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

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

Thanks Halli for the updates and the spread sheet! I think it will be really useful to keep track of our books.
I agree that we should start with the Unforgiveable curses. We can start with Avada Kedavra - finish that curse, then move down the list.
I'm going to read Artemis by Andy Weir to start us off.

When reporting for Spells, there are 6 columns you will need to add into the Excel spreadsheet:
- Book title
- Author
- Number of pages
- Reason it fits (first letter of the title, first letter of surname of main character, first letter of surname of author)
- Read by
- Date read

When you report other books, please use the following format:
- Book title
- Author
- Number of pages
- Date read
- What challenge the book is in (If BOM, please write if you wrote any questions or just participated, and link to comment)

**NOTE**
As we are in different countries, we report dates differently. I tend to use day/month/year, whereas USA would use month/day/year.
To avoid confusion, when reporting the date read, you can use either:
11/May/2018 or 11/May, OR
May/11/2018 or May 11
I don't mind which one as long as you have the month written.

When posting the date read on excel, I've changed the format so it will appear as "12-May".
If you type in "May 12" or "5/12", it will appear as "12-May". This is correct and we want this.
If you type in "12 May" or 12/5", it will appear as "05-Dec". We do NOT want this.

Heather wrote: "And what are the rules for the spell it out? Just title and author (first or last name)?"

Spell-It-Out rules:
For each letter read books with titles, series names, authors (first or last names) that begin with letters that correspond to the word you choose. You also can use main or secondary characters (first or last names, and also nicknames). You may ignore the indefinite and definite articles (a, an, the, etc.)

Discussion Questions - Days 9 & 10 - Chapters 61 to end

18. Kwame sacrifices his life for the Diviners. Do you think it was necessary? Was there another way that the two sides could have chosen to do?

19. Zelie gives up hope a few times of getting magic back into their world. Do you think she's a worthy leader of the Maji's? If not, who do you think is worthy of being in charge to the Maji? Why do you think Zelie was chosen?

20. Zelie's torture by the King and his men seemed to have affect Zelie profoundly. Do you think it made her stronger or weaker after she was rescued? Do you think it influenced how she was and what she did at the island?

21. Do you think Kelie would have told the King that it was Inan that killed Kaea, if she knew didn't trust him completely and listened to Tzain's warnings of Inan? How do you think it would have changed the ending of the book?

22. What do you think of the ending and the King's interactions with his children? What should have happened and would you change anything about it?

23. What was your favourite and least favourite thing about the book? why?

24. Will you read the next book and the whole series? Why or why not? This book is going to turn into a movie. Do you see yourself going to watch it when it's out? http://deadline.com/2017/03/children-...

25. If you could choose, which Maji clan would you be in or which clan do you think you would be in?

Cat wrote: "Re Q16: I didn't think Tzain was angry at Inan, but that he doesn't trust him - and fair enough, as Inan has done nothing yet to prove his worth besides give Zelie some imaginary water to jump in.
..."

I agree Cat. I don't know why she would think like him if she's suppose to be headstrong. It seemed out of character for her and I don't agree with it.


@ Karen and Devann
I'm so used to the 'insta-love' that I phase it out. It's unrealistic and annoying that it happens but it's everywhere. It wouldn't be Y.A. if insta-love was not involved

Discussion Questions 7&8 May Chapters 33-60

11. Zelie wins the sunstone, and becomes "The Immortal" but at what cost? Is this where we start to see a theme of what makes a monster? Does the "greater good" excuse bad deeds?

Of course there's a cost. There's always a cost for the greater good. Someone they care about tend to die for the greater good. I think it adds fuel to the fire in her but I don't see her turning into a "monster"... I think it's how Y.A. tends to go.


12. Inan accidentally kills Kaea. It shows how dangerous magic is if not taught. So what will happen if they do return magic to their world? Will it be chaos?

I think it will be chaos. People haven't had much preparation for how to control their magic and the morals of using it. I think Inan will abuse his magic somehow to get whatever he wants. Kelie, I think will eventually master it.


13. Zelie and Inan become allies, of sorts. Do you think it will last? Do you like the love story?

I thought it would last. But I'm writing this having finished the book and now I want him to die.


14. The way they use magic really comes together in this section with the animations, and Inan seems to have quite strong magic. Are these two special or is all magic this powerful? Is that why the King wanted to remove it from the world?

I was trying to figure out which of the Maji clans was above others. I couldn't chose one so I think that all magic is powerful. But perhaps more powerful if a person knows how to use it, has experience using it in a fight and has a magic amplifier (like the stone). I think he's just scared of what it can do. I see the reason in not wanting magic if it killed his family but I think he went overboard.

Does anyone know who his family was killed by or remember why his family was killed?


