emotions.

14. I hoped that Coats would be caught before he manages to escape. So far it looks like everything is going in his favor even if 'it is too soon'. Even if they figure everything out it's too late now? Do you think Coats managed to escape for sure, or something will happen so 'he'll get what he deserves'?

I'm really hoping he gets what he deserves. Daisy is on his trail and Charlie is now in the same area, so hopefully he's going to get his comeuppance. Coats is super freaking me out, though. He seems more bloodthirsty than a normal person should be... he licked Maeve's blood of his hand, he wishes his wine was more blood-like, and he fantasizes about ripping Charlie's throat out with his teeth. There's something going on there...

15. I have to laugh at Maeve as ghost. You think she can do anything as a ghost? more than haunt Coats?

I feel like I would behave the same way as Maeve if I found myself as a ghost. I would totally seek revenge on the person that caused my death. And I think she might be able to do something with the possible help of her new friend, Anansi.

16. Charlie and Daisy... I actually like Daisy more than Rosie. Will they become a couple? Do you even what that to happen? Or you'd prefer Rosie?

I like Daisy, but I'm not sure I like her as a "replacement" for Rosie. I don't see their relationship heading in that direction, though I could be wrong. I would rather they just remain friends, but we shall see.

17. Any guess where did Spider disappear?! Was that his escape or it was Bird-lady doing?

I think he's trapped in the Bird Woman's cave in the other world. I'm interested to see who she's saving Spider for... maybe Tiger? Or maybe she's using Spider to lure Anasi to her? I dunno.

18. It kinda seems too obvious that everyone is going to end up on the same island. Is it possible that that island is some kind of 'center' for Anansi's type of religion? Could that mountain where Charlie was looking for help be there in some other dimension?

When Charlie was first talking about the mountain, it made me think of Mt. Olympus, which made me think of the Percy Jackson series (where Mt. Olympus is suspended above NYC), so maybe it's that kind of a situation? Where the mountain of the gods is hanging over the island of St. Andrew.

19. I'm getting suspicious of Mrs. Higgler. Everything started with her telling Charlie about Spider. Are her intentions good, or there is some hidden motive for everything? And am I only one who has a feeling that those old ladies aren't really helpful that much?

Old ladies in myths/folktales can tend to be trouble. I don't think there's anything malicious about them, though.

Discussion questions and comments
August 14&15
Chapters 5-8

6. Spider goes around saying he's Charlie and nobody notices the difference. How much trouble he's going to cause for real Charlie?
Oh no! He's even after Rosie! Will Rosie change her mind about waiting for marriage when she is with Spider?

All the trouble. I knew Spider was no good. At least from what we've seen of him. He's such a snake! And she certainly did change her mind. It makes me feel bad for Charlie :( But, she is under the influence of a god, so I suppose there is that. Still, I don't see their relationship surviving this.

7. What's your thoughts about Rosie's mom? You think she'll fall for Spider too like everyone else?

Rosie's mom is the worst and I want to punch her in her smug face. She's overbearing and cruel for no reason. But she doesn't completely fall for Spider like everyone else does, so that makes me hate her a little less.

8. What do you think about all those Anansi stories we are getting from time to time? Do you like them?

I enjoy them! I always enjoy a good folktale, though, and I really haven't been exposed to the Anansi stories before. I knew of his existence, but haven't really heard the folklore.

9. Charlie goes looking for help to get rid of Spider and has little trouble finding it. I have to say I'm not really surprised nobody wants to help out Anansi's child after all those stories we've had so far. Do you think Charlie was wrong in asking for help the way he did? What would you do in his place?

I would like to say I would have confronted Rosie and Spider when he caught them in his apartment, but that's kind of hard to do when your god-brother is influencing your behavior. I think he was asking for help the only way he knew of to actually get rid of someone with as much power as Spider. Of course, I think he really bunged up the trade. How are you gonna trade *your bloodline* for someone's word?!? Dumb.

10. What do you think of Daisy and her role in a book? Will she figure out what's going on and help Charlie out?

I like Daisy. She seems smart and fun. I think she will figure out the truth about what's going on with Grahame Coats and I hope she'll be able to help Charlie. Nothing has been going the poor guy's way this entire book.

11. We are about middle of the book. What are your thoughts so far about it? Anything in particular you like or don't like? What do you think about characters we've met so far?

I'm really enjoying this book. It's interesting and I like the bits of old school folklore. I like how the voice seems to change when we're reading one of Anansi's story, like we're hearing it from some old town elder. Thinking about it, I dislike more of the characters than I actually like. I'm reserving most of my hatred for Spider, but Rosie's mom and Grahame Coats are pretty reprehensible, too. Still, they are well-written.

Discussion questions and comments
August 12&13
Chapters 1-4

1. Is this your first Gaiman book? If not, do you have any special expectations from this one?

This is not my first Gaiman books. He's definitely one of my favs, The Ocean at the End of the Lane being one of my particular favorites. I haven't read all of his books, but I'm working on it. I've read American Gods and, so far, this book is reading much the same. I might actually be enjoying this book more and I enjoyed American Gods.

2. Do you have parents/family member/friend who keeps doing things that embarrass you? Any situations in your life you still feel embarrassed when you remember them?
Want to share something? :P

Not really. They all make me laugh and I'm done to do embarrassing things with them any day :) I usually embarrass myself by saying silly things without thinking. It happens allll the time, lol. I can't think of anything super embarrassing at the moment... usually I have to relive those things when I'm trying to sleep or something.

3. Charlie found out he has a brother. From a blurb (if you read it) we know that they'll meet. Do you have any thoughts on a brother? What's he like? What'll he do?... Where was he all this time?

Spider makes me think of the "friends" that keep you around to make themselves feel popular. I don't like him, so far. I relate way more to Charlie, being shy and clumsy myself. I'm sure Spider will just end up ruining Charlie's life. As for where he has been... who knows. Off enjoying/abusing his powers.

4. Charlie seems to be rather passive in his life. Do you think someone (for example boss or even his brother) will take advantage of him? How?

Of course they will. He's pretty much a pushover, though there's hints of steel in there. His boss is already taking advantage of him... using him to field the phone calls from that one widow that he doesn't want to talk to. As for his brother, I don't know what he's planning, but he's definitely planning to use Charlie for something or another.

5. And we meet Spider. He seems quite opposite of Charlie. It's all about fun for him. Do you think he'll manage to get Charlie to 'loosen up' some or he'll just make his life harder?

Oh, he is definitely just going to make Charlie's life harder. Probably in catastrophic ways.

Well, just finished the last book I think I'm gonna get to before the end of TTV. It's been fun playing with/meeting my fellow MF-ers! I would be on a team with you all anytime :)