ChrisP’s Comments (group member since May 19, 2025)

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

Column H formula did not copy down on SS so it is not saying Easy, Midlevel, Hard.

Sweet 13 so 18 max. If I get close I will knock my hard books off my life towards the end if I get l close. We are in the of the WNBA season and the Pacers are in the finals so who knows if I hit that.

For definitions do you need to provide page number and sentence?

Rebecca wrote: "5 books over whatever you put down for what you read in a month. Mine was 8 so my cap is 13"

I don't remember what I put down...lol
It could be anywhere between 10-15 so I imagine I will max around 17 is my guess.

I don't remember what my cap was.

Shelby wrote: "ChrisP wrote: "I entered Magic Burns and What the River Knows what should I add?

-Does BOM count as its own book or can we use it for a challenge?
-How do I fill out..."

Thank you for the assist, I'm starting to understand the ss and what is expected. What the River Knows does fit 42 in Mini 2, do I add that to the spread sheet in Mini 2, or does someone else do that, (just in case you would rather use it for a spell out) and you pull it off the tracking ss?

Shelby wrote: "ChrisP wrote: "I'm still fumbling around. I found this
Read a book first published in February of any year
I can read Cold as Hell set in Canada

Still not sure if books for mini 2..."

Finding obscure challenges in my TBF or discovering new authors is fun:)

I posted the DQ
Day 6, the bottom art the links to the rest of the days

I'm not sure about adding to SS.

Day 6 - May 23
Part Four, Chapter 30 - Epilogue

23. I’m having a hard time being impartial with questions, as I feel like the last part of the book descended into mayhem and confusion without a solid roadmap, simply to forward action, some random, some meaningful. Is this book magical reality - where did the magic bits go? Is it historical fiction - or did an exotic setting just get used as a backdrop for a romance? What are your thoughts about the last part of the book compared to the first parts?

The history and romance were engaging, suggesting a rating of 3. The author chose to kill Elvira, which prevents the story from having a predictable happy ending and adds uncertainty about future. The end was a time bomb with no direction. I didn’t like that

24. Do you think the characters stay true to themselves, or grow or change? Which characters do you find multifaceted vs 2-dimensional? Which characters are still too shrouded in mystery and secrets to know who they are?

Elvira death changed Inez, it forced her to grow up. Whit is riding a thin line between betraying his family and himself.

25. Let’s talk about Elvira. Do you find it plausible that she, another naïve girl traveling solo, was able to get to Egypt from Argentina to find Inez at the perfect time? And after just being betrayed by her mother - HER MOTHER - do you think it likely that Inez would let her cousin meet an unknown man alone? How did you react to Elvira’s fate, and do you think it was consistent with the tone of the book?

No, I don't think it was likely Elvira would follow, at the beginning of the story she seemed like a character that always did the proper thing.

Yes, I think it likely she would let him meet him alone, nothing up to that point told me she had learned a thing, if anything she was hurting from losing Whit and wanted Elvira to have one chance to have an evening that she wanted to have with Whit.

26. Any guesses as to where Inez’s father is, or thoughts on whether he’s still alive? Do you think he has the magical sheet Whit is searching for?

I think mama had papa in a cell somewhere. That magical sheet is still hidden and needs to be found. Whit is not done with Inez.

27. How did you interpret the final cliffhanger dialog in the Epilogue? Has it been Porter or Whit - or both - Inez has been interacting with? Twins? Are you planning to read the next / final book?

He trusted his brother, his brother might not trust him. His brother might want the sheet and might need Inez to help find it or they may need the money they will get from marrying Inez.

Links to DQ's
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five

DQs Day 5
Chapters 24 to 29

18.) Now that we know the death of Lourdes was greatly exaggerated, do we think Inez's father is actually dead? Do you think he sent the ring to Inez to hide it from Ricardo or from Lourdes?

I think Papa is still alive and he sent the ring so Cleopatra tomb would not be found from Lourdes. It is sad. To love someone and be betrayed by them. Papa could never tell Ricardo what he thought so he sent the ring to Inez where it would be safe.

19.) Any guesses as to why Whit doesn't want to go home and why his family might want him home so badly?

Family sucks. He was wealthy enough get a commission and he let his family down. He is betrothed and doesn't want to marry her and his family needs the money.

20.) Anyone actually surprised that Lourdes is the actual family traitor?

Yes I was surprised, and loved it. The author was cruel to this character at every opportunity.

21.) Do you like the additions of Inez's drawings in the text?

Of course. It brought some of Egypt alive. "A picture is worth a thousand words"

22.) Thoughts on Cleopatra's real death . . . asp bite or poison?
She killed herself with poison. It makes more sense, if you are going to kill yourself you want to make sure you don't suffer and it works the first time.

Discussion Questions Day 4
Part Three - Chapters 18-23

14. Inez and Whit are either flirting or fighting. What do you think of their dynamic? Are you rooting for them to end up together?

I am rooting for them. At this point in the book, the banter between the characters is repetitive. There is a need for something to happen or for the dialogue to be written differently. Will they or won't they is getting annoying.

15. What do you make of Whit’s backstory ? Knowing that he is bound to Ricardo by a life debt, do you find it easier to trust him?

I like the backstory, it makes the Whit more interesting. The life debt makes him harder to trust. If he is bound to Ricardo can he make his own decisions?

16. We get quite the shock when Inez’s mother shows up in her tent! Do you believe she is telling the truth about Ricardo or is this some kind of double cross?

Yes, I believed her, but it conflicted with my opinions of Ricardo. I sat back and let the story unfold.

17. Finally, a discovery! We’re about 2/3 through the book. Any guesses where this is headed? What are you hoping happens to Inez at the end?

