Nancy’s Comments (group member since Dec 31, 2012)

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

I've been reading team and tagging books. Most have unfortunately not fit into the april challenge so I haven't posted them! We are so close!

@ Karen:

I'm up for a buddy read on the sequel!

Questions for Chapter 63-End:

53: In the aftermath both Connor and Risa are safe from unwinding. Risa is paralized and Connor gets a new identity. Connor also gets the parting gift of Roland's arm! I don't know where the question is here...just OMG!

Yeah! Didn't see that one coming! He will always have a reminder of Roland, good or bad!

54: Lev turned hero. He saved Risa and Connor, managed to not blow himself up, and became the face of unwinding for the debates in the media. Has he redeemed himself yet? Were you surprised to hear that becoming a clapper actually saved him from unwinding and Marcus would be adopting him?

I think he has redeemed himself. I actually ended up liking him at the end. :) I'm curious as to the sequel and what happens with the whole debate.

55: Turns out the Dunfees were collecting parts, but they weren't killing anyone to do it. Were you a bit creeped out by the hive mind thing that happened with the people at the party?

A little bit. The creepy part is that parts of the unwind live with the person who gets the body part....I still don't understand who thought that was a good idea. That's just really weird to me. Is Connor going to be more aggressive now that he has part of Roland??? I thought the gathering was actually kind of sweet though. The Dunfees finally got to celebrate with their "son" again.

BTW - were they keeping them all there together forever at the house??!!! Not sure it was really explained.

56: Connor has taken over the graveyard and they will no longer stay silent. Predictions for the sequel?

I think they will be planning something big. Can't wait to read it!

57: Overall thought about the book? Rating? Anything else you want to say that wasn't asked?

I hadn't heard of this book before the group read. I loved it and gave it 5 stars.

Questions for Chapter 46-62:

42: Connor proves himself a leader when he takes control of the mob. Any speculation on what would have happened if Roland got hold of the crowd?

I think a lot of people would be dead. Roland is really physical and aggressive.

43: Risa, Connor, and Roland risk their safety to save the admiral. Why do you think Roland turned them in? Were you surprised he told the cops about the graveyard? Were you surprised that the cops knew about the graveyard?

I think he was angry that he was left in the crate and this was his way of getting back at them. I was suprised that the cops knew about the graveyard and that they leave the Admiral alone about it

46: Lev is back? and he's a clapper now? Did you see this coming? At least we're getting some answers on how clappers work finally.

No I didn't see that coming! He really felt betrayed by his parents though.

47: Roland gets unwound! I actually felt bad for Roland for the first time this whole book. They keep the kids conscious through the entire process! What was your reaction as you read the unwinding of Roland?

I could not believe the process. It was a law to be kept awake??!!! Seriously??!!!! I was in total shock and disbelief.

Okay, I'm going to have to skip some questions because I couldn't stop at chapter 45. I read to the end.....WOW!

Questions for Chapters 34-45:

34: What do you think of the work calls? Would you want the chance to go work elsewhere or just stick to the graveyard until you hit 18?

I don't know. The graveyard seems like it's run well but I think I'd miss "real life." A work call at least allows you to be part of society, though the way they showed it, you're more like a slave. I guess ultimately I'd stay at the graveyard.

35: The Golden's were murdered! Were you surprised when Connor was chosen to help figure out the mystery?

Yes. Although he seems to be well-liked by the others and he has the AWOL story going for him.

38: We finally get some answers about the Heartland War:
There were 3 sides:
a) Life Army who was killing Dr's for performing abortions
b) Choice Brigade who was getting pregnant just to sell fetal tissue
c) American Army who was trying to keep the two sides from killing each other.
This sounds like today's pro life/choice debate just on a more drastic scale!
Also 2 awesome quotes:
"Everyone was so happy to end the war, no on cared about the consequences. "
"If more people would have been organ donors, unwinding never would have happened...but people like to keep what's theirs even after they're dead. It didn't take long for ethics to be crushed by greed."
Thoughts? Reactions? Comparisons to society now? (this whole section had me screaming at my book, I could debate it for days which is why I'm having trouble phrasing a question :-P )

I don't understand why people won't donate their organs. It's sad to think that this is where we can be heading years from now (though I hope not on such a drastic level!). Yes, this is definitely a topic that can be discussed infinitely!

