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

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

DQs Day 3
Chapters 16 - 23

11. Mr. Morgan and his increasing neediness are raising red flags all over my brain. What do you make of the relationship Morgan and Belle share? His possessiveness is somewhat extreme, to the point where he even requests her to attend personal family events even though the rest of the family do not necessarily want her there, but - supposedly - because he cannot be without her at all anymore? And what do you make of his condition for her travel arrangements? Is it truly only the fact that Bernard was a Jew before converting or is he jealous of Bernard being able to do what he himself cannot let himself do?
It's a little of the forbidden fruit and a little bit creeper grooming of a protégée. I think the family doesn't quite know what to make of her and likely assumes they are having an affair or soon will be. Which puts it really in the face of his wife. I kind of hope JPMorgan's wife had her own side piece, she certainly deserved it.
As to the conditions of her travel I think it's two fold. He's a boy who does not like to share his toys or at least what he thinks of as his property. And he's scared she'll leave/quit either for another job or to become a wife/mother.

12. We previously discussed Belle's boldness when it comes to business transactions, but she is only now realising what kind of portrait she paints of herself by behaving the way she does at society events. Do you have any thoughts or predictions on how this might continue?
The Roaring 20s was a weird time, especially in cities like NYC and Chicago. I'm assuming in other major cities outside of the US as well. Then the wars happened and things changed again. I'm curious to see what the 30's and 40's bring in terms of how she behaves or is seen in society.

13. "Haven't I sacrificed enough at the altar of whiteness? That sentence struck an enormous chord with me, especially in light of what has been done and discussed in the novel so far. I cannot help but wonder if Belle is going to overstep some boundaries she herself and her mother have set - and I don't just mean her increasing drinking at parties and the way she acts like a clown/pet for the rich and famous. Are there any other words that gave you pause?
JPMorgan's statements about Jewish people did. It makes me wonder what his thoughts are on black people. It's bizarrely never mentioned, maybe they are so far beneath his social notice Morgan just doesn't comment?
I do agree with Lisa's sentiments about passing as white (or whatever race/ethnicity) is just wrong. But I didn't realize people didn't know it was a thing. Race though has a very complicated relationship with society in the US and I forget sometimes the issues are different in other countries.
I remembering reading Wolf by the Ears in middle school, the MC is one of Thomas Jefferson's daughters by Sally Hemmings. And it's basically whether she's going to head North and pass as white or stay working as a slave in her own father's home. And discusses what some of her siblings did (pass in the North or not). It's a bit mind blowing to be honest.

14. Bernard Berenson is not who he claims to be. I'm not sure Russian Jew, as Belle thinks, is the case, but I'm not quite ready to venture an educated guess. Aaaaand I can't help but wonder if he knows Belle's secret because he has a different lookout on certain situations in life than the wealthy people she usually deals with, who let themselves be blinded by flashy dresses and silly flirtations. What is your take on this? How do you think the Italian trip is going to continue and what will the repercussions be? Also, were you expecting a sex scene in this novel? I sure wasn't.
Pregnancy is always a concern, hopefully they were careful. But back then, careful only got you so far anyway. I was expecting the sex scene to be fade to black but this was fairly mild and at least it wasn't all about pooling wetness, throbbing members, and heaving bosoms. There's a time and a place for all that but it would of been weird in this book.
He probably guesses something about her story is off but maybe not exactly what. I'm guessing he's Jewish and what he said was in Hebrew. I'd be surprised by the Russian piece though I have no idea why.

DQs Day 2, Ch 8 - 15

6. I had to break away from the book to learn more about Anne Morgan. Now I’m fascinated by her. She was the first American woman appointed a commander of the French Legion of Honor, among many other impressive accomplishments. Has there been any person, location, or other topic that caught your curiosity to research further?
When I read historic fiction based on real people I tend to look them up, more so if there isn't a historic note at the end. I'm always curious to see what actually happened to them.

