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

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

Ohh, I'm the first to drop by. Hello, team!

Yay, teams are here! I'm with the Draco Lizard and I'm pretty pumped :D

I hope you feel better, Nikki!

June 6
Chapters 17 - 23

26. The more we learn about Jamie, the more we find out we don't know. Did it surprise you that he knew sign language or a sort to communicate with Hugh Munro? Do you think Hugh Munro is trustworthy?

That was an interesting scene. I was a little surprised by that whole exchange. It just seemed so out of the blue and kind of like it was there just to move the plot along (finding an alternative to meeting Horrocks or whatever his name was). Hugh seems trustworthy, though.

27. The relationship between Jamie and Claire had gotten very physical very quickly and ( at least during ch 17) he mentions he has not felt like this before and wonders if the wanting will ever stop? Do you think that Jamie might be falling in love with Claire? Or do you think he might feel this way because she is his first? PS - will be discussing later events in later questions :-)

I definitely think Jamie is falling in love with Claire, though I think the feeling is mutual. I think the fact that she is his first is certainly part of it, but I think he's also developing genuine feelings for her.

28. As a result of the raid on their camp, Claire is taught how to use a dirk (knife). Do you think this is something most girls would be taught i.e. self defense 18th century style or is Claire a unique case given her position with Jamie and the fact she is on the road with the Mackenzies? Do you think this would be a valuable skill for the time these people are living in?

I'm not 100% sure. I'm guessing that most women would not have been taught the finer points of knife fighting, though they might be taught to defend themselves and their home if someone were to storm it. Even then, I think Claire is a special case because of the position in which she finds herself. Also, she just can't seem to stay out of freakin' trouble! I think it would be a valuable skill for everyone during that time frame, though. Things were a lot more dangerous and unpredictable back then.

29. Following on from the last question, Claire is required to use this newly learned skill to kill an English deserter in self defense. As a healer that must have been hard but having served as a nurse in WW2, do you think it would make it easier for her to justify and/or deal with?

I think Claire is better equipped than most to handle violent deaths because of her past experience as a WWII nurse. Dougal noted that she had obviously seen violent deaths before because she handled that guy getting gored during the hunt like a pro. I think she can certainly justify her actions, but dealing with it may be a littler different. Yes, he deserved it, but killing someone with your own hands has to be hard to overcome. Of course, she has only thought about it in passing since it happened, so maybe she's good with it. I know I would have been a mess.

30. Claire sees (what she believes) is the Lochness Monster and compares it to herself. "I felt a faint kinship with it, a creature further from its own time than I." What do you think she might have seen ( or compared it to too)? Does this form any theories about the Lochness monster or how it may have gotten in to the loch?

I mean, she did travel through time, so why not let Nessie be real? I think Claire is in the "Nessie is a dinosaur left over from old times" camp. That's the most feasible possibility and Claire is a practical kind of person, so I could see her believing that once she caught a glimpse of the Monster, herself.

31. When Jamie tells Claire to stay put whilst he goes to visit Horrocks, she attempts to escape back to the stones and her own time. Had she made it there, do you think the stones would have taken her back?

I don't think it's going to be as easy going back as it was getting there in the first place. I doubt she'll be able to just walk through the stones again. You would think it would happen *way* more frequently if it were that easy.

32. The beating. If this happened here in this time it would be considered straight up abuse, no question. However being 1743, an entirely different time and way of life, do you think Jamie's justifications and reasons for it ARE justified? Given what happened to Claire when she did disobey do you think that maybe she truly doesn't understand how dangerous it is there and that she does have it easier where she came from?

Alright, so, I definitely get that this a different time period and I believe that Jamie truly and deeply believes that he was justified. In the context of what happened (i.e. Claire almost getting everyone killed because she fails so hard at escaping all the time), I certainly think she needed to be put in her place. I agree with Jamie that she truly doesn't comprehend the danger she is in and the potentially fatal consequences her poorly thought out actions can bring upon other people. She is being a tad selfish, but, in her position, I can't honestly say I wouldn't do the same. I would want to get home and, if what I saw as an opportunity arose, I would go for it. I would *like* to think I would think it out a little better, but I probably wouldn't. Still, as I said in an above comment, I have a problem with how quickly Claire got over that beating.