39: We finally get the Admiral's story. He wasn't unwinding kids for parts, just scars and dentures! He did help start the unwinding process and unwind his own son though. Does this change your idea of him?

This did change my idea of him. I ended up really liking him once we heard his story.

Questions for Chapter 26-33:

27. The beginning of part four has a response from ebay about a guy selling his soul on ebay. This actually happened! A guy sold his soul for $400 (people actually bid!) He was from Seattle of all places (which is where I live) and he wasn't the last to try it. Here are some articles.
ABC article "Soul for Sale"
The Independent Article "Dante Banned"

I also thought the article was a joke! People are crazy!

28. Lev grew a pair and came up with a way to get some money! Were you surprised that he took out the pawn shop guy?

Yes! Go Lev!

29. The unwinds are finally on the move! What are your first thoughts of the trip and the graveyard in general? What do you think of the Admiral?

I'm not sure I'd survive that trip in the box! I'm surprised only five didn't make it. I obviously was wrong about the warehouse being the graveyard. At least the reason why it's called the graveyard isn't as negative as it first sounded! I like the Admiral. I'm very curious to find out (if we do!) why he started the graveyard.

30. Some deep topics were brought up during the trip. What determines consciousness? Can your consciousnesses be spread out when your unwound between your various parts? Are you aware of being in an unwound state? Are you alive or dead? What are your thoughts on all of this?

I'm not sure you are aware of being in an unwound state, since Tyler was begging his parents to promise not to have him unwound, though he already was. But some part of the unwound obviously mainfests in the person who receives the parts. I think your parts live on but you yourself aren't really "living" since you don't have complete control/independence of a body anymore. Not sure if that makes sense. But yes, very deep issues that 13 year olds shouldn't have to contemplate!

31. I love the quote from Emby on 167, "I don't think unwinding is bad, I just don't want it to happen to me." Typical answer from someone! It's fine until it affects you negatively, then it's suddenly a bad thing.

32. OMG! The chapter about Tyler hit me hard. He doesn't know that he is unwound and in someone else's body! Those parents must feel like the worst people in the world now, or at least they should. What were your reactions to the whole encounter in Joplin? How do you think it all changed Lev?

They didn't seem to at first though! Lev had to threaten them to "promise" Tyler they wouldn't unwind him. It must be a little freaky though to have your son "appear" in another person's body. I think Lev is coming to grips with what his parents were going to do to him. As he saw from Tyler's parents, they weren't at all concerned with Tyler, they were worried about their safety and themselves. I think it was a big dose of reality for him.

33. Risa ends up as a medic thanks to Connor's punch. Are you surprised? Any predictions on what Connor will end up doing?

I'm glad. I don't see being a dishwasher as being much fun! Not sure what Connor's talents are....security?? Metal stripping?? something to let out his aggression!

Questions for Chapters 20-25:

20. The kids are picked up by the Ice Cream Man, literally, and are off to the Graveyard? Any predictions on what the graveyard is? Do you think the warehouse they are at the end of the section is the graveyard?

It seems to be...there doesn't seem to be anyplace else they're going, but will hopefully find out soon!


21. Did you read the short news article at the beginning of Part 3? Do you think it describes the start of unwinding? The first events?

I did read it. Didn't think of that being the beginning of unwinding but now that it's mentioned, yes, it does make sense about the need people felt for that option.

22. Lev finds a new travelling companion, Cyfi. What do you think of him?

He's very interesting!

23. This is the 2nd time we've heard that a part of the body that comes from an unwind seems to have a mind of it's own. The first time was with the truck driver with the hand that had muscle memory from before and now the frontal lobe that has actual memories from the kid. Creeped out yet? Maybe the kids really are living on in some strange and demented way? Would you want to take a piece of someone knowing that this could happen?

