Jill’s Comments (group member since Nov 15, 2016)

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

Welcome Heather!!

Still nothing from Seraphina? Guess we will have to hunt for a new hitchhiker again -_-

I think it’s ok for clouds. Yeah I think if we don’t hear by Monday, it’s fair to move on. That would be giving her 2 weeks.

I think we're still waiting on Seraphina. But some people have chosen to start reading. I read the 2nd book because I used it for a different challenge.

Trying to chip away at my TBR. Looking at

Would count?

CiCi wrote: "Any good suggestions for a book with clouds on the cover?"

On the hunt as well!

Sammy, yes we can start reading if we want. I finished a book already, but will probably pick back up again when the rest of the group is ready

We are officially done with our first trip around the world!! Let me know when we are ready for business class

Ok. Bump this thread when everyone is ready

Ok. Do you want to give her until the 18th?

If Chie is still interested, please join! (I sent her a message in case she doesn't have her notifications on for this thread)

I grabbed a book from Seraphina's read shelf for the last task. We are all done with our coach itinerary, and can officially depart tomorrow!!

So excited to travel business class!! We just need one more member

Team, since Seraphina is caught up in RL stuff, do you think it's safe to say we can move on without her?

Chie. just a little about our team..we do mostly detours, rarely spell it out, and we finish about a book a week. Sometimes a few days past a week, but not often. You can find our itinerary with the stops and detours here. Would you still like to join?

Slytherpuff wrote: "I heard that Seraphina is having some family issues.

I looked at another team she's on. She hasn't been active on that thread either. Just thought I should let you know what I saw,"

Oh no :( I hope she is okay. Thanks for letting us know, Slytherpuff

Sammy, has Seraphina answered your message yet?

Chie, if she isn't continuing, we will have an open spot

Yay!! Such a strong finish to Wheelathon! I am so proud of my Zombie Band for holding down the bronze medal. You girls are amazing!!

I've honestly never read so much in my life. I've discovered some great books, some crappy books, and some awesome teammates. Thanks ya'll for pushing me! I had so much fun!!

Finished the last of the DQ's at 5pm on the dot!!

DQs Day 6

Star of Bethlehem

36. Lydia was very impulsive, in switching tickets with Hulda. Have you ever done anything so impulsive? What did it make you think about Lydia's character and situation?
Lydia seems very spontaneous and fun! I liked her!

37. Being British, the idea that an airport is four hours drive away is insane to me - I mean, I can be in France in four hours! which means I find it hard to connect with the situation (and, incidentally, completely got Hulda's outrage in the airport that getting a bus wasn't practical!) Did the setting of the story add or distract from your reading?
No, we've all experienced travel nightmares.

38. Ethan's family was a really tangible element to the story. Do you think Lydia fell for the boy or the mob?
The boy.

The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer

39. This story had a really unpleasant baddy, in the form of Reverend Thingy (I disliked him so much that all I retain of his name is that it began with S). Did you react strongly to him? Other characters?
I didn't like him at all :(

40. The fact that the baddy was the priest and the love interest was a primoridal god-like creature made this feel kinda anti-religion. Do you think it fitted with the holiday theme of the collection?
It kind of fit in with the Krampus story

41. The imagery in this story was really powerful. Did you enjoy it?
Yes, Laini Taylor is so talented!!

======
42. and finally: do you have a favourite story? which author(s) will you read more of?

I really liked Welcome to Christmas, CA

Done!! Adding everything!!

DQs: December 6th

Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus

27. What do you think of Vaughn's pranks? Do you find them funny throughout the story? Could you relate to the way he thinks - like everything is just a step away from a disaster to happen?

I think Vaughn’s pranks are immature, but a cry for attention and coping mechanism for his parent’s breakup. I can’t relate to the way he thinks, but I can understand why he thinks like that. He’s jaded.

28. I've noticed that the stories in the book have some kind of continuity regarding fathers and them leaving. Did you get a similar feeling too? What do you think why Vaughn's dad left and what do you think of his mom and how she is handling the whole situation?

Some of the stories have a missing father but not all. It definitely adds an element. It seems like the father ended the marriage for whatever reason, and ruined Vaughn’s mom. She fell into a depression and she never got the right help. It affected her parenting, but it’s not completely her fault. It doesn’t seem like she had a great support system to get her out of it, since Vaughn was only a kid.

