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

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

Is anyone still reading this one? I began it yesterday and I am loving it so far but there isn't much discussion in this thread so just curious what's happening.

Chapters 1-20

I was very sad about (view spoiler)[Leigh's mother committing suicide. That's such a horrible legacy to leave your loved ones, especially children. I do hope she had a mental illness that contributed to her decision to take her life. (hide spoiler)]

Leigh's father (view spoiler)[sounds like he hasn't been all that present in her life, and children need their parents so badly, especially after her mother's suicide. I wonder why he doesn't listen to her about anything she says like the bird being her mother. If he were to ask questions and listen to what she says, he might find out some important information. If she is mentally off, he needs to know and get her help. (hide spoiler)]

I'm glad that Leigh (view spoiler)[went to meet her maternal grandparents. I hope they are able to help her understand her mother and all the bird visits, etc. At least knowing them would (I hope) somehow make her feel closer to her deceased mother. (hide spoiler)]

Such absolutely beautiful writing...music to my ears!

Completion Post

Book: Two-Way Street
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Pages: 288
Read: 8/03/18
BOM/BR: No
Characters: Courtney McSweeney, B.J. Cartwright, Jocelyn, Jordan Richman, Lloyd McPeak, Frank Brewster

Steven wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Steven: I'm so sorry and I hope this didn't mess us up, but I posted the wrong characters to my post #537 for . I copied down the wrong list from..."

Oh, I'm so glad!

Thanks!

Steven: I'm so sorry and I hope this didn't mess us up, but I posted the wrong characters to my post #537 for . I copied down the wrong list from my phone. I've made the corrections.

Book: My Not So Perfect Life
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Read: 8/01/18
Pages: 439
Characters: Katie Brenner, Cat, Demeter Farlowe, Flora, Mark, Liz, Adrian, Rosa, Sarah, Alex, Gerard

Book: All Your Perfects
Author: Colleen Hoover
Read 7/20/18
BR/BOM: No
Pages: 320
Characters: Ethan Van Kemp, Quinn, Vincent, Graham, Sasha, Ava, Reid, Eleanor Watts, Avril Donnelly, Gwenn, Caroline

I live in the United States so this is not available in any format until September 4, 2018. Will I still be able to read it as a BOM for team Hermione Granger?

Hello, Kristina, and welcome to our team! :)

Book Title: Red Sister
Author: Mark Lawrence
Date read: 7/16/18
Number of pages: 469
BOM/BR: Yes, BOM Link to BR
Character Names: Nona, Hessa, Saida, Arabella, Clera, Jula, Ketti, Ruli, Abbess Glass/Shella Yammal, Sister Rose, Sister Wheel, Sister Apple, Sister Pan, Sister Rule, Sister Tallow, Sister Chrysanthemum/Mop, Sister Flint, Sister Kettle, Sister Oak, Sister Rock, Thuran Tacsis, Raymel Tacsis, Partnis Reeve, Sherzal, Zole, Yisht, Lana
Letters: A, C, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, W, Y, Z

23 & 24 June
Chapters 35-end

18. Do you think this novel is correctly marketed as Adult Fantasy, or was it more YA for you?

I don't consider myself an expert with genres, but I do love YA books. Fantasy came much, much later in life for me. Looking at the definition on GR for fantasy, it says, "Add to Favorite Genres
Fantasy is a genre that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme, and/or setting." So I definitely find this book fits the fantasy genre very well.

19. In regards to the Convent and the structures of Power, Mark Lawrence said "I always invent as I go. My only research was to Google for a nice map of an abbey and take inspiration from the labels, such as “cloister”, “scriptorium”, “refectory” etc. How did the setting feel to you? Could you picture it?

I thought the details were very well written. I have a difficult time picturing anything that I cannot see in front of me, so it was hard to picture it. But with the good descriptions given, I'd say I was able to picture it as well as I was able.

20. Mark Lawrence finished the trilogy before this first book was published. Do you like it when authors do this (e.g. Michael J Sullivan), or do you prefer for them to wait to receive feedback from readers and changing things as they go?

