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

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

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - PROLOGUE - CHAPTER 7 . DAY 1

1. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a retelling of real life events that happened in one of the darkest periods of human history. Several well known Australians have recommended it including Graeme Simison, author of The Rosie Project who described it as "Extraordinary - moving, confronting and uplifting.. a story about extremes of human behaviour: calculated brutality alongside impulsive and selfless acts of love." I find when I read about this subject I have to mentally prepare myself for a myriad of emotions including anger, indignation and heart wrenching sadness. What expectations do you have as you prepare to start this book?

As sad and angering as it is to read Holocaust books, I also find it educating. I read so I can learn about them and remember them and pass on their stories to those who I know.

2. The Prologue describes the first meeting of Lale and Gita. It is not the beginning of the story and is repeated further on. Why do you think the author starts with this scene?

To give a sense of what we are to expect?

3. Initial impressions of Lale - the life he had and the horror of where he is transported to?

I like Lale. I think it would have been wonderful to know him. It seems like he took in his surroundings quite well. I don't know how much he glimpsed at the concentration camp of the horrors that went one. I feel like now the story telling is about Lale and Gita. Fair enough. I am actually enjoying it. I haven't read many Holocaust books where there's a love interest that starts in a place like that

4. This story has many examples of the best and worst of humanity. What do you think of Pepan's and then Lale's rationale of becoming tattooists? "If you don't take the job someone with less soul than you will and hurt these people more. Working for the Kapo is not the same as defiling hundreds of innocent people."

I see where he is coming from. I definitely agree that it's better for Lale to do it than someone who is mean

5. "To save one is to save the world." What is your interpretation of what this means and how important is it to the prisoners of Auschwitz?

This is the first time I'm hearing the quote. I think it's referring to helping others can lead to a better world. I think it's a wonderful quote to know whilst being there. It's a thought that can give them hope and strength

6. What do you think happened to Pepan and how will this affect Lale going forward.?

I think he was murdered. It wasn't entirely clear. I think Lale moves on but still remembers Pepan.

7. First impressions of Gita? Why do you think her attitude is different from Lale?. Would she have survived if she hadn't met Lale?

She seems nice. You do what you can to survive in a place like that. I think you would have been lucky to have friends in high places. She definitely would have died.

8. Victor and Yuri paint an interesting picture of civilians caught up in war just trying to survive. Thoughts on their different attitudes to the situation and how they are trying to help Lale?

I think Yuri thought he was higher above the Jews but Victor could see past the picture and see what was happening. It was brave of them to sneak food and other things in. I hope they don't get caught.

Yup. It's been officially announced that there's an extension to August 31st.

If anyone cannot play until then, please let the captains know ASAP.

The triwizard tournament will be played in August.

DQ set 2: Chapters 9-17

8. "If I catch killers, then maybe that means I'm not a killer," says Jazz. Howie then goes on to give a great reason why Jazz isn't a killer (love Howie)...are you seeing killer tendencies in Jazz?
No. I just see the thoughts. He was taught how to think like one but it doesn't make him one. It's hard though. I think there will always be a possibility but I don't think he will. It scares him though, understandably.

9. Jazz has another interaction with Jeff Fulton, do you think that Jazz should share information about Billy Dent's victims with their families? If so, how would that impact his mental health?
Yes and no. It shouldn't be Jazz though. I think it's the police's responsibility to answer those questions. And I don't think Fulton has a right to go and find Jazz and ask him. He's still a minor. He should have asked the police to get into contact with Jazz's Gramma and have her permission. Then ask Jazz. But, Gramma's mental health isn't healthy.

10. We see vulnerability in Jazz through the dreams he is having of cutting flesh, that he believes is his mom...and thinking that he killed her. Do you think these are really flashbacks? If so, why?
Ohhhhh I must have missed that it was his mum. I don't know if they were. I hope not D:

11. Enter Office Erikson once again, he comes from the town that one of the ladies was killed lived in, and we saw his behavior when he picked up Jazz from the high school. Why do you think G Williams isn't doing anything about this abnormal behavior and potential connections to the victim?
Probably because they do not think of police as wrong-doers. He wouldn't suspect the newbie. G Williams is/was in denial about the serial killers and evidence is still being gathered.

12. EDIT: Question removed

13. I've read this series and love it, it was actually one of my first book about serial killers (was scared to read them before). Are there other series that you recommend in this genre?
About serial killers, no. I haven't read much of thrillers and murder mystery.
I did read The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle which was really good! I'm currently reading Elephants Can Remember which is good so far!
I want to read Kathy Reich's book as I love the TV series Bones

I don't remember a Ravenclaw and Gryffindor class either. I was actively looking out for when it's mentioned but it wasn't!