7. “Leaving the auction midway is not the usual protocol, but I want everyone to understand that the Pierpont Morgan Library and its librarian are singular.” Who else giggled and woo-hooed at this? I continue to be in awe of Belle’s self-assurance. What about her background that we know so far do you think contributed to this characteristic? Or do you think it was more innate than acquired?
She's got to make it so she's not replaceable, at least in Morgan's mind. If she gets canned no one would dare hire her in that field. In order to pass she basically had to make herself into a completely different person. Not an improved or more educated or whatever people generally do in order to better their circumstances but literally a different person. That is really hard and often why witness protection fails for most people. 100% not the same situation but there's a fair few parallels there.

8. I couldn’t help but be shocked at the description of the family moving from the whites train car to the other. The lack of upholstery and tables, as well as the description of the bathroom facilities, really hit home as a dividing line. What else from the narrative demonstrated the delineation between any of the groups depicted (white and POC, mega rich and “have nots,” men and women, etc.)?
I agree with Lisa's answer here. And it's reminding me of something Trevor Noah said in Born a Crime "racism is stupid" because once you actually meet people in whatever category we are discussing the basis of the racist beliefs fall apart.
But as to examples, I think their living situation and pooling of family financial resources and the fact Belle needed a chaperone to go on a business trip to London.

9. Who else was holding their breath about Morgan’s anger toward Belle and the newspaper article? I knew it had to be ok because, in real life, she did work for him for many years. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t incredibly nervous for her!
She's lucky she just didn't start babbling and outing herself by accident.

10. I love how her ploy for acquiring the Caxtons from Lord Amherst worked out! Do you think she will ever acquire Le Morte Darthur?
I'm guessing so? It's mentioned often enough if she doesn't actually get it, it'll be a huge bummer.

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Glad you picked this book, Judith. It's really a different read for me and I'm enjoying it. 😊"

Yay! I always feel bad when I nominate a dud

DQs Day 1
Ch 1 to Ch 7

1.) Did you know of Bella's story prior to picking up The Personal Librarian? Did your knowledge (or lack of) her story influence your decision to decide to read this book?
I'd never heard of her and I think the book popped up in my newsfeed on GR and I thought it sounded really interesting. So I added it to by tbr. Then when nomination time rolled around I searched by tbr for author pairs and thought this sounded like a book that would make a good discussion. Hopefully I was right :)

2.) In the early 1900's would you do what Bella's mother did and lie on the census and have them pass as a family as white? Even with your husband as a civil rights activist?
I don't think anyone ever really knows what they'd do until they are standing there in the moment. Mike Tyson said it best when he said "everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face." But for the chance for my kid to have a better life? I'd certainly be tempted.

3.) The mega rich just exist different I think. I can't image having priceless original works in a rando box or just sitting out on the floor in the foyer. Can you image being that blasé about one of a kind, million dollar pieces of art?
Nope I can't. I to get excited about found money in pockets, etc. I worked with a guy once who every time he moved just threw a bunch of home good staples out and bought new ones "because they weren't that expensive". A pot holder or towel, sure. But altogether that was $100s every time. I just stared at him dumbfounded.

4.) What are your impressions of JP Morgan and his family so far? What about his desire to have a library/collection so vast he needs a personal librarian/curator?
They are going to be an interesting cast of characters. I'm wondering if Anne will come around. I'm also hoping JP Morgan doesn't turn into a full on creeper towards Bella.

5.) Belle. What a complicated web she walks on, sticky and thin, that threatens to break if she takes one wrong step. A woman, white-passing, from a working class family trying to make it in the mega wealthy white man's world. That takes some gumption and seems exhausting and scary. What do you think of her so far?
The stress of it all. I think she's doing well under all the pressure. And I'm glad her family is in the city for support. Otherwise the loneliness would be crushing I think. I'd be too scared to tell anyone the truth.

DQs Day 1
Ch 1 to Ch 7

1.) Did you know of Bella's story prior to picking up The Personal Librarian? Did your knowledge (or lack of) her story influence your decision to decide to read this book?

2.) In the early 1900's would you do what Bella's mother did and lie on the census and have them pass as a family as white? Even with your husband as a civil rights activist?