I have a horrible memory, as in awful! So I do love it when I find a book I love that is number 1 in a series and I can move right to the next. I prefer the author stay true to the character and not be persuaded to have a character be a certain way.

21. What are your overall feelings on the novel? Will you read the next in the series?

Absolutely! I loved this book so much! I think that I would possibly re-read this first though because I feel like I missed some of it due to listening to some of it on audio while driving a 7 hour drive.

Discussion Questions SET 3: chapters 21-34

12) I was thinking about the sisters' names, and how they all have a surface meaning, and a deeper meaning, like Abbess Glass: clear, lets light through, breakable - also invisible, so you might not know its there until you run into it. What do you think the name Cage says about Nona? What are the surface and underlying meanings to the Sister name you would give yourself?

Thinking of this question reminds me of the story, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and the answer to this question is both literal and figurative. I think the name Cage fits because she has literally been put in cages and obviously anyone put in that predicament would feel caged in more ways than one. I think it speaks to how she feels enslaved and trapped physically, mentally, and emotionally.

13) Walking the path takes clarity and serenity, but each person has a different recipe for what brings personal serenity. And what is serenity - is it just being 100% true to yourself? Does serenity need to be the opposite of being a fighter? Why do you think Nona can't achieve her serenity, or does she need to take a different path? What brings you serenity?

I don't think she truly believes totally in the life of a nun for herself, so I think only time will tell if she comes to believe it's right for her or not and she needs to take a different path. I think that because she isn't fully invested in the lifestyle that she can't find serenity. I find serenity in my faith and my belief system. Without my God and belief in Jesus as my savior, I would not have serenity at all.

14) What do you think about Sister Pan words: "When you get to my age you need things like this to keep you alive. Take it from me. I have been too young to know, and I have been too old to care. It's in that oh-so-narrow slice between that memories are made. So enjoy it."

I find this to be fairly true. As my mother used to say, "Age is just a number, and my number ain't listed." To her that meant that age doesn't matter, you're only as old as you feel. I am of the age now that I can't do all the things I'd like to do and I do wish I had done some things when I was younger. I am still moving forward and creating memories with the strength and ability I have and facing my fears (such as my fear of heights). I am going on a hot air balloon ride when I go to Colleen Hoover's Book Bonanza THIS week! Life needs to continue to be full of new experiences and for me to make experiences with my family and friends and to treasure them. I have 20 grandkids, my 4th GREAT is due in October, and I have 5 grown children and their better halves and I don't want to waste any time building new memories that they will have when I die.

15) When they go to Caltess, Nona sees Raymel, and remembering Saida, attacks him. I was a little surprised there weren't more repercussions for that move. What do you think about the things now in Raymel that seemed to recognize and trigger something in Nona? Do you think she's been irreversibly poisoned?

I suspect that it wasn't an accident but that possibly Nona made it look like one. It was evident that something was wrong with Raymel and he was dealing with demons/demonic thoughts.

I don't really think she's been poisoned, but I'm not sure.

16) I love the quote "A book is as dangerous as any journey you might take. The person who closes the back cover may not be the same one that opened the front one. Treat books with respect." What book that you've read comes to mind when you read this quote?

First of all, I really love this quote and it gives me food for thought. I've honestly read several books that I could say this about. I love books that make me feel one way at the start and another at the end. But the ONE book that literally changed my life is called Still Alice by Lisa Genova. Because of that book I read with a passion because a life event can take away my reading ability or my ability to understand and manipulate words and it had a HUGE effect and a permanent effect on me.

17) Nona sees Yisht digging under the dome, where the shipheart is. Do you think she is doing this on Sherzal's orders? Do you think Zole is a participant or a tool? I am so curious about the shiphearts and the emperor's Ark, and how they play into the mysteries of the ice with its tunnel systems and hidden "undercities abandoned by the Missing." Sister Pan's view is that the four tribes descend from travelers who came from another planet on a host of ships. Are you starting to put together theories about this, and the Path, threads, the Ancestor, etc?

