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

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

Title: The Gunslinger
By: Stephen King
Date Read: 6/24/17
Pages: 300
Rating: 3 stars
Review: There are quite a few Stephen King novels that I've loved, but this one just didn't do it for me. It was hard for me to stay interested, and I didn't care for the main character much at all.

Day 2 Questions: June 23rd - chapter 2-3

8. I am really enjoying the strong sense of place that King invokes through the senses. Can you share a book that you've really enjoyed that had a strong sense of place?
I think that's a great observation and is one of my favorite qualities about a good book. I would say Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo gave me that kind of feel. I felt like I was right there in that world, even though it was so different from real life.

9. At The Way Station, the gunslinger is told to "Go slow past the Drawers gunslinger. While you travel with the boy, the man in black travels with your soul in his pocket" - what do you think this means?
I think the man in black knows the gunslinger's weaknesses, and the boy is one of them. He's using the boy to toy with the gunslinger's soul. As for the rest, I don't have any good guesses!

10. What do you think is Jake's role in the story?
To me it shows that the gunslinger does have compassion which will make it harder for him to do whatever it is he'll have to do eventually. I have a feeling Jake won't be in this story forever unless the gunslinger finds a loophole of some sort.

11. We begin to learn more of the gunslingers past and what he was like as a boy - do you still see those parts of him as a man?
I think it shaped him, but I still want to know more about his past.

12. We've seen so much darkness in the story so far, it was striking to hear about light when the gunslinger spoke of New Canaan. The gunslinger recalls his mom saying, "the only real beauty is order and love and light" - do you think there is hope in this world for love and light?
It's hard to picture it in this world that Stephen King is painting, but I would love to hope so.

Day 1 Questions:
June 22nd - chapter 1

1. I love the first line of this book, “The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.” What do you think? Did it draw you in right away? Do you think it sets the tone for the book?
Yes, I really loved how this just started off strong right away and gave me a good feeling of what's going to be happening. It made me think of the gunslinger stalking his prey right away.

2. Why do you think the Gunslinger is chasing he man in black? Will he catch him? What will he do if / when he does?
I feel like something happened between them, possibly in another world. I'm hoping he catches him eventually, but that may be in another book in the series? I'm very curious to know more about both of them and where they come from.

3. What do you think of the world building or the world the story is set in? I find it interesting that there are so many differences and yet some similarities to our world, like the singing of “Hey Jude.” It feels a bit like our world has seeped into theirs.
To me it seems like it is our world but after something happened to most of the population, animals, electronics, etc.

4. What or who do you think the man in black is? He certainly seems to have some special powers, but with evil undertones. Any ideas yet?
I wish I had some ideas on who he is or what he represents. He definitely seems like he's got some scary powers and likes to toy with people. I think it's crazy he could control people without even being there.

5. Why do you think the townsfolk were so anti-gunslinger? Was it just because of what he represents as a gunslinger, because he’s a stranger, or because of the man in black? Some other reason?
I definitely think it's because of the man in black and maybe also a little bit because it's a stranger in their town flashing his gold coins around.

6. What do you think of what happened in Tull? Was there another way for the gunslinger to leave the town without the destruction that occurred or do you think it was necessary or predestined? When Brown asked him if he felt bad about it, the gunslinger said, “Why would I feel bad?” Do you think that’s just because of his training or maybe he believed there was no other way or maybe he just lacks empathy for the death of others?
He seemed to expect that there was a trap laid for him from the man in black. It was hard to stomach the parts where he was shooting the children, too, but I feel like he must have been in a situation similar before thanks to the man in black, so maybe he knew the only way out is death for everyone else? Maybe the magic on these people was so strong they wouldn't have stopped following him anyway until they killed him. I thought he might feel at least a little bad about Allie and the kids, so it's hard for me to get a grasp on his character. He seems to feel emotions toward "Susan" so it's not like it's impossible for him at least.

7. What do you think of the story so far? Anything you particularly like or don’t like?
I haven't read Stephen King for so long, but I always like his writing style. There are aspects of all of his books, this one included, that are a little too gruesome or dark for my tastes normally, but he someone makes me want to keep reading even when my stomach is turning. I'm intrigued to learn more about these characters but I do hope the setting might change eventually.

