Vicki’s Comments (group member since May 01, 2018)

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

Thank you, Suzanne. I read one of those books so I will go ahead and read the other one today. I appreciate your response.

Teddie, I am not sure which books refer to the first spin. I signed up for quite a few books, but I didn’t realize that we had to have all of those read within a couple of days.

DAY 1 CHAPTERS 1-7

1. Ahhh.. The Library! ..My happy place. And what a beautifully intriguing cover! How often do you visit your local library and have you visited any famous libraries around the world. Do share!

I visit my local library frequently. I begin by looking for books on KU, ScribD and Libby to see if I can get them for my Kindle app. If I either have too long of a wait or they don't carry the book at all, then I check online to see if my library has it. It's less than a mile from here and usually if they don't have it I can get it through Link+ unless I need it NOW. If that's the case I buy it on Amazon.

I'm not sure if it's famous, but the biggest library I've even been to was in San Francisco. It has 7 (SEVEN) floors with one of them being underground. It's comprised of 376,000 sq ft. It has over 300 computer terminals and room for 1100 laptops. It has almost two-and-a-half-million books and I'm not sure how many but at least an entire floor of DVD's. It's an amazing library that you could probably spend more than a year in!

2. The first chapters describe a barren wasteland with an equally hopeless type of existence for Livira and her people. But straight away we establish that there is something special about Livira as she rises above her surroundings and the life she seems destined for. But circumstances change...your first impressions of Livira and how she influences her new destiny.

I like Livira and I think she's a little spunky girl who is full of curiosity. She doesn't seem to back down from a challenge. Having been punched in her nose by Acmar the way she did and didn't really complain about the pain, I think she's a spitfire.

3. The chapter headings...how do they fit into the tale? Do you find them interesting as a guide or somewhat cryptic at this stage of the story?

I'm not sure how they fit in. I've read them each and wondered how they fit prior to reading the chapters. Plus, I read them individually from chapter to chapter to see if they seemed to carry on as though they themselves were telling a small story but I don't think so. I think at this point they're more cryptic.

4. Enter Evar in Chapter 4 and the scene changes from the barren Dust to the mysterious and atmospheric library and its Mechanism. A lot of information to absorb about how it all works and the role of Evar and his "family". Does the author do a good job in getting across what the library is and does? Is it good, evil or omnipotent?

I love that we are now introduced to a library which obviously is important given the title. My question was, is it just ONE book that wouldn't burn? Is it a total metaphor? Was the library burned down or something but one book lived on? I'm curious to find out.

I am fascinated by the Mechanism. I love that the "siblings" were introduced as his 3 brothers and their skills they've acquired. Plus, Clovis, the only sister. I think I am good with how the world is being built thus far. I'm only 70+ pages in and there are over 500 pages, so I am satisfied so far. I love the idea of the books being their "tutors" and I can see how being immersed in the Mechanism for decades that the books would give them skill sets.

Still trying to figure out why those 5 were "inadvertently" taken and eventually all spat out at the same time. I'm enjoying this one more than I thought. EXCEPT for the font size! OMG!

5. "Evar, don't turn the page. I'm in The Exchange. Find me at the Bottom" Who wrote this sentence and what is its purpose at this point in the novel? What impact do you think it will have in the story moving forward?

Pretty darn sure it will have a huge impact, but what I'm not sure.

Gotta go with JDM!

My 4 year old grandson has just recently gotten into Minecraft and Roblox. Prior to that he was 100% into nothing but the CARS characters, especially Lightening McQueen. lol I found out Creeper is a Minecraft thing too.

Sophie, Juju hasn't gotten into Pokémon yet, but he knows his dragons for sure! I got him 2 dragon shirts and he knows which type they are. lol These kids are too darn smart!

Day 3 DQ's Chapter 24 - 33

9. We keep hearing how people smell. Luzia of orange blossoms, Perez of plums and amber. Why do you think the author keeps mentioning this? Do the smells mean more than just an odor?

I think one reason is that we associate smells with people and oftentimes those scents will bring to mind people from our past or present. Perhaps the author plans to use it in this way, like someone can recognize another's scent and it might possibly be important at that particular moment.

10. We are over halfway through the book. What has been your favorite part/scene/person/line so far?

I think my favorite character so far is Santángel. There's just a certain mystery that surrounds him and it makes me want to find out what makes him tick.