Whit and Inez needs to figure it out. I need to know why her uncle and mama aren't friends anymore. Inez finds Cleopatra gets the rings back and goes home with her mama and papa (I believe he is still alive). Late 19th century Egypt is dangerous and unless she finds some allies and learns to live with predators she won't survive. Whit isn't surviving on his own. So far, their is no one that has her best interest at heart that involves her staying in Egypt.

Discussion Questions Day 3

10. As we reach the halfway point I am seeing more and more similarities to the Amelia Peabody series. Is anyone else finding this. Does this affect your impression of the book?

I have never read the Amelia Peabody series, but because I enjoyed the history and the romance in this story I have added the series to my TBR shelf:)

11. We have been introduced to a number of Characters is there anyone that particularly stands out?

Mr. Fincastle, there is more to him, than meets the page. I hope there is a back story for him and his daughter. Spin-Off?

12. We have been introduced to Isadora and her Father. Why do you think he doesn’t let her out of his sight?

It is dangerous, and he trusts no one. Isadora, like Inez, often gets into trouble. He loves his daughter and fears she might be used against him.


13. Inez seems to be attuned to Cleopatra and sees some of her memories. If you could choose to see one memory of a historical figure whose memory would it be?

Cleopatra is a good one, mysterious and surrounded by riches. Alexander the Great, Issac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Queen Victoria all fantastic choices. I think I will cheat. I have always wanted to be a major league baseball player and play on the biggest stage. I don't know if you can count Mickey Mantle as a historical figure, but to know what it was like to play in Yankee stadium during the world series and after the game have the world at my finger tips.

Elizabeth wrote: "Hey Chris! Too funny that you finished Magic Burns because I finished Magic Shifts around the same time. I also put a hold on Great Big Beautiful Life but I'm almost 100% sure I am not getting it i..."

I tease about contemporary romance, I usually enjoy the BOM. It is good to broaden your perspective. I really will read anything for a challenge. My wife has seriously questioned me about some of the titles I have checked out. I am in the middle of a reread for Ilona Andrew Kate Daniels series. I am seriously taken my time with it. I am doing a reread on Dresden also. I have memory problems, after a few years it is like I am reading the books new.

I did find the DQ questions, I am doing them now. I hope its not cheating if I write my answers in word and let copilot rearrange my thoughts so it doesn't look like I write like a 3rd grader.

Discussion Questions Day 2
Part One, Chapter 6 - Part One, Chapter 12

6. In this part Inez spends some time with Mr. Hayes. What did you think of their afternoon in Cairo? Did you enjoy their banter?

Considering the time, I do not know if she would be that forward. It was fun, and I looked forward to seeing how their “banter” would progress further.

7. After sensing familiar magic from an old trinket, Inez buys it and later has a vision of Cleopatra. What do you think this vision means? Do you believe Cleopatra’s burial site can only be found with Inez’s help?

Yes, I thought it was important strategy to convince her uncle to let her join the team. I believed following the magic was key to Cleopatra, hopefully only Inez can follow the magic and not Mr. Sterling.

8. Every now and then, the point of view shifts briefly to Mr. Hayes. Do you enjoy these moments from his perspective, or would you prefer the story to stay entirely with Inez?

Yes, I like another character perspective, otherwise we never learn who he is. Inez might be perceptive, but she doesn't know what he thinks.

9. Inez finds a letter from her mother, in which she suspects that Tío Ricardo is involved in illegal activities. Does this letter, along with the boat conversation Inez overhears, make you suspicious of Tío Ricardo? Or do you think he’s not responsible for Inez’s parents’ murder?

I believe that Ricardo genuinely cared for his niece and behaved in a manner that suggested he had good reasons for not wanting Inez around. The evidence Inez found was completely contrary to that. Sometimes as a reader you must get the popcorn out and let the mystery unfold.

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?

Intelligent start.
An original beginning that reflects the character's thoughts. I am interested in knowing when she wrote this, was it at the end of the first or the second book. It is concise, straightforward, and to the point.


2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?

It was common during that period. I did not believe this was questionable. Ricardo believed that she should have focused on marrying Roberto instead of interfering with his matters. He may have had unresolved feelings about what happened with his sister and brother-in-law, making it difficult for him to see her.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?

Yes, off Mr. Sterling cold dead hand. (I hope.)
His suffering from consumption will make him more desperate, which will lead him to take unfortunate actions.

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?

I enjoy how the author uses comic relief and suspenseful scenes to keep the story engaging before the plot starts to unfold.

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?

This is where the story became interesting. It wasn't just another young adult adventure, it included mysterious characters were both good and bad.

BOM June 2nd.

I put myself on hold at my libraries (I'm not holding my breath) for Great Big Beautiful Life contemporary romance tends to put me to sleep and that could explain the ridiculous wait list. I'm just saying when your library has 220 copies of the book and your 930 someone isn't returning the books.

I'm still fumbling around. I found this
Read a book first published in February of any year
I can read Cold as Hell set in Canada

Still not sure if books for mini 2 have to be out of country.
Or if anyone else is reading this book. I can read it quickly. Kelley Armstrong is an easy author to read.

Anyone else that read What the River Knows and wonder why she kept on saying "Wednesday" in Spanish? It took me an embarrassingly amount of time to realize miercoles is also a "clean up way" to say mierda.

Thank You Urban Dictionary.
Fail Google Translate.

If you need this.
Tower Team Shelf

I entered Magic Burns and What the River Knows what should I add?

-Does BOM count as its own book or can we use it for a challenge?
-How do I fill out the questions for it?
-Any hard tasks or high value tasks you want done, (I'm more of a page turner than into strategery). Next BOM?
-Do you want me to add to tracking sheet only and captain fills in the appropriate task sheet?

-My name is not on the ss for a reader.