Title: A Gentleman in Moscow
Author: Amor Towles
Pages: 462
Date read: 6/15/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I was a little intimated by this book because it's not something I normally would have picked up in a bookstore not knowing anything about Russian history, but I'm very happy that I read it. It's well written, and I so wish I knew these characters in real life.

I wish I had book light recommendations for you, Judith! Let me know if you find something that works well for her. I have a really cheap one from Amazon that doesn't like to stay in place, so I've been meaning to find a new one.

Wow, way to go team!! I haven't checked the stats for a while, but that definitely makes me motivated!!

Title: The Friday Night Knitting Club
Author: Kate Jacobs
Pages: 352
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This was one I borrowed as an audiobook from my library and slowly listened to it each night before bed and randomly while doing other things during the day. That being said, it's always harder for me to rate audiobooks. I don't get to put my own spin on what the characters sound like, and that usually makes me like characters less. However, in this case, I think I liked the audiobook more than I would have liked the writing from what other reviewers have said. I grew to really enjoy the characters, and as someone who loves to knit/crochet, the few references towards knitting were fun to listen to.

Also, I updated my read date for You, so I hope it's pulling through now.

Quick question that's probably been answered before! I just got a copy of A Gentleman in Moscow and am wondering if I have to finish it before June 12th to get BOM points or if I just need to participate in the discussion by June 12th but can finish it a couple days later? I think I remember it being the former, but I just wanted to clarify!

Completion post:

Title: You
Author: Caroline Kepnes
Finished: 6/7/17
Pages: 422
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This was definitely a book where I had to know the ending! The first half really held my attention, and I loved it. After that, it started to feel a little repetitive and like nothing suspenseful or exciting was happening anymore. The end picked up a bit but still left me feeling like I missed something and just wanted more suspense.
BOM: I participated in the discussion for this.

Title: Strange the Dreamer
Author: Laini Taylor
Pages: 532
Finished: 6/8/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was so well written and magical. I love the characters and just want to know more about the history and what's going to happen now.
BOM: I participated in the discussion for this.

Title: Hunted
Author: Meagan Spooner
Pages: 384
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was a fun retelling on Beauty and the Beast. I think it had enough aspects to give it originality but also made me feel nostalgic. The middle dragged on a bit, but I thought the ending was perfect.

Day 5 - chapters 33-42

19) I'm still trying to figure out what it is about Beck that caught Joe so absolutely, but what did you think when he says about Beck: "You are a cheater, to the bone, a renovator and I admire you, Beck. You never stop making improvements on life. You have charisma. You have vision." Is Beck a "type" for Joe? Do you think Joe latched onto Beck because he saw someone like him?
I question why he likes her so much, too. At first it seemed like he fell for her because she was interested in books and good music and was more interesting than the average girl. After finding out more about her and how much she depends on attention and doesn't really seem that cool or interesting, I just can't tell why he still liked her. Maybe that's just his type though after all.

20) "We all learn something from an untimely, tragic death. What a danger, blaming other people for your problems. What a waste of life." How can Joe say something so accurate, yet have it be so chilling? Have you found yourself agreeing with a Joe observation, then wondering if there is something wrong with you? (I did, a few times - lol.)
YES, so many times I thought he had good observations on others and made funny remarks. It's like he's someone I would totally be friends with not even realizing he's got major issues going on in his mind. It makes me question everyone I meet, that's for sure.

21) What did you think about Beck's notes to herself? What did they say about her as a person, her actions, her motivations? Do you like her more or less because of them? Do you think her notes or Dr. Nicky's notes about her were more accurate?
Dr. Nick's were more accurate at first, although I don't remember them word for word anymore. I really don't care for Beck and neither of their observations shifted my views.

22) Joe is the consummate actor, trickster. He hides in his foxhole when hunting Peach, then calls himself Dan Fox when he becomes a patient of Dr. Nicky. He seems to be able to fool everyone with different adapted personas, in life or imitations via texts or emails. Do you think there is anyone that sees through it? Did you ever catch hints of when others saw something off about Joe?
Gosh, I would love to find out that one of them was following HIM without him even realizing it. It baffles my mind that he gets away with so much and makes it seem easy. I don't recall any hints I've gotten, though.

