Natalie’s
Comments
(group member since Oct 24, 2015)
Natalie’s
comments
from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.
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Brie wrote: "Natalie would you say that Paks dresses up as a boy? "No. Women serve openly in the army.
Book: Sheepfarmer's Daughter by Elizabeth MoonPages: 506 (note, I listened to audiobook and have that shelved, 506 is the default version page count)
Date Finished: 11/30/2015
BOM: No
Goals: None open
Nov 29, 2015 06:10PM
MoraiDiscussion Questions November 23
Chapters 5-9, pages 69-133
6. Putting the plot and characters aside for a moment, what do you think of Leigh Bardugo’s writing? If you regularly read YA how does it compare in quality. If this is your first YA book, is the quality of the writing what you expected?
I do like her writing. It was one of the positives of the Grisha trilogy.
7. In Part Two, we meet Matthias Helvar. Nina said, “Helvar is driven by honor and only honor. You can’t bribe or bully that.” Do you think that statement is accurate based on what we learn about him during his rescue?
Well, he can be bribed, but bribed to get back to his former honorable position. He also has changed as evidence by his killing of the wolves. But it seems he wants to return to his former life.
8. I enjoy world building that has enough connections to the real world that I can picture what’s going on because of this relationship, but the scenes are still original and creative. I think Bardugo does a good job with this concept. My favorite scene like this so far has been (the spoiler is my favorite) (view spoiler). What connections have you thought were particularly well imagined?
I do like the the description of the Ice Court and the map in the front of the book. I don't think it's specifically based on a real world thing though.
9. Since Wylan turns out to be Van Eck’s son, how do you think his role with the gang will play out?
He's definitely coming from a different place than the rest. I don't know if he can pull of his role.
10. Now that we have met all six members of the gang, do you have a favorite?
I don't know yet. Maybe Nina. I'm interested to know more about her power.
Brie wrote: "Wait is someone actually reading the books? I've just been chatting Hahahaha When does the next season start anyway? Love me some GoT!"No I read them in 2012 and 2013. Next season is in April, I don't think the exact date is known.
I double checked A Game of Thrones and while the idea is mentioned, Arya doesn't dress up as a boy until A Clash of Kings. The first season of the show was pretty true to the book, but not 100%.
Nov 29, 2015 02:51PM
MoiraiDiscussion Questions November 22
Chapters 1-4
1. Do you like the book so far? Why did you decide to read it? Is this a genre you normally read?
I like it so far, but it's too early to get a good read on it. It had been on my radar, but I hadn't planned on reading it anytime soon except for this BOM.
2. During the parley in chapter two, Kaz tells rival gang member Geels: "A secret's not like coin. It doesn't keep its value in spending." What does Kaz mean by this? Do you agree with him?
I would assume that he means when you spread secrets, they lose their value, unlike money. And I do agree.
3. Inez seems to have led a very interesting life so far. What do you think her relationship with Kaz is? Does she have romantic feelings towards him? Is Inez someone you would trust? Is Kaz trustworthy?
I'm not sure what to think of her and she seems to resent Kaz as she is his servant. She may have some sort of romantic feeling towards him based on her blushing. I don't know if I would trust either.
4. If you could have a magical talent like the Grisha, what would you want your talent to be? Which category of Grisha types (listed in post 102) do you think would be most helpful to us in the real world?
I like the idea of being a Materialki and being able to make things easily. Healers would be the most useful.
5. Have you read any of Leigh Bardugo's other books? If so, would you recommend reading her Grisha trilogy before reading Six of Crows?
I've read Grisha trilogy and most of the associated fairy tales. I really liked her fairy tales, but I was mixed on the trilogy. It's one of those series that I was rooting for the bad guy. Also I listened to the first as an audiobook and the narrator was terrible at male voices. It does help to have a background knowledge of the world and what Grisha are.
Philippa wrote: "For the record I was planning on reading the Song of the Lioness quartet; but I've checked and it's not in my library :("Now that's a tragedy. I am working through a reread of her books but I'm doing a different series of hers first and I still have five books left that never want to fit into challenges I'm doing.
A girl does dress up as a boy in ASOIAF, but not until the second book A Clash of Kings. Though it may have happened at the end of A Game of Thrones.
Here's two lists I found of books that would count:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
I don't know what it is about Neil Gaiman, I feel I should love his books but they usually range from meh to like for me. I fell asleep while reading American Gods...more than once. I see we have girl dresses up as a boy as a new goal. Who was thinking of reading Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce? Alanna: The First Adventure would count.
Book: Pretty Girls by Karin SlaughterPages: 397
Date Read: 11/29
BOM: Yes
Participation: Yes
DQs: No
Goals: No
Nov 29, 2015 07:42AM
MoiraiDiscussion Questions Pretty Girls Chapter 20-End November 20th.
38. We find out how far the conspiracy went in chapter 21 and finally Claire makes a move to make it public. Were you surprised by the extent of people involved, or did you expect someone to be involved that wasn’t?
Not really. At that point it seemed clear that Adam wasn't involved and Fred Nolan always seemed to be a red herring.
39. Chapters 22 and 23 had me on the edge of my seat. What did you think of Claire’s rescue plan? Would you have done the same thing knowing you couldn’t trust local law enforcement and authorities that could come to the rescue are too far away? Keep in mind that all this happened in the space of two days.
Maybe would have gone without the setting the garage on fire as Lydia was almost killed. But otherwise good plan. I don't know if I would have been as resourceful.
40. What do you think of chapter 24, do you need some sort of happy ever after or would you have been fine with how chapter 23 ended? By the way, what do you think of Claire dating Nolan?