33. "It's shameful to hurt a women rage or no " page 320 Jamie says this at the end of page 320 when apologising for the marks on her shoulders from a few days earlier but refuses to apologise for the beating. Does this change your opinion of Jamie? How much of these chapters do you think are Jamie himself and how much do you think is a product of the time he lives in? Also does Jamie's confession about what happened between Randall and himself change your opinion of his actions after he saved Claire from him?

Again, I think Jamie truly believes he was justified in beating Claire. I don't think the beating even classifies as the same thing, in his mind. It was a "necessary" duty to him, whereas the marks he left on Claire were a careless product of sexytimes. Jamie is more definitely a product of his time. This is all he knows and he sees it as fair because that's the way he was brought up. I don't know if it changed my opinion of him, but it did change my opinion of his romance with Claire. Kind of jarred me a bit. I think a lot of the yelling after the rescue was adrenaline and Jamie realizing how scared he is to lose Claire. Being that attached to a person is terrifying, especially once you realize it! Also, Randall is a super creep... It's terrifying that he is in a position of power. I wonder how many other people (men and women) he's forced himself on because he can get away with it.

34. Claire is feeling threatened by Laoghaire's hold over Jamie when they return to Leoch and tells Jamie she is okay with it if he wants to have other romantic attachments, given the circumstances of their marriage. There is a distinct parallel drawn here from the first section where Frank told her he would be okay with her having had an affair due to war time and being apart or so long. What do think of this in light of her previous conversation with Frank? Do you think unconsciously she might also be using as justification for her marriage ( and consummation of marriage) with Jamie?

I think she's kind of realizing what Frank was talking about now. I definitely think she's using this as a justification. If she ever gets back to Frank and has to explain her circumstances, she'll probably bring up that exact conversation.

35. Claire is a woman out of her time and she has now married Jamie, a man form 1743. Do think Jamie might have married Laoghaire if Claire had never been brought back? What might this have changed for the future, might there be some lasting consequences since this should never have been? Clair accepts the marriage ring Jamie buys her and all that it entails after being given a choice to live apart from him. Is this fair of Claire to do given that she is still intent on making it back to the stones and back to her own time?

Claire is seriously messing with time. Unless this was all supposed to happen anyways... Time travel is tricky like that. I'm just wondering what will happen if she happens to get pregnant by Jamie. Will the baby stay in the past or go back with her to the future? That would have to create some kind of weird timeline mess. I think she accepts that ring because she genuinely wants to accept it. She's obviously developing feelings for Jamie and she can't deny it. Is it fair of her? Not really, but I honestly don't think she can help herself.

36. "And if ye didna happen to notice at the time, your part of the proceedings included the word 'obey .' You're my wife, and if I want ye, woman, then I'll have you, and be damned to ye!" pg 315 What do you think of this statement from Jamie?

My answer could be kind of trigger-y, so I put it in a spoiler.

(view spoiler)[I think Jamie can go *censored* himself. He acts like he frowns upon rape and he's now seen Claire almost raped *twice* and then he threatens to rape her? Not cool, guy. Of course, that wasn't *seen* as rape back then, so I guess that connection isn't sticking in his head. Still... that part made me squirm. (hide spoiler)]

Yay! Goodnight, Karsyn. Thanks to you and all the mods for working so hard on this. It's going to be awesome!

@Claudia I think that was my main problem with it. That she just kinda shrugged and moved on. I understand that that was the way things were back then, but *Claire* isn't from that time period. I found it hard to believe that a character who had been portrayed as headstrong and progressive would just move on from that so quickly. I'm with Karen... I would adjust the relationship to the business arrangement that it was at the beginning and be planning my escape!

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "I had a big problem with it, which I'm sure many of you can guess and many others have as well."

I know exactly what you're talking about and I'm right there with you. It completely threw me off in terms of the romance.