23) Karen Minty - she is, down deep, what she appears to be on the surface. She seems to be the polar opposite of Beck, not different, hot, and Joe recognized that simplicity is good for him, him as Dan Fox. What is your take on Karen's effect on Joe? Why do you think he stayed with her as long as he did?
I think she was a good distraction for him while Beck was ignoring him and probably his hope was for Beck to know about Karen eventually and have her become jealous and want all his attention. Beck doesn't seem interested in a relationship with someone that's so easy to get, and I looked at Karen as his way of showing Beck he doesn't need her (when he actually does). I don't think anyone could have gotten his mind off of really wanting to be with Beck, though.

24) Do you agree with Joe when he says that Dr. Nicky is "a very talented, very sick manipulator" or do you think that is just how he sees it? Do you think Joe could be helped by a therapist? Do you think he would want to be helped?
I think he sees it that way just because it deals with Beck. If Nicky had been talking that way about any other patient, Joe would have found some reason to justify it because he really did like the guy before that. I don't think Joe could ever be helped until he told someone the whole truth, and I'm not sure he'll ever get to that point.

25) So Beck and Joe have a honeymoon period, where Joe finds his answer: "My answer is you." Do you think this garden of earthly delights will last? Are you starting to make predictions for what will happen?
No, I think Beck needs more attention than just Joe can give her and I think something has to happen to ramp the story up a bit.

DQ's for Chapters 24-32

15. It was funny to read Joe trying to hide the stuff he took from Beck when she came to his apartment. Why did he let her in if he had that much stuff lying around? Do you think that maybe he wants her to find out about his obsession with her?
I think he was so desperate to have her in his vicinity that he took the chance to let her in. I'm not sure if he wants her to find anything since he knows it probably wouldn't go over well but maybe he does just to finally have her know how much he "loves" her. A part of me wonders if Beck did notice things already though and is just pretending to be oblivious.

16. Hmmm, I'm getting the feeling Beck is using Joe. Taking him on a shopping trip and him offering her a job. What do you think? Is it a smart decision to hire her for the bookstore? This could totally backfire on him.
Well we found out how long that lasted for them. Beck isn't someone that wants to have to work for money and it was more of an annoyance for her to actually work. I think Beck definitely uses Joe when she's lonely or needs someone to boost her confidence back up.

17. Joe has a lot of bad luck, first he gets beat up by a former employee and his friends and then an unfortunate meeting with a deer. I this karma being a bitch or the universe telling him he should just forget about Beck and let Peach have her?
I'm actually astonished with how lucky he's been that Beck or Peach haven't found him out. The rest was obviously unlucky but it just shows his determination and his craziness in his obsession with Beck.

18. What is you opinion of this book when we're over the halfway mark? Do you like the style? Is the pace fast enough or do you think it's too slow? Any guesses on where the story is going?
These last few chapters have really been slow going for me. I was really enjoying the pace until now, and now I just feel like not enough is happening that's actually new or suspenseful. We get that Peach is trying to manipulate Beck for her own reasons, but I feel like it's time for something to happen there instead of just the repetitiveness I've been noticing so far. I'm thinking Joe will try to do something to Peach again or maybe something more drastic to "win" Beck's attention again. I just hope the ending picks up!

Ch 30 - Ch 39 Pages 244 - 335

15. The author seems to have tried to make the Gods seem inhumane, I know they are not human but do you believe this is on purpose to help us readers choose a side? Does anyone hope the Gods win? Or are we hoping for a more compromising conclusion?
I do think she made the gods sound inhumane, but their children (with the exception of Minya) are so likable and just want to be accepted more than anything, so I really want to see a compromise between the humans and the godspawn. I like how the author slowly shared more information about the gods and the humans. At first I was solely on the gods side and could understand Minya's hatred and then I realized how the humans were treated by the gods and were on their side, and now I'm right in the middle. Can't wait to see what else is revealed.

16. How do you think Sarai felt seeing herself as Strange the Dreamer does? Do you think her seeing herself this way will help her have more compassion for the humans in the long run?
I hope she sees herself differently now, and I think she might now that she's stood up to Minya. Now she has hope that humans can look at them and not automatically become afraid or hateful.