15. Zu and Kwame and the new community were an interesting addition. How is it that the King wouldn't know about them?

Hmm... He could have known and decided to give them a chance. He may not have know that they have their magic back. Doubtful.
It's hard for a person to know everything happening in their country even if they had someone in each community to report back to them. Constant knowledge being poured into the King's head wouldn't leave him much room to do much else.


16. Tzain is so angry and Inan... and therefore Zelie. But seems to have an attraction with Amari. Do you think it is fair that he associates Zelie with what he seens Inan to be, but not Inan's sister?

No, I don't think it's fair


17. Quite the cliffhanger to end on "Father's men are here". Predictions for the end? We know this is a series so do you expect there to be any kind of conclusion?

As I've finished, no predictions here!

I don't think I would have started this if I new SEVEN books were going to be in the series. Goodreads says 3. Argh!

I was! I played it obsessively for about two days but waiting for the energy meter thing... I can't do it. Potions, charms, flying... the tasks were repetitive and I grew bored quickly

I like how we can customize ourselves, though.

I'd prefer if we could get sorted into our actual house rather than the one we choose. Loved seeing Dobby spying as well!

Astronomy
COMPLETED

Open Ended

Start: 01/01/18
End: 10/05/18
Level: Cosmonaut
Read: 52/52 || 9/9 Planets

One Coin upon reaching highest book level (Cosmonaut)

Whoop! Finished!!

Oh Uni assignments. They just have to spoil our reading time.

But that would be great Karen!

I might wait until the night of the 11th in my Australian timezone to post my questions for Day 4.
But, if no one has posted for day three, then I can post a few questions about that section if no one objects. I will feel weird if there's nothing for day 3

Hi all! I'm Tina the captain from Tonks! Let's do our house proud!

Oh cool! I'd definitely buddy read this if I can get a copy. I'll post again when I get my hands on one

Hi all! Welcome to the Tower Teams Challenge and to Hufflepuff! I'm glad to meet you all.

I'm Tina from Australia. I'm at uni and I work a few days a week. I'm going to be busy with assignments and exams until after the 5th of June so I apologise in advance if I'm slow to respond or haven't read many books for this until after my exams.

Here's my shelf

Discussion Questions 4-5 May Chapters 13-32

6. We are halfway through the book, do you like the story? What about the characters, they seem to be developing more for me. Do you like how the author discribed the interactions between the two sets of brother and sister? What do you think of their relationships?
The story is okay so far. I think the boat challenge chapters were written well for what they are. I feel like the author is pairing Amari with Tzain and Zelie with Innan. It's weirding me out which makes me not like them much. I hope she chooses on pair to be together and not both. Also interesting that Amari and Tzain both don't have magic but the other two do.

7. There is a strong message in this book, one I knew before I started reading this book (read the Author's note at the end of the book) and I can see that. But also the parallel to the holocaust and what is happening all over the world with people being oppressed and punished for being different. Do you think the author has a bigger message?
It's a general 'don't kill if they're different from you' type of thing... magic, colour of skin, beliefs...
The boat challenge/arena challenge you see in history and in a lot of other books/movies/TV servies. I don't think it will ever stop being horrible but seen as entertainment for royals/elite/citizens/etc in fiction.

8. What do you make of Inan's struggle with his magic? Do you think he will eventually embrace it ? Will this affect his relationship with his sister? His father? Or his thoughts about Zelie?
I think it's as expected. He fights down his magic as he has been conditioned to think it's disgusting. He will eventually embrace it. It will affect his relationship with his sister but in a good way. I'm sure she'll help him become the Maji he's been chosen to be, just like Zelie will. I think she'll go for the more gentle approach where as Zelie will go for the hard, no-nonsense approach. I predict he will change his mind about killing Zelie and help her and her cause. He liiiiikes her.

9. There is a lot of cruelty in this book and it is described in detail, do you think it could be less or do you think it is necessary to get the point across?
I think it's necessary to get the point across. I think it just makes it clearer to the readers.

10. I'm going to repeat Cat's question about the magic system in this book, because we learned so much more about it's origin through the happenings at the Chandomble temple? What do you think of the magic system? Has the author put enough into it to make it believable? Do you like the overview of the Maji clans in the beginning of the book with the symbols?
I think the magic system is alright. I was actually happy to see a Maji of Animals at the start. I was not sucked into the whole magic system in these chapters but that could have been because I was tired.
I think that if someone was to create the bit in the book where Lekan (Olamilekan the Senator) tells us hotwthe gods got their magic, it could look pretty cool. Something like the Deathly Hallows narrative in Harry Potter. I love that scene.

Apologies for not commenting much. I have two assignments I've been working on which has stolen a lot of my reading time. Thanks @ Devann for pointing out the break day! You've given me more time to finish this book

I still should be able to post my questions by the end of the 10th (+10 EST).

