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

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

DQs Day 2

Starting with a Bonus question...
“They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it is not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance.” (Granny said)
First off, who are “they”? I have always wanted to know. Secondly, do you agree with “them”?

I think they just refers to the common person. It seems like he's trying to make "they" seem less important to not take away from the quote. I think this is partly true.

5. Esk went ahead and did not follow Granny’s advice, and thought since she had a feeling she could get into the bird’s brain, then why not do it.
When you were a kid, did you jump off the swing, or touch the hot burner? If so, give us examples.
Do you think she learned something from it, or are we looking at shades of her future University life?

I was like Esk as a kid. I didn't listen that much and yes I did jump off the swing quite a few times and one time I ended up with a bloody nose from kneeing myself in the face. I think Esk is still young and isnt the best at following the rules/guidance from her Granny. I think she is going to start out at the Unseen University being quite a troublemaker but will change into a great wizard

6. What do you think of Hilda and her version of Headology? What do you think of Headology in general?

I think Hilda is a nice person. I like the name of it. I just think it makes them look a bit like frsuds as half the time its just them being knowledgable/scaring people.

7. Esk finds herself on a moving barge. Loved loved loved the resume of talents beyond washing and sweeping that Esk rattles off in an attempt to stay on the boat. What skills could you bring to the barge?

I also laughed when she named all those talents. Some talents I could bring would be climbing, cooking, fixing things in small places, tying knots

8. Speaking of the barge, what do you think of Esk’s decision to just leave Granny? Did she mean to leave on her own adventure, or was it an accident? Do you think her matter of fact attitude is a product of her magic, or just her personality or upbringing?

I think Esk was pretty irresponsible when she left Granny. It seemed like an accident but now she isnt making any effort to go back to Granny. I think her matter of fact attitude is her personality.

DQs - Day 1

1. If you are new or relatively new to Discworld, what do you think of Pratchett’s world and writing style so far? For more experienced Pratchett readers, what are your favorite things about his writing style or Discworld in general?

Ive only read one book so far by Terry Pratchett which was Nation (not a discworld book) but I remember really enjoying the book. I like the style of the book, but I really don't like how there's no chapters. It doesnt give me any good place to stop reading.


2. So we have our plucky heroine Esk and her witchy mentor Granny Weatherwax. What do you think of our two main characters and their relationship with each other?

I think Esk respects her granny, but in a way I think she's starting to believe she's a fraud. She keeps pointing out that granny isn't actually doing any magic, until she shows her borrowing. I find their relationship to be a bit confusing.

3. A major theme is witch magic vs. wizard magic (and women vs. men), and I can’t wait to learn more about these different magical theories and world views. What do you think of this dynamic, and which type of magic are you more drawn to?

This is a basic theme in literature and I think its very common to think of girls as witches and boys as wizards. I am however more drawn to wizards and I remember when I was younger reading Harry Potter and wanting to be a wizard. I never really wanted to be a witch.

4. Oh dear. Esk went a bit too far with the borrowing. What do you think is going to happen next? And what will Granny say or do?

She seemed pretty ok with her going too far (maybe my book is a different version but I swear I didnt read on). I think Granny will pay more attention to Esk and maybe become a little more strict. It seemed like she gave up on the whole "becoming a witch thing after that incident though"

Bonus: I am really enjoying Pratchett’s wit so far. What is your favorite quote from this first bit? Mine is:
“What’s an elephant?”
“A kind of badger,” said Granny. She hadn’t maintained forest-credibility for forty years by ever admitting ignorance.

I like that quote too. I found it to be very funny

I forgot to add the BOMs... but after doing so we are actually up to 7th! Great job everyone!

Hi guys!

We got bumped up to 8th place after I added the books to the official spreadsheet! This is great!!! Keep the reading up :)

A few books that were missing from shelves so I couldn't add them yet:
Erin: Her Majesty's Necromancer
Shan: Penmort Castle, Last Hit, Twist Me, To Tame A Highland Warrior
Trinia: Devolution

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "I hate to sound annoying, and I know I will, but I was just wondering if we have a new status on when the spreadsheet will get updated? I understand captains are busy, but it seems to have been a f..."

Im going to work on updating it right now!

Welcome Trinia!! We will get you added to the spreadsheet asap :)

DQ Day 3
Chapters 21 to 33

11. For someone claiming and trying to be body positive about herself, Willowdean sure isn't giving anyone else any slack. Her description of Hannah, like with others, was just mean. Do you think the author is projecting Willowdean's insecurities on how she sees herself onto others?

I think the author was portraying that not everyone is perfect with positive body image and maybe pointing out that Will is insecure. Sometimes when you're insecure you point out other people's flaws instead of your own to make yourself more confident, even if its only in your head.

12. What did you think about the incident Patrick kneed in the balls incident? He didn't seem like Mitch's best friend saying that (honestly, maybe Patrick and Willowdean should date). What did you think about her mom's reaction and the resulting blow up between mom & daughter?
Side note: to anyone with teenagers, we are here for you.