17. I love how fascinated Sarai is with books when she sees hem in Lazlo's dream. What was it that made you fall in love with books?
Such a great moment! I've been an avid book reader since the moment I learned to read, and I think the biggest thing for me still is being able to deposit myself in other worlds and situations and take a break from reality.

18. Why do you think Lazlo took the risk of getting on the plane after Sarai's warning of death?
Because he's insanely curious as always!

19. “What matter of new dread would this cause?” -- Do you think the people of Weep deserve to know what happened on their flight mission? (Seeing the very much alive Gods) or do you think they chose correctly to keep it quiet for now?
Gosh, Im not quite sure with this one. I get why he didn't want to tell them all. I could see it going really wrong for them if they all found out their loved ones that have passed aren't in a better place. Panic, fear, hatred, etc, would all create a recipe for disaster.

Day 3. Chapters 19-29. Pages 161 - 243.

10. In chapter 20 Sarai has a nightmare, despite her efforts to keep herself from dreaming. A ghost named Yaselith attempts to kill Sarai with a knife and learns that ghosts are not able to hurt the living. Yaselith then tells Sarai, "Then you should hurt yourself...Put Weep out of its misery. Kill yourself, girl. Have mercy on us all. Do it." She finds herself in her mother's bed and when she removes the knife from the bed, the bed squirts blood everywhere, then she plunges the knife into her chest. What do you think Sarai's dream symbolizes? Do you think her subconscious is trying to remind her of something from the past?
I think it's her subconsciously feeling afraid of becoming her mother or her guilt for what she's put others through now that she's realizing it may not be what they deserve. I think it's also to a reminder for her of what it feels like to have no control over your actions.

11. Minya treats the ghosts in the citadel like puppets. Why do you think Minya toys with the ghosts?
She toys with them most likely because it's her version of making them pay for the actions their fellow humans dealt to them in the Carnage, and it seems like it's a fun game for Minya. She likes being in control and being feared.

12. Eril-Fane (the Godslayer) doesn't like to sleep in Weep because he has nightmares. Lazlo learns this from Eril-Fanes's mother. "He realized that all this time he'd been looking to the Godslayer as a hero, not a man, but that heroes whatever else they are, are also men- and women- and prey to human troubles like anybody else." I loved this quote. It shows that no one is invincible or perfect. Everyone has something in their lives that they've gone through. What does this revelation about Eril-Fane mean to you?
I loved this quote, too. There are so many stories, real and imagined, where the hero always sounds so unstoppable, confident, and flawless. It's hard to imagine being a hero or heroine when they seem so perfect, but it's important to remember they have their own fears and issues just like any average person. It's a great reminder that anyone can step up to the plate.

13. Sarai is in search of her father, The Godslayer, and instead finds Lazlo. She invades his dream and he is able to see her. Why do you think Lazlo can see Sarai when no one else can?
It reminded me quite a bit of other fantasy stories where the normal human is so oblivious to anything around them that they don't see what's right in front of them if it's not something they can already believe in or comprehend. All of the people in Weep believe that there's no one left to torment them, so they refuse to see her presence, but Strange the dreamer is a new presence that WANTS to see the unbelievable and the magic.

14. Minya reveals that she has been collecting ghosts for years, building an army of the dead. The others seem appalled, especially Sarai. When Sarai expresses her sympathy for the humans Minya replies with "I should have saved a different baby." (I think I felt the slap in the face come right out of my book.) What do you think Minya has planned? Do you think the four others will fall in line with Minya's plan?
I think she plans to invade Weep before they can invade their space. I felt that slap in the face, too, and I hope that the others and Sarai don't fall victim to just being more of Minya's puppets.

