Tina ❣’s Comments (group member since Mar 09, 2016)

Tina ❣’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Tina, Taming Two Warriors was me, not you accidently added on the master spread sheet."

Yep and that's why I shouldn't do things when my body wants a nap 😂
Thanks for noticing Lisa 😆

** updated to here

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Seeing we didn't get a Q word, I'm going to read my Julia Quinn book quickly, so I have two more to finish before deadline.

Kind of glad we got a "U" though as I've been saving a few of them just..."

Mmmm yeah. I was not too happy with the word we got but now I am. I need O’s, I’s and U’s for other challenges

Trinia wrote: "I'm excited about the "U" too, Untamed just came up on my library hold! Anyone read it?"

I haven’t heard of it but that sounds like a good read!

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu

Two siblings. Two brilliant talents. But only one Mozart.

Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish—to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she'll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age—her tyrannical father has made that much clear.

And as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true—but his help may cost her everything.

In her first work of historical fiction, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu spins a lush, lyrically-told story of music, magic, and the unbreakable bond between a brother and sister.

The Tiger Flu by Larissa Lai

In this visionary novel by Larissa Lai--her first in sixteen years--a community of parthenogenic women, sent into exile by the male-dominated Salt Water City, goes to war against disease, technology, and powerful men that threaten them with extinction.

Kirilow is a doctor apprentice whose lover Peristrophe is a "starfish," a woman who can regenerate her own limbs and organs, which she uses to help her clone sisters whose organs are failing. When a denizen from Salt Water City suffering from a mysterious flu comes into their midst, Peristrophe becomes infected and dies, prompting Kirilow to travel to Salt Water City, where the flu is now a pandemic, to find a new starfish who will help save her sisters. There, Kirilow meets Kora, a girl-woman desperate to save her family from the epidemic. Kora has everything Kirilow is looking for, except the will to abandon her own family. But before Kirilow can convince her, both are kidnapped by a group of powerful men to serve as test subjects for a new technology that can cure the mind of the body.

Bold, beautiful, and wildly imaginative, The Tiger Flu is at once a female hero's saga, a cyberpunk thriller, and a convention-breaking cautionary tale--a striking metaphor for our complicated times.

How's everyone going with their books? How many do you think you'll be able to finish? Or will you leave a book or two for the next round?

I'm hoping to get through another two books. I'll see how I go with The Martian. I might leave it for next round as it fits one of the tags. I am really enjoying it though!

ROUND 4

We have our new word! It's Tourism!

We have the same tags as round 1 though:
Tiger
Safari
Desert
Africa
Indigenous

Trinia wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Trinia wrote: "Paula wrote: "Trinia wrote: "Completion Post

His & Hers by Alice Feeney
Date Read: 7/19
Added to SS..."

Haha all good Trinia! Just add the date started and then it's done :P

Completion Post

Dear Martin 19 Jul

Sink 18 Jul

Deets on SS


*** Updated to here except for Trinia's His & Hers

DQ Day 4: Chapters 19 - end

16. What do you think about Justyce going to see Martel. Do you support him going or disapprove. I know he later regretted it, but I can't help feeling he went to fit in. Or maybe to become more like "his kind"

I think he went to Martel because he needed someone to talk to that would understand. Sometimes I speak to a lot of people about an issue because other's opinions didn't help me understand something. I guess that's what he was doing. He also probably just felt alone and needed someone else or a family who'll accept him.


17. During these chapters there was the scene with the police at Justyce's graduation. Do you think it was wrong of the police officers to approach him in front of all his friends and family. Should they have waited until he was done talking to them to approach?

I was furious with them. Just let him graduate in peace and then speak to him. But police won't do that. You answer to them then and there end of story.


18. During the conversation with the police, Justyce stands up to his mom and asks her to treat him like an adult. He also mentions that if he went along with his mother's idea and refused to talk, he would've appeared guilty. What did you make of these two confrontations? Also, we get the behind the scenes reasoning about why Justyce's mom doesn't approve of him dating white girls. What is your opinion on her reasoning?

I can understand her but I don't agree. She can at least make an effort to get to know Sarah.


19. While hanging out with S.J., S.J. says, "Jus, I think I hate everything... Why can't we all get along like butterflies." To that quote Justyce thinks to himself that all the butterflies "look exactly alike." What do you make of this quote? Why do you think there is so much hate around people looking different (doesn't only have to be about race, but defects, disabilities, other differences as well)?