Thank you!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

◈ Q: Do we need to write reviews for the book to count?
A: No, you just need to have them marked as "read"

◈ Q: Do I post all of my books to a special shelf or just ones as I read?
A: Your choice. Some captains may like just all "read" books on the special shelf, so just check with them once teams are assigned

◈ Q: What does it mean "Participating in a BOM" ? Answering a set or comment? Or do we need to answer all days to get the 20 points? Or is a 20 points per set of questions?
A:Provided you add to the discussion at some stage through the book. It doesn't need to be answering a set of questions if that doesn't appeal to you. You may just pop over and give some thoughts at different stages. It is just one set of points per book. However you do need to interact with others in the BOM thread for it to be considered “participation”.


◈ Q: To get points for a buddy read, does it have to be one of the upcoming buddy reads or can it one that has already been done? Is there a limit to how many buddy reads you can participate in?
A: You can request a new buddy read is set up ; the "buddy reads request" thread is the best place to find a buddy.
There is no limit to the number of buddy reads you can participate in, but there does need to be some participation. If someone requests a BR and then just says "oh I liked that book", then we wouldn't consider that participation. As with the BOMs, you do need to interact with others in the BOM thread for it to be considered “participation”.


◈ Q:Can we get the points if let's say we read a book that has already been done but go to the thread to answer the old questions or discuss our thoughts? An already done BOM or buddy read?
A:We are looking for some kind of discussion and input with others, so that can include past BOMs and BRs provided that you get someone interacting with you. Going back to an old thread and just leaving a sentence or two isn't really what we are aiming for as TT should be about interaction and discussion of books.

◈ Q: For page counts, do we use the most popular edition on GR or the edition that we actually read?
A: Edition you've read.
Default edition will be used for audiobooks and large print editions

◈ Q: If you read a BOM or a buddy read do you get points for the book size (say 5 if's 150 pages) plus additional as its a BOM or buddy read? (Say 30 if it's a buddy read) would equal 35 points? Do I have that right?
A: You get points for page count with or without BR/BOM points. BR/BOM points are extra points.

◈ Q: One of the scheduled upcoming Buddy Reads is a book I recently read a couple months ago. I realize that I can't get points for this book since I read it prior to the challenge start date, but if I participate in the discussion can I get points for participating in a Buddy Read?
A: To try and keep things simple points count for BRs and BOMs once the book is marked as "read" by the member. This would mean the answer to your question is 'no'.

◈ Q: I know this has been mentioned a million times but I just want to clarify -- if we read a past BOM (*not* buddy read) and actually go through and participate in the Q&A that are posted, we get points? Or do we only get them if an opposing team member plays along with us? And if it has to be an opposing team member, do they have to be new to the BOM, as well, or could it be someone who has read the book and answered the Q&A already but are now sharing in a discussion with myself/whomever?
A: Yes, if you go to a past BOM and answer questions, it would 'count' if someone else pops up and interacts with you. This could be a past reader of the book, or a new one. I think you will find most of the mods will interact with you.

◈ Q: If I have to abandon a book because I just can't get through it - does my Team still get points for the pages I've read? Say, the book has in total 600 pages. I've read 405 pages before I've abandoned it - does my Team get the 20 points?
A: No, sorry, it is only books marked as "read" that count. So you either need to bail out of the book early or push through to the end!

◈ Q: Do characters in non-fiction books count?
A: Typically no. For example, if it is a historical account of WWII and the story is about Winston Churchill, he is not considered a 'character'.
Exceptions would be something like a memoir, ( e.g. Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness) where someone is recounting events and situations ; then it is possible there would be characters.


◈ Q: Where there are multiple authors, can they be used?
A: If attributed on Goodreads, then yes. For example, Eternity's Wheel. Where it is a book with a collection of stories and Goodreads shows one author as the "editor", then you can only use the editor. (e.g. Dog is My Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World's Oldest Friendship)


◈Spells
For the letters X, Y and V, you can also use translators names and or audion narrator names, providing the edition you are reading allows for it.
Meaning, you'll have to read the translated version to use translator's name or listening to the audio version to use the narrator's name.

WINNER CATEGORIES

Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.)
Highest number of books read by the end of the challenge

Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test (N.E.W.T)
Highest number of points by the end of the challenge

(view spoiler)[Each member of a house will earn positive and negative points. Then we'll average the points to see which house will win House Cup.
Example:
Hufflepuff (2 teams)
Cedric - 1000 points
Newt - 1200 points

Hufflepuff house points = (1000+1200)/2 = 1100

Ravenclaw (3 teams)
Luna - 1500 points
Grey Lady - 900 points
Cho - 450 points

Ravenclaw house points = (1500+900+450)/ 3 = 950
Hufflepuff wins. (hide spoiler)]

Hogwarts House Cup
House scoring higher at the end of the three Quidditch Matches

Tri-Wizard Tournament Cup
Team with the most points won on the Tri-Wizard Tournament at the end of the challenge

📖 Classes and Spells
Classes
We're going to attend classes. That means maybe you'll have to transform cups into mouses, transplant baby mandragoras or brew potions, among other things.

