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

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

DQs Day 4: Cottonmouth Falls to Earth to Nina, 2 Days Before Landfall


15. To get to earth, Oli and friends must go up to then fall to earth. This is further emphasized in the title and the chapter name. Why do you think the author made the choice that the path to Earth is by falling?

Perhaps to make it seem more otherworldly? It certainly gave the scene where they travelled a very ethereal feel and I enjoyed it!

16. We meet the Mockingbird again in this section. What do you think of her role so far as a character and as a trickster character?

At this point, she comes across as someone who wants to help, but can't help her trickster nature to start trouble. The whole bear attack was a bit over the top, Mockingbird! But I don't think she wants to hurt our group of friends. I think she does think of them as friends but she just can't help herself.

17. What are thoughts on Own Dave and what was shown about him in the give away scene? Do you think Nina is overly trusting that this will work out?

Nina's entire money-making scheme has made no sense to me. I get that well-viewed videos can rake in some money, but somehow I don't see it being as lucrative as Nina thinks it's going to be. Also, Dave comes off as kind of slimy in the clip that we saw.

18. If you had the ability to have an animal form, what would you choose? (You may want to consider the potential tradeoffs like wing ears).

I'd have to pick a bird form, winged ears and all, haha. I just think being able to fly would be absolutely amazing!

DQs Day 3: Nina, Age 16 to Cottonmouth Meets an Originator

10. We know why Ami is sick. What do you think of how the author has woven extinction and how humans treat the Earth into the story? (Did the revelation make you want to cry like I did?)

I really enjoyed how she works in our actions on Earth having consequences that we can't see. It is true even if there weren't another world populated by animal people! I thought it was extinction since Ami seemed so rare and it makes me sad to think that they might lose him. I want them to be able to save him but how do you stop the human race from destroying what we have? We truly seem dead set on it...

11. The threads of the story are coming together. Oli and the twins are going to Earth. The twins and Bright immediately signed up for the journey and the danger. Do you think you would do the same for a dear friend? In our world, what? Donate a kidney, or something similar?

If my best friend suddenly went into a coma and I thought that travelling to a different world/dimension would save her, I would do it in a heartbeat! Same with the real world comparisons. We've been through so much together that she is family and I would give a lot for my family.

12. Any ideas on why Grandma cannot leave her home? And, what will happen to her when the hurricane lands?

It seems like her longevity is tied with the land? I'm wondering if she's actually part animal person. The story that Nina has partially translated got me thinking.

13. Who is this nightmare king in our world, do you think?

Probably Paul because Paul sucks 😂 Seriously, though, I would assume it's probably someone like Jeff Bezos or some other multibillionaire that wouldn't want to world to remember the animal people because then they might actually stop destroying the Earth. Or they just want magic/world-shaping all to themselves.

14. What do you think of Nina decoding Rosina’s last story? How important is the story and the warning? Do you think Nina’s mom knows more than she is sharing about the family history?

I'm thinking the story is very important. Like I mentioned above, I'm wondering if it's an actual family history and Nina and her family are all part animal person. Nina's mom seems to science-minded to believe in the other world, but I think maybe her dad might know more than he's letting on.

Day 2: Nina, Age 14 to Cottonmouth Reaches a Fork in the Road

6. We meet a sinister man at Rosita / Grandma's land. What do you think is going on with him? We also meet an adorable kitten who seems to have used up one life already. Something peculiar going on here or just Nina making wrong assumptions?

I knew from the moment that man showed up that he was trouble. I get the feeling he's going to whatever it takes to get Grandma to sell her land or have it taken from her somehow. He was already being a jerk about the stream and then reporting the tree so that Nina's dad had to go trim it? He probably wants to build a strip mall or something dumb. Ugh... he's the worst. The kitten, however, is awesome! I'm wondering if it has some connection to the animal people? Seems like there is certainly something special about that cat.

7. What do you make of Nina's relationships with her father, mother and grandmother? What do you make of the contrast with Oli, who doesn't have blood relatives and rejects the coyote twins' invitation to join their family? What does that say about the different worlds?

Nina seems like she's really close with her family and I love that. It sucks that her mom has to be away and I'm sure that's having an effect on Nina. But I love that she can talk to her dad and grandma about pretty much anything it seems (except the possible fish girl in the well...) and how supportive they are of her. Oli seems like he loves his family, but the nature of his species makes it so they can't be as close as Nina is with her family. It seems like he envies the twins and their myriad relatives but he doesn't want to replace his own family with theirs. I think Oli's world is very much governed by the rules of nature and it's hard to go against those rules.

