Amy’s Comments (group member since Nov 02, 2015)

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

1) Fairfold sounds like an interesting town. I would love to live there! What about you?
It does sound interesting, but I was surprised that the townspeople were so normal after living in this town. The teenagers and main character sound like your average teen, which I wasn't expecting. I thought there would be more to them and that they might be more mature than average. I wouldn't want to live in this kind of town where the relationship between the fey and citizens sounds so dismal.

2) The story about Jack and Carter was amazing! There mom sounds very brave. Could you have done what she did?
If I knew what had happened, I feel like I would have done exactly what she did, especially keeping the second baby.

3) So Ben seems to have been blessed (or cursed) with the gift of fey music. Why do you think he has chosen to try and deny it?
I think it has to do with it not working for him that one time with Hazel. I think he realized that he isn't infallible and could get both of them hurt by relying on it.

4) The horned prince sounds creepy! And I find it interesting that the fey don't seem to mind people hanging around him. Thoughts?
I think he sounds really interesting!

5) What on earth do you think Hazel did on the night she can't remember? Any predictions?
I have a feeling she had something to do with the horned prince being missing. I hope there's an interesting twist there.

6) Hazel and Ben used to fight dark fey when they were kids. I'm sure this will play a role in the story. Do you think they were brave or foolhardy?
I think they were a mixture of both. I think they were too young to realize how dangerous it really was, but I think it takes a brave person, no matter the age, to do something like they did without looking for credit.

August 1967

16. This book is set mainly in England. Has any one here ever been to or lived in England? I've always wanted to go. Maybe I will some day.
I spent just two days there when I was 17 for a class trip. I loved every minute of it, even though it rained both days :)

17. The author used the word splodged to describe a stain on a photograph of what I assume is Olive and Isaac. I thought this was an interesting word. Are you enjoying the writing so far? Has anything stood out to you?
I do like the writing so far. I remember with this author's other book I read where the writing really was all I liked, so I'm happy to say I like this story more than I expected.

18. I noticed that Olive is reluctant to show her painting and Odelle is reluctant to show her writing. Odell said if her writing wasn't good she was not any good either. Do you think Olive feels the same way? Quick says that once someone else reads it, it stands apart from you. Maybe this is what they are really afraid of. Comments?
I noticed that connection as well. I think they both have the same fears about what others will think. As Odelle says, she puts so much of herself into her writing, so I can understand why it would be intimidating to let others into that world where their job basically is to critique it and decide if it's worthy or not. I would be scared to do that if I were either of them! I agree with Quick that sometimes you just have to separate yourself from it, but I think that's easier said than done.

19. Hmmm "People always have something to hide. Listen to the words Mr. Scott isn't saying." I wonder what Mr. Scott isn't saying. I also wonder what Quick isn't saying. She had that strong reaction to the painting and now seems to want it to just go back where it came from. Is this suspicious to you too?
I have more suspicion towards Quick than I do Lawrie. I think she is for sure hiding something major, but it doesn't seem to me that Lawrie is really hiding anything at this point.

20. I was surprised that Odelle would wander around someone else's house while they were cooking her dinner, and shocked that she would take papers that weren't hers! What did you think of that?
I didn't think much of her going through the house, but thought it was very odd that she took those papers. I feel like that's just going to cause more trouble.

Day 2 - Discussion Questions - January 1936

8. I had a little trouble getting in to this section. I found the the change a little jarring so it took me a while to warm up to it. What did you think of Olive? Especially after reading about Odelle?
I liked this section actually more than the 60s section. I liked the characters more, especially Olive and Teresa. I thought Olive was interesting and someone I can relate to.

9. "women could pick up a paint brush and paint, but the fact was, they didn't make good artists " What do you think of this statement made by olive's father. How do you think this attitude has shaped Olive's life and her choices?
I think that was probably typical thinking of men (and women believing them) in that time. Obviously I disagree and am disappointed that it seems to have made Olive hide away her talent. I give her props for showing Teresa since it's something that seemed hard for her to accept that she actually is good.

10. Olive seems very stuck in her life as a whole and the arrival Teresa and Isaac could be the catalyst Olive needs or they could be leading her to trouble. Do you think Olive might have told her parents eventually about art school if Teresa and Isaac had not arrived? Do you think part of her is now staying because of her attraction to Isaac?
I agree I think they're going to play a very interesting role in what happens next in Olive's life! I don't know if she would have. I think that may have something to do with why she wants to stay. She seems eager to show him that she's not like her parents and everyone else.

