Shannon’s Comments (group member since May 21, 2018)

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

Moderators of NBRC wrote: "Pecorino has been knocked out of the tower by the Chipmunks of Chaos lobbing a new cheese through your window!

Ubriaco al Prosecco

Ubriaco Prosecco is a raw cow's milk cheese from the Veneto regi..."

These make me so hungry for cheese!

DQs Day 5
Chapters 24 to 29

18.) Now that we know the death of Lourdes was greatly exaggerated, do we think Inez's father is actually dead? Do you think he sent the ring to Inez to hide it from Ricardo or from Lourdes?

I don't think he is. I 100% no longer trust her mother, and her uncle never told her how he died, so maybe he isn't sure he is dead either. Maybe it's just hearsay from her mother.

19.) Any guesses as to why Whit doesn't want to go home and why his family might want him home so badly?

I have no clue. I was assuming he didn't want to marry his wife

20.) Anyone actually surprised that Lourdes is the actual family traitor?

Lowkey yes, but also no. I could never imagine a family member betraying you like that and I felt heartbreak over this. But yes, it was obvious that this was going to happen. She was just so suspicious.

21.) Do you like the additions of Inez's drawings in the text?

I love them!

22.) Thoughts on Cleopatra's real death . . . asp bite or poison?


I think poison

Amanda wrote: "And my current book the narrator is an O so tomorrow we should finish our cheese task! (if someone else finishes an O book first let us know)"

I just filled in the last letter of the Pecorino cheese task. I took the I for Inez for "What the River Knows", but now its all filled in

Participation Post:
Day 1: Link
Day 2: Link
Day 3: Link
Day 4: Link

Chapter 26, I have also completely changed my mind on what I think is going on. I was so far off before... how is the MC so stupid

Discussion Questions Day 4
Part Three - Chapters 18-23

14. Inez and Whit are either flirting or fighting. What do you think of their dynamic? Are you rooting for them to end up together?

Oof. I'm not sure anymore. I originally really liked Whit, but I feel like he can't be trusted anymore. I almost feel like he was hired to keep an eye on Inez, maybe make her trust him to the point where she reveals why she was there. It seems odd that its always him that is immediately asking why she's snooping or doing whatever she isn't supposed to be doing. (And I hate this, I wanted to like Whit)

15. What do you make of Whit’s backstory ? Knowing that he is bound to Ricardo by a life debt, do you find it easier to trust him?

Maybe I missed this, but I thought Ricardo just helped get Whit straightened out? I don't remember a life debt other than in Whit's mind, which could technically be broken. I don't trust Whit right now, but I hope he comes around.

16. We get quite the shock when Inez’s mother shows up in her tent! Do you believe she is telling the truth about Ricardo or is this some kind of double cross?

I think it's suspicious that Ricardo would have told Inez that both of her parents died. I want to believe that her mother is being truthful, but it could be a double cross. Right now I am believing her mother more than Ricardo who has lied at every turn.

17. Finally, a discovery! We’re about 2/3 through the book. Any guesses where this is headed? What are you hoping happens to Inez at the end?

I certainly think that they found a tomb of someone. But I also feel like it could be the son and daughter's tomb of Cleopatra. The moon and sun was said to represent them, but I think it would be weird to put that on the entrance to Cleopatra's tomb. I feel like it would almost be like a bedroom marking. Selene sleeps here and the other one over there lol. I have no clue where this is heading, but I hope that Whit doesn't run off to tell Ricardo. I'm not hoping for much between Whit and Inez, but hopefully at least a friendship.

Reed wrote: "I can start an "N" book today that looks like a quick YA read. I see the time is a mystery but typically how long do we have for these types of challenges? A week? A few days?"

We have no clue. We may have a better understanding after the first cheese, but the mods have given no hints so far.

Rebecca wrote: "So I don't know if it will count, but I finished my 5/20 book after they threw the cheese. But I get it if it has to be starting 5/21. I will have a book finished today."

It just has to be finished after the cheese was thrown so your book will be able to be used!

Hey guys! I'm sure you guys have seen the cheese thrown at us!

This is a new challenge that follows spell-it-out rules. Our first cheese we must spell is PECORINO!

If you have a book with an title, series' name, narrators first/last name, translator's first/last names, author's first/last name, or a character first/last name that matches, it can be used. "A", "An", and "The" at the start of titles can be ignored.

We can use any book finished after May 20th for any of the cheeses that are thrown at us, so please be sure to mark them down on the planning sheet! Me and the rest of the captains will be fitting them in as quickly as possible so the chipmunks don't take away an uncompleted cheese.

In addition, books can be used for the cheese spell-out in addition to another mini challenge task. so please make sure to be marking any useful characters down and the authors first and last name.

Some more info on the challenge:
◈ Each book read can only be used for one letter in the cheese spell-out.
◈ 'Banked' books, or books read before the given spell-out is announced can be used, provided they were finished AFTER the first cheese was thrown (20th May)
◈ Each book read can be used for one of the other Tower Teams mini challenge tasks.
◈ Books can be started at any point since the start of Tower Teams XI (17th May 9am UTC), but must be finished after the first cheese was thrown (20th May).
◈ The usual book length rules apply.
◈ The usual spell-out rules apply.
◈ Each cheese spell-out will have its own spell-out completion time that will remain a mystery. Partial spellings are accepted.
◈ Since spell-out completion times are a mystery, spreadsheets need to be updated as soon as a book for the cheese spell-out is finished. Any book not added to the official team sheet by the cut-off time will not count.
◈ You will gain 5 points for each letter you complete.