8. Oli has made a network of friends and connections. Do you have a favourite? What's happening/ed to Ami?

I love the coyote twins! They are so much fun and I love how they instantly accepted Oli into their family. I also love quiet little Ami and how sweet he' s always been! I'm really worried about him. I'm wondering if maybe his species on Earth has gone extinct?

9. Thinking back to our last Native American / First Nation BOMs (The Only Good Indian and The Firekeeper's Daughter) the way Little Badger is incorporating traditions and cultural information that might be unfamiliar is very different (both TFD and TOGI are more firmly set in the contemporary world; TFD explained a lot, whereas this puts the onus on the reader to find context; TOGI left it unclear how much of the Other World parts was projection versus reality, whereas here it's clear that both worlds are real and parallel). Do you like the approach taken here? If you read TFD or TOGI, do you have a preference?

I'm really enjoying how Indigenous culture is being woven into this story! I love spending time in the animal people world and seeing how it might be bleeding over into Nina's world. I adored Firekeeper's Daughter for how it worked in Ojibwe traditions, but I'm also enjoying this more whimsical approach. I haven't read The Only Good Indians yet, but it's definitely on my TBR.

Also, Cat, your questions were great!

DQs Day 1: Nina, Age 9 to Cottonmouth Meets the Coyote Sisters

1.) Did you like the opening chapter? What do you think of efforts to preserve disappearing languages/dialects? Do you think these efforts are worth it? Why?

I thought the opening chapter was interesting! I like Nina and her relationship with her great-great-grandmother. I think it's very important to try and preserve disappearing languages. Language is such a deep part of culture and it's sad to see some languages being eradicated through colonization. I think it's important to try and bring them back for future generations.

2.) Do you have diaries from your early years? If you did, do you think you'd be surprised by what was in them? What would you tell your younger, pre-teen, self?

Haha, I actually found some diaries from my middle school/junior high years the last time we moved. They were so cringey 😂 Tween-me was freakin' dramatic. I would definitely let her know that the things she was worried about wouldn't matter at all by the time she's my age and tell her to not stress about them too much.

3.) Opposable thumbs or tentacles, which would you prefer and why.

I'm pretty attached (hehe) to my opposable thumbs, but tentacles seem like they would be fun! They'd probably give my short self better reach, too.

4.) What do you think of the concept of animal people? And how they are tied to animals on Earth? Are you loving that some of them come to Earth to go to the bookstore?

I love that there are animal people tied to the animals that live on Earth! Think about animals that have gone extinct, though, does make the concept even sadder, though. I think it's such a cool concept and I love that Earth stuff is basically contraband in their world.

5.) At the end of the section the Lake Monster answered Oli's question. Did that surprise you? What question would you ask the Lake Monster?

That did surprise me! I thought it was hilarious and sweet that this ancient monster would drag itself up from the depths just to answer that question. Hmm... I suppose if I had access to a being that had been around for ages, I might ask it about what life was like back when it was new. I think that would be a fascinating conversation.

I can't believe TT is over already! Thanks for a fun time, Team Circe :)

I finished up Stardust and have added it to the spreadsheet! That should finish up Clio :)

I'm good, as well!

I don't think I'm going to get to The Neverending Story, but I am halfway through Stardust, which would work for being on my TBR for over a year, as well! Is it okay if I swap that out? I'll definitely have Stardust done before the 15th.

I just finished Hide for the read by another TM prompt! I'll get it updated on the spreadsheet ASAP.

Hello all! Checking in real quick. Life has been a hectic mess lately, but things are starting to calm down. I'm finishing up Hide, probably today or tomorrow. It started out kind of meh but it's gotten much better!

@Louise - I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I hope you find out soon what's going at the hospital and that she recovers quickly.

Welcome back, Jenn! Hope your summit went well :)

Welcome back, Jen! Glad you had a fun trip :)

Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell

While the Iskat Empire has long dominated the system through treaties and political alliances, several planets, including Thea, have begun to chafe under Iskat's rule. When tragedy befalls Imperial Prince Taam, his Thean widower, Jainan, is rushed into an arranged marriage with Taam's cousin, the disreputable Kiem, in a bid to keep the rising hostilities between the two worlds under control.