29. In my opinion, the quick love-to-be between Vaughn and Gracie felt a bit rushed. Do you feel the same way or do you have a different opinion? Do you think they go together well as a couple and why?

Yes, it was rushed but it was a short story. All short stories seem rushed to me. I think they go well together as a couple because she’s the opposite of him and she’s able to ground him. She’s also tough, so she can put him in his place when he needs it.

30. During the reading, I also wondered how kind was Gracie's dad, the pastor, to Vaughn. What do you think was the course of his actions, do you think it was really just out of kindness as Gracie pointed out? Overall, how did you 'experience' the pastor? Did he seem like an actual pastor?

The pastor was very kind and forgiving. I think it’s a pastor’s nature to have those traits. I think he genuinely wanted to help Vaughn.

Welcome to Christmas, CA

31. Would you like to live in a town like Christmas? If yes/no, why?

Christmas is a mine town in the middle of nowhere. No thanks!

32. What do you think you would be if you were a food?

An onion. I have many layers..

33. Did you expect Rick acting this way and saving money so Maria could go to college?

No, but it was a nice plot twist.

34. Personally, I really liked Maria as a character - especially when she helped Candy so much. What did you think of her?
I think she was good hearted and selfless because she sacrificed for her family and Candy.

35. What part of Christmas is your favorite?

Being with family.

DQs Day 5

Krampuslauf

22. Krampuslauf is an unusual holiday festivity. Does your community and/or country have unusual holiday traditions and/or festivals?

No, I'm from the US.

23. Penny and Silke were given the opportunity to decide if Roth was going to be punished. Penny showed more compassion with wanting Grieselda to punish him like Krampus would. What did you think about Roth being turned into a donkey?

I thought it was funny, random, and what he deserved.

24. Joachim told Hanna that his people are often beseeched for favors, but seldom invited to share feasts. When he offered her a gift, Hanna wanted to never forget that there’s magic in the world. Why do you think she wanted that?

I think Hanna never wanted to forget because it was a thrilling moment that she had and she felt very special to be apart of it.

What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth

25. Sophie is having a hard time adjusting to college life. Having to say “just kidding” and wondering what she has done this time. Do you think she misread situations?

She is super sarcastic and no one gets her humor. She says “just kidding” because no one gets it.

26. Russell said the only constant in his life was the Simpsons. I feel when he was talking about his grandmother that she is a constant too, regardless of the amount of time he could spend with her. Is there something or someone that is a constant in your life that helps keep you grounded?

Yes, my husband!

DQs 3

14. We are halfway through. Do you have a favourite of the stories so far? Is there one you are particularly looking forward to reading?

My favorites so far are Angels in the Snow and It’s a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown. I am most looking forward to Laini Taylor’s The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer because I absolutely love her writing and storytelling. I fell in love with her Strange the Dreamer duology.


It's a yuletide miracle

15. Marigold's apartment was a surprise. Have you ever lived somewhere with things piled up around you like that or where you had boxes unpacked for months?

Nope! I could never live like that.

16. I thought this story had a nice style. Have you read any books by Stephanie Perkins? What did you think?
This is my first time reading Stephanie Perkins. I liked her style. It kind of reminds me of Jenny Han.

17. I was trying to picture Asheville in my mind and ended up doing some google-ing. Have you ever been there or somewhere like it?

Asheville seems like a small town version of Portland with lots of vegan/vegetarian/organic eateries, small businesses, artists, etc. I’ve been to Portland and loved it!

Your temporary Santa

18. This story was the most unusual for me. I felt like there was a lot more going on than what I understood (like the nasty sister and the strange interaction with the mum in the hallway). But I find that a lot with Levithan books! How about you?

I am not familiar with Levithan’s works, but yes I think you need to read between the lines.

19. I like how he is Jewish and his parents gave him the story about Santa and how "you can wave to him as he flies past if you want". Did your parents have any unusual Christmas stories or traditions?

I never had a chimney growing up, so my sister and I left a magical key outside so Santa could come in through the front door lol

20. Did you ever see Santa? When did you stop believing?

I never saw Santa, but I was always determined to wake up in the middle of the night to “catch him.” :P I stopped believing in 2nd grade.