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

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

I'm also trying to space my books out for the Right side up challenge. My max is 12 and I've read 12

So I'm thinking to nearly finish a few books for week 2 after the right side challenge finishes

Yes! About 27 minutes to midnight right now!

I'm going to Thailand! Woo! I haven't traveled overseas since 2008 and I'm excited and nervous

I don't know how the internet situation will be there. We've booked in hostels with free Wifi so I hope it works well?

Eni wrote: "i apologize in advance if the questions are not the best.. i don't usually do BOMs or DQs =p

Day 4 - 19 June
chapters 12 - 18

So the story has progressed and we see Molly admit to herself she li..."

I agree with you Eni. I was done in the first few chapters but I still am reading for BOM points

Day 4 - 19 June
chapters 12 - 18

10. In Chapter 12 Molly is given a make over and the girls go hang out with the boys, where she drinks for her first time. Do you remember your first drink? What do you think about drunken Cassie speaking so loudly about Molly crushing on Will? What do you think about Molly drinking even though she's taking pills?

Oh my god no.. wait yes? Bailey's at a friend's party in high school. I think... I am not much of a alcoholic drinker.

Yeah that's embarrassing. If Molly had actually said that Cassie was wrong, then it would be embarrassing for Will and whoever else cares. She shouldn't do both. I'm surprised that she didn't get a reaction from this that was severe or at least moderate. It's not a good message to give to teens who read this.
"Yes you're on your pill but one drink won't kill you! Therefore, it's okayyyy. Go on. Have one".


11. On the fourth of July, Reid and Molly hang out and we "see" sparks fly between them. The author seems to be giving a lot more dialogue between Molly and Reid than between Molly and Will. Do you think she's steering us into rooting for Reid?

Most definitely. I'm not a fan of Will.


12. Cassie blows up at her mom for grounding her. How do you feel about her clear change in behaviour and her "obsession" with Mina?

I think it's normal. We all need to hear 'No' sometimes and learn how to deal with that.


13. We are introduced to Mina's parents and they seem pretty chill and cool. However it seems like Mina hasn't told them she is dating Cassie. Since she seems to have a good relationship with them, why do you think she hasn't told them?

I don't recall much about Mina and her parents. I must have zoned out at this point. I'm listening to the audiobook and sometimes miss things in books because my GPS talks to me or my mind wanders or concentrates on driving.


14. Molly finally blows up with Cassie and tells her what she thinks. She also realizes she has a big crush on Reid, however she is reluctant to think about dating him over Mina's comment. What do you think about Molly's actions at the party?

I honestly don't understand why Mina said those things about Reid. It makes no sense to me and the fact that Molly takes it to heart! What the?! Like so what. Make up your own mind.



I'm struggling with this book.

I'm reading the two BOM LGBT books too so they can be put down! I'll probably finish them both on the weekend and stick to the DQ days

I'm listening to a historical fiction book as well which I could finish tomorrow? I don't know.

I have to get vaccines for travel tomorrow and then go to work so we will see if I do any reading

Day 2 - chapters 7 - 11

6. In chapter 7 it dawns on Molly that whilst she's never been kissed she's also never been rejected, and she starts to wonder about that. I was surprised that it was such a revelation to her. Do you think she'll be able to start to act differently now, take chances and be open to rejection?

Oh I think she will act differently but not by much. I think she'll be open to rejection and might take a small chance of romance with Reid.


7. Reid takes Molly to the supermarket and plays the supermarket game - guess the songs that will be played. It turns out Molly is pretty good at the game. Do you do anything similar or have secret skills at obscure games? How do you like the developing friendship with Reid?

No I don't think I do. I wish I could especially with the lottery haha

I like Reid better than Will. The relationship is more natural and not forced unlike Will. I think Reid is healthier for her too (Will and his drinking).


8. We see a lot more of Molly's family in this section, including her Grandma! What do you think of the family dynamics?

Ah Grandma. I love it when family calls you fat even though you're of healthy weight. Does wonders for your self esteem and mental health *cough*.
I actually do like Nadine and Patti. I think they are healthy adults with how they deal with the conflicts of the twins


9. Cassie announces her new relationship via Facebook update, and doesn't tell Molly directly. Does this change how you feel about Cassie? Molly?

A little bit. Cassie should have told Molly before posting it on Facebook. Fair enough for Molly being upset. It's kind of saying that you're not important enough for me to tell you face to face.

Mwahaha
I hope you guys like the book! But I’d understand if you don’t

Eldarwen wrote: "Did you see the titles of the rest of the series???

--> https://www.goodreads.com/series/247819"

Yes! I'm thinking Her Bush is my favourite title xD

Judy wrote: "I think I'll need it after Girl Made of Stars, this one really packs a punch..."

I just read the blurb and it seems heavy. I don't know if I'll ever be ready for that D:

His Banana is definitely a much lighter read

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Eldarwen wrote: "Did you see the titles of the rest of the series???

--> https://www.goodreads.com/series/247819"

that is just too much!
Nomination for next back room BOM perhaps? ha!"

Yes! I'd actually buy a book for that!

HAHAHA coinky dink. Weird though
I find it through the Book Bub emails, maybe she got it there to?

Also am reading The Upside of Unrequited BOM and participation. Link --> https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Completion Post

Was not planning on reading this but...

