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

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

I'm just starting a book that has pierogies in it but it's plural. I assume that will work for pierogi? I went ahead and added it to the SS and plan to get the book finished today. It's currently 1:30 AM so I'm hitting the sack, but got a little excited when I found that word. lol

As always, though, if you (the powers that be aka. cap/co-caps) want to place it elsewhere feel free.

Day 1, Chapters 1-11 (1-18%)


1. Warm-up question: have you read any other books by Fredrik Backman before? If yes, what do you like/dislike about his themes/style, etc?

I have read three of his books and gave them all either a 4 or 5, so i would have to say I enjoyed his themes as well as realistic characters. His writing style works for me as well.

2. In the first chapter we are intfoduced to quite a memorable auction scene with super-rich people who all want to possess THE PAINTING, though their intentions are questionable. Did this make you think of some similar events happening in the world right now?

Unfortunately, yes, it certainly did; however, I try very hard not to think about the negativity in this world, especially not focus on it when I'm reading. I used to teach high school students and I always told them that it's easy to be negative, but being positive makes life so much more enjoyable and to focus on the positive. I TRULY remove myself from negativity.

3. "Artists vs Normal People" - another aspect of these first chapters is the great divide between true artists and normal people. Backman seems to suggest that most people don't/cannot get true art and artists are so much more different (possibly better people?). Do you agree with this? Or is it a generalization?

I totally disagree. I do believe that artists see the world and art work, perhaps, in different ways than non-artists; however, I think we each find meaning in art in our own ways and we use our own life experiences to interpret artwork however we see it. There will always be varied and unique interpretations from person to person.

4. In a sequence of weird events, Louisa ends up in possession of The Painting.
Any guesses what may happen to her and to it?

I'm not sure what to think at this point, but I assume since it's such a focus of the story that it's going to be an important factor in her life. What happens to the painting? No good prediction.

Bonus Q: do you have a favourite artist or a favourite piece of painting/sculpture?

OK, I have to be honest and say that my favorite artists are two of my granddaughters. One is now 25 and she is AMAZING! She's won art contests for her school district when in high school and the things she can do has blown me away. My other is my 7 year old granddaughter who is obviously an artist in the making.

As to well-known / professional artists I would have to say the Sistene Chapel and The Last Judgment by Michelangelo. They are both breathtakingly gorgeous and they have such meaning in history.

JULY NETGALLEY
My July Goal: 58%

July NetGalley Challenge
Feedback Ratio: 56%
575 Approved | 318 Feedback Sent
Books on Shelf: 127





End of Month Stats:
Books on Shelf:
Ratio:
Books Read:
Books Added:

Jenny wrote: "Shhh all. Put away the matches and the dirty magazines. Mom is coming home. Quick! Clean up the living room, and move the sofa over that stain!!!!!

Hope you had fun Angie!!!

Clearly I am having a..."

And just how long has Angie put up with you? lol

Angie ☯ wrote: "I'm back!

Just in time for a new mini and a new country!!

I'll check our banked books for words in text and then for spell-out letters.

Would everyone be wiling to try to prioritize books for W..."

YAY! Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing time! :)

Donna wrote: ""

LMAO So funny! Cracked me up so I literally was LOL!

Jenny, would you please check to see if I ever posted So Not Meant To Be Read on 20 Jun and 512 pages. I don't see it so I don't know if I forgot or if it's hidden and I'm too inept on a SS to find it. :)

It's crazy when you look for a book and can go through HOOPLA, Libby, Scribd, and your public library (and maybe other places for some of you) and you still are looking at months long of a wait! I was lucky enough to get MY FRIENDS from NetGalley, so I'm thankful for that!

Jenny wrote: "How is everyone doing? Starting off the weekend with a lovely breakfast in bed, catered by lovely lovely nearly clothed servers? No? Just me then. teehee

Hope everyone is reading brilliant books a..."

