Judith’s Comments (group member since Apr 15, 2015)

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

Thanks Melanie! It looked interesting when I added it to the spreadsheet.

It's always nice when an good book synopsis delivers!

Yes

MelanieJoy wrote: "Working through part 3 now.

After reading the Hunger Games in June, my edition had an interview with Suzanne Collins at the back that I read, and she had some insights about Gale and Peeta that is influencing how I read book 2. She said that Gale represents hostility in the face of oppression and hardship and Peeta represents diplomacy and she hopes to inspire thought and discussion around the two viewpoints and values."

I find this really interesting and something I'd never heard before. I can see that in how it plays out in the choices of those 2 characters. Though I think it further shows from the beginning Collins never intended Katniss to end up with Gale. I don't think she could survive a life with someone that hostile and angry with all the trauma she's living with and not coping well with having.

I think it is a bit refreshing that Collins has the trauma continue and not have Katniss and Peeta be magically cured after a couple weeks or whatever.

The author is also very good at creating the atmosphere of paranoia and fear no matter where the characters are or what they happen to be doing.

On this reread of the series, I'm being reminded of one of the things I liked so much about it the first time. Collins write Katniss as an imperfect teenagers that is anything but a Mary Sue. She's a bit of a self centered brat, comes up with rash asinine plans that fall apart with the lightest of pokes from reality, and thinks she know more than adults who've lived through some things. And of course thinks her parents (well mom since dad is dead) know nothing.

Reality is hitting her hard as the quagmire she's standing in becomes clearer to her. I have to keep reminding myself she's 16. It's a bit creepy that everyone is trying to marry off a pair of 16 year old kids to be honest. I know in this world 16 is basically an adult. But still.

And to be honest, I don't think Gale actually wants to marry her. Bang her, sure. Marry her? Eh, I don't think so. On this second read Gale is coming across as more of an entitled jerk. And so butthurt about her smooching Peeta he is ignoring the fact she's not exactly mentally holding it together.

To be fair, I don't think Katniss has any business being in a relationship with Peeta either. Homegirl is not okay. I actually think without the emotional/physical support of Peeta and her immediate family, Katniss would of turned into Haymitch 2.0.

In for DQs District 8

would prefer last day if the randomizer finds me worthy

Cordelia wrote: "I'm having technical difficulties with my book. I had the paperback shelved and switched the edition (which I've done a billion times) to the kindle version as that's what I actually read, and yet ..."

Okay, just have whichever it will let you have on your shelf and let me know what the page number should be. I'll make a note.

GR is cray-cray sometimes

Cordelia wrote: "Judith wrote: "Cordelia wrote: "I am almost finished with mine! It’s fun to be back in the medieval romance realm."

that's on my TBR, I'm glad to know you are enjoying it!"

If you've read Garwood..."

Done!

Vikki wrote: "My battle book has just landed on my Kindle this morning so I'm starting it shortly."

Awesome, it looked like a good read

Cordelia wrote: "I am almost finished with mine! It’s fun to be back in the medieval romance realm."

that's on my TBR, I'm glad to know you are enjoying it!

Finally getting to start this!

Only a few chapters in by Collins certainly doesn't mess around and know how to hit the ground running with a sequel. She managed to get everyone up to speed on where things stand in about a chapter. And it didn't feel like an info dump which was refreshing.

The divergence of Katniss's life from Gale's and the future she would of had if she hadn't become a tribute is telling. Though I wonder a bit what her job would of been. I don't think she could of mentally worked in the mines and she didn't seem cut out to help her mom with medcine/surgery.

And that first meeting with Snow (RIP Sutherland) was so creepy and terrifying. One step out of line and Katniss dooms her entire family and maybe even district. It's just crazy how much power is in one man hands.

Yes, but then end of week two so it’s 5am EST on 6/29

Just approved it! let me know if you have any access issues

Due to demand, there will be another Backroom BOM set to start July 10th.

Nominations are currently open: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

For those of you who nominated last time (Lexi and Melanie I believe) Teddie carried those nominations forward. If you'd like to nominate something different (or pull your nomination) just post in the nomination thread and Teddie will make the swap.

Stacie wrote: "Judith wrote: "Stacie,

when you get a chance could you add Dom to your challenge shelf?

Thank you!"

It's showing as there already on my end."

I'm seeing it now. I'm going to blame this on not having enough coffee before checking books.

Thank you for double checking

Stacie,

when you get a chance could you add Dom to your challenge shelf?

Thank you!

Mary,

When you get a chance could you add A Secret Life of Country Gentleman to your challenge shelf?

Thank you!

Cordelia wrote: "Annie Bot was a book with quite the punch and left me feeling icky (but in a good way) so reading my medieval romance is the perfect palate cleanser. I could not have timed that more perfectly."

It's always nice when plans work out that way. There have definitely been some reads where I needed to read something light/fun to help recover from.

I just finished a monster if anyone wants to spin a new one. I won’t be on the computer until later this evening

I’m in Boston for a Hootie and the Blowfish/Barenaked Ladies concert.

So not the most exciting post, but the last book of Battle 1 will be Out of the Ashes

You can take it! I’ll do the last book