Alycia’s Comments (group member since Jan 27, 2015)

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

The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker. The prose was sappy and overblown and there were way too many plot holes. And it was long! The only reason I finished it was that it was my book club's pick. The worst part? I'm the one who picked it!

14. The horseshoe crabs are becoming another common sign in the lead up to July 24. I went and looked up images, and they are the strangest looking creatures! Have you seen them before?

I've seen them before in an aquarium. That's an incredible picture of them massed on the beach and must be the sort of thing they are talking about in the book. Can't imagine having them crawl on me, or up my legs. Yikes!


15. Enola states "This house is a mausoleum,"....."A memorial to people who didn't love me enough to bother staying alive." It seems that each character has an emotional connection to this house. Do you think Simon will let it go? Will Frank let that happen?

I think Frank's revelation has ruined the house for Simon and he will not care whether it is ruined. I think Frank sees the house as his last connection to Paulina and will try to save it.

16. The book Simon has is an owner's log and is never meant to leave the show. Do you think it maintains a connection with Ryzhkova and if destroyed the "curse" will end?

I've been thinking the 'curse' had to do with the cards, not the book. If it is the book, will something happen to make Peabody 'infuse' the book with bad mojo?

17. Enola has "a slight, fleshy webbing between each digit" (on her feet), has ripped out every sketch of tarot cards in the owner's log, and her name backwards spells "alone" which is the question Amos continued to ask himself at the end of chapter 18 "Am I alone?", but it is Simon that can hold his breath for 10 minutes and may be the next 'mermaid' act in the carnival. Do you think it is possible that Simon will be the one to drown and thus break the 'curse' and it isn't really Enola after all? Or do you have another theory on how all of this is connected?

Ooh, Enola/Alone. I hadn't picked up on that. This book is definitely multi-layered. Love it. I still think it is Enola who is destined to drown - though I hope Simon will save her in time. I think somehow the cards are talking to the mermaids. Still don't see how July 24 fits in though.

18. Were you surprised by Frank's admission about Paulina? I did wonder why he was so intent on having the house saved, but I'm not sure it did any good to tell Simon about everything that happened. Do you think it was right of him to tell Simon the truth?

I love all the connections. Frank and Paulina are both somehow descended from the original circus/menagerie. I don't think it was good for Frank to tell Simon though. I think he did it more for himself - to unburden himself and tell someone about this great love of his. I think he has damaged two families in the telling.

19. Evangeline comments that Peabody seems to be "none the worse" for losing Ryzhkova. Do you agree? Has your opinion on his character changed as the book has continued?

I think Peabody was very unhappy to lose Ryshkova - both for the show's sake and for Amos. But he is a businessman, and found a way to turn it around. Evangeline almost seemed like she was trying to turn Amos against Peabody, or at least deflect blame from herself for Madame R's leaving. Will Amos turn against Peabody, and somehow damage the book in a way that makes it cursed? so many questions!

20. This book has so many references to Tarot Cards. Have you ever used them or had a reading done?

Never had a reading, but it would be fun to.

7. Evangeline can hold her breath for a very long time and yet drowns. Do you think her ability ran out somehow? Is it actually a curse? Was she murdered by someone?

Hmmm, if Evangeline does drown, I think it will be due to a showdown between her and Madame R. I do think there will be a curse involved.

8. What are your thoughts on Doyle and his relationship with Enola?

I do like Doyle. I wish I could see his act - it sounds fascinating!

9. Peabody is encouraging Amos while Madame Ryzhkova is warning Amos away from Egangeline saying that she will drown him. Thought on which you think is true? Any comments on all the drowning?

I think both Peabody and Madame R care for Amos. Peabody has no experience with the Rusalka, so he thinks Madame R is just a crazy old woman.

10. The developing relationship between Evangeline and Amos makes me wonder if the other abilities that people seem to have can be passed through bloodlines too. Amos has his invisibility thing going on but none of the characters we've met so far appear to have that one. Any thoughts on if we'll meet decedents with different abilities?

I hadn't thought of that - would be interesting to meet another 'disappearing' person.

11. Enola says that she's talking to her mother through the tarrot cards. Do you think she's gone a bit nuts or is there something more otherworldly going on?