I was wondering which classes the Gryff's are on their own and which they aren't.

I feel like they would have done Charms with the Ravenclaw's as Flitwick is the House Head. It's how it was for Potions and Herbology.

Daniela - I definitely agree with you about Fleur. Mrs Weasley was harsh. I don't fully understand why as she's quite nice most of the time haha

Yes definitely! Fito as role model!

The Georgia Nicholson is written by Louise Rennison. There's 10 books and the first one is
The 1st and 2nd books were made into a movie.
It's basically about a teenage in England, her friends, her family, her boy obsession and hilarity

I'm a bit late to start but I'm liking it so far!

Set 1: Prologue to chapter 5

1. What strikes me is the heartlessness of the fae, or perhaps a better way to say it is their lack of humanity. That curse was so cruel: October was spelled into becoming a fish, and the spell stuck for 14 years, twice the length a human is held in the fae hollow hills. Do you think there is any relevance to the amount of time the spell lasted? Why do you think October calls the 6 months after she emerges from the spell her penance?
There probably is but I'm not sure. I think she calls it her penance as she feels she was doing something wrong... spying on the fae

2. The daughter's name is Gilly and her mother was turned into a fish? Seems like someone should have seen that coming. Ok, the question: If Gilly is a quarter fae, doesn't that make her a changeling as well? If 14 years has passed, it seems she didn't need to make the choice, or she chose human - do you think the choice has been made? What do you think about a daughter not wanting to see her mother - even with just a quarter fae, wouldn't there be some things that are strange in her life? Wouldn't she want some answers?
I don't think so but I'm not sure how a 1/4 of being something works in this book. I think she'd have minor fae abilities that could still be passable as human.
Fair enough, 14 years with out a mother. Gilly probably thought she was abandoned or forgotten. It would take time for Gilly to accept her mum is back and to realise that she would want to see Toby.

3. I laughed at the comparison of cats to Sidhe, "...where both sides said, "I don't need you," and both answered, "You'll still stay." How many cat caretakers (as one never OWNS a cat) out there agree? (Non-cat people: feel free to chime in. ;)
I love cats. I wish I had one but 3 of the 5 family members are allergic and we have a dog and a rabbit already.
Cats love company and I love their independence as well.

4. In these few opening chapters, we are introduced to two characters, Tybalt and Evening, both of whom October seems to have a hate/love or love/hate relationship with, while there is still some sort of a bond. Do you think this typical of the fae, or just October?
I think it's typical. I feel like every book describe Fae a little differently. They're definitely a harsh specie but they can still love... or like

5. After 5 chapters, I am having a hard time understanding October. I know she is a changling and so only half human, but I don't understand why she doesn't go to her child. I am hoping there is more context about her pre-fish years so I have a better view on why she makes the choices she makes. What is your take on October?
I think she doesn't want to push it. If her hubby hung up on October, he's not happy with her and wouldn't want Gilly to see October. She's probably still figuring out how to be human again and get herself together.

6. When October relives Evening's death, she hears Evening say about her: "...she'll find what's been left for her to find, she'll end this mockery at last." What are your guesses about what the "mockery" is? Do you think it has something to do with why the Queen of Mists won’t help find Evening’s killer?
No idea! We shall see!

DQ set 1: Chapters 1 - 8

1. What are your first impressions of Jazz? What is his motivation for spying on the crime scene and requesting to help investigate?
I like Jazz. I feel for him. I hope he saw a therapist about what he's been through. I think it's him wanting to do good in the world... the opposite of his dad.

2. "Ever since arresting Dear Old Dad four years ago, G. William had kept in touch with Jazz...". How would you characterize the relationship between Jazz and G. William? Why is the sheriff so adament about one body not meaning a serial killer? Is he trying to protect Jazz, himself, or both?
Probably both. Jazz is still in school and I think William wants him to stay in school and focus on it. Not on crime and murder. I think he's still trying to make Jazz be a normal kid

3. Howie has been the only friend who stayed with Jaspar after his father's exposure. Jaspar claims that he needs Howie to keep him "close to the line of safety and legality". Do you think Howie realizes what Jazz needs from him? Why doesn't he get angry when Jazz gets him into trouble?
Yeah I do. I think Howie probably wants to escape his illness and Jazz might be the only one who treats him normally... Not sure as we don't know a lot about Howie yet. They're good friends.