Ruby Coins

x 13

2 - Earned for participation in The Shadow of the Wind BOM
2 - Earned for participation in Outlander BOM
2 - Earned for participation in A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald BOM
2 - Earned for participation in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms BOM
2 - Earned for participation in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child BOM
3 - Earned for participation/DQs in The Muse BOM

Kerri's Gem Coin Collection

In which I display my pretties.

Less than a day away! I've never been so excited for a Wednesday.

Eldarwen wrote: "Haha that's awesome, Kerri!
Who knows, maybe you'll end up in the Tapir team?? :-)"

I would definitely be okay with that :) Of course, I love all animals, so I'm pretty good wherever I end up!

Every single one of those team animals sounds awesome :D I got more and more excited as I went down the page. Leafy Seadragons? Dire Wolves?! Tapirs?!?

Random fact, I wrote a paper about tapirs in grade school that won some sort of award. I've loved the little guys ever since, lol.

Discussion Questions Day 3: Chapters 11-16

18. Early in this section we learn that Colum & Dougal have somewhat of a partnership in running the Clan. In short, Colum is the brains and Dougal is the brawn. We then learn that Dougal is plotting rebellion behind Colum's back. What did you make of this revelation?

I think Dougal is doing what he thinks is best for the clan, though obviously Colum disagrees with him. I don't think Dougal is as content to just be the clan muscle as he appears to be. He has to know how frail his brother is and he might be setting things up for when he eventually comes into power.

19. As the company visits the tenants, we uncover that Dougal has an ulterior motive for Jamie's presence at rent collection - using his scars to stir up anti-English sentiment. Jamie is not pleased but reluctantly agrees to play his part "For now." Why do you think Jamie agrees to go along with this?

I'm not entirely sure. There's a lot about Jamie that is a mystery. Maybe it's a promise of being restored in his family's land? If he helps Stuart come to power, I'm sure he would take the bounty of his head and Jamie could go back home. Who knows, though.

20. The scene where Jamie camps himself outside Claire's door to protect her from the Redcoats is quite charming, why do you think Jamie has taken such an interest in her when everyone else seems wary of her?

I think he sees in her a mystery, as well. He knows she's not telling the whole truth and, though he can't fathom what the truth may be, it intrigues him. I'm sure they bonded somewhat while she was tending his wounds, as well.

21. We meet Black Jack Randall (BJR) again and learn more from Dougal about his role in Jamie's flogging. What are your impressions of him learning these new things about him and why do you think he has such an interest in Jamie? Is there more to the story that we don't know yet?

That guy is the absolute worst. I can't really understand why he apparently hates Jamie so much other than the fact that Jamie had the gall to not be afraid of him. Maybe it has something to do with Jamie's sister bearing his illegitimate child? Doesn't make much sense, though... but that guy is certifiable, so who knows. I definitely think there is more to that story.

22. Dougal announces that Claire will be marrying Jamie as the only way to keep her safe from BJR, do you think this it's true that this will keep her safe? Do you think it's the only course of action to guarantee her safety? Do you think Dougal has another ulterior motive in play here (we know he's good for those!)?

I think it's the only course of action they could think of on the spot that will keep her out of harms way. For now. I really don't think a small thing like a marriage is going to keep Randall from getting what he wants. He doesn't seem the type to give in easily, especially since he'll probably figure out the whole marriage only took place to thwart him. Randall doesn't seem like he enjoys being thwarted. But of course I think Dougal had ulterior motives. Jamie already mentioned some of them (i.e. pretty much kicking Jamie out of the running as the next laird of the MacKenzie clan, seeing whether or not Claire was actually a spy). Who knows what other motives he might have.

23. Jamie unexpectedly tells Claire that he's a virgin. I love a good virgin hero! Were you surprised at this revelation?

I little bit, yes, though I suppose I shouldn't have been with the level of morals Jamie has displayed up until this point in the story. Sure, he'll make out with a girl, but I don't think he would have sex with one unless he was planning on marrying said girl. And he has had a *few* other things going on his life up until this point in time. I was still surprised, though!