11. Harold Schloss is a Viennese jew in 1936 so things don't really bode well for Harold and is family. he has also been having secret phone conversations with someone in German. Do you think he is seeing another woman or do you think it might have something to do with the unrest in his home country? It mentions he worked for the British goverment after being interred during world war 1. Do you think he might be a spy?
My initial thought while reading it was that he was cheating on his wife. I think it would be an intriguing twist if it turns out to be something else like that.

12. Do you think Teresa and Isaac might have an agenda insinuating themselves into the Schloss' lives?
Yes, I feel like they're hiding more about themselves that will hopefully come out later!

13. Is it just me reading too much into things or do you get the feeling Sarah wants more than just her portrait painted by Isaac? especially given what we have heard about her previously. ?
I definitely agree. She seemed very flirty with him and wasn't thrilled about having to have her daughter with her for the painting. Im really hoping nothing happens with them or Isaac turns her away.

14. We now know the story behind the painting that Lawrie's mother owned and it seems likely that Olive is probably going to be the artist. Do you have any speculations on the painting will makes its way from 1936 Spain to 1967 London? Do you think perhaps Olive could BE Lawrie's mother or do you think it might just get a whole lot more complicated?
I have a strong suspicion it will tie in somehow where Isaac/olive are relatives of either Lawrie or someone. I'm hoping it's a good twist!

15. There are a number of different threads and undercurrents running through this section. Where do you think they might lead?
I'm hoping the painting leads to a big twist! I don't have any speculations yet as to where it all will lead.

Questions and Comments: June 1967

1. This is my first book from Jessie Burton. Did you read The Miniaturist? Do you like her writing style?
I did read The Miniaturist. I loved the writing style, but the story ended up falling flat for me. I'm liking this book very much so far, though.

2. What do you think was the point of the lady without toes? It was so quick, and it doesn't seem to add much to the story.
I agree, it didn't seem to add much to the story. I'm not sure what the point was.

< b>3. Odelle sounds a little too self-assured or with the air of being better than the others. And her "She probably spent her salary on hair spray and bad novels, but was too stupid to even read them." didn't set well with me. How about you?
I didn't think that personally. She didn't come off as confident to me and more like she ends up regretting things she says. I agree that sentence kind of bugged me, too.

4. Thoughts about the first meeting with Quick and Odelle? I'm torn between "Odelle is her new shinny toy aka charity case" and "Maybe she really is good and Quick thought she was her only chance".
Quick seemed kind of intimidating to me right off the bat, but I like their relationship so far. I think she believed in Odelle.

5. The encounter between Odelle and Lawrie's was a bit strange. It seemed like something straight from a 80's story.
It made me a little uncomfortable because Lawrie seemed so pushy and I didn't get excited about them meeting again. I'm not quite sure why Odelle feels a certain way about him. I just don't see it!

6. She really seemed mesmerized by the painting. And Lawrie's pursuit of her was sweet. I'm wondering what would be the importance of the painting for the story? Quick's reaction when she saw it was... eccentric.
The pursuit was sweet, but I still don't love Lawrie. The description of the book talks about the painting, so I'm sure Quick and Reede must know about the artist or something... I'm looking forward to finding out more.

7. I don't read much HF novels, so I can't compare. Do you think the racial issues are well depicted on this book?
I'm not familiar with racial issues so much in the UK during this time.

25. What do you think the deal is with the rats and Renfield? And why couldn't Arthur's dogs cross into the room on their own?
I don't have much to offer on this question...

26. One thing I find interesting is the use of journals in this story. Everyone seems so open about sharing their entries with each other. It has almost more of a professional air about it, even though there are some very personal topics written. Is this just a Victorian Era thing?
That's a good question about it being a Victorian Era thing. That would be interesting to look into! I would have a hard time sharing my journal entries with others unless I left out some of the personal things, but I think they all realize how much it will help them to know all of the details.

27. So do you think Dracula was planning on turning Mina into a slave (kind of like Renfield) or into a vampire? Or both?
I think he was hoping to turn her into a vampire and also probably wanted to be able to control her since her whole group is trying to destroy him.

28. Any new ideas on the earth boxes? I'm starting to think they hold sacred dirt in it so that Dracula can sleep there. Thoughts?
I didn't think of that, but now I think that's a good possibility.