I like what TerryJane said - if the cards are the original set of Madame R's, perhaps they are cursed and they are 'telling' the mermaids to drown themselves.

12. Frank seems very generous to help float some of the money to repair their house however Leah and Alice don't seem very happy about it. Any thoughts on that dynamic or what the back story is?

Wow, that's a lot of money - at least he is having Simon work some of it off. That was a great scene when we realized that Frank had some of the items from Peabody and Madame R. I didn't see that coming. I can't figure yet how he is connected. Maybe descended from Peabody?

13. This talk of Evangeline "drinking" Amos makes me imagine what seemed to happen to Simon's father where he was a husk of a man. Do you think this is what eventually happens to Amos?

It's too seen to tell, but I think Evangeline will somehow cause Amos's death, and then Madame R will take her revenge. Just my theory.

1. If you received a book in the mail like Simeon did, filled with references to your ancestors, would you research the book further? If so, how much time would you put into it?

That would be fascinating to me - I would definitely dig into it!

2. The story switches between chapters from the present and the past. Which chapters have been your favorite to read so far and why?

I'm enjoying both. I'm always a little disappointed when the chapter ends and the time shifts with the new chapter, but then I get caught up in the new story. I love books that switch back a forth like this, each story informing the other with a slow unveiling.

And can I just say I feel so badly for Simon's desperate situation with his house!!

3. What do you think of the mysteries so far in the book? Are you intrigued by them? Do they leave you wanting to know more?

Yes - I want to know how Amos and Evangeline relate to Simon and why July 24 has such significance. And what is up with Enola?

4. When Hermelius Peabody took in Amos and gave him a job a Wild Boy, I found this extremely degrading at first. But then it seemed like the act gave Amos purpose to his life and set him apart as special. Do you think Peabody is just looking to make money off Amos, or do you think he really wanted to make Amos’ life better? Do you think this will turn out to ultimately be a negative or positive experience for him?

I thought the initial interactions between Peabody and Amos were sweet - it seemed Peabody wanted to take him under his wing. I'm hoping it will be a positive experience. It has to be better than living alone in the woods, right?

5. The story in Chapter 6 of Evangeline, her “baptism” as a baby, her grandmother’s twisted way of trying to keep Evangeline from becoming like her mother and ultimately the murder of Grandma Visser, was one of the most emotionally charged sections of this book. What are your thoughts on what Evangeline did? Was she in any way justified?

The baptism scene was horrifying, and set up Evangeline as a key player in the mystery. I don't think Evangeline was justified, but I can see how she might have just snapped. I think she was heartbroken when she realized what she had done.

6. A lot of the women in Simeon’s family die on July 24th. Simeon is driven to find out why. What are your predictions about why this is happening? Do you think there is something significant about this date?

I'm not sure about the date, but I think the answer lies with Amos, Evangeline and Madame Ryzhkova. Both Amos and Evangeline were fathered by mysterious men (E's father was maybe a selkie?) and Madame R seems like she would know a thing or two about curses.

July 12
Chapters 1-7
Comments and Questions

1. Why did you decide to join this read? What are your initial impressions of the book?

This book was on my TBR pile as a friend had recommended it, but I agree with others that the cover is pretty awesome.

2. Did Mare read too much into Shade's letter or do you think he is part of the 'terrorist' group?

Definitely think he will be part of the Scarlet Guard.

3. Will we see Kilorn again? Will he be part of a (usual YA) love triangle in this book do you think?

Hmmmm, not such a stretch to see a triangle forming between Mare, Kilorn and Cal.

4. The Silver's powers seem so varied. If you had the choice, which would you rather have?

I'm interested to see more of the powers and how they work. There seems to be quite a few variations! Probably a telky; although I have such a brown thumb I would love it if I were a greeny and my yard was beautiful!

5. How did Mare get this sudden power? Did Cal accidentally pass some power on to her? Does it only come out if she is in danger?

I think it is a latent power that emerged during an extreme circumstance. I think she will learn to control it.

6. Did you like that Cal got her this job or should he have just left her alone?

I like that he got her the job, and was traveling in disguise among the Reds. Shows there is more to Cal than meets the eye.