Yes! Don't people realize that this unwinding isn't necessarily a good thing?! And the kids who get unwound are the so-called "undesirables." I guess if I was really desperate for a body part I'd take a piece of someone.

24. Risa's experience in the StaHo seems to have taught her a lot as she can read Roland like a book. Do you think her smarts will get her into trouble or be more helpful to them?

I think Risa's smarts will be helpful to them.

25. Connor can't help worrying about Lev which shows a lot about his character. Do you think the 3 of them will ever meet up again? If so, will Connor beat the pulp out of him?

I'm thinking they'll eventually meet up and Connor will be too happy to beat Lev up!

26. Roland strikes! Did you guess that he was making a move at Connor and not Risa? And Risa completely melted down! Reactions? Do you think they'll have a lot more problems with Roland before this is all over?

Yes, I think that there will be more problems with Roland. I was really worried for Risa! Thank goodness Connor showed up!

This is the only book I've read so far in April that I think counts for the April challenge. #5 blue cover.

Questions for Chapter 9-19:

This section had tons of stuff going on!

8. Storking: to leave an unwanted baby on a porch for new owners. Whatever happened to adoption? Could you imagine just randomly receiving a baby on your porch and being responsible for it? Do you think this helps justify unwinding?

I do not think that this justifies unwinding since you have to raise the baby until it's 13 anyway. But at the same time, I think it's crazy to think you can open your door one day and find a baby sitting outside it!

9. What did you think of Risa's plan to be Didi and get clothes?

I thought it was a pretty good plan considering their situation. Quick thinking!

10. Their pictures aren't in the paper. Do you think the cops are hiding it? Why wouldn't they say unwinds are on the loose like usual? Is it because of the accident?

I thought part of it might have been Lev's parents, who were convinced by the pastor not to notify the police.

11. Another new term: Uploaded: to get pregnant. Gotta love the terminology in this book.

Yes, lots of new terminology being learned in this book!

12. Lev shows a human side when he says he doesn't want Risa and Connor killed (well other then being unwound, which is apparently not dying to him). Does this change how you see him at all?

Not really. He hasn't been one of my favorite characters.


13. What a horrible story about the storked baby in the neighborhood! I wonder if that's a common occurance?

I just could't believe Connor took the baby. All I could think about was that they were on the run and now they have a baby???!!! Really??!!! After hearing why he did it I had a little more sympathy and understanding, but it seemed like a quick way for them to get captured. Very difficult to hide out w/a baby!

14. Lev finally runs. Turns out, his parents never reported him lost! He's free to do whatever he wants with life! Although now he's more lost then ever before. Totally different then the other unwinds. Thoughts?

Yes, very different! I can see it being harder for him. Since he was preparing to be unwound, he never had a plan to begin with. Now the future is wide open and he has no idea what to do.

15. Clappers: explosive blood? Terrorist attacks? Thoughts on what these are?

No idea....

16. So we get a bit of a timeline here. Apparently they are 2 generations in the future where ipods and plasma screens are just showing up in antique shops. So imagine these children as your grandchildren or great-grandchildren.

Yeah, when I heard about the ipods in the antique shop I got a better idea of how far in the future the story is taking place.

17. New people. Hannah, Sonia, and now more unwinds. Do you trust them? What do you think of the other unwinds?

I do trust Hannah and Sonia. Hannah didn't have to stick her neck out at the school and help them to begin with.

18. Humphrey Dunfee. Do you think it's true or just a ghost story?

I think parts of it might be true, but as it got told, it got more and more exagerrated and changed.

19. And finally...the letter. How hard that must be to write! I couldn't imagine. Looks like we might get Risa's letter next chapter. Any predictions on who she will write to?

I was trying to figure out who she might write to. Maybe Connor? I have no idea!

Questions for Ch 1-8:

1. Connor: A family that gave him up in secret, a girlfriend that left him to run away on his own, it sounds like he's completely unwanted. What do you think of his situation? Would you have run too?

Yeah, I didn't like how he found out too. He found 3 airplane tickets, the day after his harvesting?!! I'd be pretty upset and would probably have run too. This whole concept of unwinding is pretty weird and hard to come to grips with!