29. Where did the whole hypnotism thing come from! Seems like an odd thing to throw into the book, almost too convenient. What do you think?
I thought it was a good idea on Mina's part. I think since Dracula got into her mind, she was smart to think hypnotism may help open her up to reverse the connection.

30. I'm surprised at how emotional everyone is. This is set in Victorian England. I just always have this idea of everyone being stoic and less emotional. Anyone else surprised by this? Does it help or hinder the story?
I feel like the women are as emotional as I would have imagined, but the men definitely seem different than expected. I can't tell if it's mainly just these group of men that happened to all be more inclined to kindness and such, but it's interesting! It helps in my personal opinion just because I like characters more when they're kind and thoughtful, but sometimes I feel like they're a little too sappy.

Questions Chapters 14 - 18

19.Finally Mina knows what Jonathan suffered after reading his diary entries. What will be your first reaction if you read about something like this in someone's diary? Would you believe them?
Depending on the person who wrote the diary, I would likely believe them since most diaries are for one person only to ever read, and I would think they would have no reason of making it up. However, some people I would assume probably are going crazy, but I would want to know more information nonetheless!

20. What do you think of Dr. Van Helsing at this point of the story?
I like Van Helsing a lot at this point. He seems patient and knowledgeable, and I'm interested to see what the rest of the story brings out in him.

21. If you were the author of this story, what way would you choose to really kill the undead? (For e.g. In this story it is stake through the hear, beheading and stuffing garlic in the mouth)
I would probably follow closely along the same lines as they do here. I would want to behead the vampire for sure to feel safer.

22. What did you make of the interview between Mina and
Renfield?
It was very interesting and strange that he automatically started talking like a sane person when she came in. I'm interested to learn more about his connection with Dracula.

23. As per you what do you think is the significance of the 50 boxes of earth that Dracula has ordered?
I'm not quite sure but I have a feeling it has to do with him wanting to turn more people into vampires...

24. Why do you think Renfield wants to get out of the asylum for the night soo badly? Any guesses?
This one is making my brain hurt to think about! He seemed to be talking sane one minute and then back to being slightly wild the next. I couldn't tell if one part of him is being controlled by Dracula and the other part is trying to get as far away as possible or what.

Questions Chapters 10 - 13

Are you surprised by the writing style? Do you have a favorite “method” that the author is using – Journal, News article, Letter etc.
I didn't know it was written in letters, journal entries, etc. I really like the journal entries and letters. The newspaper articles were okay but not my favorite. It keeps it entertaining when it goes from character to character.

Do you have a favorite character?
I like Mina a lot!

I was surprised that Lucy did not tell them of the wounds on her neck. You would think she would list that as a symptom when everyone was trying to help her. Were you frustrated about that? How do you feel about Lucy?
I didn't think much of it. I'm not sure if she didn't really think about it after a while or if she was embarrassed that she couldn't explain it? I really like Lucy's personality and am hoping we hear more from her now after the end of this section.

Were you surprised to have Jonathan back on the scene? Why do you think that Mr. Hawkins died? Is Jonathan a vampire too?
Yes! I kind of forgot about Jonathan when it was all about Lucy for a while. I definitely don't think he's a vampire, but I think it'd be interesting if they figure out what really happened with Lucy. I'm not sure why Mr. Hawkins died. I'll have to read others thoughts on that.

Can Bram Stoker’s vampires move about during the day? Dracula seemed to come out during the day at the castle, and also when he was spotted in Picadilly.
I'm not great at speculating, but hopefully we learn more about the abilities for these vampires.

Have you seen a Dracula movie that parallels the book?
Nope

Do you think Dracula can control people that he has bitten even if they are not vampires? And why are so many victims left alive? I’m confused and I hope that these loose ends are tied up soon.
I'm guessing they're left alive so he can keep weakening them and turn them into vampires eventually? Again, I'm not great at speculating! I hope the loose ends get tied up as well.

Questions and Comments for Chapters 5 - 9

6. Bran Stoker's Dracula, the movie, is one of my all time favorites, it makes me visualize the cast when reading the character's letters, but it also gets in the way. For example, Lucy doesn't seem as spoiled and shallow on her letters like she was on the movie. Have you seen it? Does it help connecting with the book, or does it stand in the way?
I haven't seen the movie yet, although I've always loved reading the book first and waiting a while to watch the movie so I don't notice every little thing they changed. I like being able to picture the characters myself first.