3.) The mega rich just exist different I think. I can't image having priceless original works in a rando box or just sitting out on the floor in the foyer. Can you image being that blasé about one of a kind, million dollar pieces of art?

4.) What are your impressions of JP Morgan and his family so far? What about his desire to have a library/collection so vast he needs a personal librarian/curator?

5.) Belle. What a complicated web she walks on, sticky and thin, that threatens to break if she takes one wrong step. A woman, white-passing, from a working class family trying to make it in the mega wealthy white man's world. That takes some gumption and seems exhausting and scary. What do you think of her so far?

He was literally the first one on there 😂

Judith's BOM Tracking

Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Eldarwen wrote: "So many more questions I could have asked, especially about the Darker as well as the Kennedy family, but I didn't want to overdo it haha.


Judith, I am kind of proud however that we had an inkli..."

Yep! Even though the extension of that life wasn't permanent.

DQ Day 5
Chapters 39 - end

20. Well, what a ride!! Was this an ending you were expecting? Did you guess who the murderer was before all was revealed? What about Daisy's part in the story? Considering the gothic setting and set-up of the story, I was almost disappointed in myself that I had not figured out Daisy. Did you figure out who Trixie's father was before it was revealed?
No I wasn't expecting that but like a certain movie from like 20 years ago, once you know you totally see it. I pretty much assumed.

21.a. Let's talk about the family because they really need to be talked about. I had so many "wtf" moments reading those last chapters because I could not believe the people in this family! Rose and Lily (and Conor by extension), how could they have done what they did?! What was your reaction when you found out?
It was something along the lines of OMG, WTF, JFC. What is wrong with these people. Daisy's secret was not what I was expecting at all. But it did explain how she ended up being the center of it all.

21.b. And then Nancy! Why was she sobbing like a heart-broken mother when her daughter with the broken heart could be fixed for an extended period of time? By extension, Daisy always felt, and seems to not have been the only one, that Nancy preferred Rose and especially Lily over her, but then inside the locket we saw a picture of Daisy and a pressed daisy.
Fear and guilt? My guess is Nancy was mourning Daisy long before she was ever dead and kept her at a distance thinking it would hurt less once she actually died.

22. Now that the mystery is solved... what about the clean-up?! How do you think Trixie is going to handle the aftermath of it all? What is going to happen with all those bodies?
Seriously, WTH is Trixie going to tell people. It certainly isn't something you can spin as a break-in spree killing or whatever. They were all killed hours apart and each in a different way. Good luck with that one. O.o

23. Going back to the very start of it all, there was a little note from the author's agent at the beginning of the book before even the first chapter started. Did you read it? What did you think of it? (If you did not read it, you might want to have a quick peak.)
If you've (now) read it, what do you make of it now? Now, that we have reached the ending.
I'm guessing Daisy finished her life story after all ;)

24. Since this was the first Feeney for most of you (I think?), were you satisfied with the novel? Are you going to pick up another one of her books?
It was a crazy ride and I'd get on another one. I think she wrote Rock Paper Scissors which I've heard good things about and is on my tbr.

Chapters 28-38 Questions

15:In this section we see ways Daisy took revenge on her sisters using the scissors. Were you surprised when you read her actions? Did the reasoning and the excuses make it less horrifying? What were your thoughts?
Not really, it's always the quiet ones. And people who put up with crap for so long and children don't really think about the ultimate consequences of their actions. But it was as messed up and over the top as the rest of the things this family does to one another.

16: We are now introduced to a new character: Nana's agent. We see a flashback of him with the family and we also see that he visited Nana recently without punching out on the clock. Do you think this is a clue to something? What are your predictions with his involvement?
I agree with Lisa a new character at that point is either a red herring or the murderer. Otherwise, why bother.

17: What I really want to know is what the doctor whispered to Nancy after Daisy's heart stopped the last time, which made Nancy break down into sobs. Do you have ideas what she was told? Do you think this played a role in Nancy's choice to bring up Daisy in isolation?
Who knows but I'm assuming it plays a role in the current murder spree or at least Daisy's secret.