2. Risa: A ward of the state unable to prove her worth but lucks out with a bus accident to escape. Thoughts on her situation? Would you have tried to escape?

Again, what other choice do they have? Death? So yeah, probably would have run.

3. Lev: a tithe that wants to be unwound (!!!). This situation seems so completely different from the other two! What do you think of it? Would you rather know your whole life that you're an unwind or find out at the end?

I think I'd rather know my whole life so I knew what to expect. The other two it was such a surprise, right before it was supposed to happen.

4. Looks like Connor basically saves both Lev and Risa. Do you think he'll turn out to be the leader of this little team? Or was it just coincidence since he was the runaway?

That's the way it seems right now.

5. To unwind is to send one's parts to others in order to make them whole again in hopes that your uselessness now will be useful in pieces later. What's your reaction to the unwind process?

Like I mentioned before, it is so hard to come to grips with this idea! And for kids so young! 13-18???!!! I'm not liking this process at all.

6. Do you think Lev will come around and become part of the group? Or will he turn on them later?

I think he'll come around.

7. Are you liking the story so far? Do you like the writing style? How about the change of perspective? Any wild predictions?

I like everything about the story. I like the different perspectives it's told from and the fast pace of it. No predictions yet, it seems too early....am curious where the story is going though....

Questions for Chapter 33- End

38. Isabel is so frustrating. The fact that Hannah would even try to bribe anyone at this point is also frustrating. What did you make of the bribe? Did you secretly hope that she would give the baby back?

I thought that Isabel was going to take Hannah up on the bribe and throw Tom under the bus. I was kind of relieved didn't dislike her as much when she ended up telling the truth.

39. Isabel finally came to her senses. Were you surprised?

I was very surprised that she came to her senses and told the truth. I know how much she wanted Lucy back.

40. Hannah asks for clemency! Would you have been able to do so if you were in the same situation?

I think I would have. I understand her anger at first, but the couple did save the baby. They ultimately lied, but when they did have her they took care of her and loved her.

41. Isable never gets to see Lucy-Grace again and dies of cancer. Did you feel like this was some sort of retribution?

No, in her heart I think she knew that one day Lucy-Grace would come find her or she wouldn't have written the letter and saved all the mementos.

42. What did you think about the ending? Did you wish it had turned out differently?

It was sad but I like that Lucy-Grace went and found Tom. I don't think I would have changed anything.

43. What did you think of the book overall? What will you rate it?

It was slow at times but I ended up enjoying it. I gave it 3 stars.

Questions for Chapter 28- Chapter 32

31. So we get to see a bit more of Bluey. Do you think he did the right thing in going to see Isabel? Do you think he made it worse?

I think he did the right thing. It was the one thing Tom asked him to do and he was going to carry it out whether he wanted to or not.


32. Poor Hannah. I know she is distraught over Grace-Lucy not warming to her right away. This chapter with Lucy throwing a book at her and then her finding Lucy playing with the pegs must have been hard. Do you think there is anything Hannah could do differently?

I'm not sure. She was so desperate to have her daughter back. Maybe they could have eased Lucy into meeting Hannah with visits before having her live there. Lucy was kind of thrown into it which is really hard for a child.

33. I am really beginning to like Septimus. He is trying really hard to make Lucy feel comfortable. How do you feel about him with all that we know?

I like that he's trying to acclimate Lucy into the family. He could relate to what she is going through.

34. The meeting at Mouchemore's was heart wrenching! Were you surprised by it at all? What stuck out to you the most?

I felt bad that there were others who witnessed the scene that would probably go and gossip about it. It was heart wrenching. No one knew what to do/say and poor Lucy! Being told her parents went away and then seeing her mom in the store. So confusing for a little girl.

35. Gwen is secretly allowing her to see Isabel. Do you think this is helping or hurting them both? Would you have done the same if you were in Gwen's shoes?

I think it's helping Lucy and so did Gwen. She saw how the girl was behaving and how difficult a time she was having acclimating. I didn't like the whole "You have to keep it a secret" thing though. I think it puts kids in an unfair situation.