Day 3 Discussions Questions

10. Peach claims a lot of Beck’s time in this section. When Joe comes back over to assemble Beck’s new bed, Peach shows up since Beck was supposed to have a guy from Craig’s List come over to put her bed together. Joe seemed to get angrier with Peach as the night went on and took out his frustrations on Benji. Was it surprising that he used something that Benji was allergic to instead of a more violent way to kill him? How much longer do you think he would have lived if Joe wasn’t so angry with all the Peach’s and Benji’s in the world? Do you think his body will eventually be found?
I felt like at that point, Joe came to the realization that Benji didn't have the same hold over Beck anymore but that the real culprit now was just Peach. I think that led him to the decision to finally get rid of Benji. I wasn't surprised that he used something nonviolent to kill Benji just because, at that point, Joe didn't seem like a violent person to me (just crazy). I'm thinking if anything his body would be found if Joe ends up being caught and confesses, but I can't see it being found randomly unless someone else ends up knowing about Benji's secret locker.

11. Joe is convinced Peach is in love with Beck. Do you think Peach is in love with Beck?
If we can believe what Joe found is real, then heck yes, she seems just slightly less obsessed with Beck than Joe is. She is extremely manipulative with Beck and knows what to say to get Beck to come to her aid.

12. Peach has some bad habits when she runs that Joe was able to take advantage of. Since he wasn’t successful in killing her, do you think he will try again? Joe seems to lack a lot of social skills. He was using the website to inform him of what type of balloons were for Get Well Soon. What do you think of the balloon? Did Beck overreact with him?
I can definitely see him trying again (although I imagine in a different way) or at least kidnapping her and holding her in the cage like Benji. I think Peach would have found a reason to say something about any type of balloon or card he would have sent, but I did find it odd that he would send a smiley face, and I think I would have reacted similarly.

13. Beck’s father is not dead. Why do you think she lied to Joe about her father? Do you think she will tell Joe the truth about her father and seeing him?
I had to read the next chapter because it was too much of a cliffhanger to stop right as someone knocked on his door, so I don't want to say too much about this and give anything away. I'm not sure why she lied to Joe, but I feel like there's a lot we don't know about Beck, and I'm curious to see what happens with her.

14. Joe is in a really bad place. Beck keeps calling since she got off the boat and he is afraid that she saw him there. After he gets back to his place, there is a knock on the door? Who do you think it is? What do you think he will do?
I read the next chapter because I couldn't help myself, so I won't give anything away!

Day 2 Discussion Questions
Chapters 10-14

5. What do you think are Joe's intentions with Benji? Is there any way you can see this ending well for Benji?
It seems like Joe at first made it seem like he wanted to teach Benji a lesson, but I definitely don't see this ending well for Benji.

6. Joe asks Benji to write down his 5 favourite books, if you had to write a list of your five favourite books, what would they be?
That's a tough one! Right now, I would say: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Slammed by Colleen Hoover, Wheel of Time (the last in the series if I had to choose), The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness, and Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allison.

7. What is your impression of Beck through Joe's eyes? Do you sympathise with her situation with Benji? Can you see why Joe is so enthralled with her?
I honestly can't understand why Joe is so enthralled with her. She comes off as annoying and pretty insecure of herself. I sympathize with the fact that she doesn't know the extent of Joe's stalking, but I can't relate with a girl at all that would still be pining over a guy like Benji.

8. How do you think Beck feels about Joe? Do you think she genuinely likes him and it's only her feelings for Benji that are getting in the way of her progressing a relationship with him?
She seems to like being liked, and I think her knowing Benji doesn't like her is why she holds on to that relationship and wanting to change him in some way. I think Joe is a secondary option for her that she'll take in the moment if it's the best she can do, but she doesn't seem to like him half as much as he likes her. We'll see if that changes I guess!

9. I am finding Beck's friendships with Lynne, Chana and Peach to be lacking any real warmth and often interactions amongst the girls seem a bit strained. What are your thoughts on Beck's friends, do you think they are genuine friends who only want the best for her?
No, I feel like the friendships are very basic and Beck doesn't seem to be liked all that much by the others.

I'm a little behind but finally got this at the library today!

DQs Prologue - Ch 1 - 11

1. The author starts us with some beautiful imagery of a violent end. What did you think of this as a beginning? Did it draw your interest and leave you wanting more? Do you like it when you are given a prologue that might not be answered until the end of the novel?
Yes, I love this kind of beginning! The writing was fantastic right off the bat, and I like having something in the back of my mind to think about as the story progresses.