Oh, Jenny, do tell us the truth you little hussy! I want DETAILS!

Day 3 Chapters 14-20

11. Whether the stories are true or not, are you interested in the back stories of Margaret’s family? What did you think of Freddy’s first interaction with Bernie? (The one that contained the only laugh out loud line so far “Because of your wardrobe?”)

I enjoyed it mostly but also thought some should've / could've been left out. I'm sure some readers (like myself) might feel like it's just a bit too much. That being said, I did enjoy that scene because it was a funny one and I liked it.

12. Who exactly is Jodi? Will she be a part of the BIG REVEAL?

I feel like Jodi has been around so long that she's most likely to be a part of "the big reveal," yes.

13. I do not have kids, but Hayden’s list of “what ifs” to worry about was a lot. Do you parents worry about that stuff?

I worried about a lot of different things with my five children, not only as they were growing up but even now that they're adults with children of their own. So now I worry about my 22 grandkids and 8 great grands. lol My kids call me a worry wart.

14. Why do you think Alice thinks that Margaret’s tales of her childhood are true, as opposed to the stuff about her family before she was around? Do you find her insightful or naive?

Not sure if you're asking if Alice or Margaret is insightful. It's a bit ambiguous. I think Margaret is telling her perception of the truth as she understands it.

15. Think the visit to Alice’s family will go well? Think we will meet Hayden's family also?

I hope so on both accounts.

DQs Day 2
The Story to Chapter 13

5. Margaret is lying – and probably not just about one singular thing. Do you think she’s even telling Alice and Hayden the same story? Personally I’m also really curious where Margaret’s sister Laura is – to me it feels like she might be key to the whole story… anything specific that made you perk up?

I don't think she's holding back at all. I think she's telling bits and pieces of the story to her and other parts to Hayden.

6. Similarly, it was kind of an aside but I thought it was interesting when Margaret mentioned the Ives family’s rivalry with the Pulitzers. Is it just a random coincidence that Hayden is a Pulitzer-prize winning author who now also gets to talk to her? Especially since she requested him? And he has a bunch of family issues too?

I don't think it's a coincidence at all. I've felt like she has an ulterior motive but I'm still not sure what it is.

7. I was a little shocked when they were already kissing 25% in – and then not surprised when Hayden rejects Alice. Do you think he’s telling the truth when he says “I’m not going to hook up with someone whose dream job I’m about to take from them”? Or is there something else going on?

I doubt that was his real reason. I think he's arrogant enough to believe he will get the job but I don't think his moral compass would disallow him from taking advantage of her. I think he likes her and doesn't want to blow it.

8. We get quite a bit of detail on Alice’s job and research process as a journalist: what she’s searching for, working with fact-checkers, etc. Do you enjoy these types of details, i.e. minutae of characters’ jobs and hobbies?

I can't say that I enjoy them. It seems like I'm getting bogged down with too many details / history of her family's scandalous past. I think too much is just superfluous.

9. I’ve been to Hearst Castle, but long before I actually knew anything about him. The Ives family seems to be quite obviously inspired by him (and I guess he was name-dropped for plausible deniability). Is there a specific family dynasty you’re really interested in?

No, I am interested more in eras of history such as slavery, the Holocaust, women's suffrage, and so forth. I do enjoy reading about people, such as Harriet Tubman, and others who helped bring forth positive changes in history...especially females.

10. Bonus question: So… anyone else feel like they’re reading Evelyn Hugo 2.0?

I guess not because it never entered my mind but maybe now I will. lol

DQs Day 1
Chapters 1 to 7

1.) Emily Henry is a popular contemporary romance author and a fair few of her books have been previous NBRC BOM selections. Any expectations for this book going in?

Considering every book of hers that I've read I have given it either 4 or 5 stars, my only expectation is that I'll like it. And based on the title,, I assume it'll be a happy/positive/uplifting kind of book.

2.) What are your first impressions of Alice? And sending that drink to Hayden?

