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

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

Daily Questions - Day 3
Chapters 13-17

15. Do you think the head of security has something to do with the missing mascara? If not, do you have any gut feelings about who may have?

Honestly, if this weren't a thriller, I would just say Lo is being paranoid. Maybe it rolled under the counter or something. Of course, I could also be saying that because I don't really care for Lo... It *is* a thriller, though, soooo... I don't think he took it, but I think someone on staff did. Perhaps one of the stewardesses?

16. Given what he told Nilsson about Lo's past I'm surprised that she has once again confided in Ben, this time about what she think she saw from the balcony of cabin 10. I don't trust him at this stage, do you think Ben is trustworthy?

I trust Ben about as far as I can throw him (hint: not far). I was pretty shocked that she just spilled the beans to him once again after feeling so betrayed. I guess she forgives easily? Or she just doesn't learn from her mistakes.

17. Flash forwards of news reports have confirmed that Lo definitely goes missing from the cruise ship. Have you found knowing this has increased or lessened the tension of the current storyline?

I honestly think it lessens the tension. Now that I know she's not going to make it, I don't feel as worried because I know the outcome. Of course, so far the body hasn't been confirmed as Lo's body, so it's still up in the air whether or not she's actually dead. Still, I don't feel as invested in Lo anymore (may, again, also be due to the fact that I don't really like her...).

18. When Lo found that writing on the shower it confirmed that something has definitely happened to the girl in cabin 10. It seems like a scary situation for her to be in, especially not knowing who to trust. What do you think you would do if you were in Lo's position?

I would document everything and send it to someone I trusted onshore. I wish Lo would carry her phone with her... she could be taking pictures! I know it has no internet connection (which is super fishy... how is the Wifi on this super fancy boat not way better?) but still... document everything! If she got a file together, she could maybe send it out once she's onshore at wherever they are headed.

19. Future newspaper reports indicate a body has been found and it seems pretty obvious to me that it would be that of the girl. Do you think the author is trying to suggest to the reader that it is Lo? If so do you think she has succeeded in sowing enough of a seed to get the reader to consider it might be her?

Well, the newspapers themselves are suggesting it could possibly be Lo, though the authorities haven't commented. I honestly didn't think until now that it might be the mysterious girl's body. Lo has mentioned several times that she was about her age, about her height, etc. But why would they kill a Lo lookalike and toss her overboard? I still have so many questions, lol.

Day 2 DQ's

July 3 Discussion questions & comments
Chapters 7-12

8. Lo wonders about Rowan's experience of going to luxury places to report about them. She wonders "How can she stand it, these regular glimpses into a life no regular person would ever be able to afford?". Do you agree with this? Would you like to travel to luxury places for your work?

I'm sure some people would have a stronger stomach for it, in a sense, than others. I've been on cruises before and I love that pampered feeling, even if I know it's not permanent. It's fun to get a glimpse at how the rich folks might live, but I'm always still thrilled to get back home to my regular life. A glimpse is enough :)

9. Tina is looking at Lo in a speculatively way, while they are waiting before they can go to the dinner room. Why do you think she looks at Lo that way? Did she overhear Lo talking about her?

Perhaps she noticed Cole paying a lot of attention to Lo and was making her own conclusions. Or she could have overheard what Lo said, though I feel she would giving her a much dirtier look than just "speculative" if she had, haha. Or she was judging her dress? I'm bad at making guesses like this...

10. Lo is panicked and is thinking of Judah, then she says “I imagined burying my face in Judah’s shoulder and for a second I nearly burst into tears, but I clenched my teeth and swallowed them back down. Judah was not the answer to all". Why do you think she says this? Does she really have second thought about breaking up with Judah?

I think she's relied on Judah a lot for strength and comfort and she's trying to remind herself that he can't be her only source of strength. And I don't think they officially broke up? At least that's not the vibe I got. She seems scared that *Judah* thinks she broke up with him, but I don't think she necessarily wants to break things off just yet.