18: At this point, Seaglass to me seems more of a place of refuge than a spooky large house. What is your take on the setting now, having seen depictions of all of this time spent at Seaglass?
sanctuaries can be vital to a person's mental health but they can also be a prison. sometimes self imposed. It can warp what's normal and healthy (mentally or physically).

19: Ok so we're 80%done with the story. Any predictions to what happened that night after Lily kissed Conor? Who do you think is killing members of the Darker family?
I'm assuming Trixie's father is Conor. Though I don't see how that's Daisy's fault. She saw yes, but she wasn't exactly involved in connecting Conor's manly bits with Lily's lady parts. They were doing that all on their own.
At this point anyone could be the murderer. Even sweet floofy Poppins. The dog did have the key to the storage area. Just saying. :P

To both your spoilers I am/was wondering the same things.

I haven't finished the book yet, but I am assuming we'll find out Trixie's father before the end. Otherwise, why bring it up at all?

I also (view spoiler)[ wouldn't put it past Lily to sleep with Conor's father either. For some reason I feel like Lily kept the father secret for a reason other than she didn't actually know. (hide spoiler)]

DQs Day 3 Chapters 18-27

10. "Looking back, I think they might have done more to make life better for us than we sometimes remember." This quote almost knocked the air out me as both a daughter and a mother. Do you feel like you have a good picture of how your parents sacrificed to improve your life? Do you think your kids know what you do for them (if this applies to you)?
I think memory is funny. We have memories we believe are real but our mind created from stories told by others. And we forget some things as our mind runs out of storage or just forgets to protect us. I think it's hard to realize what your parents really did for you until your are older. Perspective is a powerful thing. For example, watching Mrs. Doubtful as a child, I was team dad. Now as a parent? Heck no, team mom all the way, 100% why she wanted a divorce. He may of been a husband and father but in no way was he her partner.
My child is almost 6, autistic and only partially verbal, so knowing what he understands and what he doesn't isn't always easy. But he knows I love him and am a safe place for him to be and for now, that is more than enough.

11. I couldn't decide whether to be slightly amused or completely outraged when it was revealed they'd drugged Trixie to get her to sleep. Your thoughts?
I was horrified. I won't trust Lily to know anything about proper dosage. And people old enough to understand shouldn't be drugged without their knowledge or consent.

12. "You can get away with murder when everyone thinks you're dying." "...the real Daisy Darker was never quite as sweet or boken as everyone wated to believe. I have a secret of my own. And some secrets are worth killing to keep." It feels lazily obvious that these two quotes are leading to a reveal that Daisy is actually the killer, but who knows? Any theories on the killer's identity?
Daisy being the killer wouldn't surprise me but wondering if that's too obvious (as pointed out by this question). It really could be anyone.

13. "Lily had as much rhythm as an arrhythmia." Hahahahaha! I love that line. I'm enjoying these small notes of humor sprinkled in. What quotes or scenes have you found humorous?
I'm chuckling in the moment and then moving on. I can't recall one specifically. It does help to make them seem like a real family though.

14. I haven't turned the page to chapter 29. What is the terrifying thing on the screen going to be???
Another piece to this messed up family puzzle :P

Just fig, the task relates to the monster’s lore which involves a fig tree

Yes, there’s a wheel coming out for Valentines Day.

Your suggestion isn’t all that far off from what I have put together 😂

DQs Day 2 Chapters 10-17

Q6. The VHS tapes are a lil spooky. But we realise this is how we’re going to learn about the Darker’s family past. Do we like how VHS’ are used to give more background? I’d especially love to know what you thought about the two mice incidents? Eeekkk
The mice bits were icky and disturbing. Giving background via the VHS is an interesting way to do it. It removes the slant/bias a story teller can't help but give in a retelling. Though that doesn't mean there isn't manipulation even with raw footage. The movies seem short for what could fit on a VHS tape but length is a bit hard to determine from the descriptions of what they are watching.