I hate butterflies so ew. There's so many reasons: society, generations and ancestors opinions being passed down, people aren't accepting, they haven't been taught to accept other, they don't know anyone who is different to them so they can't relate, law, politics...


20. I thought that Justyce's last letter to Dr. Martin was the most meaningful. He mentions that maybe the issue is that he doesn't know what he was trying to achieve by his "What would Martin do?" project. I found it very resonating when he mentioned Doc asking him "What would Martin be" and he couldn't find an answer. What did you think of the last letter to Martin? How do you think Justyce has changed throughout the book?

I did enjoy his last letter as well as it shows him having learnt things and come to peace with some things.


21. I personally think that by the last chapter Jared changed the most thoughout the story (which actually surprised me a lot because in the beginning I thought he was hopeless). He went from a racist to actually caring and being Justyce's friend. Did your opinions change on Jared at the end of the book? What about the other characters?

Yes they did. It is sad that a death of a friend was what changed his way of thinking.

Lauri wrote: "Hey Teammies! Sorry to be such a slug, but I've been a bit preoccupied. We have 20 cases of Covid at the hospital where I work! There are 10 cases at a construction company building a new unit on o..."

I'm sorry that's happening Lauri! We've just gone into another lockdown because of daily increasing confirmed cases here. Our Premier is paying us $1500 AUD if we've been tested positive, to stay home for 2 weeks because he understands that we'll struggle to stay at home if we don't get payed. Stay safe though Lauri

Day 3: Chapters 15-18

12. In chapter 16 we see Justyce have dinner with Manny's parents to commemorate Garret Tison's indictment. What do you think of Justyce being invited over and what they talk about? Did you have any thoughts about Manny's parents giving Justyce the watch and his reaction to it?


13. Justyce sees Quan at the Fulton Regional Youth Detention Centre and a lot is said between them. What do you make of Quan's upbringing and his view on life now? Is there anything that stands out between what is said between them? Quan not saying that he killed the cop or the advice that he gives to Justyce? Do you think that Quan's advice will have a positive or negative effect on Justyce?


14. We see a few media releases in this part:
"Transcript from evening news... More on this story as it continues to develop"
"Tison Indictment... A trial date has yet to be announced."
The news report in chapter 18 with the photo released of Justyce in his Thug Life costume.

We also see the reporters mobbing the funeral party at Manny's funeral:
"Mr. McAllister, how's it feel to be the Boy Who Survived?
Justyce, do you think there will be justice?
What's it like knowing it could've been YOU in that casket?"

What do you think of the coverage of the event by the media? Are they siding with the police officer more than Justyce? Are they reporting the story correctly or making things worse? Do you think the author's portrayal of the media is similar to real life? Will the media ruin his chance at going to Yale?
I for one do not like the reporters at the funeral and that last question is especially nasty.


15. Chapter 18 goes through a lot. We see Justyace spending time with Doc to avoid making the call to Trey and the gang and isn't writing to Martin anymore SJ speaking to him again and she apologises. She also calls Jarod about the release of the photo. What are your thoughts on all these and the character development of the teens?

DQ Day 2; Chapters 7 - 14

7. Let's start with Sarah-Jane. Justyce and her definitely had feelings for each other, and they didnt shy away from closeness until Jus was about to kiss her after the debate (lbr which was bad timing). Why did SJ suddenly give Justyce the cold shoulder, what are your thoughts? What's going through her head?

Hmm I've been wondering that. Maybe it is a race thing either with her family or she's afraid of the change and possible danger it might bring to her. I'm interested to hear why.


8. It sucks that it took being drunk for Justyce to call out Manny but it's finally done! "They're my friends" was the dumbest excuse ever, but at least Manny finally woke up shortly after Blake's party and the fight Justyce and the guys had.
It's hard sometimes to stand up for what's right. It might not be safe, depending on where you are or who you're surrounded by. Do you judge Manny for not being able to stand up for himself and everybody else his 'friends' made fun of sooner? Was there ever anything you needed to work on first in order to be able to stand up for it?

I did judge him but also could understand why Manny didn't say anything. It takes a lot to stand up for what you believe in and to stand up to those you consider your friends. It also depends on your personality too. I've had to stand up to friends and it took me a while.


9. It seems like Manny didn't only call Dr. Dray to check on Justyce after the fight, but also his mama and Mela. It confused me a little since he doesn't like Mel and how she treats Jus. And it hasn't even been mentioned again (so far). What did you make of this? Do you think Mela will end up playing a big part in the rest of the book? And did you ever have a teacher who was as involved in his students lives as Doc is?