I'd like to join in too - I just got the book from the library.

17. Station Eleven and Eleven years between when Authur and Miranda last saw each other. Do you think there's a significance to the number 11?

There seems to be some differences of opinion on the internet:
Spiritual - "The spiritual meaning of number Eleven deals directly with our involvement with the progression of life."
Biblical - "The number eleven is important in that it can symbolize disorder, chaos and judgment."

Thoughts on which one it pertains to if either?

I hadn't thought of the number 11 having significance - but I think either the spiritual or biblical sense would work in this storyline.

18. We've learned the origin of the Museum of Civilization. Did you anticipate it being tied back to the original group of characters?

When the plane landed in Severn City it was one of those Aha! moments for me. I love when the pieces start to fall into place!

19. Tyler looks like he is probably the prophet that we met earlier. Do you think that's the case? What do you think happened to his mother Elizabeth?

Yes, I think Tyler is the prophet. Poor kid. The idea that 'everything that happens is part of a higher plan' can give people the justification to do just about anything. that, combined with a lack of societal restraints/social structure in the 'new world'.

He must get a copy of Miranda's Station Eleven at some point - he has a dog named Luli. Does he think of himself as Dr. Eleven?

20. What are your thoughts in Kirsten's interview? Did you like the way it tied in with Clark even if only briefly?

I'm enjoying the various types of narratives in this story - the non-linear timeline, the interviews, the letters. Very interesting.

12. What do you think happened to Dieter, Sayid and the clarinet? Do you think the clarinet committed suicide or did the same fate befall her?

I think they've been taken by the Prophet's people in retaliation for "taking" the child bride. Maybe they're going to be picked off, one by one?

13. I think it's shocking that in the course of a day the Symphony managed to lose 5 people in 3 separate events. What do you think is the cause? I don't think they'd always be this disorganized.

They seem very organized with their division of labor, night watches, etc. I just think they are not used to dealing with sneak attacks? The disappearance of the entire caravan is troubling though..

14. What do you think about Authur's book? Any thoughts on Victoria (The V in Dear V.)? Arthur seems to bounce between a lot of marriages. Is your opinion of him changing as the book progresses?

I enjoyed reading the letters, but a shame his 'friend' decided to publish them. We never hear from Victoria or see any interactions between them though - obviously not as good a friend as Arthur thought.

15. We've learned more about Jeevans life now. What do you think of his life so far? Do you think he's still alive in the present day of the book?

I was so glad we picked up Jeevan's story line. It was interesting how many times his life intersected with Arthur's - as a paparazzo, as an entertainment journalist and finally as an EMT. I hope he makes it, but it seems pretty dangerous out there for someone traveling alone.

16. What do you think the airline t scar means?

Well, the prophet is from the airport so I think it is his mark.

7. This is only the second novel I have read that takes place (partially) in Canada, but I didn't really learn anything new about Canadian life. Well, except that apparently U.S. residents don't know much about Canadian geography! Have you been to Canada? Does anything from the parts of the story set there remind you of Canada?

I've never visited Canada. The setting (in Toronto) seems typical of many large cities. The author was born in British Columbia - just like Arthur and Miranda.

8. It was interesting seeing the process of how Miranda wrote the graphic novel, Station Eleven. Do you read graphic novels? Are there any great ones you would recommend?

I enjoyed reading about Miranda's creative process - deciding the panel contents (close up? landscape?) and mulling over dialog. I'm not a graphic novel reader myself. I've tried a few but it's not my medium I guess.

9. After learning about the plot of the Station Eleven graphic novels and after Miranda says that she and Elizabeth sitting on the floor of her study are in Station Eleven, why do you think this book is called Station Eleven?

I think Station Eleven is a metaphor for the collapse. In the comic, an outside force takes over earth, and a small band of survivors manages to escape. In the novel, the 'outside force' is the Georgia Flu. It is a loss of home, of what's familiar. Like the Station Eleven crew, our characters are travelers in a foreign world. I love the line "I stood looking over my damaged home and tried to forget the sweetness of life on Earth".

10. It was interesting reading about Arthur Leander's past, but he's been dead for 20 years -- Why the recap on his history? What role do you think his life story will have in the rest of this novel?