11. When Ben and Lo are alone, she tells him all about the burglary. Why do you think she can tell Ben and not Judah all details and how it made her feel? What does this say about Lo's feelings towards Ben and Judah?

Perhaps because Ben is not as emotionally involved with Lo? Or Lo isn't as emotionally involved with Ben, that is. Sometimes it's easier to tell a stranger something than it is a friend. I know that aren't strangers (it seems they had a relationship) but Ben is obviously no where near as close to Lo as Judah is at this point. She may not want to freak Judah out and it seems like Ben already knows about her issues. She mentioned not being easy to be around or something to that effect. I guess, in a way, she's closer to Ben than Judah in that sense.

12. Why do you think Judah is so worried about Jo? He asks all her friends if they heard from her. Do you think he is overreacting?

He does seem to be freaking out a bit prematurely. I mean, she's on a cruise. My phone reception was spotty at best whenever I was on a cruise. On top of all that, she is on assignment. If I were Judah and I hadn't heard from her while she was *on assignment*, I would assume she was busy with work. Of course, I don't tend to communicate much when I'm working or on vacation, so maybe I'm projecting. Perhaps he's used to talking to her every day, even when they are travelling. Still... I would worry if it was past the time when she was supposed to be back and she still hadn't called/text/emailed me.

13. Lo hears a scream and thinks she sees a woman in the sea. Do you think she imagined it? After all, she is a bit drunk and is possibly suffering from anxiety and PTSD. How do you think the staff handles the situation? Should they have done anything else?

I don't know... she doesn't strike me as the most reliable narrator, at this point. Still, I think the staff should have handled that differently. They were polite and responded promptly, but I feel like if there was even a *slight* suspicion that someone had fallen overboard (or was pushed, in this case), they should have stopped the boat and investigated fully. It's a small boat with not a lot of people onboard... it shouldn't take that long to account for everyone while still in the general area of where Lo heard the splash/"saw" the body.

14. I think it is strange the schedule of the order of the ports is changed. Do you believe the reason they give to Lo?

I believe the reason. It's the maiden voyage with pretty much only press aboard and the owner made it pretty clear that one of the priorities of the trip was hopefully seeing the aurora borealis. I can understand them changing course to get the best chance of seeing the ship's namesake during the trip. Of course, that may not be the *actual* reason, but I wouldn't be suspicious about it if I wasn't reading a thriller, lol.

Nomination:


His Majesty's Dragon

Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors ride mighty fighting dragons, bred for size or speed. When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes the precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Captain Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future – and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature.

Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France’s own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire.

Nomination:


Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State — and she would do it alone.

Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.

Nomination:


Stardust

Young Tristran Thorn will do anything to win the cold heart of beautiful Victoria—even fetch her the star they watch fall from the night sky. But to do so, he must enter the unexplored lands on the other side of the ancient wall that gives their tiny village its name. Beyond that old stone wall, Tristran learns, lies Faerie—where nothing, not even a fallen star, is what he imagined.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman comes a remarkable quest into the dark and miraculous—in pursuit of love and the utterly impossible.

Lusie wrote: "Maybe Judah hired him to convince Lo to move in with him. It's twisted, but possible..."

I thought that for a split second, too. Judah doesn't seem that devious, but this book did promise twists...

July 2 Discussion questions & comments
Chapters 1 -6

1. Have you read anything by Ruth Ware before? Why did you decide to join this read?

I haven't read anything by this author before, but I've been on a thriller kick and this book sounded interesting, so here I am :)

2. I have the impression that Lo suffered panic attacks and slight claustrophobia even before the break-in. Do you think there's much more to her past than we've been told so far?

I definitely think there's something traumatic that happened in her past that has caused her claustrophobia. She seems to have a well worm technique to calm herself (One, two, three, Breath in...) so that makes me think the panic attacks aren't all that new either. I don't know why, but I did get the impression that she'd had them under control until the break in occurred. Just an impression I got.