Melo is an interesting character. Not much is said about her really. I'm kind of ignoring that storyline. It seems like the school is like a boarding school and that teachers are required to care more about students. I also think Dr Dray is an inclusive teacher which is really positive. I've had teachers who I've bonded well with but never spoke to them about issues much. There was one teacher who helped me with something and it definitely had an impact on me which I appreciate.


10. Manny's dad tried to keep all signs of racism and how he could be mistreated from him for as long as he could whereas Justyce's mama has prepared him ever since he was little. They also grew up in two completely different neighbourhoods and surroundings. What are your thoughts on the parents' different ways of bringing up their sons? Do you think there's a right way to go about this?

I think it's hard to be a parent but ignorance is not bliss. I kind of agree with Justyce's mother in teaching her son the way of life but then you'll also need to be more attentive to your kid if they have any issues from it regarding their mental health. You'd also need to be available to guide them when they need it.


11. 😳 that's one way to end today's chapters! My heart is still racing. What do you think happened, who got shot? And be honest, did you keep reading or take a peek just to find out what happened? (I'll be honest I did take a quick peek :x)

I kept reading. It's hard to stop when I don't have a physical bookmark in it telling me to stop.

DQ Day 1: Chapters 1 - 6

1. We meet Justyce when he's trying to do a good deed by helping is drunk ex-girlfriend. This scene sets quite the mood for the upcoming chapters and (I assume) the rest of the book. Do you like our main character so far? Do you like his inner monologue, portrayed in the letters to Martin?

Yes I'm liking Justyce so far and his inner monologue. I am intrigued by his letters to Martin.


2. Let's talk about the girls - Melo and Sarah-Jane. The ex-girlfriend (sort of?) and the debate partner. Let's also factor in the other important female in Justyce's life, namely his mother. What do you make of each of them? And what to you make of their interactions with Justyce? And more importantly, what are we supposed to make of Justyce's interactions with them in light of his mother's statement not to bring a white girl home?

Melo seems like a typical teenager and I don't see a connected between her and Jus yet. Sarah-Jane seems more interesting so far. The mother, I haven't made my mind up. I have a feeling there's more to her story than we know so I'm waiting for that knowledge before I judge her.


3. Jared is our token white boy who thinks all is right with the world when clearly it isn't. The equality discussion was interesting, I found, because Jared's logic is sound. And yet at the same time, it isn't at all. What example would you give Jared, where you speaking in SJ's stead, to show how wrong he is?

Honestly I don't know. I'd need to speak with him more to understand what matters to him. Then find an example based on that. For someone who is ignorant and doesn't care about an issue, you need to find a way to speak with someone on their level. I also think a personal example would be beneficial but I can't provide any.


4. The Equality Brigade was quite the spectacle! Literally. Disguised as a klansman to portray equality. I can't help but wonder if Blake is an idiot of epic proportions or if there was a message he would have liked to show the world including his friends, especially considering the fact that the "costume" was the genuine thing. What did you think of this brain child of Jared's?

I don't think Blake has depth to him in the book. I feel as if his a minor character therefore no real reason as to why he did that. I think it was the author writing it to make a statement of a sort to tie in with Jared view of life. The message could be that they're all wearing stereotypical costumes to show that all is good and there's no issue with race.


5. Justyce as well as his best friend Manny are black boys stuck in a rich white school. They each have their own issues to deal with in regards to this situation. Manny, the rich black guy, who is considered one of them, and Justyce, the poor black guy, who is more and more often questioning his place in this world, the place he is trying to carve for himself. Do you think Manny should have acted differently in the lounge scene when he was peer pressured into drinking to equality? Knowing full well what happened to his best friend not too long ago?

Manny should do what he can to get through things. Obviously drinking is never a solution but it's hard to say no to your friends let alone those with more influence and power than you on your own. Wouldn't be easy.


6. Short mention of Trey and his friends needs to be made. The Black Jihad gang, one of whose members shot Officer Castillo. Personally, I can't help but wonder if someone shot him to take revenge on the crap he's probably pulled for quite a while - Justyce certainly wasn't the only one - or if it was a shooting gone wrong. That thought aside, Trey makes Justyce (and maybe also Manny) feel like he's turning his back on his own people. Do you think he is right in telling Justyce this? Is Justyce right in questioning the things Trey tells him and wondering whether there may not be a grain of truth in it? Should Justyce have stayed at the party regardless or was it better to leave (with the others) when he did?