24. Claire notices Jamie's raise voice as Dougal negotiates their marriage contract. Any thoughts on what Jamie may be insisting on in exchange for his signature on the contract?

Apparently some undisturbed nights at an inn. Jamie is one big mystery to me. I haven't the faintest idea what he could have been asking for besides what he admitted to Claire.

25. One of my favorite passages in the series comes from Chapter 16:

"There are things that I canna tell you, at least not yet. And I'll ask nothing of ye that ye canna give me. But what I would ask of ye--when you do tell me something, let it be the truth. And I'll promise ye the same. We have nothing now between us, save--respect, perhaps. And I think that respect has maybe room for secrets, but not for lies."

We know the secrets that Claire is hiding from Jamie, any thoughts on what he might be hiding from her or what his other reasons for marrying her might be?

He's hiding a lot of his motivations and reasons behind why he came back and what he is doing now. I think there's a lot of the past he is keeping secret, but who knows what. As for other reasons he might have married her... *shrugs* Like I said, he's keeping his own motivations pretty close to the chest.

Discussion Questions day 2: Chapters 6-10

10. We get to know something about life at Castle Leoch. I found “Hall” to be a very interesting preceding. What did you think of the punishment given to the girl for being loose with boys? Was Jamie right to step up and take the punishment for her? What does this say about him?

Obviously, I found that completely barbaric, but that's what they did back then. The double standard back then was insane. I thought it was chivalrous of Jamie to take the punishment. Though it's not confirmed that this is the same girl he was making out with in the alcove (people suspect, but Claire didn't see her face!), he may have been part of the reason she was in trouble in the first place. Jamie is showing that he has a pretty good set of morals about him, though not perfect.

11. Claire doesn’t seem to accept the situation she is in and is looking for a way out. Do you think she will escape the castle or the MacKenzies?

Not any time soon. She's smart and practical, but when has she ever had to escape capture before? We already saw she was woefully unprepared tactic-wise when she tried to escape the day of the Oath Taking.

12. Callum MacKenzie has a job for Claire and takes her to the late Davie Beaton’s chamber. Do you think he meant this as a nice thing to do for Claire, or is it his way of keeping her under his thumb?

I think a little of both. He sees her as useful and means to utilize her skills while she's his "guest". I think he knows she needs something to occupy herself, as well. Besides, that gives her less time to try and escape.

13. ”Oh, aye. Jamie sat forward in anticipation, then realizing that he blocked my view, insisted that I sit on the other side of him, displacing Loaghaire down the bench. I could see the girl was not best pleased at this arrangement and I tried to protest that I was all right as I was, but he was firm about it. No you’ll see and hear better there. And then if he speaks in Gaelic, I can whisper in your ear what he says.” Could Jamie be flirting with Claire here do you think?

I don't think knowingly, no. He's trying to be helpful and is real oblivious sometimes. I'm sure Loaghaire didn't see it as such, though.

14. During the story telling (chapter 8) Claire gets the idea that other women may have travelled back in time like she has and that they also came back again. Do you think her theory could be right and that she can travel back to 1946?

Something got her there and I'm assuming there is a way to get her back. I don't think it's going to be all that simple. I don't think Claire has really thought about that aspect of her escape. Yes, she just stepped through the stones before, but there had been that ritual that was performed by the townspeople and it was close to Beltaine. It's not going to be as easy as just stepping through again.

15. What do you think of Geillis Duncan? Will she be a good friend for Claire?

I'm a fan, though I do think she's a little in love with herself. She seems like she could be a good friend as long as Claire let's her talk as much as she wants, lol. Her herb collection will definitely be helpful!

16. In part 2 we get a good sense of life in the 18th century and of castle life. The hardships that the people had to go through. Do you think the author has done a good job of describing 18th century Scotland to us?

As I don't know much about 18th century Scotland, I can only guess, but I think she has done a good job of describing it to the reader.