3. Theories on the break-in? Does a burglar wear latex gloves and lock the occupant of the house in their bedroom while ransacking the place? How would he know she didn't have a phone in her room? Seems there's more going on here than a simple burglary.

That break in was weird, to say the least. At first I thought, well maybe he didn't realize she was home. She was sleeping in her bedroom, after all. But he *did* close the door, probably so she'd be less likely to hear him rummaging around in her stuff. But, if so, we didn't he just lock her in from the beginning? I can see the latex gloves (don't want to leave fingerprints, after all), but the execution of it seems really odd. Perhaps we'll find out more later on.

4. I can't quite imagine the boat. She said it isn't much bigger than a yacht and yet the descriptions make it sound quite large. Your thoughts?

It's amazing what they can do on cruise ships! The only ones I've ever been on have been *huge*, but even the smaller spaces seemed enormous. Perhaps it's a lighting trick or mirrors. The fact that the cabins open up onto the verandas and have a clear view out into the ocean probably make them seem bigger, as well.

5. Ok stupid question, but would you borrow mascara from someone?! (What a way to get an eye infection!) And also on this very expensive ship full of rich people the lady gives her Maybelline mascara which is a relatively cheap brand. A clue she doesn't belong there perhaps?

I don't tend to wear makeup, but I thought that was gross XP Lo even mentioned that she would wash the wand if the lady wanted it back, but was perfectly willing to just use it on herself. Ew! And perhaps it is a clue, though people always have their preferences. She may be rich and just really like the Maybelline brand.

6. Have you ever been so overly tired but not able to sleep? Do you think Lo is paranoid due to her lack of sleep and anxiety or is there someone watching her?

Probably. I used to exist on pretty much no sleep during college. Thinking back, I wonder how I survived without permanent damage O_o I think she's a little paranoid, but who wouldn't be after encountering a burglar in their own home?

7. Do you like the writing style? Is it an effective way to build suspense by using the emails to give us a glimpse in the future before going back to present day?

I am enjoying the writing style so far. I was a little thrown off by the emails until I realized they were dated in the future. It is interesting to get that tiny glimpse. It makes me wonder what is happening with Lo that she isn't responding to her emails. Is she even getting them? Are they getting hers? She wrote an email to Judah, but I wonder if she actually sent it (the book never actually said she did) since he said he hadn't heard from her. I have so many questions!

I'm in for all of them! Let's see which House I get :)

Gryffindor (House Score: 17)
➲ Gryffindor's emblematic animal is the lion: Read a book about a lion (or a shape shifter who turns into a lion).
➲ Gryffindor's emblematic colors are scarlet and gold: Read a book that has a predominately scarlet or gold cover.
- 8/3/2017 4 stars
➲ "Nearly Headless Nick" is the house ghost of Gryffindor: Read a book featuring ghosts or read a book in which someone was decapitated or beheaded. Yikes! Mistborn: The Final Empire - 9/29/2017 5 stars
➲ Members of Gryffindor are described as courageous, chivalrous, and brave to the point of recklessness (sometimes) : Read a book in which the protagonist portrays one of these qualities consistently throughout the book. Paper and Fire - 7/16/2017 4 stars
➲ Godric Gryffindor was known as the most skilled duelist of his time: Read a book where the main character is a great swordsman/swords woman. Traitor's Blade - 7/22/2017 4 stars
➲ Godric Gryffindor left behind 2 known relics, the Sorting Hat and a goblin-made ruby encrusted sword: Read a book with a decorated sword on the cover.

