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

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

😂 Oh, Angie, best to be prepared just in case! I’m just SURE you don’t want to eat any of it! Happy Halloween! 🎃 🧙

Silje wrote: "Vicki wrote: "I have a book that I have to read by Oct. 31, but nothing fits a letter for Indonesia. It's The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen and the narrator is Hil..."

OMG! I don't know what I was thinking! lol YES! (My "brain"!) Thanks, Silie. :)

Okie dokie

I think there are far more Christmas books to find than New Year’s books, so my vote is definitely for Christmas!

I have a book that I have to read by Oct. 31, but nothing fits a letter for Indonesia. It's The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen and the narrator is Hillary Huber. Does that mean we can't use it at all? If so, I just won't add it.

Absolutely!!! I am currently at my nail appointment and I only have about 30 pages left to read and I also will be finished with my other book. We are all guilty here.

Added it ☺️

Yep

Thanks, Jenny. :)

I will reach my cap +5 books tomorrow. But I overbooked by 1, so do I leave it and change it to say round 2 instead of round 1? I have 22 read, so I can only read 2 more. Or can I read it and finish it and it will still count for round 2?

Turf's .05 multiplier is an author with I initial, so I'm going to have all I books, or at least around 20. lol But I'll be also looking at titles and character names.

The book I was going to not read yet is Wild Reverence, but should I read it in case we need it for the R letter? I've read so many over my cap that we won't be able to use and I haven't even had time yet to add any of them to the Reserved tab. Just need a little guidance here. I can finish all 3 of my books tomorrow or not.

Day 3 DQs: Chapters 11-16

9. Let's talk about the twins, because I think they are stealing the show! The Twins, Taiwo and Kehinde, share names rooted in Yoruba tradition, where Taiwo is the "taster of the world" and Kehinde is the true elder soul. How might this cultural symbolism influence how we interpret their role in the palace and their relationship with Òdòdó?

Honestly, I hadn't thought about it; however, now that I am thinking about it...Taiwo being "taster of the world" and Kehinde the one who is the true elder soul who sent the other ahead. Taiwo's boldness is a lot like Ododo's courage, while Kelinde's calm feels closer to her mother's quiet strength. The twins balance each other, just as Ododo is learning to balance duty and freedom. Their connection seems spiritual.

10. In this section, Kòlò steps in and covers for Odòdó in a critical moment. What does this gesture reveal about her character and the relationship with Odòdó? Is it protective, controlling, self-serving, or some mix? Does this add to or change you option of Kòlò?

When Kolo steps in to cover for Ododo, the gesture is layered; it's not just a single act of loyalty or manipulation, but a mix of emotion, strategy, and instinct. I think it reveals Kolo as complicated but human. She's not purely kind nor purely calculating. Personally, it makes her more interesting and shows her instincts are quick and her heart isn't cold.

11. The "General Roundtable" plays a big role in power dynamics in these chapters. What does it reveal about how authority is negotiated in this world: who speaks, who is silenced, who wields influence behind the scenes? What does Òdòdó’s building "influence" tell us, despite her being not only a woman, but also labeled a "witch"?

The General Round Table isn't just a meeting space; it's a stage where performance is power. Authority in Sangote doesn't come from truth or merit, it comes from who can speak the loudest without consequences.

The elite men speak to preserve tradition as a patriarchal society. Women are silenced directly or through custom. Their silence is a reminder of the cost of defiance. Ododo needs to step it up if she's to become a true leader.

12. There is a riot in the capital during these chapters. How does Sangoyomi portray public anger versus elite maneuvering? What does the riot tell us about the fragility of the system in Ṣàngótè?

The riot exposes the fragility of Sangote's system. It shows that peace in this kingdom depends on suppression, not stability. Sangoyomi makes it clear that without balance - compassion from the powerful and justice for the powerless - Sangote's order will collapse under its own weight.

13. For FUN: If the palace characters were in The Hunger Games, who would you cast in which district or role? Bonus: what kind of clever (or chaotic) strategies do you think Taiwo and Kehinde would use to survive the arena?

Aremo: District 1 - polished, proud, and power-hungry; he'd charm sponsors while secretly plotting everyone's downfall.

Ododo: District 12 - forged by fire and grit; her blacksmith strength and instinct would make her the Katness-type dark horse.

Kolo: District 3 - clever and adaptive, she'd build traps, trade intel, and survive through strategy.

Taiwo and Kehinde: the twins would be chaotic wildcards. Taiwo would charge head-on, testing the arena's limits just to see what happens. Kehinde would hang back, observing patterns and exploiting what Taiwo uncovers.

Day 2: Chapter 6 - 10

5. It’s always interesting to watch a naive MC try to find authentic connections in a sea of people more practiced at hiding motives and personal feelings. Of those Òdòdó has met so far, who do you think will become allies? Or turn out to be enemies? Why?

I think her only reliable ally is herself. Everyone else around her, especially Aremo, is playing a game of power. Whether he becomes an ally or enemy I think depends on what he values more: power or truth.

6. Having been so steeped in western traditions where blacksmiths are always big, burly men, I’m loving the whole concept of a female sisterhood of blacksmiths, thought to be witches because of their connection to the Earth. Understanding that they were forced to join due to transgressing the female norms of the time, what is your impression of the blacksmiths? What do you suppose is going on with all the disappearing blacksmiths? Do you think Òdòdó’s mother is with the other blacksmiths or looking for Òdòdó?