Q7. What do you think of the dynamic of the three sisters? They’re pretty horrible to Daisy. Do you think it’s because they’re older than her or just cruel kids?
I think most kids do what they know/see. Hurt people, hurt people, isn't that the saying? It seems they are all starved for attention and are jealous when another gets it and they don't. I can't imagine having a relationship like that with my brother.


Q8. We know they can’t call anyone due to mobiles having no network and Nana having no landline, but now the boat is gone, how would you feel being truly trapped on this island? Any ideas of how to escape?
Hide on the roof until it is all over? I think the whole place would feel claustrophobic. I don't care how big that house is.


Q9. “We all get broken sometimes and if you can help someone, you should always try.” Nana was full of nuggets of wisdom. Is there a character you relate to the most? // Any other quotes that jumped out?
There's been a few but I don't have my kindle in front of me. There was an interesting one about fear and how you have to experience fear to learn what it is. I like Nana the best. I'm not sure we are actually supposed to like any of these characters except maybe Trixie.

DQ'S DAY 1 Chapters 1-9

1. I was sure I had read a previous book by Alice Feeney but no when I checked it was Lucy Foley I was thinking of. My bad.. So my first by this author although the re-visiting of the Gothic house party theme a la Daphne du Maurier or Agatha Christie seems to be back in vogue. Have you read this author before and what's your thoughts on the modern gothic novel? Does the prologue note set the mood for a modern gothic tale?

I mixed up the author's too. I think it's partly because the book cover style is very similar and of course same genre. Modern gothics are hit and miss. It's a high standard the oldies but goodies set :)

2. Chapters 1-2 introduces our heroine Daisy Darker and setting, "Seaglass". First impressions of Daisy and how important do you think the house with be to the story?
I think the main function of the house is that they are trapped so it's that whole 'locked room' set up to the mystery. As for Daisy I'm expecting her to be a highly unreliable narrator. If that's the case, I hope the author can pull it off.

3. "The future is a promise we can still choose to keep. The past is a promise we've already broken." What do you think of Nana's will, fair, unfair or too early to tell?
A bit of both? Families are always more complicated than they first seem, even ones more functional than this one. It does seem that Nana was giving a lot of truths that needed to be said. However, it also seems that she's been supporting their mooching ways so it's partly a set up of her own making.

4. Enter the mysterious Connor. As the only non family member what do you think his role with be?
I have no idea why I think this, but does anyone else wonder if he's Rose's ex-husband? There's some weird vibes going on there. I'm guessing he's a catalyst to some family showdown.

5. As per the fortune teller's warning, Nana is dead on her 80th Birthday. What clues do you think the two poems give as to whodunnit? What could Daisy Darker's Little Secret be?
no idea

Monster wheel really turned into something more brilliant than I ever thought it would.

We really should turn more of the minis into individual challenges afterwards.

What was so bad about my musical wheels 😭

Melindam wrote: "I nominate



Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons

Winner of the 1933 Femina Vie Heureuse Prize, COLD COMFORT FARM is a wickedly funny..."

I almost nominated this one. It looks fun

A Painted House by John Grisham

"The hill people and the Mexicans arrived on the same day. It was a Wednesday, early in September 1952. The Cardinals were five games behind the Dodgers with three weeks to go, and the season looked hopeless. The cotton, however, was waist-high to my father, over my head, and he and my grandfather could be heard before supper whispering words that were seldom heard. It could be a "good crop."
Thus begins the new novel from John Grisham, a story inspired by his own childhood in rural Arkansas. The narrator is a farm boy named Luke Chandler, age seven, who lives in the cotton fields with his parents and grandparents in a little house that's never been painted. The Chandlers farm eighty acres that they rent, not own, and when the cotton is ready they hire a truckload of Mexicans and a family from the Ozarks to help harvest it.

For six weeks they pick cotton, battling the heat, the rain, the fatigue, and sometimes each other. As the weeks pass Luke sees and hears things no seven-year-old could possibly be prepared for, and he finds himself keeping secrets that not only threaten the crop but will change the lives of the Chandlers forever.