Slytherin (House Score: 15)
➲ Slytherin's emblematic animal is the snake: Read a book which features a snake on the cover or in the story.
➲ Slytherin's emblematic colors are green and silver: Read a book that has a predominately green or silver cover.
➲ The Bloody Baron is the house ghost of Slytherin: Read a book in which a suicide or murder takes place. You can also read a book where the protagonist loves someone who does not love them back. Duma Key - 7/7/2017 5 stars
➲ Members of Slytherin are described as cunning and shrewd: Read a book in which the protagonist portrays one of these qualities consistently throughout the book. Or read a book in which the protagonist irked you. Girl in Snow - 9/30/2017 3 stars
➲ Salazar Slytherin was a skilled Legilimens: Read a book where the main character is telepathic. Ekata: Fall of Darkness - 8/28/2017 3 stars
➲ The locket used as a Horcrux was said to have belonged to Salazar Slytherin. It was silver with a large "S" engraved on the front: Read either a book with a locket, or other large metal necklace on the cover or read a book by an author who's first name and last name both begin with the same letter.
A List of Cages by Robin Roe - 8/20/2017 4 stars

Hufflepuff (House Score: 4)
➲ Helga Hufflepuff, the founder of Hufflepuff, was a witch during medieval times: Read a book that is set in a medieval time period (between 5th to the 15th century)
➲ Hufflepuff's emblematic colors are yellow and black: Read a book that has a predominately yellow or black cover.
- 9/8/2017 4 stars
➲ Fat Friar, the house ghost of Hufflepuff, dedicated his life to religion: Read a book about someone who is extremely religious.
➲ Members of Hufflepuff are described as hard working, patient, and loyal: Read a book in which the protagonist portrays one of these qualities consistently throughout the book.
➲ The relic of Helga Hufflepuff used by Voldemort as a Horcrux was a small golden cup: Read a book with a cup on the cover.
➲ Helga Hufflepuff was known to be skilled with food related charms, Harry Potter wiki states, the basis of her charms are still used for Hogwarts feasts: Read a book with food on the cover.

Ravenclaw (House Score: 7)
➲ Ravenclaw's emblematic animal is the eagle: Read a book which features an eagle on the cover or in the story. You can also read a book about someone who can shape shift into a bird of any type.
➲ Ravenclaw's emblematic colors are blue and bronze: Read a book that has a predominately blue or bronze cover.
- 7/7/2017 3 stars
➲ Rowena Ravenclaw, the founder of Ravenclaw, was Scottish: Read a book that takes place in Scotland.
➲ Members of Ravenclaw are described as intelligent, witty, and wise: Read a book in which the protagonist is scholarly, bookish, all knowing, etc... When Breath Becomes Air - 10/3/2017 4 stars
➲ Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem was a magical artifact that was charmed to enhance the intelligence of the wearer: Read a book with a pronounced diadem, crown, etc. on the cover.
➲ Rowena Ravenclaw's daughter, Helena, who was murdered by the Baron, was the ghost of Ravenclaw known as the Grey Lady: Read a book that either has an author or main character's name is Helena/Helen or that has the word "Grey" or "Lady" in the title.

--> Books with page counts of over 100 pages
--> Re-Reads do not count for this challenge
--> Any readable format counts (paper, digital, audio)
--> Picture books not allowed, MG allowed if YA is also listed
--> No Graphic Novels / Manga allowed

Yay for extra points!! I picked up the book from the library early so no one could check it out before the BOM started, haha.

Gemma wrote: "Glad I took notice of all your good reviews for The Hate U Give - I'm 4 chapters in and really enjoying it!"

I was pleasantly surprised by that book. I didn't really go into it expecting anything, but I also didn't expect it to be quite so good! Glad you're enjoying it so far :)

My day works for me, as well :)

@Samantha - That sounds awesome! I dream about having a study/library for all my bookshelves. They kind of multiplied while my husband was in Korea, lol. And I honestly already need more!

Congrats on your first home, Samantha! Moving is a pain, but that is so exciting!

Everlost
Read: 26 June 2017
Pages: 313
Rating: ★★★★

DQ’s for Day 3
Chapters 4 & 5

13. What did you think of Roland’s strategy for fighting Cort?

I thought it was pretty clever though I do wonder why Cort didn't just smack the hawk out of the air. Roland said that he could tell Cort realized what he was planning to do once he announced what his weapon would be. Was it a fondness for David? Still, pretty smart on Roland's part.