Astronomy
Use of telescopes to chronicle the stars and the movement of planets. Its homework, assigned by Professor Sinistra, involved learning the names of stars, planets and moons and filling in blank star charts.
Read 7 books with a Celestial Element on the title per Hogwarts year
- List celestial object

Care of Magical Creatures
They study the life cycles of various magical creatures, some of which can be rather dangerous.
They learn to care for, feed, and manage the creatures, and also learn lore about them and how to use them (or parts of them) for magical purposes.
Describe your Magical Creature using book covers.
- List 5 body parts
- Using aspects from the book, tell us more about the Magic Creature (Classification, Localization, Feeding Habits, Uses)

Charms
Read Pairs of books that represent the Charm you are trying to master
Read two books per charm. Justify your book relation as well.
- Levitation Charm
- Cheering Charm
- Mending Charm
- Summoning Charm
- Banishing Charm
- Fire-making Spell
- Water-Making Spell

Defence Against the Dark Arts
Class for teaching defensive magic to students so they can protect themselves against the Dark Arts. Often simply referred to as DADA class
- Read 7 Pairs of books that represent the Dark Art and the way of defending against it per Hogwarts year
Example:
Book 1: Mentions a Dark Art / Creature

Example: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (Werewolves)

Book 2: Title contains a way of defense

Example: Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs (Silver)

Divination
Divination is magic which attempts to foresee future events. Many in the wizarding world consider this branch of magic to be imprecise at best
- Read three books where a character uses fortuneteller/divination tools
- Read three books where a prophecy/vision is described/felt
- Read three to be published books (ARC/eARC)

Herbology
Herbology class at Hogwarts is the study of magical plants and fungi, including their care and their magical properties and uses
Repotting a baby Mandragora
- Dragon dung compost: Read two books with dirt, dung or compost on the cover/title
- Get a large pot: Read a brown cover book with 500+ pages
- Dragon hide gloves: Read two hardcover books
- Ear Muffs: Read two fluffy/chick-lit books

History of Magic
Consists of lectures on various aspects of magical history. It is extremely boring, but this is due to the teacher, Professor Binns’, teaching style, not the material itself, which seems to emphasize vicious goblin riots, goblin rebellions, and giant wars.
- Read one book per Hogwarts year
- Using the book titles above, write an essay for the class

Potions
Potions class is the study of potion-making
- Collect your Equipment (Cauldron, Knife, Mortar and Pestle, Scale)
- Collect the Ingredients (Salamander blood, Lionfish spines, Flobberworm mucus, Honey water, Boom berry juice)
- Brew The Potion (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green Turquoise, Indigo, Pink, Red, Yellow, Purple, Red, Orange, Yellow, Turquoise)

Spells
Start: May 12
End: July 31
This is a Spell-it-out challenge - For each letter read books with titles, series names, authors (first or last names) that begin with letters that correspond to the word you choose. You also can use main or secondary characters (first or last names, and also nicknames). You may ignore the indefinite and definite articles (a, an, the, etc.)
Here is the link to our spreadsheet for Spells

Spells
2 Points per letter
5 Points per completed word
-1 Point per missing letter
List
Accio
Alohomora
Confundo
Expecto Patronum
Expelliarmus
Lumos
Nox
Obliviate
Petrificus Totalus
Priori Incantatem
Protego
Riddikulus
Stupefy
Wingardium Leviosa

Obscure Spells
5 Points per letter
10 Points per completed word
-2 Point per missing letter
List
Sectumsempra
Morsmordre

Unforgivable Curses
10 Points per letter
20 Points per completed word
-5 Points per missing letter
List
Avada Kedavra - To be completed first
Cruciatus
Imperius

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📖 Quidditch Tournament
Start:
End:

Teams within same house will need to work together to select 7 players for the game. (3 chasers, 1 keeper, 2 beaters and 1 seeker). Each position will have specific rules and tasks to emulate a quidditch game. Is a speed challenge and it needs some planning and talking, and is quite dynamic.

Since we have 4 houses, there will be played 3 matches, that will last for a max of 2 weeks, or till the snitch is caught - whatever happens first.
Rules and points and game dates will have their designated folder. They will be posted soon. Stay Tuned.

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📖 Tri-Wizard Tournament
Starts: May 30
Ends: July 31

Three daunting quest to be done in order.
Based on the real Tri-Wizard (both book and movie). For each quest each team can chose which champion path to choose, or not, it all depends on the quest at hand.