17. What do you think of the characters we have met so far? Do you have a favorite and why?

They are an interesting bunch! They all have so many levels and I'm loving it. I can't say that I have a favorite, yet, but I'm definitely invested.

Every time I visit this thread (which, let's be honest, is daily) I get more and more excited!

June 2
Chapters 1-5

1. Have you read Outlander before? And/or watched the TV series? The writing style reminds me a little of Deborah Harkness. Do you like the style so far?

I have not read the books nor have I seen the TV series. I have a friend who is obsessed with it, so I've heard a lot about the show. That's kind of what piqued my interest in reading the books. I'm enjoying the style, so far!

2. Frank and Claire have been apart for most of their marriage - what are your initial impressions of them and their relationship? Frank seemed to imply that he had been unfaithful to her during their 6 year separation. Is that to be expected / forgiven given their time apart and that it was wartime?

Frank seems distant and loving all at the same time. I suppose it makes sense with everything they went through and being separated for so long. I'm wondering if it's just them readjusting to each other or if he's a little shocked about the woman Claire has become. He doesn't seem a fan of her swearing, which I love! I'm not a big fan of cheaters, in any form, so I really want to say "Hell no!" But I've also never been in a wartime situation. Who knows what could happen under that stress and can I really judge? Probably not.

3. Who do you think "the ghost" was that Frank saw in full Highland gear watching Claire through the window?

Perhaps it was Jamie? Or some other figure from the past we haven't met yet?

4. Thoughts on Jamie? Do you believe him when he says he will protect Claire?

I do believe him. He seems genuine and I think he's really appreciative of her nursing his wound.

5. Is Frank's six-times-great-grandfather (Redcoat Captain) going to be the villain of the story? Would that change your opinion of your husband if you knew (met!) a relative like this?

Captain Randall seems like a grade-A a**hole. I'm sure he won't be anyone I'm particularly rooting for anytime soon. As for being the villain... I don't know. It's definitely possible. And that would absolutely not change my opinion of my husband because my husband is not his relatives, past, present, or future. The fact that he looks so similar to Frank would be very disconcerting, though.

6. This line made me laugh out loud. Have you highlighted any yet?
"No wonder he was so good with horses, I thought blearily, feeling his fingers rubbing gently behind my ears, listening to the soothing, incomprehensible speech. If I were a horse, I'd let him ride me anywhere."

That bit made me chuckle, heh. I can't think of anything in particular, though I love the way the author describes Claire's surroundings and nature in general.

7. Mrs Graham's tea leaf reading may have foreshadowed Claire marrying someone in the past (Jamie?) as she joked with Claire about being a bigamist! Have you ever been to a tea leaf reading?

I have not, though I did have a tarot card reading at a renaissance faire once. It was fun, though I can't at all remember what the reader predicted for me.

8. Castle Leoch is fictional, but widely beleived to be based on Castle Leod (but is not where the TV show was filmed). Doesn't it look amazing?! Has anyone been to Scotland?

It looks absolutely gorgeous and I would love to go there! It's always been a dream of mine to visit Scotland. It just looks so ethereal and gorgeous.

9. Claire seems to have calmly rationalised, and almost accepted that she is in the 18th century. Do you think it is important to the story to try and discover why she went back, or is it best to just move on and work it out later?

At this point, I think the best thing is to lay low and make sure she doesn't get killed. She can start asking more questions when she knows her situation and the people she is with a little better. If she starts asking super weird questions, they might think she's a witch or something. They did make a point of saying that they practiced witch burning in that area. Just saying. Lay low, Claire!

I'm super pumped about the animal theme and even more excited that teams have been finalized! We're getting so close :D

20. Julián Carax’s and Daniel’s lives follow very similar trajectories. Yet one ends in tragedy, the other in happiness. What similarities are there between the paths they take? What are the differences that allow Daniel to avoid tragedy?