2. Lazlo Strange came from humble beginnings, and is now a grown man. Do you feel he has changed from that rebellious boy in the orchard? Why do you think the library chose him? And do you believe people have a calling in life to follow, or do you think you can choose your own path?
One thing that thankfully hasn't changed in Lazlo is his curiosity. I think the library chose him for that very reason. What better person to be in his position than a dreamer who isn't afraid to think differently? I think most people have certain talents and passions that they end up following to some degree because those were the talents given to them, but I know for myself, I haven't had anything I felt called to do.

3. Lazlo was drawn to help Thyon when he stumbled upon the scene in the tomb walk between Thyon and his father. Do you feel Lazlo made the wrong decision to share the book with Thyon or do you think it was all part of fate’s larger plan? And would you have been tempted to keep the book for yourself instead?
I don't think he made the wrong decision. That spoke highly of Lazlo's character, and it's something I can relate to. It may be the opposite feeling for someone who never lets others "walk all over them" and is more cautious of being generous, but Lazlo saw someone struggling and did the honorable thing of trying to help.

4. “Some men are born for great things, and others to help great men do great things.” How do you feel about this quote? Do you believe people are born to their roles in life or do you believe people can change their stars? Lazlo takes a huge risk by impulsively offering his services to Eril-Fane. Would you have taken a similar risk to help fulfill your dreams? Have you ever taken a risk that changed the course of your life?
Again, as someone with few talents and absolute zero ambition to be any type of leader, I agree with that quote to an extent. As he continued to say, there is no shame in that, and I agree. However, I don't think anyone should feel like they can't do great things just because someone tells them they can't. People can wholeheartedly change their stars. I would like to think I would have done the same thing if I were Lazlo because this whole Unseen City has been his passion for so long and it was about to be taken away from him. I'm not much of a risk taker, but maybe someday I'll come across an opportunity I can't pass up!

1. What do you think about the POV? Does it draw you in or push you away? It's not quite in 2nd person, but it's much more direct than most 1st persons, even ones that break the reader wall. Do you feel Joe is talking to Beck, to you the reader, or both -- are you supposed to identify as Beck?
It took me a few sentences to process the POV, but after that, I really took off reading and found myself liking the POV. To me it seems like he's talking directly to Beck.

2. Many times books are set in first person to make it easier to emphasize with the narrator. Do you have sympathy for him? Do you feel you understand why he feels the way he does? Would it be easier or harder if you saw him from outside?
It's hard for me to NOT feel a little queasy when he's talking about watching/following Beck and reading all her emails. I can't say I understand his feelings at all, but I do find it curious that he knows people from the outside would think him "nuts" but he justifies it with people on the outside not understanding true love in this day and age. I can't sympathize with him at this point, but I do think I like him more hearing his POV than i would from someone else's if that makes sense.

3. Is Joe an unreliable narrator? He's clearly delusional in some ways; how deep do you think that goes? Do you trust him that he's really doing everything he reports?
I think he is reliable as far as his own actions because he seems to know to some degree that what he's doing isn't socially acceptable, but he still talks about it all. I definitely think he's delusional about Beck's feelings and tries to find reasons why she's doing something which point to her liking him (even though from my perspective she doesn't think about him as much as he would like to believe).

4. What do you expect from this book? What made you decide to read it? Do you expect it to have the beats of a thriller, or does the adventurous point of view change your expectations?
I expect to be kept on my toes with Joe's POV and his crazy antics. I'm hopeful that it will keep getting more and more suspenseful. I already had a hard time putting it down, so I'm excited to see where it goes. I didn't know about this book at all until it was picked by this group, but after reading the summary, I felt like it would be a good change of genre for me. So far so good!

I double-checked, and my books are all there for May! Way to go team!

Completion post

Title: Since We Fell
Author: Dennis Lehane
Date read: 5/31/17
Pages: 418
Rating: 3.5
Review: This started off pretty slow but started to pick up a little over halfway through. Overall, it was just an OK read, but the ending was exciting (mainly because I didn't see it coming).

Title: A Study in Charlotte
Author: Brittany Cavallaro
Read: 5/27/17
Pages: 322
Rating: 3 stars
Review: There's not much to say about this book. I liked the author's writing, but the content just wasn't exciting or original.