Claire ’s Comments (group member since Dec 09, 2016)

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

KayLynn wrote: "I have a book that can be used for 'pasta on cover' that I can read today or tomorrow if Claire isn't ready to finish hers?

Or maybe I'll just read it either..."

Yes of course. Haven’t read mine yet.

Fiona wrote: "Claire, could you please set a read date for De bessenplukkers? Thanks :)"

Done. My head seems to be melted these days 🤦🏼‍♀️

DQs Day 3

12. When Norma tells her mother she's pregnant, Norma notices fear in her other's eyes. What do you think that fear was about? Do you think she was remembering her own past experiences and worrying about Norma, or was she fearing that this would lead to Norma finding out the truth somehow? (Thinking to all of the bloodwork and stuff that comes from this, though admittedly not sure in the time frame if that was as much of a concern.)

I hope she was worried for her daughter, fearing she might have the same experiences. However, Lenore is often such an egoistic character. Maybe she is afraid her relationship with her daughter will be completely different or that one way or another the new baby might make the ‘race issue’ more prominent

13. Ruthie was from Nova Scotia and went missing in Maine, yet Norma and Ben ran into each other in Boston of all places — somewhere his family would not be expecting her. Later, when they need some time away, Norma's husband takes her to Nova Scotia, where she feels some familiarity and connection to the land. Are these crossovers just coincidences, or do you think that in the grand scheme of the story, something more (fate, a higher power, etc.) is leading them to each other?
I guess the author choose these places to create an atmosphere of belonging, of feeling at home somewhere. As for Boston, I’d think it is a coïncidence

14. We get the backstory in this section on why Joe didn't know he had a daughter at first. Knowing what we know now do you agree with his family's decision to keep him in the dark? Have your opinions on Joe changed with this piece of backstory revealed?
most of the characters in this book didn’t feel sympathetic and Joe is one of them. His family shouldn’t have kept him in the dark about his daughter, but then again, he betrayed them. My opinion on Joe got worse when reading the book. I understand he suffered because of the two deaths, but he made others suffer with him:-(, Still, maybe someone should have helped him when he was luttle to deal with the trauma. I did appreciate the way Joe dealt with his imminent death.
15. "I would learn to love the little one." What a strange thing for Lenore to say when broaching the topic of adoption — especially considering Norma's circumstances. What did you think when you read that — especially seeing how Lenore treated Norma growing up?

Lenore maybe hopes for a new chance, a possibility to make a connection with a baby in a better way. It tells us that Lenore is not naturally inclined to love a baby as she feels she needs to learn to love it. The question remains: did Lenore really love Norma?

DAY 2 QUESTIONS - CHAPTERS 4-7

7. "But sometimes I think that sadness drilled down deep and some of it might just be there for good"
"now get lost and leave me to my book."
"There was love in that house but none of us really knew what to do with it."
In chapter four we learn more about Norma's parents and life in their house as she grew up. Does learning about Lenore's past make you more sympathetic to her? And how about their parenting style, I can't imagine ever telling my children or grandchildren "to get lost" because I wanted to read a book. (Ok, I'm sure all parents might have thought it at times, but saying it to a child is a definite no no in my book!)
I didn’t really feel more sympathetic to her. I understand she had a lot of problems, but taking a child and then (almost) locking it up is far beyond what her past could explain. But then again, maybe she had postnatal depression. The fact that her behaviour continues makes me feel it is more than that
8. In juxtaposition to Frank, Lenore and Norma, we have alternating chapters about family life from Joe's POV. Thoughts and why does the author structure the novel this way?
this structure is probably showing how both children grow up in a very different way, largely determined by environment and race.
It also shows clearly throughout the book that Joe was old enough to have problems with what happened his whole life, while Norma was so small she only has dreams
9. 9. Chapter 5 - the horrible incident with Frankie and Charlie. How did you feel reading about this injustice? Could anything been done to avert this tragedy? How does Amanda Peters' writing the scene add to the heartbreak?
I hated this happening. I am not sure how this could have been averted other than keeping your mouth shut and calling adults to solve the issue. The heartbreak gets bigger as Amanda Peters doesn’t tell right away what happened. As a reader you feel things are going wrong, but you have to wait till the author gives details. This gives you some very suspenseful minutes while you wait hoping the outcome won’t be the worst possible
10. What you think of Aunty June and her role in the story? Why does she encourage Norma to interact with the Indian protesters only to pull her back when she is recognized as Ruthie?
She is responsible for a girl with a ‘crazy’ mother. Even though she tries to give Norma some space, she might just have gotten worried when people shouted at her. Or was it because someone called Norma by her real name?
11. Joe seems to be a tragic figure as the story of his life is revealed. How he has responded to racism and trauma make you feel when reading this book? Are you enjoying the story or does it make for uncomfortable reading?

i don’t think Joe is a tragic figure, but he had a bad life. Not being able to deal with his emotions and the tragedies in his life, he made a lot of wrong choices. Sadly he didn’t learn from them until it was too late. I feel sad about his experiences and the fact noone could help him deal with them
I enjoy the story, but I have also serious concerns about it.