I do like that they had a wrap up, though I would have liked to see Dee involved and introduced to her mother's family.
41. I liked that the last word was given to Sam. It had me almost in tears by the last sentence (I have to admit I’m a bit of a daddy’s girl). What did you think of his dream, walking his eldest daughter down the aisle?
Not sure
42. Did you watch the video posted on the group page? This is an interview with Karin Slaughter about her book and what inspired her to write this story. Do you think she described the effects of the disappearance of a loved one on the remaining family members well? I wonder what her dreams are like if you can get a story line like that from one of your dreams. What about you?
I haven't but I'll try find it. I don't remember most of my dreams.
43. This is a standalone novel and written from the victims’ point of view. Most of Karin Slaughter’s other books are part of series (The Grand county series and the Will Trent/Atlanta series) written from an investigators point of view. Do you think you would have experienced this book differently if it was written from the pov of an investigator? I think there would be more distance to the horrible things that happened? Would you read other novels by Karin Slaughter?
I think it worked to be from the sisters perspectives rather than an investigator. Theoretically they won't be involved in another case whereas a detective would be.
Nov 29, 2015 05:53AM
MoiraiDiscussion Questions - Chapters 5-7 (Day 3)
13) Now that we're almost a third into the story, how are you enjoying it?
It's creepy but I like it.
14) Why do you think Adam is pushing so much for the files Paul had? Do you think it has anything to do with the embezzling or the videos Claire found?
It seems like they shared a lot so I think he was involved in at least parts of it.
15) What do think of Captain Mayhew? Did you think his asking about all the possible places copies of the videos could be was suspicious?
I think he's involved also
16) Why do you think Paul had Lydia under surveillance every year? Do you think he was obsessing after the one that escaped from him or that he felt guilty for what he tried to do?
It seems that he tracks all the women he assaulted as some sort of sick game. I don't think he felt guilty.
17) Do you think the videos that Claire found are real? If so, who do you think is the man in them (since Claire ruled out Paul)?
Adam seems to be a possibility.
Nov 28, 2015 07:12PM
MoiraiDiscussion Questions - 13 Nov
8) the opening scene between Paul and Claire indicated they had a happy marriage but it seems that there were many secrets in Claire's life with Paul, do you think they were as happy together as it seemed at the start?
I think they were happy but not honest with each other
9) what do you think Claire had done to have an ankle monitor and now be on parole?
From the funeral chapter it sounds like she attacked a member of her tennis group. It doesn't seem like she knew Paul was cheating (if he was) so I don't know the reason. She says that she had affairs, so maybe the wife of one of the men? But why was just she convicted?
10) do you think the burglary of her house had anything to do with her husband's murder?
I think it's all connected.
11) what are your thoughts about the video Claire found
It's disturbing to me, but mainly because I don't know if the detective is telling the truth.
12) given Lydia's history of lying, stealing and drug abuse, do you think it was understandable that her family didn't believe her about Paul's assault years ago?
Yes.
Nov 28, 2015 10:21AM
MoraiDiscussion Questions Day 1 Chapter i-2
Q1) How do feel about the opening commentary ?
It seems to be the father of the murdered girl. I did read the jacket so I know about Julie's murder, but based off the first and second chapter maybe it's Anna's father. Lydia mentioned her father was dead, but maybe he found something out before he died. Definitely set up the book for a dark tale.
Q2) What is your first impression ? Do you like the alternating view points or do you find them irritating ?
I like alternating viewpoints
Q3) What did you make of Paul's behaviour ? Why did he go into the alley ?
It seems that they have been separated due to her crime and he had missed her. There's probably more to why he wanted to get away, but I don't think he would have set himself up to die. But we don't know much about him yet.
Q4) What is your impression of Claire and her general attitude ?
I like her, but I'm curious about what she did.
Q5) What do you think of Lydia 's reaction to the news about Paul ?
I wonder what he did.
Q6) The book's synopsis tells us the connection between Claire and Lydia. Do you think you would have made the connection from these initial introductions ?
I don't think I would have figured they're sisters. But they obviously both know Paul so I would have known there was a connection.
Q7) Do you like any of the characters we have met so far ?
I like the inner commentary from both Lydia and Claire. We don't know anyone else well enough.
Book: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay KristoffPages: 599
Date Read: 11/26
Goals: None open, (view spoiler)
Brie wrote: "What I was explaining earlier was that it could count IF it was either exactly the words "hands are tied" OR the meaning was the same as the phrase. "Got it, I had thought that we just didn't need the exact wording. I'll add in other goals that would fit for. added!
Brie wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Brie wrote: "S3. We are nearing the end of November...I know. Time is flying. This means that in order to receive those extra BOM points, ALL BOM BOOKS MUST BE FINISHED BY MONDAY, N..."Got it, I'll try fit them in this month. Six of Crows is due back to the library 11/30 anyway.
Brie wrote: "S3. We are nearing the end of November...I know. Time is flying. This means that in order to receive those extra BOM points, ALL BOM BOOKS MUST BE FINISHED BY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30. If a BOM book is finished after the 30, it will still count for PAGE POINTS, but you will NOT be able to receive points for PARTICIPATION."I thought I read somewhere that we have a month to participate in the BOMs. I will be participating in Pretty Girls and Six of Crows, but haven't been able to fit them in just yet.
"...even approximated the smoky topaz of her mother's eyes" page 479 from the paperback edition.
I'm reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes. It has the phrase: "my hands were tied"
and the word topaz. It's a long book, but I will finish before the Wednesday for another challenge.