11. Valentina and Marius seem to be rekindling their marriage, finding love where there wasn't before. Why do you think the author is adding that part of the story when she could have left it out?

At this point I'm not sure if it's important or not, but I love that they appear to be reconnecting. Mainly because there's nothing worse than being in a bad, loveless, non-caring relationship. I think the reason is, in part anyway, their new and improved surroundings. That can make a huge difference.

11. Now we are over halfway and know more of Luzia, the competition and this world. Why do you think the publisher and possibly the author chose this cover over any other possibilities? If you could remake the cover, what would you want it to look like?

Sadly, I am not creative nor artistic to say how I'd change the cover. My mind doesn't work that way. :( I consider myself a cover freak and will buy a book based on the cover. This one definitely attracted me in a weird way. The scorpion was the first thing I noticed and that's because when I visited my grandparents on their farm in Texas when I was little, we always slept outside and they had scorpions. lol But obviously, now I know how the scorpion and Santángel basically go hand-in-hand, so I think it's a perfect cover for the story.

Day 2 Chapter 13 - 23

5. Luzia’s refranes combine elements from diverse cultural traditions, creating a powerful form of magic tied to her Jewish heritage. Does the portrayal of Luzia’s magic suggest that blending different cultural traditions enhances personal power and resistance, or does it emphasize the delicate balance and possible loss of identity in such a blend?

Hmm, that's a tough one. I have always personally LOVED cultures, diversity, learning of others' traditions, and so forth. So, for me, I think the blending of the cultures while it can cause problems is ultimately the answer to a lot of issues society has with others. I wouldn't want the world to all have my same beliefs or values. But learning to respect differences and appreciate them is so important! (Sorry, this is a passion of mine.) Anyway, to answer your question, I would say that "Luzia’s magic suggests that blending different cultural traditions enhances personal power and resistance."

6. Characters like Valentina and Hualit demonstrate varying levels of ambition and moral compromise on their paths to security and success. Is pursuit of personal safety and financial security a justifiable reason for ethical compromises, or should ambition be tempered with moral integrity?

I definitely believe that safety and financial security should be tempered with moral integrity. I know you might get ahead financially in life if you compromise your morals, but for me I couldn't live with myself. Nothing is worth that to me.

7. Have you done other reading set in late-16th-century Spain? If not, are you having any problems following the political intrigues and social mores? What’s your favorite time period to read for historical fiction?

I've never been politically-savvy, so most anything involving politics or a political plot can be more difficult for me/require more thought and concentration and possibly doing a little research to better understand.

I'm not sure I have a favorite time period but historical is one of my very favorite genres to read. I guess if I pick one period of time it would be any plot/years that covers WWII. But it mostly depends on the plot and what historical event(s) is being explored.

8. What do you make of Santángel? At one point we get the line, “And Santángel would be free.” Free from what, do you think?

Honestly, I'm not really sure why he said that.

Nosy bonus question. Are you reading this book for historical fiction, for fantasy, for romance, and/or for DQ points for your BG team?

I'm a sucker for doing anything for team points, almost without exception. So I'm mainly reading this particular one for my BG team. That being said, since I love historical fiction, I'd have read this one anyway but maybe not right now.

I can also claim #6 in series Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

Catherine, I will also claim D3G - set in Korea (North or South) (50%+) and read White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht.

Day 1 DQ’s

1- Although Valentia feels shame in her actions to confront Luzia and her magic she still threatens her to use it at her dinner party. What were your thoughts and do you feel bad for Valentia and her desperation?

No, I don't feel bad for Valentia at all. She treated Luzia so poorly. Treating others so poorly because you're miserable and is no reason to try to make others feel miserable too. Yeah, she's just not nice! Some people abuse their power and I think she's one of those.

2-Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house and gave her extra chores. Why do you think Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house?

I'm guessing a good part of the reason she didn't want her to leave the house is simply because she can't leave it without being with her husband. So I think jealousy, just wanting what she should be entitled to anyway, and wanting a sense of freedom. I know I'd feel like a prisoner if I were in that situation.

3-How did using music and song to make Luzia magic work make you feel or think of?