I cannot add anything to the SS but I’ll read for WW224 wildlife on the cover and for WW252 pasta on cover

Melindam wrote: "Claire,

These books listed above can only be used for Mini 2 tasks and for Cheese spell-outs as that's where book-banking is allowed. :))

We could still end up using them for Mini 2 tasks that ge..."

I’ll keep an eye on them.

Melindam, sorry not mine. Could be used for countries or letters. I thought I indicated that, but maybe I forgot.

DQs for day 1

Some of these questions will lead to possible spoilers. Please be sure to hide any spoilers

1. What expectations do you have for the book based on the blurb or other description of the book?
I expected it to be an interesting story and from the description it looked like it was similar to The White Girl, which I liked a lot.
2. How reliable do you the think the 2 narrators are?
I think both are unreliable. Memories from childhood are often distorted and they may both have understood things completely wrong. On top of that, it is difficult to understand your own motives or tell your deep nasty secrets
3. Chapter 1 opens with " The day Ruthie went missing the black flies seemed to be especially hungry...Indians made such good berry pickers...something sour in our blood kept the black flies away". How does this establish Joe's view of the relationship that exists between the whites and the Mi'kmaq?
Joe understands at a very young age that other (white people) think in stereotypes about him and his people. On top of that these stereotypes are not positive
4. How much is Norma dreaming vs remembering? What do you think the dreams foreshadow?
Norma does not remember on conscious level. But part of her memories are still with her and she dreams of them. I think it foreshadows the moment she will remember where she lived before
5. How do you explain Lenore's paranoia about Norma being out alone? How do you account for the incongruity of her insistence that Norma likes to play with baby dolls when she sees Norma choosing other playthings?
Lenore is afraid someone might see and recognize Norma. And maybe she is afraid someone else might do what she probably did. As to the dolls, I think it is her way to keep her daughter close with her, remembering her lost child. She has definitively a problem with Norma growing up
6. Why did Joe act so clingy when he returned from his first "guide" with his dad?
Joe didn’t like the way the white men didn’t do anything and his dad didn’t get any credit. Also he was upset because of what happened with the camera, maybe afraid of his dadS real reaction. And most of all, he might have found it difficult to see how his dad behaved like he was a bit of an idiot to give the men the stereotype of an Indian

Melindam wrote: "Claire wrote: "I have a question: participating in BOM discussions: does that mean answering a set of questions? If you answer more days, do you get more points then?"

You need to reply to 3 DQ se..."

Thank you.

I have a question: participating in BOM discussions: does that mean answering a set of questions? If you answer more days, do you get more points then?

Melindam wrote: "Claire wrote: "Now checking Muggenland,, which wason the travel book list it has as MPG ‘Road Trip’. Would that count? Otherwise I’ll find another one"

It needs to be Travel, unfor..."

I’ll read Je bent hier:-)

Now checking Muggenland,, which wason the travel book list it has as MPG ‘Road Trip’. Would that count? Otherwise I’ll find another one

I’ll read for multigenerational Vraag me nog eens ad for travel Muggenland.

Melindam wrote: "
New Task for Mini 2


✈️ Read a book with a famous landmark on the cover"

I’ll read Parijs for this

I’ll try to read as much as possible to get my target or even cap. Tomorrow I’ll be home and I’ll have more time. Travelling with other people seriously limited my reading time.
I added the books I read in the SS.
I’ll read Onder een andere naam (Ruth Galloway Book 14) for trees on a cover. I see at least 2 in detail and may more from far.

Enjoy your stay in Denmark, Melindam.

I’m sorry, I changed my book for food for the soul to
Paper Towns John Green 304 p. 4 june.
This book is 140 on the list.

Fiona wrote: "Claire, can you set Ik zeg geen vaarwel to read on your shelf, please? :)"

It’s on my shelf, but I forgot to mark it as read. It should be fine now

I’ll read food for the soul De ravenjongens, 147 on the list

Can someone add that in the spreadsheet in the tasklist?

I’m sadly not reading too much but instead I’m enjoying all these delicious cheeses with wine in the South of France:-)

I’ll try to add a few books now and then and full speed back on the tenth of June.

Fiona wrote: "Claire, please set Hoop in een balletschoen to read, then I can add it. Thanks a lot :)"

Sorry, trying to do a lot of things at the same time.