Melissa’s Comments (group member since May 12, 2019)

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

I’ll try for a huge argument in my next read :)

Completed:
Squeeze Me
There are lots of strange plot points that could be used for Jackanory.
Added to tracker.

Sharon wrote: "I'm listening to The Wreckage of My Presence: Essays right now and there is a footnote. So Melissa W. if you get in a jam and can't read for that, I can be a backup.

This team rock..."
Yes! I agree :)
Thanks for having a back up :) I just read one with endnotes that should work.

Sorry! I finished the school year and slept through most of the days for a week.
I'm back though.
Why We Swim
Task: 24 has endnotes
Added to tracker

My book came, and it has endnotes!!
Must fill all categories:)
We could have probably done the tasks twice over :)

I have a book coming today that will probably have footnotes, I’ll see! I’ll read the book with drink on cover for points / Jacktonary

DQs Day 4: Chapters 24-29

16. Daunis talks a lot about keeping her various worlds separate so they don’t overlap. Hockey World/Real World, Fontaine/Firekeeper And now she has to add in being a Sneaky Squirrel. Have you ever felt like you live in different worlds, and do you agree with Daunis that it is easier to keep those separate?

Yes, I have felt this way. I think you eventually need to connect the worlds you are in in order to be honest with any of them.

17. I love all of the interactions Daunis has with the Elders and how much she values their wisdom and guidance. What do you think of the role Elders have in the Ojibwe community? How does this compare to the role of senior citizens in your own community?

Yes, elders seem a part of the community. Here, they are often separate from the community, and are visited (or not visited) by relatives. There are families near by who have their elders a more vital part of their lives, but not everyone.

18. Also - which elder’s coming of age story would you most want to read?

Granny June

19. This book has a lot of major themes (identity, community, racism, grief, justice, women standing up for other women, etc). Which theme stands out to you most or resonates with you most?
Women standing up for other women stands out the most for me.

20. Lots of unexpected events and suspicious characters in this section. Who are you most suspicious of at this point in the story?
Jamie, although I don't want to be suspicious of him. Grant.

11. Gramma Pearl shared many wonderful legacy stories with Daunis. I loved the reference Daunis makes regarding the storm and the thunderbirds bringing loved ones from the other world to check on them. As a result, Daunis has happy memories about storms versus being afraid and she consistently refers to Gramma Pearl when deciding what to do. Do you have any advice, stories or traditions passed down from family that you often think about? Something that you would share with your legacy...if so, share if you are comfortable.

Hmm. I grew up Catholic, so there are a myriad of saints who hold certain powers. St. Anthony for lost things, St. Jude for lost causes are two examples. They do relieve anxiety, as you can call on their help instead of taking all of the pressure on yourself.

12. "The FBI is interested in learning what caused the group hallucination. I want to know if the kids are okay." Daunis obviously thinks the FBI isn't investigating for the right reasons. I observe all the time that young people have a different view on things than more experienced/older people. Who's right? What do we learn from situations such as this? Other thoughts?

I suppose no one's really right. It's good to listen to all generations to gain knowledge.

13. Heather is clearly not liked amongst the girls at the beach party...why do you think Heather approaches Daunis about buying drugs? Do you think this has something to do with why she turns up dead, washed up at Duck Island?

Yup. There are secrets in this community that people avoid.

14. In chapter 20, Jamie asks Daunis about the meaning of 'Firekeeper's Daughter'. It's her job to lift up the sun every day. What do you think about this explanation? Do you find additional meaning in this as it relates to Daunis and her role in the plot of this story?

Well, I didn't think of that, but I suppose so! Perhaps she will shine a light on the difficulties her tribe has.

15. Daunis finds Heather during her mushroom sleuthing on Duck Island. During her thinking she has an 'ah-ha' moment regarding her Uncle's journals. When she goes to look for them, she's quick to assume that they don't exist because of the connection to the FBI and the confidentiality required...do you think she's right...thoughts?

I think so. Her uncle seemed to follow the scientific method very closely, so I assume he did the same when researching the meth problem in his community.

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Yes, I’ve got the drink on the cover one going!

DQs Day 2 Chapters 9 to 15

6. I thought that the opening scene with Daunis and the gun would show up again towards the end of the book. That’s usually what happens when authors use this kind of device. Were you surprised that it happens not even a quarter of the way in?

Yes, I had to look at my audiobook to make sure it wasn't starting over from the beginning.

7. We knew there would be a murder but we’re you surprised that it was Lily who was killed? Did you suspect something bad would happen between her and Travis?

I was surprised it was Lily. I figured something was going to go bad for Travis, but I wasn't sure who else was going to be dragged in. I am wondering if Lily had anything to do with meth production at one point.

8. The synopsis also hinted that Jamie was not all he seemed. I thought he would be something to do with the murder but not that he would be an undercover agent. What did you think it was that Jamie was hiding?