Title: His Banana
Author: Penelope Bloom
Read: 17/06/19
Pages: 177

Letters:
C - Character - Bruce Chamberson
O - Series - Objects of Attraction
F - Character - Natasha Flores

Many lols

16 June - Chapters 1-6

1. Have you read anything by this author before? Do you have a favourite? If not, why did you decide to join the read?

No I haven't so this is my first book of hers. My library had it as an audiobook so I thought why not? Honestly, I was not planning on reading this ever but more point for BOM


2. Molly has a "generic face" and finds people always think they know her. **I have this exact problem!!** Is it just me? Do strangers often try and work out how they know you?

No they don't!


3. Reading about Becky Albernatti, she was a child psychologist who decided to start writing after she had her first child and claims Jaclyn Moriarty as her writing inspiration. If you wrote a book, which author would be your inspiration?

I didn't know she was a child psychologist. It kinda makes sense as to how she knows what's going on inside a teenagers mind these days. Probably Liane Moriarty and Sarah J Maas. J.K. Rowling too.


4. It always intrigues me when adult authors are able to write well with a teenage voice. I guess Becky's work background helps. Do you think she is accurate in her portrayal of teens?

Yes I think she does. I can't relate as I was never boy obsessed in high school. Friends, food and family mattered to me.


5. So we are setting up for the Will v Reid decision. Seems an easy one to me. Who do you prefer?

Reid if I have to choose one.

I find that I struggle to get a copy with the Back room books. But I would if I could

The other Sandy wrote: "❦ Tina ❣ wrote: "What's the audiobook like? Is the narrator's voice nice to your ears? Are they reading it well?"

I thought it worked well for the writing style. My attention didn't wander, even d..."

Oh that's good! I know my mind wanders sometimes due to the narration. So from what you've said I think I'll be okay. Thanks Sandy!

I find the Greeks in stories do have complicated names. I get confused because I speak Greek but don't know know to speak/read/write Ancient Greek. I get them all confused haha

The other Sandy wrote: "I wouldn't have made it this far if I hadn't been listening to the audiobook. The writing is what one of my former coworkers would have described as "lush," but one person's lush is another person'..."

What's the audiobook like? Is the narrator's voice nice to your ears? Are they reading it well?
I find sometimes people's narrations stop me from reading a book.

I might listen to the audiobook version if/when it becomes available at my library.

Kristel wrote: "❦ Tina ❣ wrote: "The challenge starts during my work. I don't think I can read during it. I still haven't made up my mind with what to read for week 1.

I haven't managed to finish The Song of Achi..."

Give me a Greek related book, especially about the Gods and I'll read it and most likely enjoy it.

I'm about 2/5 in and it's going okay so far! I thought the POV would have been Achilles but it's not. I think I might like it more if it was his. It's been on my to read shelf for ages so yay for finally reading it!

I think I like it so far. It's definitely intriguing me. I thought it was going to launch straight into the war with Troy but it hasn't. I must see that come into play and if it doesn't... D:<

Discussion Questions, part 2
5. Since Thetis, Achilles' mom keeps threatening Patroclus with death, do you think she will eventually kill him herself? Will she ever accept their relationship as it is? We see that the relationship between mother and son is rocky, so were you surprised when she helped Achilles hide from the upcoming war?

No I don't. I think she'll manipulate someone else into killing him. For whateve reason, she's against the both of them being together. I think she wants more for Achilles. I actually was surprised that she helped him. Kinda grossed out at what she forced him to do though.


6. After I first read one of Miller's books (Circe), I was almost shocked at how different her writing style felt, especially after comparing it to other YA books I've read lately. Sometimes it feels like years pass in a chapter and suddenly something happens, but also doesn't really. Does this writing style suit you or does it bother you in any way? Do you find it easy to read?

I read Circe first too! It does feel different actually. I think I like the writing better for Circe though. She seems to make the years go by smoothly... like you know it's happening rather than you having to figure it out for yourself and not being able to guess when the period changed. But it's like... 'Oh! Time passed. All righty then'.


7. What do you think Thetis' plans for Achilles are? What are, in your opinion, her motives by not sending him to war?

I think she's doing what she can to prolong Achilles' life and make him have the best one possible. Minus Patroclus. She also might want to win a bet or something against her god/goddess family.


8. When Patroclus arrives at Deidameia's court, he first introduces himself as 'son of Chiron'. Do you think this means he completely abandoned his father, is stating that he found a new family with Achilles and Chiron, or is only a trick to make Achilles recognize who he is?

Yes, he gave up on his father ages ago. I think Chiron is his closet connection to a 'father'. Not Peleas. I also thought that he's still figuring out his identity.


9. Honestly, I did not see the sex scene with Patroclus and Deidameia coming. Did you? Do you think Achilles will find out - and if yes, what do you think will happen next?

Yeah nor did I. Don't get how that comes into play. Like why on earth would she want it from him? I though he would have told Achilles but what an awkward conversation would that be. But I guess in this era that it's normal for gods to uhhh play around with sexes and species, so it wouldn't be that much of a shock for humans to do it. Especially if they have parents who are either open with what they do or is a goddess.

The challenge starts during my work. I don't think I can read during it. I still haven't made up my mind with what to read for week 1.

I haven't managed to finish The Song of Achilles yet which I need to do for the Right Side Up challenge