Discussion Questions Day 3

10. As we reach the halfway point I am seeing more and more similarities to the Amelia Peabody series. Is anyone else finding this. Does this affect your impression of the book?
I’ve only read the first book in the series, and don’t remember too much about it, so I can’t really speak to the similarities or the impression they leave.

I've never read the Amelia Peabody series.

11. We have been introduced to a number of Characters is there anyone that particularly stands out?
I’m still curious about Whit. I want to know more about his past and why he can’t go back to England.

I am curious about Whit, but also that Sterling guy. Whit definitely has a backstory and I'm assuming its a dark, sad one. But Sterling. He must be in some dark market or something, especially with how he treated Inez.

13. Inez seems to be attuned to Cleopatra and sees some of her memories. If you could choose to see one memory of a historical figure whose memory would it be?
Oh, it’d have to be either Ashoka the Great or Akbar the Great. Growing up, these two emperors left a lasting impression on me, and I’d love to have more firsthand accounts of their lives.

Not sure whether she's really historical as when I think historical I think more of like George Washington or Abe Lincoln, but I would like to see Princess Diana's memories

Volunteering as backup for Eiffel

Reed wrote: "Haley wrote: "just dropping this here: has some ideas for the tasks on mini 2 & 3 :)

https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2......"

I also absolutely loved Project Hail Mary I think they're making it into a movie as well in 2026

Discussion Questions Day 2
Part One, Chapter 6 - Part One, Chapter 12

6. In this part Inez spends some time with Mr. Hayes. What did you think of their afternoon in Cairo? Did you enjoy their banter?

I imagined a cartoon of Mr. Hayes getting angry and chasing after the carriage and oh boy was it funny! I liked their trip of Cairo! I did enjoy their bits of banter, but I also enjoyed seeing Mr. Hayes act like a normal human being.

7. After sensing familiar magic from an old trinket, Inez buys it and later has a vision of Cleopatra. What do you think this vision means? Do you believe Cleopatra’s burial site can only be found with Inez’s help?

Probably way out there, but what if Cleopatra is in some way related to Inez? I think that Inez will play a big role in helping find Cleopatra's burial site especially now that she's on the ship.

8. Every now and then, the point of view shifts briefly to Mr. Hayes. Do you enjoy these moments from his perspective, or would you prefer the story to stay entirely with Inez?

I like to see Mr. Hayes perspective. It reminds me that maybe Mr. Hayes isn't evil and is just somehow associated with Tio Ricardo (i still think Ricardo is evil)

9. Inez finds a letter from her mother, in which she suspects that Tío Ricardo is involved in illegal activities. Does this letter, along with the boat conversation Inez overhears, make you suspicious of Tío Ricardo? Or do you think he’s not responsible for Inez’s parents’ murder?

I think he's definitely suspicious. Especially with trying to ship Inez back immediately. He's definitely hiding something

Welcome Lindsay!!

Teresa wrote: "Good Morning All. I am going to have to bow out of this round. I received news this morning that my cousins dad is not doing well and will not last much longer. I am heading to Maine for I am not s..."

I'm so sorry! Sending my prayers!

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?

I think I am indifferent. It is a little cheesy and seems like something I would've used back in middle/elementary school as an attention getter, but I think the rest of the book that follows is more important than the first line. Its a little early to judge

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?

My immediate reaction was that he must be hiding something. But then he explained that he was following her parents wishes and since she was never invited here, then she shouldn't be here. But didn't he invite her to Egypt and that was the reason she went? They were expecting her right? I thought the whole thing was confusing and I still think Ricardo is suspicious.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?

Ugh! I hated that scene! I definitely expect to see the ring later in the story. Especially when Sterling's name came up while they were eating. I think the ring must be something that is attempted to be stolen from Egypt and Inez's father wanted to make sure that didn't happen so he sent it to Inez in Buenos Aires. (not expecting her to ever be in Egypt!)

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?

The writing style is fine. It is easy to read. The pacing is a bit slow for my liking, but I am hoping it will pick up in the future. I am used to reading thrillers, so it's a bit of a change of pace.

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?

I think this will add excitement to the story. Sometimes politics can be overplayed, but this is, in my opinion, giving the book a historical fiction appeal. I love historical fiction, so I think I'm going to enjoy this part of it.

Wanted to double check on this book, but I put down as having a river on the cover.

It has squiggly lines with lily pads and gators in it, so I thought that was a river, specifically the Nile river. Do you guys also think this works for having a river on the cover (even though its kind of abstract)?

Oh I forgot, but I changed my shelf to https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

I got confused and accidentally deleted it, so had to remake it

Hi everyone! I'm Shannon! Another one of your co-captains!

I have done quite a few TTs in the past!

My favorite place that I've travelled to was Mexico! We went to Chichen Itza, Xcarat, and swam in Cenote Ik Kil! It was such a magical trip!

My number one bucket list place to visit is Iceland! I've been wanting to go forever, but have yet to convince my family that we won't freeze to death there lol. I've always been fascinated by the Northern Lights and I love nature and taking hikes, so Iceland is top of the list for sure!

Anyways, I'm really excited to get started reading with everyone!

3 Ruby Coins from:
Dead of Winter (February 2025)
Link
***DQ Written by me on Day 4