36. Tom is so frustrating! He is willing to let everyone think badly of him to save Isabel and she won't even read his letter! Ugh! Do you think he is ever going to give in and tell the truth or do you think Isabel is going to come to her senses?

I'm hoping Isabel comes to her senses because I don't think Tom will ever give in.

37. Do you think Isabel took Lucy? It sure sounds like she did!

I don't think that she did. I know the chapter left off with her thinking about it, but I feel like Lucy ran off on her own.

Questions for Chapter 25-Chapter 27

26. Sergeant Spragg seems like a real piece of work. Do you think he is going to get his way with the investigation? What about Vernon Knuckey? He seems to be siding with Isabel at the moment. Do you think anyone will be on Tom's side?

No, I think just Ralphie. They all know Isabel and her family so I think they're going to side with them.

27. I find it hard to feel sympathy towards Isabel, but I definitely feel bad for Lucy. Who do you feel for most? Hannah? The Graymarks? Tom or Lucy? There are so many victims in all of this.

There are so many victims so it's hard to pick just one. Like you though I do not feel sympathy towards Isabel. I feel bad for Lucy, being taken away from the only parents she's ever known. And I also feel bad for Hannah. She expected Lucy to just acclimate and love her like nothing had changed. I also feel bad for Tom though that Isabel isn't being cooperative and he's basically sacrificing his life for her.

28. Isabel is frustrating me to no end. If you were Tom, what would you do? Would you have as much faith as he seems to have in Isabel or would you have already told the truth? Are you surprised that Isabel is letting them think that Tom killed Frank?

I wouldn't sit and take it like he's doing, with the excuse she's been through enough! This was her whole plan to begin with that he didn't want to take part in, in the beginning! I'm not very surprised that she's letting Tom take the blame. She's mad that he "let the cat out of the bag" and I think this is her revenge.

29. Thank goodness Tom has Ralph on his side! Do you think he hired the lawyer? What do you think Tom's chances of not hanging are? Are you liking the way things seem to be going?

I don't like how things are looking for Tom. I thought Tom said he didn't want a lawyer from Ralph and I'm not sure if Australia has the same laws as the US where a lawyer is appointed to you if you don't have one.

30. Hannah takes Grace-Lucy to the doctor. What do you make of the doctor's suggestion? Do you think he is giving her good advice?

No, I don't think Lucy's going to be able to just forget her past. And he's telling her to make something up about Tom and Isabel, like they "went away"????!!! So she thinks her "parents" abandonded her??!!!

I just finished which fits #5, strong female character.

Okay, I just took it off my Tower Team bookshelf. Goodreads said it was 176 pages. But thanks for checking it for me.

Questions for Chapter 19 - Chapter 24

19. Were you surprised that Bluey is so young? I pictured him as an older man. I also can't believe that he would ask Tom for marital advice. Did anyone else find this whole scene odd?

I didn't give much thought to Bluey's age until he mentioned his mom thought he was so young and he was asking Tom for marital advice. I didn't think it was too odd. Ralphie is much older and I just figured he wanted someone's advice/opinion who was closer in age to him and who had more recently been married.

20. So Tom's mom was a cheater? Did this make you think differently of Tom's father? Do you think a lot of what has happened in Tom's past makes him more sensitive to Hannah and her feelings?

No. I felt bad for Tom since he blamed himself for his mom's leaving. His past could make Tom more sensitive to Hannah since he had to grow up without his mom.

21. I was shocked to find out that Tom had met Hannah on the boat! Did you think that Hannah was going to recognize Lucy as hers or at least be suspicious? What about her sister? I find it all very hard to believe that no one has made a connection yet.

I was thinking that Hannah was going to recognize Lucy or someone else would make the connection. Especially since they were in such close proximity at the dinner.

22. I am finding that even though I felt sorry for Isabel in the beginning, I have started to really dislike her. Anyone else feeling this way? I feel like she is awfully selfish.

Yes, I'm definitely preferring Tom over Isabel. She does seem very selfish.

23. Lucy getting lost was scary! Have you ever had an experience of being lost or your child getting lost? It seems like this event will be the beginning of the end of Tom and Isabel's marriage. Thoughts?