Parts of Arthur's life are still impacting Kirsten - he is one of the few things she remembers from 'before'. She has the comics and the paperweight from him, and she collects pictures of him from the gossip magazines she finds. I think other people from Arthur's life will have survived and he will be the point tying them together.

I'm enjoying the non-linear storytelling so far. Little by little, we are seeing how all the pieces fit together.

11. Do you agree with the Symphony's policy of not interfering in town policies, or do you think they should take a stand for what is right when they see an injustice being done?

This new world seems so messed up, they wouldn't have time to perform if they interfered every time injustice was being done! I think it is a matter of self-preservation. Unfortunately, I think the 'stowaway' is going to cause them to change their policy, whether they like it or not.

1. What made you choose to join this BOM read? Were you planning on reading the book before it was chosen?

With all the buzz surrounding this book, I had definitely planned on reading it. Having it as the BOM just moved it up in my TBR list.

2. How have past flu scares affected your life? H1N1 Flu Virus, Bird Flu, Ebola, etc? (link)

I've not really been affected by previous flu scares. Although having an ebola patient/victim in Dallas made me worried for my family - they live there.

3. What did you think of the list of "no mores" in Chapter 6? Were there ones you didn't expect or don't believe would be true of a flu pandemic?

The ones related to electricity and the internet seemed reasonable. I hadn't thought of losing the certainty of surviving a scratch or cut - the lack of pharmaceuticals. And no more countries because borders were no longer policed - wow. A complete collapse of governments.

4. What are your thoughts on Kirsten and the travelling Symphony? Is it a good use of people's skills or should they be working on something more practical?

I guess they are doing what they know - it gives them a purpose.

5. The prophet seemed very creepy. Why do you think so many people stayed in town? Was it just fear of setting out on their own or something worse?

He was definitely creepy. I think people stayed because of the fear of the unknown. If they left, even if they ran into trouble they could never come back. I hope we will find out how the Prophet established such control over the town - so much so that the townspeople are unable to rise up against him.

6. Predictions for the rest of the book?
Well, I think Kristen's throwing knives will come into play at some point! And I wonder what's the story behind the Dr. Eleven comics?

I have a question: If you received a phone call like Jeevan did from Hua, would you leave town as soon as possible, or hole up in your house?

Alycia wrote: "21) Elphie's disappearance was mysterious at the end of the previous section and although we learn something of it, it still isn't fully explained throughout this section. Who do you think Elphie i..."

I just read back over what I wrote - that Glinda seems to know that Fiyero has contact with Elphaba. If she IS acting as an agent of the government (as she was tasked by Madame Morrible) is she somehow responsible for Fiyero being caught? Oh I hope not....

21) Elphie's disappearance was mysterious at the end of the previous section and although we learn something of it, it still isn't fully explained throughout this section. Who do you think Elphie is working for?
By the end of the section it seems she is working for a larger underground movement interested in the overthrow of the government.

22) Why would Elphie be in the Chapel of Saint Glinda specifically? Do you think it has any significance?
I like to think she chose the Chapel of Saint Glinda as a meeting place because of her love for Glinda - it helps Elphaba feel closer to her and to the friends she left behind when she went underground.

23) I don't know about you, but the love affair between Elphaba and Fiyero is one of my favourite things so far. I love how, despite her appearance, Fiyero still falls in love with Elphie and she falls in love with him. But is this relationship doomed? What do you think?
Oh, I love it too: "blue diamonds on a field of green". They seem truly in love. And I'm so glad Elphaba has a chance to experience that. But it seems clear they are living on borrowed time.

24) I was really disappointed when we met Glinda again. It is like she has regressed back to the vacuous, vain and selfish little girl she was when we first met her. Is this who she is? Or is this an act which she has to put on to maintain her position?

I'm reserving judgement. At the table with Crope and Fiyero she does seem all tittering and insignificant, but as she walks Fiyero to the door we see a glimpse of the old Glinda. And she seems to know Fiyero has contact with Elphaba.....

25) At last, towards the end of the section, we discover Elphaba's target. How do you think Madame Morrible is involved? Why has Elphie been tasked with her assassination?
I think Morrible is working for the Wizard. Maybe her assassination was to be the beginning of a series of attacks on the government?