Haha. I laughed when she kicked Patrick in the balls. He seems like a jerk and I did not feel bad for him at all. I do however think Will overreacted about her mom calling her Dumplin. I dont think that that is that big of a deal.

13. Did anyone else want to high five Ellen for calling out Willowdean on her crap? What did you think of their argument? Do you think the rift will be repaired? If so, do you think a Dolly Parton sing-along (thanks Cat) will be part of their healing process?

Yes, I absolutely loved that Ellen called Will out. Someone had to. There is no reason Ellen shouldn't be alloowed to enter. Will is being extremely condescending in this part. I hope that they make up, but only if Will learns that life isn't all about her and starts treating Ellen a little better.

14. Based on the blurb, Millie's attitude and pep talk while at the restaurant is what I would of expected from Williowdean. What do you think of these girls deciding to enter the pageant? What did you think of Millie's pep talk?

I think Millie has wanted to be a part of a pageant for a long time. This is shown through her pep talk to Will. I would've liked Will to be the one giving the pep talk, but that wouldn't have allowed her character to grow at all so I understand why it wasnt. I like that the girls decided to enter. It gives Will support and friends when she just lost her best friend. No one deserves to be truly friendless.

15. Thoughts on Mitch? Where do you think his and Willowdean's relationship will go? Do you think she'll crush his poor soft heart?

I think Will will end up leading Mitch on and I feel really bad as he seems like a great guy.

DQ for Day 2
Chapters 11-20


6. Picking up on the previous grief question to turn it around towards Willowdean and her mother. Will seems to think (I'm paraphrasing here) that her mother is a heartless cow and wants to use Lucy's room all to herself without any consideration whatsoever for anyone else. I can't help but wonder though if the mother isn't somehow trying to be close to Lucy - her own sister - by setting up a craft room in Lucy's space. Everyone deals with grief in their own way, and while yes, I agree with her (unlike Will) that the dusty old things will eventually need to go, I feel like she's trying to find a way to cope at the same time.

I agree with you. Dusty things do need to go eventually... especially if they are using up space that could be used for other things. I think Will is struggling to realize this as she is still grieving and doing so in a different way than her mother. I think you may be right about her mother wanting to be closer to Lucy, although that thought never crosses my mind while reading it.

7. Will and Bo. Thoughts? More particularly, Will's reaction to finding out that Bo will start going to the same school?

I hated Will's reaction. Like he can't choose where he goes to school, exactly.

8. The more I read, the more I wonder how Ellen and Will are (still) friends with the way they talk to each other. According to Will, they are drifting apart because Ellen is having sex and because of Callie (she doesn't quite say it but it is definitely there). Their interactions however do make me wonder, a lot. I feel like they're friends more because it's a habit than anything else. They're both dependent on each other - Will because she doesn't seem to have other friends and can't stay in the pool alone? Ellen because she needs a back-up when she goes to pick up her pay check?) What do you make of their friendship now that we know more. Irreparable rift? Habit? Undying friendship?

I liked their friendship in the beginning, but as I continued reading this book their friendship seemed to get more and more toxic. I definitely think they need at least a break from each other to figure things out and realize whether or not they actually miss each other (lol that made it sound like they are dating, oops :P)

9. And this inevitably brings me to Will's interactions with Callie. It seems like Callie is at least trying, even though there is the fat-girl-issue, but she isn't completely ignoring Will, unlike Will herself, who barely manages to be civil to the girl. Sure, I completely understand the jealousy of thinking that someone is stealing your (best) friend from you, but it isn't helping Will's case that she is basically being a douche to the girl.

I agree. Callie does seem like she's trying at first and Will is being so unreasonably rude to her. This may just be a possessive thing as Ellen was her best friend first, but I also kind of think she's jealous of Callie.

10. Did anyone else have that moment of "oh shit, something really terrible is going to happen on the date" when Ellen and Tim tell Will that Patrick Thomas is Mitch's best friend. Or is it just me who thinks that there is a very obvious lack of mobbing and finger-pointing? Not that this is a bad thing, on the contrary! Though I do find it odd since Will has A LOT of issues and basically hates people who are not Ellen (and Bo).

I did as well. I thought Mitch was just dating Will for laughs (as awful as that sounds)

Hey guys had a super busy week at work with little time to read. Excited to get back to it now tho :)

Hey guys! Just finished the book Challenger Deep ! Man was that an amazing book!

For the bingo it doesnt hve to be pictures on the cover. It just has to relate to the book in a way. But were trying to focus on the tasks first and the. Bingo since the tasks are worth more points

DQs Day 1 - Chaps 1 - 10

1. What do you think of Willowdean? Does she feel like a sufficiently real person?

I like Willowdean so far. She seems like a real person to me and she seems really nice.

2. What you you think about her relationship with Ellen? They are starting to keep secrets from each other now - do you think that this is the start of a drifting apart or will they stay close?

I like that they are friends. I love their shared adoration of Dolly Parton. I think they will drift apart as most people do as they are growing up. Its very uncommon to not drift apart, however, I hope they drift back together in the end.