There was a time at a local park when I was walking the track and my son was playing on the playground. Unbenknownst to me, he decided to follow me on the track and when I passed the playground and didn't see him my heart felt like it stopped beating! It was the scariest feeling ever. And then he appeared behind me, running. I can only imagine how Tom and Isabel felt when Lucy could have wandered off anywhere! This definitely seems like the end of their marriage.

24. So Bluey has finally figured it out. If you were Bluey, would you have told without talking to Tom and Isabel first or would you have told for the money? Does this make you think any less of Bluey?

This is hard. He has known Tom and Isabel for what seems like forever, and says they're like family. But he really needs the money and would like to find a wife and settle down. I think he was influenced by his mother too much and should have kept quiet and thought about what he should do on his own. Because once he mentioned it to his mom, it wasn't his decision anymore. I don't think any less of him. I think I would probably have talked to tom and Isabel first though.

25. We find out Tom has been writing the letters to Hannah. Was this a shock? What are your predictions as to what is going to happen to Tom? Lucy and Isabel? Do you think Hannah is going to get the happy reunion that she is thinking of?

No, I kind of figured it was him. He was feeling too guilty. I think Lucy will be returned to Hannah and it's the end for Tom and Isabel. He'll probably go to jail, like he thinks. Lucy is old enough now that I don't think she'll go willingly to Hannah. And she only knows Isabel as her mother, so I don't think things are going to go as smoothly as Hannah is planning.

Do children's chapter books count for this challenge? I just finished with my daughter. It has 176 pages. If so, then it fits for #7, first in the Charlie Bucket series. If not, I'm going to have to take it off my book count for my Team reads!

Karen wrote: "QUESTION - Did anyone else notice the reference to mercury poisoning at the end of chapter 14 and wonder if that is responsible for Isabel's miscariages? Does it make Tom's decision to agree to kee..."

Wow! Didn't even pick up on that, but now that you point it out, I think it could definitely be a possible cause of her miscarriages!

I'm a little behind but will hopefully catch up soon!


Questions for Chapter 12- Chapter 18

13. Tom is really not happy with the whole baby snatching. Who could blame him. Do you think his attitude towards Lucy and Isabel is going to change?

I think that he will always be torn between the two....knowing that what they did was wrong but having the love of a child.

14. How terrible! It would be really hard to find out your son died by receiving a box of his things! I really got a feel for how the war was cruel in so many different ways. Thoughts? Do you think it makes it worse that Isabel is using this as an excuse to keep Lucy?

I don't think that it's a good excuse. But yes, it was really terrible for Isabel's mom to find out about her son's death like that.

15. We found out who Lucy's mother is and that Lucy's name is actually Grace Ellen. I can't believe Tom is still continuing to hide the child or Lucy for that matter. Are you surprised no one seems to have made a connection? Wouldn't the baby have looked like Hannah or Franz?

I was wondering if someone would recognize Lucy, as Grace. Isabel is very convincing and really wants to make her happy. I thought for sure when they found out about the mom still being alive that he'd have a change of heart.

16. Hmm...we have a mysterious note. Who do you think left it? Do you think it was Tom or Lucy? Do you think it could have been someone else?

I'm thinking Tom sent the note.

17. Seeing poor Hannah's side of the story is just heartbreaking! Poor Frank! He died trying to save himself and his baby from a mob of crazy people. I was shocked by the townspeople and their hatred after all of that time. Do you think there will be a happy ending to this book?

I was surprised too....I think I was most surprised that there were police out that night watching and they didn't do anything. I'm thinking there's not going to be a happy ending to the book, as much as I'd like there to be.

18. How do you think Lucy will feel when she finds out that Tom and Isabel stole her? Do you think she will still love Tom? Is this what keeps Tom from telling the truth?

I guess we're assuming that she finds out?? Which I guess she eventually will. It will be hard. She will have grown up loving these people as parents. I'm not sure you can just cut yourself off and stop loving them.

I finished which fits #9 (butterflies on cover/sign of spring).

I also finished which fits #5, strong female character.