I feel like the similarities picked up more later in their lives than in the early years. Daniel had a much better childhood as compared to Carax. I feel that is the main difference that helped Daniel get a different outcome. That and he encountered people (like Carax himself) who could warn him against going down the same path. And, of course, he wasn't related to the woman with who he happened to fall in love. *Big* difference there. But you could draw a lot of parallels, what with both Carax and Daniel falling in love with their best friends' sisters and it not going all that smoothly. And there was the shared interest in writing and a certain pen. I loved the little juxtapositions!

21. Nuria Monfort tells Daniel, “Julián once wrote that coincidences are the scars of fate. There are no coincidences, Daniel. We are the puppets of our unconscious.” What does that mean? What does she refer to in her own experience and in Julián’s life?

I think she means that our lives are really one big self-fulfilling prophesy. If you go through life believing you have terrible luck and everything bad happens to you, you will perceive all the horrible things more clearly than anything else. It's your subconscious sabotaging you. I think, for herself and Julian, she is referring to the fact that they chased their own demons so long that it pretty much ruined them.

22. Nuria Monfort’s dying words, meant for Julián, are, “There are worse prisons than words.” What does she mean by this? What is she referring to?

Well, I think the following phrase, "Let Penelope go", is what she means. Julian has been obsessed with Penelope and is still obsessed with her even after finding she is dead. That's his prison, the despair and anger he feels that all the hopes and dreams he placed in her were ripped away. I wonder if it would have lost it quite as hard if Nuria had told him the whole truth. It might have been worse, actually...

23. There are many devil figures in the story—Carax’s Laín Coubert, Jacinta’s Zacarias, Fermín’s Fumero. How does evil manifest itself in each devil figure?

With Lain Coubert, he manifests as a destroyer of one man's life and his life's work. Julian wants to erase any trace of himself from the world because he feels he has done nothing but cause pain. Zacarias seems more like the devil in the biblical sense, which makes sense since Jacinta seemed like a very pious person. Fumero was just pure evil, through and through. Ugh... his was a character that made me cringe every time he popped up on the page. I can't accurately describe how thoroughly I hated him and everything about him. *shudders*

24. Discuss the title of the novel. What is “The Shadow of the Wind“? Where does Zafón refer to it and what does he use the image to illustrate?

I never quite figured that one out, beyond being the name of the book that Carax wrote. I was never good at symbolism stuff in school...


25. The evil Fumero is the only son of a ridiculed father and a superficial, status-seeking mother. The troubled Julián is the bastard son of a love-starved musical mother and an amorous, amoral businessman, though he was raised by a cuckolded hatmaker. Do you think their personalities are products of nature or nurture? How are the sins of the fathers and mothers visited upon each of the characters?

I think it was a little bit of both. Fumero seemed like he was a bit of an odd duck even when they were kids and he certainly had a violent streak that doesn't seem apparent in either of his parents. On the other hand, he certainly loves having status and rising in the ranks, which seems to obviously come from growing up around his mother. I think he also wants to hold over him former "friends" before he super murders them.

As for Julian, they always said he was always interested in the macabre, even at a young age. Perhaps it was the less than ideal home life he had that made him gravitate towards morbid things, but it seems like it was just in him. However, I certainly think his home life contributed to his decision making process later in life.

26. Did you enjoy the book? Would you read any more books by this author?

I did enjoy this book! The switch to Nuria's POV near the end of book kind of jolted me, but I still really liked it. I would definitely give other books by this author a try.

27. Reading this made me want to go to Barcelona! I have never visited Spain? Have you?

I have not but I have always wanted to go! I kind of want to follow the walking tour guide that was at the end of my copy of the book. How interesting would that be?

28. Were you satisfied with the ending?

I was! I'm not the type of person who needs a happy ending, but I was glad that this book had one. I hated Fumero so thoroughly, I didn't want him to win in any way, shape, or form. Guh, I hate that guy...

Poonam wrote: "@Kerri: I really like your thoughts on Q14-quote 3 :))"

Thank you! One thing I'm loving about this book is it has so many quotable moments that really make you think.