3. Bo is interesting - the opposite of Will in terms of being reserved in comparison to her chattiness, but with something lurking in his backstory. Do you want to have a guess at what's up with him? Would anyone NOT have done the same as Will and followed him to the abandoned school in the hopes of more making out?!

I read ahead so I know hs backstory and won't spoil. I also don't think Will had the idea they were going to the abandoned school and I'm not sure she was expecting to make out (might be wrong), it seemed more like she thought they were going to talk?

4. Will claims ownership of "fat" when she introduces herself to Bo. How successful do you think she is in her aim to stop it from being an insult?

In a way, I think it works in stopping it from being an insult as long as she doesn't let others make it an insult. BUt on the other hand, its like she just insulted herself so i find that a little weird. And i would be so uncomfortable if someone introduced themselves to me like that.

5. Lucy has clearly been a big influence in both Will and Ellen's lives, and yet they haven't been talking about her at all since her death. Do you think this is a normal reaction to a sudden death? Would you be like Will's mother, and get rid of everything, or keep it?

I think this is a common reaction. People deal with loss differently. For example, my mom likes talking about the good times she had with that person, but I just start hysterically crying if I talk about it. I think i would get rid of a few things, but not right away. ANd then keep a few keepsakes.

- 352 pages
- 192 pages
- 369 pages

Current Total: 578,548

Yes. You can post it under books and add the finished date and check the tasks rab to see if it fits anywhere.

Yayyyyy erin!!!

DQ Day 4 - Chapters 14-18

15. Knowing how Alexandra's parents died and seeing her state of mind after being surprised by Dr. Mead, Eliza, and Charlotte in masks, has your perception of Alexandra changed in any way?

Yes. I feel bad for her. She is still living in fear from this event and that's such a horrible way to be living.

16. What do you think of Bess running away with Charlotte? Looking at her reasons do you think she is being selfish or doing what is best for Charlotte?

I'm kind of split on this question. I mean obvious there is a little bit of selfishness going on here. Bess wants her daughter. But I also think that Charlotte is way better off with Bess and I think Bess realizes that.

17. What do you think of Lyle and his willingness to help Bess escape with her daughter? Do you think he will remain in Bess's life?

I didn't like Lyle originally, but as I kept reading, I started liking him more and more. And the fact that he is so willing to help her makes me hope that he remains in Bess' life.

18. Was anyone surprised by Ned's theft of Eliza's money or subsequent betrayal of Bess? What kind of deal do you think he made for himself in exchange for information about Bess?

I definitely wasn't surprised. This is cliche, but I was moreso disappointed. Bess' dad said he was in a bad situation and people get desperate. I read ahead so I won't spoil what happens.

19. Charlotte certainly went through a lot in a short time during this section. How well do you think she handled the reality of being on the run with Bess? What do you think her reaction will be to being returned to Alexandra?

I think Charlotte was imagining it was like a story the whole time. Bess kept relating it to the book she read and I think that helped Charlotte by keeping her distracted in a sort of way. I think Charlotte will be upset once she is returned.

I plan to update the official spreadsheet weekly. I just havent gotten to it yet because we started it so recently

DQ Day 3: Ch. 11-13

11. Do you think the author has been able to give Bess and Alexandra individual voices? Do you like books with multiple points of view?

Yes, I think the author successfully gave Alexandra and Bess different voices and I liked that there were two points of view. This helped me understand the story better without giving too much away. I usually enjoy this as long as there aren't too many POVs.

12. What do you think ‘Eliza’ and Agnes were talking about in the kitchen? Do you think either Agnes or Maria know that Charlotte came from the Foundling home?

I think they were talking about Alexandra, but when i read this part I had no clue of what they were talking about. I don't think that they know she came from the Foundling home, but it would be weird if Alexandra didn't seem pregnant. So maybe they have suspicions

13. I think that Alexandra will get much worse re her fears of the outside after the mask prank. Do you think her thoughts about ‘Eliza’ will suffer because of it?

Yes, I do think she will be more suspicious of Eliza. I also feel terrible for her for the first time in this book :(

14. Do you believe that Dr Mead was telling the truth about not knowing about what happened to Alexandra’s parents? Why has he lied about who ‘Eliza’ is?

Yes. I think he was telling the truth. He wouldn't have done anything like that if he knew of her past. I had no clue why he lied about who Eliza was.

Hey guys. Just finished my second book. Im going to start reading The Hand on the Wall next!

DQ Day 2: Ch. 6-10

6. Were you surprised to find out Daniel had a wife? I personally was super surprised as I originally believed him when he said he was single. What do you think of the way Daniel died?

7. How do you think Alexandra Callard knew about Bess and her daughter?

8. What do you think of the way Alexandra and Charlotte live? Do you think Alexandra keeps Charlotte home to stop her from being recognized or because she is truly scared of the real world?

9. "Eliza" has been fired on her first day. What do you think of Alexandra's reasoning for firing her? Do you think part of Alexandra knows that she is Charlotte's real mom?

10. Do you think Bess will find a way to still see her daughter? How?