They're extraordinary! Sangoyomi's blacksmiths are women who channel power from the earth itself. They're working class, spiritual, and subversive all at once. What makes them fascinating is that their "forging" isn't just about metal - it's about transformation. Their craft is both a survival skill and a quiet rebellion.

7. “After all what is love but a choice?” This quote from chapter 4 keeps popping into my head, so I’m curious what you all think: Is this true for general love only? Can it really be true for romantic love? Putting aside the retelling aspect for now, what do you think about the growing relationship between Òdòdó and Aremo? Do you think Aremo had an ulterior motive seeking out a blacksmith girl when they first met?

In general love: yes! love as commitment, forgiveness, and care is absolutely a choice. Feelings fade or shift, choosing to keep showing up for someone is what turns affection into enduring love.

In romantic love: it's more complicated. Attraction and chemistry aren't choices, but staying, trusting, and building a shared life are. The quote seems to question whether love is fated or willed. And Masquerade keeps testing that tension.

8. I’m finding Kolo to be more and more interesting as the story progresses. In the vein of “History is written by the victors,” what is your take on Kolo’s reaction to Gassire’s version of how Sangot came to be? What do you think about her tribal scars that opened when she saved Òdòdó? Are you hoping (like I am) that she secretly trained with the Ahosi warriors?

I definitely think she has, so I'm not "hoping" so because I'm believing it is so.

Of course, Angie. Always OK. Next time I'll look at all of the tabs. :)
Thanks.

My book These Summer Storms didn't add B03 for 301-400 pages or R13 body of water. I think I added it all correctly on the BOOKS tab.

Hi, Namita,, welcome to the team!

Jenny wrote: "Yay! We got BOM DQs!
Anyone wanting read the October BOM, the discussion starts tomorrow.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/......"

I did my Day 1 questions/answers, but I can't add it to the BOM tab since it's locked. How do I add it? I haven't had that issue in the past.

Day 1 DQs: Chap 1 to 5

1. What do you think of the choice of location for the book? Did the location effect your decision to read the book?

I had never heard of this book nor the author until WHEELS and saw it as a BOM. So, the location didn't affect anything; however, I taught multicultural literature to seniors in high school because I love learning about different cultures myself.

2. There is a lot of information dropped in this first section. Are you finding it awkward to read or well-integrated? Are there questions you still have on the setting?

I don't find it awkward and I think it's well-written and integrated. I don't have any specific questions about the setting at this point. I usually just go with the flow and take in what I am learning. I might have questions as I read if something comes up and it isn't answered in the reading.

3. We meet the blacksmiths at the start of the book including Òdòdó’s mother. How do you think her relationship with her mother characterizes her as a character and her request for her mother to join her? If you have not read ahead, do you think asking for her mum to be kidnapped was a good idea?

I think her request for her mother to join her shows both empathy and naive hope. I think it defines her as a character torn between family devotion and the desire for independence.

Asking for the kidnapping is not a good idea! I think it's understandable but not wise. Her request comes from love and longing.

4. We have met two new important characters Aremo and his first wife. Do you think he is as vapid as he appears? Do you like stories with a forced/political marriage theme?

At this point I would have to say no. I don't think Aremo is truly vapid. His charm feels more like a mask for power and control.

I don't usually care for forced or political marriage themes, but my opinion depends on how the story handles them. If the author uses the situation to explore power, character growth, or emotional complexity, I am more open to it.

Angie ☯ wrote: "It isn't brown! I see red with gold and white text. I would say if it isn't obvious to your eyes what the color is, then either leave it blank or ask us."

I thought we had to use TinEye since the link is on our thread. I'm going with red then. Makes no sense to me! lol Thanks, Angie. :)

I read TinEye says it's around 47% brown. I say it's red or maybe a shade of pink?

For text color some look kind of gold, orangish-brown-gold. Unless I know for sure it's a certain color, is it best to leave it blank and let the cap/co-caps decide or give it my best guess.

1- Do we want to try to have fun, and win this thing, or just do our best, have fun, and see what happens? In it to WIN it, of course! BUT if we don't win it'll be fun anyway but I always want to try.

2- Do any of you have a problem if the captains move your books to a different letter or task? Move them all over the SS!

3- Are any of you having any problems with navigating the spreadsheet? Only unsure about the ladder. Otherwise not as of yet.

4- Have you all checked out the BOM for October to see if you want to read it or volunteer for writing DQs? I'm planning to read Masquerade. I think that's the one you're referring to.

5- Have you voted on the BOMs for November or nominated anything for December? I don't think so but I'd have to check. I definitely haven't nominated any.

6- Have you all looked at the list of former BOMS that we can use for mini 7? Any look good? Oh, I wasn't sure what that was for, so I'll have to take a closer look.

7- Finally, please shout out recommendations when you feel like it. I love hearing about a good book, and I know I am not alone. I will do my best to recommend what I find to be an excellent book; however, I feel bad when someone's taste is so different that I see it as a 5-star and someone else gives it a 2-star and I'm the one who told (recommended) that they read it.