3rd Set of DQs: May 24th, 2016
The Shadow of the Wind, Chapters 18-25 (pgs. 148-219)

12. I found it heartening how the neighborhood rallies around Don Federico after his arrest and assault.
When hearing of this horrible incident, Merceditas says: "“Poor thing, he [Don Federico] has a heart of gold, and he always minds his own business. So he likes dressing up as a Gypsy and singing in front of people? Who cares? People are evil.”
“Not evil,” Fermín objected. “Moronic, which isn’t quite the same thing. Evil presupposes a moral decision, intention, and some forethought. A moron or a lout, however, doesn’t stop to think or reason. He acts on instinct, like a stable animal, convinced that he’s doing good, that he’s always right, and sanctimoniously proud to go around fucking up, if you’ll excuse the French, anyone he perceives to be different from himself, be it because of skin color, creed, language, nationality, or, as in the case of Don Federico, his leisure habits. What the world needs is more thoroughly evil people and fewer borderline pigheads.”” (pg. 155)
Do you agree with Fermín's opinion? Why or why not?

I do agree, in a sense, with Fermin's opinion. Though I do believe there are thoroughly evil people that persecute others who are different from them simply because they are evil people, I think the vast majority of discriminatory behavior comes from people who are just stupid. They find it easier to vilify the "other" than to actually educate themselves. I think that is much sadder than the actual evil out in the world.

13. This is a translation from the original Spanish. Can you tell it is a translation/ do you think it is a good one?

For the most part, no, but there are little bits and pieces that make me realize it's a translation. Nothing overt... I don't think I could name you anything specific, but little things that remind me. It is a very good translation!

14. Any favorite quotes from this section?
Three I found very interesting:
“Someone once said that the moment you stop to think about whether you love someone, you’ve already stopped loving that person forever”. (176)
""…sometimes one feels freer speaking to a stranger than to people one knows. Why is that?”
I shrugged. “Probably because a stranger sees us the way we are, not as he wishes to think we are.”” (176)
“Books are mirrors: you only see in them what you already have inside you”. (209)
Do you agree with these quotes?

I enjoyed those quotes, as well. I can agree with the first two quotes whole-heartedly, but I'm more hesitant to agree with the last one. I see books more as doorways or windows into something new as opposed to mirrors reflecting back our own selves.

15. Fermín has many pearls of wisdom to pass on to Daniel, many involving romance, some amusing, such as:
““This business of courtship is like a tango: absurd and pure embellishment. But you’re the man, and you must take the lead.”
It was all beginning to look pretty grim. “The lead? Me?”
“What do you expect? One has to pay some price for being able to piss standing up.”” (190)
What do you think of these view points and advice? Do you think Fermín would be a good husband to Bernarda and a good father?

I mean, if he has a real interest in Bea (which he obviously does), he might as well take the plunge. I don't think men necessarily need to take the lead in a relationship. I think whatever works for the couple (or potential couple) is just fine and none of my business. I think Fermin would try his best to be a good husband and father and I believe he could do it.

16. Would you have a problem with a close friend dating one of your siblings (assume you have one for the purposes of this question)? Do you think Daniel and Tomás’s friendship will survive Daniel’s interest in Bea?

Well, if they are a close friend of mine, I would imagine I had seen both the best and the worst of them. I don't accept people into my inner circle very easily, so my close friends are some of the best people I know. That being said, I would have no issue with one of them dating my sibling if he was into that friend, as well. I think as long as Daniel is respectful and let's Bea lead where this relationship goes, Tomas will be understanding. Tomas seemed mostly concerned about his sister's happiness, so if she chooses Daniel over the military guy, I think Tomas will be okay with it.

17. Things are starting to make more sense after the connection between Julián Carax, Jorge Aldaya, Miquel Moliner, Fernando Ramos, and Francisco Javier Fumero has been revealed.
How do you think Nuria Monfort fits into all of this? Do you have an updated prediction on what happened to Penelope Aldaya or on who Laín Coubert is and why he wants to destroy all of Carax’s books?
Nuria tells Daniel: “"…sometimes it seemed to me that he [Julián Carax] was no longer interested in the world or in people…I got the feeling that Julián was living in the past, locked in his memories. Julián lived within himself, for his books and inside them—a comfortable prison of his own design.”
“You say this as if you envied him.”
“There are worse prisons than words, Daniel.”” (166)
Do you have any ideas on what happened to make Julián this way? Do you think there was really an almost-marriage and a duel? Why did Julián return to Barcelona?