7. "He gave many flies to one spider and many spiders to one bird, and then wanted a cat to eat the many birds. What would have been his later steps?"
Dr Seward was really considering to allow for Renfield to continue with his experiments? In the name of science? *shudders* That's a little too gothic for me. Worse part is that doctors were that detached in order for the knowledge to advance.
I definitely felt a little queasy thinking about this. It's hard to imagine studying someone like that and letting them do what they do without wanting to stop it since it's so unnatural.

8. I feel for Mina. We're so used to communication, texting and phone calls... having news only by letter, when a dear one is on the other side of the world... or the absence of news, must be devastating.
Even not getting a text message response in a few minutes can be worrisome nowadays, so I couldn't imagine waiting months and months and not knowing what could have happened.

9. I thought Lucy's sleep walking was caused by Dracula's interference... but the storm that caused his arrival was after her strange behavior. Confusing?
Hmm that's a good point

10. The events of the ship trip and the attack on Lucy are quite detailed and allows for a clear visualization, don't you agree. Of course, they also don't look like something someone would write from memory, but that's my inner rebel
They were very, very detailed, especially the ship memories.

11. This is my second reading of the book, and either my memories are failing me or I didn't recall enjoying it this much. Maybe because I'm older. Or the English written version (I bet on the later). But I'm definitely giving the book a second chance. Are you enjoying the tale so far?
This is my first go around with Dracula, and I love the writing and storytelling so far. I didn't think I'd be this interested in it, but I'm glad I'm reading it now instead of when I was younger. I don't think I would have given it a chance before!

Chapter 1-4 Questions

1. Have you ever read other vampire books? What are your thoughts on other gothic lit?
The only vampire books I've read have either been young adult or romance, so this gothic version is definitely interesting to me. I haven't read other gothic lit yet, but so far I'm liking the writing style quite a bit.

2. What did you think about the description of the castle in the book? Did it line up with pictures you've seen of the real castle?
I didn't realize it was a real castle like another commenter said, so I looked it up as well. I definitely pictured it like that but much darker.

3. Jonathan is clearly warned about going to see Dracula, but he goes anyways. Have you ever been in a similar situation (not necessarily with vampires)?
The only situation I can somewhat relate it to is when I was barely 18 and would always want to go to concerts in big cities, and my parents would warn me not to go with just one other girl, but we did it anyway. We thankfully never ran into trouble, but now that I'm older, I can see why it wasn't a smart idea!

4. What are your thoughts on Dracula's personality? What about Jonathan's?
It's hard for me to form an opinion of Dracula's personality yet. A part of me thinks I'd be afraid of him, but another part of me is intrigued with how smart he is and the way he speaks.

5. I'm surprised that their is a link between Dracula and wolves. It always seems that the retellings reference bats. Where do you think this got mixed up? Or do you suspect it will come up further along in the story?
I was surprised by that, too. It seems like vampires and wolves are always enemies, but I'm hoping it's explained later on. I'm not sure if bats will come up later in the story, but I always imagine vampires and bats going together.

Chapter 15-18

19. I am really enjoying the relationship between Edward and Gracie. She grounds him. What are your thoughts? Possible romance?
I really like Gracie and her no-nonsense attitude. I think it was good for Edward to meet a woman like that since he's been sheltered most of his life. I thought there might be a romance story between Edward and Petunia (in human form), but once he met Gracie, I saw a romance story there, too. I think that one will progress.

20. The story about Gran is amusing. Why do you think the authors chose a skunk?
I thought this was amusing, too. I think a skunk is an unexpected animal that most people wouldn't ever dream about becoming, but it worked for Gran!

21. Jane seemed pretty pissed that someone took her throne, only a week after having it. Originally she didn't want to be queen. Why have her feelings on the matter changed so quickly?
I think they changed because it was Mary who took the thrown, and she took it over violently. She knows Mary won't have anything to do with Edians and won't be a fair ruler. If it was Edward taking the throne back or someone she trusted, I think she probably would have been more willing to give it up.

22. Where do you think Dudley's loyalty lies? Himself? Mary? I'm very divided on this.
His loyalty lies with himself all the way. He goes where the power is in hopes that he can steal it from others. I think he'd be "loyal" to Mary as long as she's queen and in control in hopes that he could get his chance of glory.

23. Considering the alternate universe of this story, what do you think Mary's deal is? She hates Edians. Is it because Bess's mom was one?
I don't have a good answer on this. It may have to do with Bess's mom being one and maybe she's jealous? I'm interested to hear others' thoughts on this.