I had no idea. I didn't really trust him thought.

9. If you were Daunis would you have agreed to be a confidential informant? I’m not sure I would be brave enough.

That's a tough question. Maybe - if I was convinced it would help the people, then I would probably help.

10. Being a confidential informant seems to be very complicated with Daunis being expected to really investigate what is happening rather than just let them know if she comes across anything suspicious. How well do you think Daunis will be able to do this as it’s her own community and perhaps members of her own family that she will be investigating?

I think she will be able to - she has friends, but is also sort of an outsider - although I'm not completely sure why. I think it will get difficult if she finds out her relatives are involved.

Marie (UK) wrote: "Has anyone got a feeling for who is manufacturing the meth? or who is involved.
I have not read any further than part 2 but have a nasty feeling that it will be someone who I actually like as a cha..."

Maybe her aunt?
The aunt was the one involved in selling drugs in On the Come Up... and was also very close to the main character....

DQs Day 1 Chapters 1 to 8

1) Was this book on your TBR before it was announced as a BOM and were you hypnotized by the beautiful cover art? Were you familiar with Ojibwe culture prior to reading this book?
I did not know about this book until it was announced as a BOM. The cover art is fabulous, and yes, I just wanted to trace the lines. I have read Louise Erdrich who is Ojibwe / Chippewa and David Treuer who is also Ojibwe, so I have a bit of knowledge, but only from books.

2) Several social issues have been touched on so far including racism (including within race (skin tone) and within families for biracial children), enrolled v. descendant tribe membership, substance abuse, illegitimacy, and mental health. Does the author seem to be pulling this off so far or does it seem like too much to have it work for the story?
I thought it was a little bit of a list, but it all seems really important to the story.
3) Characters. Any favorites so far? Does anyone else want to be adopted by Granny June, or is that just me?
Yes, Granny June is awesome. I also really like Daunis. She is tall and strong and loves science. You don't get that kind of character often in a book. (from a tall, older sort of strong, science person here :)

4) The author weaves tribal culture into the story and makes it an important aspect of Daunis's life. Including having her work in the tribal language into her interactions with the kids. Language is such an important part of culture, loosing a language means more than just a loss of vocabulary words. Are you enjoying this aspect of the story?
I am listening to this on audio, which I find much easier for having different languages introduced in a book. I love it.

5) The quote "when someone dies everything becomes past tense, except for the grief. Grief stays in the present." really hit home. How did you react to this statement, did is resonate with you as well?

Yes, that quote had me pause the story, and replay it in my mind. That was a very powerful quote.

Melissa wrote: "Just finished my Egypt book! Going to try and finish Equal Rites by tomorrow for the DQs."

Sweet!

Completed:
The Fountains of Silence

No real tasks that are left, but there are good characters for Jackanory? A photographer from Texas goes to Madrid, falls in love with Ana who works at a hotel...
Should I put that on the Jackanory tracker? Or does someone else do that?

Never mind on A Hat Full of Sky
I think I need a Terry Pratchett break :)
Moving onto Carl Hiassen.

Andrea wrote: "I plan on reading:
The Wee Free Men to fill C10 - Crivens .
The Captain Class: The Hidden Force that Creates the World's Greatest Teams to fill 142- One of Sam Vimes'..."

Yes! Wee Free Men is chock full of Bingo and Tasks.
Mine had a sheep on it, if that's helpful?
I'm reading A Hat Full of Sky
right now, which has some Crivens! in it, also blue men, so rearranging can happen :)

I ordered a book for July with a cityscape, but either way, I can definitely just read it too :)

I am going to read next which has a drink on it.

Finished:
Island of the Dragon's Blood
Unfinished tasks:
128 - It's a nonfiction book about Socotra

I read the first edition (interlibrary loan) so I had to add that edition to Goodreads. I hope that doesn't mess anything up!
Trust me, it was all about Socotra. I had never heard of the place before...

The author at one point does compare a person's bracelets to Morris dancing!! What's the likelihood there?

Completed
The Wee Free Men

Bingo: H3 (The Wee Free Men are blue warriors in tartan)
C10 - The Wee Free Men say Crivens!
B3: "Wentworth never showed this much interest in anyone who wasn't a jelly baby." p. 204
245 Sheep on cover
Added to tracker
I'm starting to like Terry Pratchett, although there is always a part that reminds me of depression, which is strange maybe.

Maddy wrote: "Seriously? Again? :D
Sausages book used for drink? :D
Wasn't someone already reading for drink on the cover? :D"

That's hilarious :)
I think these book challenges permanently warp our minds! I will forever be looking for books with sausages on them now :)

I still get excited when fish and chips are mentioned in a book - from the Restaurant Rocks challenge :)

Finished: The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents

Bingo: F4 in chapter 6, Malicia brings a semifore (along with a lot of other things) on their adventure.
F10? Maurice can be a fierce cat - he battles at the end
165: Rodent on cover