How it made me feel? Not sure it did to be honest. But I know they say music makes us FEEL something, and if it doesn't make us feel something then the person singing or playing a song isn't feeling it either. I think that it helped her to FEEL her magic and therefore she was able to do better magic perhaps.

4- Don Victor(De Paredes) shows up at Casa Ordobos to make sure Luzia has a room with and even hints at having her join him if not. Why do you think having Luzia in her own room benefits either of them?

Most definitely I think he's "grooming" her for something to come. Play nice now, possibly try something later after she's been impressed by his "thoughtfulness" but I hope I'm wrong. Also, having that private space for herself should give her a more peaceful and restful night/sleep.

Sophie wrote: "Vicki - I want to be another honorary grandchild too please! Sounds you like you make an incredible effort to be there for your family."

Awe, thank you, Sophie. :) You are also adopted into my family and are welcome with open arms!

Today Juju (4) got a "CREEPER" shirt and was SO excited! lol He said, "I want to wear that now." And every shirt I showed him he'd say, "I want to wear that one." lol But those of you who have younger children probably know what Creeper refers to but I don't have any idea. It was so cute because yesterday Lily saw it when we were shopping for her clothes and said, "Look, Grandma! Juju would love this Creeper shirt! Can we get it for him?" So, since I wanted to take him to get his own clothes, I had them put it on hold so I could get it today and Lily was right...he was so excited! lol

Sorry about that, the book sat in Australia is her last hope

If no one else has claimed D12G Set in Russia (50%+), I will re-read Between Shades of Grey set in Russia. I read it in 2015 but it's worth a re-read unless I find a book that interests me also set in Russia. But you can put me down for that one, please.

I'll also claim D4G Set in Australia

Teddie, drinker of the bitter invention of Satan wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Teddie, drinker of the bitter invention of Satan wrote: "Vicki wrote: "I will be gone most of the day. I am taking my six-year-old granddaughter shopping for school clothes. And, of c..."

LOL My oldest is 30 now and my youngest is 4. But the GREATS are 10 down to 1 month. I'll add you if you come to good ol' Central Valley California...70-ish miles from San Francisco one direction, about 75 miles from Sacramento (the capital) the other direction. What's one more!

I just read and it's set in India. Maybe somebody has that on their TBR

Teddie, drinker of the bitter invention of Satan wrote: "Vicki wrote: "I will be gone most of the day. I am taking my six-year-old granddaughter shopping for school clothes. And, of course, we are going out to breakfast for a little one-on-one time. And ..."

Thanks, Teddie, we had a great time. Tomorrow is my 4 year old grandson's turn. He starts TK next week, so I'll take him shopping too.

I would like to claim #3 in a series for the District Tasks, if that's OK. I'll be reading The Angel of Indian Lake 455 pages

Sophie wrote: "Lauri wrote: "My entire household is anti-sport except for martial arts & surfing, so the Olympics never hold any charm for us…"

There's a fair number of martial arts going on - judo at the moment..."

I am so impressed with the skateboarders! And I've always loved watching surfing since I grew up in Southern California and close to beaches.

Marty wrote: "On another topic - who's watching the Olympics? That opening ceremony was amazing. Paris knows how to throw a party.

I resubscribed to Peacock so I could watch any sport I wanted. So far, I've wat..."

I've been super distracted too! I've watched all of the various gymnastics competitions, both men's and women's, girls beach volleyball, men's volleyball, various swimming races, a little equestrian, one rugby game, a little of fencing...very little, and a few others. I record it all and fly through commercials and any events I don't want to watch or watch in full. I'm excited to see the rhythmic gymnastics but that's not on until August 8-10. I'm not really into watching boxing, wrestling, basketball (except if our country (USA) is playing. I can't watch them 24/7 and it upsets me that every time I want to watch something I have to pay for Peacock, Hulu, Paramount, etc. I pay enough for my cable and Netflix, so I won't pay for extra channels.

One thing I do to read is when I'm watching one of the events in real time, I silence all of the commercials and resume reading during those 5 or so minutes. lol It helps!

Suzanne wrote: "This is a fun last challenge! I will be on a cruise the 7th through the 14th - I'm going to purchase internet just for myself - making the grandchildren jealous I'm sure. But I won't have computer ..."

I hope for a speedy recovery from whatever is going on with you. And I hope you can take that cruise with the family. Good luck! :)