Chapter 10-14

In your opinion do you think Jane is a capable ruler and why or why not?
I think she could be a very capable ruler if given time or if she had been more prepared right off the bat. I think it would be stressful for anyone to be thrown into it without expecting it at all.

Do you think G knows anything about his father's plan?
No, I think G is in the same boat as Jane on this one.

Do you think that it's too convenient for Edward to suddenly transform to his Edian form?
I wouldn't say it was too convenient. I looked at it as he was in a tough position where he tried as hard as he could to transform because he didn't really have another option. I think he wanted it enough in that moment that it worked.

Explain some of the foreshadowing that Lady Jane had about Lord Dudley?
I don't have an answer for this one!

What do you think will happen with Mary's army?
I think Mary's army will attack and try to take over the palace.

Do you think that their Gran's house is a safe place for them?
It's hard to say at this point. I would like to think yes!

Chapter 4-9

1.) What do you think about Jane’s arranged marriage? Would you be afraid to marry a guy you haven’t met? Would you be suspicious of something if you had to get married at night?
I couldn't imagine being forced into an arranged marriage in this day and age, but it was a normal occurrence for them. I'm happy that young women are able to be independent and make their own decisions now, although I think the young women in history must have been unbelievably brave. I would be terrified of marrying someone I had never met and not knowing what kind of person they really were, and I would definitely be suspicious of having to get married at night.

2.) Do you think the horror of the wedding night could have been avoided had Edward told Jane before she married? What is your impression with Gifford so far?
I'm not sure if the horror would have been completely avoided, but I feel like Jane would have been more compassionate towards Gifford if she knew the truth. I love Gifford!

3.) Edward made a big decision and one that was controversial at the time. Do you think Jane will make a good ruler?
I think Jane is smart and caring and could make a great impact if given the chance and if she is not used by any of the other people who want power.

4.) What do you think about Jane’s reaction the evening after when Gifford turns back to a man?
I could understand her being a little upset that he had failed to tell her about his condition.

Prologue - Chapter 4

1. I enjoyed the dedication! Do you believe that there was room for Leonardo on the door? Is this setting us up for a fated romance?
I loved the dedication! Normally I don't even read them, but the humor started off right away, so I'm glad I read it this time. I definitely think there was enough room on the door and probably would have helped them warm up a smidge if there were both on it, but that's just my opinion! :p

2. Have you ever read alternate history before?
Nope, not that I recall.

3. I checked some facts of the story, and Jane Gray was indeed a queen for nine days only, and King Edward did die young of an illness. But as far as I could tell there were no shape shifters at the time. Are you enjoying the story so far? Do you know much about the real historical characters?
I'm already finished with the book, but I did really enjoy where it was going at this point. I read it without knowing squat about the real story.

4. Have you ever read anything else by any of these authors?
Nope.

5. Edward claims to have the meaning of life figured out. He says it is that Life is short and then you die. Do you think you have the meaning of life figured out? And are you willing to share your ideas with us?
Gosh no. I live my life trying to always be a good human being, but I don't have it figured out by any means. I like Edward's quote, though!

6. If you could shape shift into another animal, which animal would you choose and why?
I would want to be a fox.

7. I am enjoying the pace of the story and the sense of humor that is coming through. I really like reading from the view point of Jane. Do you have a favorite point of view yet?
My favorite was G's!

8. I found Gifford's statement "A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that have fed of the worm" ironic considering Edward's health. Do you think Gifford was trying to push Edward's buttons, or did he have something else in mind? What do you think about that statement?
I have no good thoughts on this.

I'll miss this group! I enjoyed reading with you all!

Flawless by Jan Moran
310 pages
Finished 1/21/16

Comments: beauty company, Verena Valent, Lance, Derrick

I'd be fine with using the mega boon, too. I don't have anything to cover those.

` A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray
357 pages
Finished 1/15/16

Characters: Marguerite, Theo, Paul, Wyatt, Josie

I read The Art Forger which has Art listed as a genre. That's a genre I don't normally read, so would that count? I don't think it's been used yet for a goal!

Taffeta and Hotspur by Claudy Conn
169 pages
Finished 1/11/16
Goals: none

Comments: Taffeta, Thurston Tarrant, regency era

Alessandra wrote: " PUZZLE B HAS BEEN COMPLETED

Way to go team! We had books for all the letters of our second puzzle!"

Awesome!!