4. Deputy Erikson has caught Jazz's attention twice now with his behavior at the crime scene and his unexplained appearance at the morgue. Do you agree with Jazz's assessment of the deputy, or do you think there is a reasonable explanation for his actions?
I agree with Jazz's assessment

5. The Impressionist states he "had been given a rule" not to interact with or harm Jaspar. Who do you think might have given him that rule and why?
Oh man it's creepy. I think someone's told him to do this. The body could be a message for Jazz from his father. He might have hired someone to kill and his dad knew Jazz would investigate and therefore hidden a message in it. Probably not though.

6. Jazz has the mantra, "People matter. People are real.", as a screensaver and pictures of all his father's victims in his room? Do you think this actually helps or hurts him? Is Connie right about letting go of the past?
Probably both. It's a difficult thing to move on from. I can't even imagine what he'd have gone through. She's right, but it's easier said than done

7. "His upbringing... told him that women were simultaneously special and useless." How do the three women in his life (Connie, Melissa, and Gramma) match with what he has been taught? Do they reinforce or challenge the idea? What kind of influence are they on Jazz?
No one is useless. His dad is just twisted mentally. I think Connie is a great influence on Jazz. Probably the best. I'm glad he is with her

I did think it was funny when Sal mentioned to his dad that Sam taught him that! I kept thinking... (view spoiler)['okay here it comes, the secret romance that Sal has for Sam'. But nope! (hide spoiler)]

Parents - (view spoiler)[That's what I thought. I found it interesting that the three had dead mothers and inadequate biological fathers (Fito's dad was okay, at least he tried). They sort of adopted each other as well. (hide spoiler)]

And yes! I actually really love how Sáenz addressed Sal's anger. I think it would help a lot of teenagers understand themselves and learn how to deal with it. I don't think anger is talked much about in high schools and I think it should be.

Vincente - Good points! (view spoiler)[I think how Vincente came to accept Marcos' apology and explanation was done realistically. The acceptance of him into the family as well.
I think it's important to read books where the characters are realistic, relatable, and possible to use as a role model. I know when I was in my young teens, the books I read helped shape who I am today (mainly Harry Potter and the Georgia Nicholson series). I think it would help teenagers relatable to Fito know that there's good in the world and help available. (hide spoiler)]

But yeah! I definitely want to read Aristotle and Dante. Hopefully in August.

**AUGUST BOOK OF THE MONTH

Hi all,

I hope everyone's reading has been going well this week.

The August book of the month have been released.

1. The Adult book is by Paula Hawkins
Starts August 2nd

2. The YA book is by Wendy Spinale
Starts August 16th

3. The mods have taken over the BOM again with by Ilona Andrews - Book 10 in the Kate Daniels series
Starts August 28th

I've signed up for Discussion Questions for books 1 and 2. Let's hope Team Tonks gets one in August!

I'm in for DQ's for Team Tonks

This sounds interesting! I'm in for DQ's for Team Tonks

Zee - I'll leave it at 512

Thanks for pointing it out Karishma. I've fixed it up.

And your BOM is all sorted too Teri.

I finished too! I was reading it at night before I went to sleep. I have not had time to post things the past two days.

I loved this! I'm glad I read it.

I definitely agree with you both about how well written these teenagers are. I kind of wish I knew them. You know what they have is special.

And I really like how Sal and Sam aren't (view spoiler)[pitted as a romantic love. They have the sibling love going on and it's rare to see two main characters have that in young adult. (hide spoiler)]

But damn. Why do they all have to (view spoiler)[be without parents? (hide spoiler)] Eldarwen - I agree. Fito is kind of amazing. To not be on the path to where his mother was. I think it's admirable.

A few tears shed for me to. But I'm not torn up inside. I like how this book has made me feel. Glad I've read it

Thanks Mods!


Looking forward to this

(Team Tonks)

I started this tonight. It’s 1:31am now and I should be getting enough sleep for work tomorrow but I haven’t!

I was surprised at how this book has gripped me so far. I’m up to page 118 in my ebook. Chapter 33 in part two.

I’m glad you’re taking your time Eldarwen! I have caught up on a few buddy reads. But still have a few more
I had to restrict myself from signing up for more.

I’ll post my thoughts on your comments and this book tomorrow hopefully

That suits me Paula! I'll start tomorrow as it's bed time for me now

YAY Jodie!!!


Talia - Haha all good. I'll leave Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell there.

We only have three books left for classes. Nearly there!

(view spoiler)[He was innocent! I agree with you. There's no justice for Tyger either and that is what irks me. Only Rowan and slightly Scythe Rand are disturbed by it. No one else knew him or cared much and he's just gone... (hide spoiler)]

Hey Stacey, are you still reading this book? If so, I'll finally start!

Is anyone still reading? If so, I'll start this book