26) The section ends on a cliffhanger with more questions than answers. Why do you think Elphaba is covered in blood? What is going to happen to Fiyero? Is his capture going to take her off her course?

Please tell me Fiyero isn't dead!! and what is the significance of the old maunt being Yackle from the Philosophy Club??
I think whatever happens to Fiyero will turn out to be the defining moment in Elphaba's transformation.

Catching up on my reading/discussion:

14) Nanny and Nessarose arrive at the University. The two sisters are very different in both aspect and personality. What are your thoughts about Nessarose?

I wasn't sure what to expect but the armlessness took me by suprise! She has definitely been coddled by everyone in the family, including Elphaba, who seems devoted to her - despite Nessie clearly being her father's favorite. Makes my heart hurt for Elphaba even more!

15) Glinda starts her new path in sorcery. What do you think about her personality change and her new found interest?

I'm so glad Glinda is growing up! It was nice to see her develop into a more caring person. I really enjoyed the story of this group of friends.
Not sure where the sorcery is going to lead.

16) I'm not sure what to hink about Doctor Nikidik. He had 2 failed experiments in class, one that resulted in the new student getting hurt, and the other that was not completed, and thankfully avoided, by his student's compassion. He seems a bit crazy to me, and Glinda's question was a really good one. What is the difference between science and sorcery?

Definitely a strange character. Seems to be more interested in promoting the governments anti-Animal agenda than in teaching science.

17) So the shoes make their appearance. They sounded amazing. And i was touched that they had a sort of homenage to Turtle Heart. Nessarose is clearly Frex's favorite. Elphie seemed to be upset about not getting anything. Do you think that the shoes are the begining of the sibblings rivalry?

Such a heartbreaking scene. For the first time you see a crack in the wall Elphaba has built around her emotions. I don't think she blames Nessarose, though. Just more disappointment in her father.

18) Amy Clutch dies and we learn that the Doctor Dillamond's killer was Grommetik. Or was it? Amy Clutch seemed to think so, but Madame Morrible wanted the girls to believe otherwise. Do you think this was all a plot by Madame Morrible?

My suspicion is that Madame Morrible sent Grommetik to kill Dillamond on orders from the Wizard.

19) It seems that the saying is right. Behind a great man, there's a great woman. Or in this case, Madame Morrible wants to make it be 3 women. Do you think the 3 girls accept the job? Or will they need more convincing?

This was a very confusing scene to me. I'm not sure exactly what Morrible is asking the girls to do - maybe just be in place and wait for further orders? It seems Nessarose and Glinda will be susceptible to Morribles binding spell, but I don't think strong-willed Elphaba will be!

20) The trip to the Wizard was a bit strange. And it ends up with Elphie saying goodbye to Glinda, and telling her that she's not going to go back to the University. What do you think it's going through Elphie's mind, to make such a decision?

I think she was very disappointed in her visit to the Wizard - but did she really think he would be swayed by Dillamond's findings? I think she is leaving to take matters in her own hands and work for an Animal uprising.

I'm a bit behind in my reading, but here goes:
9) What do you think of Galinda so far? Did you expect her to be such a brat?
The author has done a great job of turning our preconceptions around - making Elphaba the sympathetic character and Galinda the superficial, self-centered and somewhat cruel one.

10) I get the feeling that Elphaba might be falling in love with Boq. What do you think?
I'm not sure about love, but I am enjoying their growing admiration of one another. I don't see why Boq is so keen on Galinda, other than her beauty. She does not seem to have much else to recommend her. Although we are seeing glimpses of depth to her in her private conversations with Elphaba.

11) I'm a little confused about the animal/Animal issue. Why do you think the government (or is it religious organizations?) are trying to take away the rights of Animals?
This seems to be a way for the author to examine broader issues of race and discrimination. I thought the various "creation" stories were interesting (a river of piss?).

12) Why do you think Elphaba is so interested in the difference between good and evil and where evil comes from? Do you think she has any idea about her role in the future?

I think she is trying to determine what she believes, separate from what she has been taught her whole life by her missionary father. I'm not sure she knows what her future will hold.