Something happened between Julian and Penelope, obviously. I don't know if Julian separated himself willingly or if he was forced to sever his connection with Penelope. Either way, I think that's what drove him into his prison of books. It was a way for him to forget. Maybe he returned to Barcelona to try and reconcile with Penelope and Fumero got a hold of him. I still have no real clue who Coubert really is and why he's destroying Carax's books. We shall see!

18. We have been introduced to many unique and eccentric characters, from the Barcelós to Fermín to Don Anacleto Olmo to Tomás and Beatriz Aguilar to Miquel Moliner. Who is your favorite and/or who do you find the most intriguing?

I think Fermin is the most intriguing because there's still so much we don't know about what happened to him. I want to know the true history between him and Inspector Fumero. What caused their paths to cross in the first place? My favorite character would have to be Daniel, though. I think it's because I can see a bit of myself in him.

19. I am enjoying the setting in historical Barcelona and the eerie, mysterious tone of the book. What are your favorite or least favorite aspects of the book so far?

The overall tone and the mystery is my favorite part. I can't really think of a least favorite part right now... perhaps the fact that he seems to be unraveling this mystery fairly easily. For instance, stumbling upon a woman who just happened to have a key to the Fortuny apartment, then just happening to discover the key to the locked room in a music box by completely accident. Little things like that. But I'm still loving the journey.

Discussion Questions 23 May 2016, Chapters 11-17

6. We were introduced to Fermin in yesterday’s section, but we get to know him better today. What do you make of him? He obviously has some form of PTSD, do you think the stories he tells are real? Was he really a spy? Do you think he is going to play a big part in Daniel’s life?

I think what is going on with Fermin is a mixture of PTSD and some other mental illness. He seems slightly schizophrenic, though I can't be sure. I really enjoy his character. He's massively intelligent, if odd. I think he will definitely be playing a big part in Daniel's life.

7. This story is getting spooky. Who do you think left the photo of Julian Carax in the bookstore?

Someone trying to help Daniel learn the truth. Possibly someone who has dealt with the Faceless Man before and wants to thwart his efforts to get the last Carax book?

8. ”Television, my dear Daniel, is the antichrist, and I can assure you that after only three or four generations, people will no longer even know how to fart on their own. Humans will return to living in caves, to medieval savagery, and to the general state of imbecility that slugs overcame in the Pleistocene era. Our world will not die as a result of the bomb, as the papers say, it will die of laughter, of banality, of making a joke of everything, and a lousy joke at that.” Do you agree with Daniel’s father? Do you think the author wants to make his own statement about what television has brought us in this way?

Television as it's perks and it's downfalls. It can be very educational and great fun, but it's easy to fall into the trap of mindless viewing. I think this is a dig from the author in respect to television and I can kind of see his point. Moderation is key.

9. We get to know more about Julian Carax’s life growing up. I noticed there are some similarities between Daniel and Julian. Do you think there are and what are those similarities? What are the things that are not similar?

I feel like Daniel's life is slightly mimicking Carax's life and events in Carax's book. Daniel obviously didn't have as terrible an upbringing as Julian, but there are bits that are definitely similar. Lose of the mother, brought up to take over the family business (though less so in Carax's case), being a bit of a dreamer. I can definitely see the parallels.

10. Daniel is really on the hunt for Julian Carax’s life story. Do you think he will find out all the details, maybe even find him?

He seems to be on the right track. He's doing some pretty good detective work, so far. I think he'll find out quite a bit, though I don't know if it will go as far as him discovering where Carax is hiding.

11. What do you think happened to Penelope and her family?

Seems like the times hit them hard. They're probably out of country or something like that. I couldn't really say, though there's something fishy about that caretaker not even knowing Penelope existed. So many mysteries!