But when it comes to light that Prince Taam's death may not have been an accident, and that Jainan himself may be a suspect, the unlikely pair must overcome their misgivings and learn to trust one another as they navigate the perils of the Iskat court, try to solve a murder, and prevent an interplanetary war... all while dealing with their growing feelings for each other.

Jade Fire Gold by June C.L. Tan



How it fits: 'Fire' in the title

Told in a dual POV narrative reminiscent of EMBER IN THE ASHES, JADE FIRE GOLD is a YA fantasy is inspired by East Asian mythology and folk tales. Epic in scope but intimate in characterization, fans of classic fantasies by Tamora Pierce and the magical Asiatic setting of AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER will enjoy this cinematic tale of family, revenge, and forgiveness.

In order to save her grandmother from a cult of dangerous priests, a peasant girl cursed with the power to steal souls enters a tenuous alliance with an exiled prince bent on taking back the Dragon Throne. The pair must learn to trust each other but are haunted by their pasts—and the true nature of her dark magic.

My library hold came in, so I'd like to volunteer for DQs :)

Day 5
20 Jul 2:00 AM - 7:00 AM

17. I love how the author describes how the party goes feral starting with that awful Vaughn Donovan. Have you ever been to a party where things spiralled out of control?

I'm not much of a partier and I tend to get overwhelmed and dip in situations like the one presented, so... no 😂 I've had times when I was at a relatively mild party where I just wasn't comfortable anymore, but nothing I can remember where things spiraled out of control.

18. I fist pumped the air when Nina tells herself to stop being a doormat and goes to find her dad (or as she says, her "f&*(ing nothing"!!). That whole scene where she confronts him felt so cathartic. I loved the line "It would not be her that bent and broke anymore." How did you find it?

My favorite part of the whole book, hands down! I was so happy that someone finally put Mick Riva in his place! Do I think it will stick with him? Not in the slightest. But I'm glad Nina drew clear boundaries and was unwilling to let him walk all over them. He doesn't deserve their time or their forgiveness.

19. There are always many sides to a story. Why do you think Mick came to the party? If he was your dad, would you have forgiven him? Would you have wanted to see him again after the party?

Mick came to the party because his most recent wife left him, his recent demos had been rejected, and he was feeling sad and alone. He wanted someone to make him feel better and that's the long and the short of it. He went for purely selfish reasons and I'm glad his kids didn't give him exactly what he wanted. There's no way I would have been able to forgive him. Well... I might be able to forgive, but I would never forget and I certainly wouldn't want anything to do with him afterwards.

20. The party changed the siblings in lots of different ways. How do you think their lives will be different now?

I'm hoping they can finally live their lives out from under the shadow of Mick Riva. The only good thing he did for them was to make sure they knew that his leaving had nothing to do with them and everything to do with his failings as a human being. I'm hoping that will help them grow more into the people they were meant to be.

21. Final thoughts on the book? Would you read more by the author?

I really enjoyed this book! More than I was expecting, if I'm honest. I don't tend to gravitate towards books featuring celebrities or famous people. TJR has a way of writing books like that, though, that make them effortlessly readable and compelling. Having given everything I've read by her so far four or five stars, I would have to say that I'll definitely be reading more from this author.

Day 4

59% 11:00 PM
80% 01:00 AM

13. From the four siblings, I was surprised to find out that Kit had been sending the party invitations to his father for the last few years. I would have expected it from Nina and Hud first. Was it a surprise for you too? What do you think the future relationship (if any) will look like between Mick and his children? I feel he is quite an unredeemable character so it could go towards many different directions.

I was surprised it was Kit who was sending the invites. Out of all the Riva children, I would assume she is the least likely to forgive Mick for everything that he did. And I absolutely wouldn't blame her. For all of their sakes, I hope they don't let Mick back into their lives. I get the feeling he's just going to disappoint them again. I mean, the only reason he showed up to the party was because he was feeling sorry for himself and wanting someone to take care of him! The man is too self-centered to trust with their feelings.

14. Now that we know the story between Brandon and Nina and her reaction to his mistress' appearance, I can finally see the fire awakening in Nina. She has a chance to not commit the same mistakes as her mom. Do you think that she will finally stand up to herself and what she wants or will she fall into old habits? We haven't seen the last from Brandon, what do you think he will do to try to get Nina back?