So far I really like her and I love her energy. I think she lacks self-confidence because she thought she'd lost her chance as soon as she knew about Hayden having the same opportunity. As for the drink, I think she's a genuinely nice person who thought she might be able to lift his spirits a little and let him know that she's not trying to step on his toes, so to speak.

3.) Would you agree to the month long trial or tell Margaret she's a nutter and move on to something else? Why do you think Margaret is doing things this way?

I would definitely agree to the month long trial if her story was that important to me and my career. As to why, maybe she's simply an eccentric octogenarian. I really have no idea unless she has some reason for trying to get Hayden and Alice to basically co-author the book for reasons unknown.

4.) After learning a few tidbits about Hayden's family and how he grew up, did your opinion change a bit on his character?

For the most part I would say yes. Any time I know why a character acts the way they day and I know more about their life and things they've been through it usually does change my opinion; however, I might only better understand their reasons for doing certain things but that doesn't mean that would now agree with what they do.

Jenny wrote: "Murderbot is on Apple TV. Worth getting for a bunch of shows besides that one. I would wait until the show is all out, and then grab a free month and watch that and Silo, and more.

You were correc..."

Thanks. :) Plus now it's worth more points! lol

Jenny wrote: "We are on to Round 2!!!!!!!!

And, we are currently in FIRST PLACE!!!!!

Keep it up everyone. Remember those yummy BOM points, and all those hard countries that you really really want to read about..."

YAY! First place? YIPPEE!

Joyce wrote: "Jenny wrote: "Oh yeah. Murderbot rules."

Love Love Murderbot. are any of you watching it as well. Not too bad so far. Only did 4 episodes though. Loving Skarsgaard as Murderbot"

Is this on Netflix? I only have it and regular stations but don't have Hulu, Paramount, HBO etc.

Jenny wrote: "Vicki, your book King of Ashes page count doesn't match your TT shelf. Did you read the Kindle edition (per your shelf), or the hardcover (page count on the ss)?

Also, how was it? I loved the SA C..."

I had the audiobook only. I'm sorry, I switched it to the top one reviewed so I changed it to 352 pages. I think that's what I should've done, but if not you can change it or tell me what to change it to.

I loved it! My friend Trisha Thomas (on GR) gave it a 4 and I gave it a 5. We usually are either the same rating-wise or I am 1 above her. But when she give is a 4 and I give it a 5, I feel safe to tell you to read it if it's something you're interested in. Great twists!

Jenny wrote: "In the world of abbreviations and acronyms, I am having a great time trying to figure out what WW stands for.

Wannabe Wookies?
Wistful Wranglers?
Wren Watchers?
Wascally Wabbits?
Wonderful Wombat..."

LOL Oh. My. God. I promise I didn't do that intentionally and I would say I'm sorry but that was too much fun to read your litany of possibilities. Oh, Jenny, you make me laugh. I guess I thought the entire world knew what WW meant. It is Weight Watchers. They rarely go by anything but WW now. LOL

I love countdowns because they're just so helpful with different time zones, etc. Thanks, Angie. :)

I've been with the hubby yesterday and today (his days off) and lucky me I got to get up at 5:30 this morning to watch my two younges grandkids (Lily & Juju) until my daughter got home from work around 7:45. After that I had a WW meeting, then off to breakfast with a few friends and back home. Scott & I went shopping so now I'm down to the fun stuff...my last 3 books for the month! YAY! I feel like I'm not contributing anymore because I have only read 9 books since June 1 due to the cap. Ugh...I won't make that mistake again! (I hope.)

Angie, not sure if you can use my book for a task on the travel tab, but the book I read for country Cutting for Stone can be used for train ride if you can add it. Not sure if that's something that can be added if used for a country.

Oops guess it's for main location so that won't work. Sorry about that.

OK, it won't matter to me where it's used. I am trying to space out my books for this challenge and most of them end up banked anyway.