13) Any theories as to what happened to Doctor Dillamond? Who would have wanted him dead?
I think it was politically motivated, and I think Morrilble is behind it. Ama Clutch saw something fishy, and Morrible caused her to come down with that made-up disease of talking to inanimate objects to keep Galinda complicit with the cover-up. I think Morrible is a sorcerer and that is why she wanted Galinda to study sorcery. Maybe Morrible is working for the wizard? I definitely think Morrible is horrible!

Rosella wrote: "Alycia wrote: "but she was born in that weird clock.... "
Why do you say she was born in the clock? Do you mean literally? Are you referring to the staging in the musical version?"

Did I read that part wrong? I thought the crone and fishwife laid Melena in the crawl space beneath the gears of the clock and that was where Elphaba was born...I will go back and reread that!

1. We're presented with a prologue in the present, and then go back to the past for the story to be told. A way of the author to grab our attention? Did it work?

It definitely worked with me! It was interesting to see how the characters differed from what I was familiar with from the movie.

2. Is it your first Gregory Maguire book? What do you think about the writing style?

It is my first Gregory Maguire book. I found it hard to get into the rhythm of the dialog between Frax and Melena - it was almost like it was written in a different language then translated into English (if that makes sense).

3. The dragon clock was strange and I'm not sure I understand the reason behind the presentations. Is it a satyr? Or just aiming for riots?

The dragon clock was definitely weird - I don't think we have seen the last of it. Especially since Elphaba was actually born in it.

4. Elphaba's birth had a maiden, a wife and a croon present. I'm wondering if there is some symbolism behind it.

Ooh, I hadn't thought of that! So far though the women characters (Melena, Nanny, Elphaba) seem to be more developed than the men. And as Oz is a matriarchy, and the Lurline cult/religion worships a female, I agree with Nadine that this book will have some profound things to say about women.

5. So. Elphaba was born that way. Anybody else thought she was green by envy, like in "Once Upon a Time"?
Yes, I thought maybe her green skin was going to be a manifestation of her later character - instead, her greeness will probably cause or at least contribute to her later character.

6. Thoughts about the characters? Frex, Nanny, Melena, Turtle Heart?
For me, Elphaba is the most sympathetic character so far!

7. I'm feeling sorry for Elphaba. Her family doesn't care that much about her. Do you have any theories about why her skin is green?

No clue - but she was born in that weird clock....

I'm looking forward to joining in - this book has been in my TBR pile for awhile!

This does sound fun - I'll play! I'm going for Bluestocking:

◄ March is Women’s History Month. Read a book by a new to you female author, or a book with a strong female lead Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West Gregory Maguire read 3/20

◄ The flower of March is the daffodil. Read a book that has a predominately yellow or white cover, or where the first letter of the title can be found in DAFFODIL. First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austenby Charlie Lovett read 3/17

◄ March splits Pisces and Aries for zodiac signs. Read a book with water or fire on the cover, the final book in a series, or the first book in a series.

◄ March 2nd is Old Stuff Day. This is a day to try something new, break out of your routine, make a change! Read a book from a new genre or author. Break out of your reading rut! Get in Trouble by Kelly Link - currently reading

◄ March 9th is Panic Day. Rather than freak out, read a book that calms you down! Alternatively, read a book that raises your blood pressure and makes you uncomfortable. The Girl on the Trainby Paula Hawkins - currently reading

◄ March 14th is Pi Day, a day that celebrates Pi, the number that never ends. It’s often abbreviated to 3.14. This year is ultimate Pi Day because the first 5 numbers of Pi are 3.1415 which corresponds to this date. It’s also Albert Einstein’s birthday. Read a book with an average rating of 3.14 or higher, a book that was published in March of 2014 or a book featuring a mathematician or bakery. The Art of Hearing Heartbeatsby Jan-Philipp Sendker read 3/15

◄ March 20th is the first day of Spring in the United States. Spring represents ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and regrowth. Read a book where the main character undergoes a transformation of some kind or gives birth to something (a person, a new idea, a business).

I just read The Maid's Version by Daniel Woodrell. It's just under 200 pages. It would be a very good book club book- lots to discuss!