Some really good questions! Trey is helping to further divide the races therefore supporting inequality. Justyce is definitely right in questioning Trey's words and doing so helps him chose his own path rather than follow someone else's. I don't know who or what was in the party but going from how Jared is and how Trey is, it'd be better for them to not be together therefore better for them to have left.

Day 5 Questions - 83% - end

22. At the beginning of this section Viv is kind of freaking out over what she did. She starts to call the police, then changes her mind. Then she hears a car pull up and footsteps coming toward where she is. What would you do in this situation?

I'd freak out, try get a hold of someone to come to the motel and get protection.


23. When Viv and Marnie are taking care of Simon Hess, another car pulls up and it's Alma. Did you anticipate her reaction to what was going on? Why or why not?

I was surprised to see Alma there and I was surprised she didn't take her in. But If I see the world in their perspective, I can understand why they didn't.


24. Carly is being followed by Callum McCray (sp?) and loses him by pulling into Alma's driveway. Why does Alma cringe or flinch when she hears Callum's name?

I thought it was something to do with her being a cop and having interactions with him. Or it's because she knew he was Simon's grandson and she had a connection to Simon (which she did).


25. One of my favorite scenes was near the end when a ghost in a suit comes in to the motel lobby to check in. Carly doesn't want to touch the ghost so she snatches a key from the case and passes it over the counter. The ghost says "Oh good 209. My old home." I got the shakes just hearing it. Did you anticipate that ghost making an appearance?

Yeah creepy. I wasn't surprised by the ghosts.


26. Carly figures out what Viv did and gets to meet her aunt. Were you happy with the end of the story? If not, what would you have liked to see?

I was happy with it! I like how Viv probably won't have to be in Jail long. Either ending for her won't be good but at least she has Carly

Day 4: 64% - 82%

17. Some of the major and minor questions developed throughout the story have been answered in this section: why young, pretty Helen was meeting with average Robert (Helen and her husband had planned to blackmail Robert); the connection of the girls' murders and their murderer (Simon Hess targeted women who were lonely); and why the murders had stopped after Viv had vanished (Simon was stabbed by Viv so he couldn't hurt any more girls). Did you see any of this coming? What clues gave it away?

I read the end then continued reading so I wasn't surprised about Viv killing Simon. But I was surprised about the Helen/Robert story line.


18. Both Viv in 1982 and Carly in 2017 mentioned that Tracey might have been alive had her parents kept her in the house. This echoes the warnings that Fell parents have been giving their daughters: don't go jogging or don't work nights. What do you think of such advice? What else could Tracey, her parents, and her school have done to keep her safe from a predator?

It's hard to do so. Anytime you go outside your home, there's a risk of something happening.


19. "The Sun Down Motel" has been tagged by 336 users as "Horror." What has been the most horrific scene for you so far? Is it a supernatural one or one connected to the murders?

Horrific. I would say the control Betty has over the motel. The range of control is scary. Serial rapists and murderers are always terrifying as well.


20. At the end of the last chapter set in 2017 in this section, Carly claims her aunt may have done something wrong (alluding to the stabbing of Simon). What do you think of Viv's actions? Do you think she was right or wrong, justified or unjustified in her actions?

Oh definitely wrong in her actions. I wasn't born before or in the 80s so I can't relate to her thinking. I do understand the reason behind it. It wasn't actually in self defense and she definitely should have contacted Alma.


21. With only 18% of the book left to go, what do you think will happen? Do you have an idea of what happened to Viv after she stabbed Simon? Do you think Marnie and Alma know what truly happened to Viv? Do you think Carly will find out what happened to Viv?

I read ahead before so I kind of knew. I didn't know Alma and Marnie's full involvement in the case. I definitely do think Carly finds out what happens to Viv.

Completion Post

The Sun Down Motel
17/07

On SS



*** Updated to here

Day 3 - July 4- 42%-64%

13. Thoughts on Viv telling Mrs. White that her husband cheats on her. Do you think this is what gets her into trouble?

Oh I liked that she did that. I didn't think it would get her into trouble


14. We have another encounter with the angry man ( this makes at least 3) Who is he? Why is he important to the story?

I don't know who we're referring to as the angry man. There's a few angry men


15. Which story line (Carly or Viv's ) are you enjoying more? Why?

I think I'm enjoying Viv's more because of the side characters. Though I do like Nick.


16. The ending of this section just raises more questions for me. If Viv buys a knife, didn't she get a chance to use it?
Where is the knife? Was it mentioned in the police reports? What do you think?

I thought she'd use the knife. The knife would have been disposed of a long time ago most definitely but other than that, I don't have any further thoughts

*** updated to here