Ashley’s Comments (group member since Apr 27, 2022)

Ashley’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

My in-person book club meets at the end of this month and we are reading

I think I'm going to have to switch out my "horn" task book - I don't think my library hold will be available in time, so I'm considering one or both of these:



They both look... passable. Hah!

Andy wrote: "just got library notification that this is in for me
The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic by [author:Daniel de Vis..."

I say put it down for CORNUPIA, as it's more points, but I WILL NOT be checking the letters....

I guess that's entirely subjective. I don't remember thinking she was annoying to start, but it's been quite a long time since I read the first book, and I don't think she's annoying now in the newer books. The author restarted the series and I've enjoyed them.

As with most series', it does get better!

If you like Urban Fantasy - The Hollows books are GREAT and set in Cincinnati, OH

Dead Witch Walking is the first book

Andy wrote: "audiobooks with walking, running, gardening work for me, but not so much with any task that needs a degree of attention"

I enjoy cooking (mostly chopping things) and cleaning while audiobooking!

Andy wrote: "no idea how those of you doing 20+ books this month are handling it!!"

Priorities Andy... priorities!

I've actually been trying to read less, last year I got really into listening (well, consuming) audiobooks while working, and I feel like it negatively impacted my comprehension. I'm trying to read less, or if I do audio, listen more attentively. I also decided to listen more to what I WANT, instead of what I "should read", like bestsellers or "what everyone is reading".

yes! I moved all the books we've added to the main spreadsheet down to the bottom so it was easier to tell what was going on

DQs Day 2 - Baneful-"My Own Wee Thing”

6. Jane gives Rochester a black-coloured thumb-sized stone to keep with him as a protective talisman. Do you believe in talismans? Please tell us about an object that you keep with you as a talisman?

I do not have much care for the spiritual and have nothing that I would consider a talisman.

7. Between some of the chapters narrated from Jane’s point of view, we get chapters from Rochester’s point of view. What do you think of these “interludes”? Do they help or distract?

I think they are a nice peek into Rochester's thoughts and I like them. I think they further the plot.

8. We are introduced to Dr. Poole. What did you think of this character particularly with regards to Jane meeting him in the poison garden? Were there any changes in your opinion after reading Agnes’ conversation with Jane about the late Mrs. Rochester?

So far I'm not a fan of Poole. There seems to be something not quite right there. My opinion of him only worsened after Jane's talk with Agnes.

9. We have been told several times about a curse on Thornfield. Then Jane follows Rochester to the graveyard where his family members are buried. At this point Jane says “This was a story of heartache. Everyone in Mr. Rochester’s family had died before their time, especially the females. Then his wife had done the same.” Do you think there is a connection between the curse and the early deaths?

I think this is a valid idea and I'm interested to follow this along. My gut says there might be something else going on.

10. We have been given information about Jane and her origin? What do you think of this twist in the tale?

This is interesting! I love the Sybil twist and origin twist!

Bonus: The author has used several of the same names as those of characters from Jane Eyre. Other than Jane, Rochester, we have Brocklehurst, Maria Temple, Mrs. Fairfax, Poole etc. What do you think about authors using the same names in retellings?

I don't mind I guess. As in said in DQ1, retellings are hit or miss for me.

Eldarwen wrote: "A garden will not be argument enough to make the estate into a farm."

I figured! Just wishful thinking... 😊

As I'm reading Salt & Broom (and looking at the Mini tasks)... could an argument be made that the Rochester Estate is a "farm"... plants are grown and raised... It's probably a stretch, but worth discussion, as we could definitely use some wiggling to add more books!

I have made the wiggles and changes and filled the 2 extras!

Also, just an FYI!
I have added a section at the bottom of the Round1 Mini Tab for books that work for already FULL mini tasks. If you are so inclined, and we end up needing to move things around, we will have some extras. AND, make sure that if you find an additional task possibility in any of your claimed books, note it also!

DQs - Day 1 - Prologue-Blackthorn

1. A paranormal retelling?? of Jane Eyre - this prompts the question about the original or let's call it the "source for inspiration". What is your relationship to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë? Have you read it? Loved/liked/disliked it?

Jane Eyre holds a special place in my heart. It was the first classic I ever liked, and I still love it today.

2. What about Retellings? Is it a genre you like/avoid?

Retellings are hit or miss for me. They can offer interesting perspectives, but sometimes they fall flat or feel repetitive to me. I think I enjoy them more when they are less like the original.

3. Jane Aire as a witch in a school for orphan witches? How do you like the setting of this alternative Victorian world where magic is at least tolerated?

It's an intriguing thought! I like the idea, as I tend to like that style/genre of literature - a more modernized view of the Victorian.

4. What are your first impressions of Jane and Rochester?

Jane seems like a character with depth and resilience, while Rochester appears enigmatic and possibly troubled. Their dynamic promises to be complex and compelling.

5. What do you think about the occurrences in Thornfield? Are they really caused by supernatural elements or is it human action?

At first thought, they felt more likely to be from human action, but the last chapter here held a far more supernatural element, so I think my opinion is still up in the air!

@Brittany

Please add Kingdom of the Feared (Kerri Maniscalco) to your Book Games shelf when you get a moment!

@Lisa

Deal with the Devil on the Tracking Sheet is linked to a different book! Can you fix that when you get a moment!

@Laura Crumpets
You added books to the Tracking Sheet, but didn't say what Resources they work for! Can you please add that information?

> A Promise of Fire (Amanda Bouchet)
> Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)

Also, you need to add your book to your BookGames shelf! https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Keri wrote: "I’m confused where I put my finished books…the spreadsheet is view only

Is it still just the planning sheet even though I’m done with the books, instead of planning to read them?

That’s where I h..."

Keri, I see where you added The Great Alone to the tracking sheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...) and that's exactly where and how you should do it!

If you can also add a link to the edition you read, that would be great. I will do it this time.