Brandon can go choke for all I care. I hope she never takes him back and I think she won't now. She's finally realizing that she's sacrificing herself and her happiness trying to accept everything that is thrown at her and "go with the flow". She's always trying to make everyone else comfortable but doesn't consider her own comfort. I'm glad she's starting to recognize her worth and that she deserves happiness and comfort just as much as the next person. I'm hoping she sticks to her guns and I think she will.

15. Nina has taken very well the situation with Casey. How do you think the others will react to the news?

Jay will probably be the only one of the siblings to deny it outright. Perhaps Kit, too, simply because she might not want anyone else in their family circle. I feel like both Nina and Hud will/would be the most open to the possibility, even if they have their doubts. I think Nina recognizes that this is young girl currently going through terrible grief and, even if she's not actually related, she wants to be there for her.

16. I am worried about the fate of some characters. Now that we are getting closer to the end, do you think everyone will have a HEA or the story is leading toward some heartbreak and bittersweet ending?

Hahaha, I definitely don't see an HEA for any of them. Well.. maybe Hud and Ashley? Though this fight between him and Jay might be enough to drive a wedge between them. I really hope not but Hud cares a lot about his brother and what he thinks. Kit might get a HFN kind of ending now that she's finally come to terms with her identity. I'm glad she had that moment with Ricky and that he didn't freak out on her or anything. Jay is doomed to be miserable because he has a pretty screwed up mindset about his relationship with others. I'm hoping Nina comes out of this, if not happy, at least on the path to happiness.

Day 3

41% 5:00 PM
59% 10:00 PM

9. The Riva house on the beach and Nina's husband's place on a cliff are described several times in the book as the most important settings. Do you find the houses and Malibu as appealing places?
What would your own dream place be like? And where would it be?

The house on the beach, beyond getting a little rundown while they were struggling, would definitely be my favorite! I love the water and living on or near the ocean sounds incredible. Of course, I also love the mountains and could see myself living in a cozy cabin in the woods. Besides, the house on the cliff in this book sounds way too big.

10. As we are moving forward in the story, the siblings characters may be getting fleshed out a bit more. What do you think of Nina? Does it seem like she's following in her mother's footsteps in her choices?

Oh Nina... All the Riva kids had to grow up way too soon, but I think it affected Nina most of all. She's always trying to please people, to make their lives easier, but it seems like she never takes care of herself. I don't think Nina is necessarily following in her mother's footsteps. I think, if she had been alone with Brandon, she would have told him to leave her alone. But when he made a big announcement in front of all those people? The people-pleaser in her reared its head. Ugh... I feel bad for her. He put her in such an awkward position after he was the one who left!

11. Connecting to the previous question about Nina: while TJR is handing out information concerning her husband and their marriage rather sparingly, how do you see Nina's choice and their relationship? Any impressions on what Brandon is like?

Nina mentioned that Brandon never likes to do something that he's not automatically the best at as soon as he tries it. It makes me wonder if they were having a rocky patch in their marriage and Brandon was like "Welp, I'm out ✌🏻". I'm honestly getting Mick vibes from him with all his promises and stuff to Nina at the beginning.

12. What do you think about the relationship between Jay and Hud? How do you think Jay will react when he learns about Hud's betrayal especially as he seems to have found a real love interest?

Hud is kind of a people-pleaser like Nina, though mostly with Jay. There's definitely a weird dynamic between the two of them, though that could just be a sibling rivalry thing. And also a "Jay thinks the world revolves around him" thing. That being said, Jay has every right to be pissed at Hud for sleeping with Ashley while she was still his girlfriend. I don't think he'd ever really be okay with them being together simply because of that fact, even if he's currently got a thing for Lara. And I can't say that I blame him but he still has no right to tell Hud and Ashley, two consenting adults, that they can't date because he doesn't like it. It's gonna be a mess any way you slice it.

Vicky wrote: "
I really liked it! Definitely not what I thought it was going to be. I'm amazing at adding to my TBR and not remem..."

I feel like the cover throws people off a lot. It certainly made me think "fantasy", though I knew it was a contemporary because of tons of friends talking about it. But the cover gives off a definite fantasy vibe!

Vicky wrote: "I read Book Lovers RIGHT before the challenge, so I'm not going to be able to participate. :sob:

But I did finish Firekeeper's Daughter today and am very close to finishing..."

I just finished Firekeeper's Daughter! How did you like it, Vicky?