14. Do you think Roland regrets what happened to Jake?

Yes and I think it's going to haunt him. Do I think he would change his choice if he could go back? No. He has a goal and I don't think he'll let anyone get in the way of that goal.

15. What do you think about the gunslinger’s fortune?

It was interesting, though I don't know much about Tarot cards. It did make sad seeing the Sailor (poor Jake...) and I'm excited to see who the other cards may represent.

16. The man in black told Roland, “What hurt you once will hurt you twice. This is not the beginning but the beginning’s end. You’d do well to remember that…but you never do.” Do you think Roland has looked for the tower before?

It sounds like he has or perhaps he's referring to the fact that Roland is not one to be swayed. He's very stubborn and tends to ignore anyone who tells him to give up.

17. The man in black talks about different and multiple universes and a connection with the Tower. What do you think Roland will find when he reaches the Tower?

It sounds like the Tower holds all of Time and might be a gateway to other universes.

18. What did you think about the book? Will you continue on with the series?

I enjoyed this book and I will definitely be continuing this series!

The Gunslinger
Read: 24 June 2017
Pages: 251
BOM: My input
Rating: ★★★★

I'm in! I'll volunteer as DQ backup for Team Millennium Falcon.

Emily wrote: "Question of the week:
Do you manage to read a lot of new releases or does your massive TBR keep you mostly on backlist stuff?"

I seem to read a lot of more recent stuff, if not necessarily new releases. That's why I'm currently doing the Cleaning Out Your TBR challenge because there's so many older books (in terms of being on my TBR) that I've just been ignoring!

Day 2 Questions: June 23rd - chapter 2-3

8. I am really enjoying the strong sense of place that King invokes through the senses. Can you share a book that you've really enjoyed that had a strong sense of place?

Hmm... the beginning of the Wheel of Time series was like that for me, especially The Eye of the World. I really need to re-read that series and actually finish it this time.

9. At The Way Station, the gunslinger is told to "Go slow past the Drawers gunslinger. While you travel with the boy, the man in black travels with your soul in his pocket" - what do you think this means?

Perhaps it means that the man in black travels with something that the gunslinger wants more than anything in this world. It certainly seems like he has some knowledge that the gunslinger needs.

10. What do you think is Jake's role in the story?

I really want him to be a companion for the gunslinger, but I don't think that's how this story is gonna go. From what the oracle said, I don't think Jake is going to survive very long. I want the gunslinger to find some way around it, but he is very dedicated to whatever goal he is pursuing and I don't think he would let Jake get in the way.

11. We begin to learn more of the gunslingers past and what he was like as a boy - do you still see those parts of him as a man?

It seemed like he was a teensy bit more expressive as a boy, but even back then he was pretty stoic. He seemed to express his emotions more when he was a kid and that part of him does peek out when he's stressed or drugged, but not much of it.

12. We've seen so much darkness in the story so far, it was striking to hear about light when the gunslinger spoke of New Canaan. The gunslinger recalls his mom saying, "the only real beauty is order and love and light" - do you think there is hope in this world for love and light?

Being an eternal optimist, I always think there is hope. I'm sure it would be a hard battle to win, though. The world Stephen King is showing us is pretty bleak.

Happy Friday-eve, MF-ers! How is everyone's week going so far?

I just started reading The Gunslinger and I'm reminded once again how much I love Stephen King. Only Mr. King could get me to genuinely enjoy a semi-Western themed story, haha. I have noticed as I read that I keep picturing Idris Elba as the gunslinger, even though the movie isn't out yet. Usually, I hate having a preconceived picture going into a book. But... ya know... it's Idris Elba! He can hang out in my headspace all he wants.

Anyways, hope everyone is having a good week :)