I definitely think that Zole knows something but I'm not so sure she is a knowing/willing participant. I really have no idea about the shipheart and Ark.

Comments and Questions
18 & 19 June
Chapters 9 - 20

7. So very much happens in this section, I almost don't know where to start. Ok. The Tacsis family sends 2 different delegations after Nona. The first time, Raymel's brother attacks her. Do you have any speculation what exactly is going on with her hands? I'm struggling trying to coincide a family with that much power, money, and influence having a son fighting in the 'pits'. Do you think we've really seen the last of this family?

We've definitely not seen this last of this family! They seem too powerful! I have a feeling that Nona's hands might be indicative of her being the one who killed so many people and that she will kill more.

8. Nona appears so naive in social situations. She seems to place a high value on friendships. I found myself wondering if Clera had not somehow sold information on her in town and that is how she switched her penny for a silver coin. Do you see that naivete somehow playing a further plot point in the story?

I think Nona places too much value on "friendships" without knowing what/who a true friend is. It seems evident that she'll face betrayals and that they'll shape her life, possibly making her bitter and non-trusting. Because of her naivety I don't know that she'll listen to her inner self or warnings, but I don't trust Clera at all.

9. The faux trial, the truth test, the Shield test. Wow! It was nonstop. I had to keep reminding myself that Nona is not yet even a teenager. It was hard to stomach. That one man could force all of this cruelty and chaos. And that everyone went along with it. What was your biggest takeaway? What did you enjoy the most? The politics, the revelations, the action? Were you satisfied with how it eventually resolved?

I also had a really hard time with Nona's age. I kept telling myself, "has she gotten older?" or "I thought she was younger" because so much of what she's gone through seems like an adult has done those things not a child. I was so disgusted with Jacob that he allowed all that to happen. On the other hand, I really liked Abess Glass and how she stood up to others.

10. We learned more about the prophecy. Both what is rumored and what the Abbess believes. We also learn what Arabella and Nona will claim as their Sister names. Do you think it was really Arabella in the Prologue? Have you changed your viewpoint on Arabella?

Hmmm, I hadn't really thought about whether it was Arabella in the prologue, but now that I think about it I do think it most likely was Arabella. I like her better than I previously did because she has more depth to her than I had thought. She's not the BAD person I thought she was.

11. As we come to the middle of the novel, have your thoughts changed regarding any of the characters? The style? The book itself? Any major surprises? What do you think will happen next?

I'm sorry but I already read the next section because I was on a trip, so I don't want to say what happens next since I already know. I've definitely changed points of view on characters, such as Arabella and also just really like Abbess Glass. I find her a bit intriguing.

Book Title: Rosemary and Rue
Author: Seanan McGuire
Date read: 7/15/18
Number of pages: 346
BOM/BR: Yes, BOM
Link to my first comment to this BOM
Character Names: Toby Daye, Cliff, Gilly, Simon Torquill, Raysel, Luna, Oleander, Evening Winterrose, Quentin, Mitch Brown, Julia
Letters: B, C, D, E, G, J, L, M, O, Q, R, S, T, W

Set 4: 21-end

And I am done!

19. October seems to be pretty popular with the men. This section starts with Conner putting the moves on her despite being married. Tybalt also seems to be a potential love interest (which I’m a fan of) and then there’s her husband who we haven’t met yet - I’m leaving Devin off this list for obvious reason. Do you have someone you’d like to see Toby end up with or do you not care about the romance aspect?

I do like a good romance, and in this story with its characters, I think Tybalt would be a good romantic match.

20. I really like The Luidaeg as a character and think she will be important in later books. What did you think of her? Do you think Toby made a mistake by forcing The Luidaeg in her debt? Why do you think she did it?

I think she did the right thing so Toby didn't make a mistake. I think she did it so that she can use it in a later book for something more important.

21. Were you surprised it turned out to be Devin? I never liked or trusted him so wasn’t too surprised when he ended up being the bad guy. Why do you think Toby trusted him so much?

I wasn't surprised at all! I didn't care for him nor trust him from the get-go, so I thought it might be him anyway. I think that because she really liked him it was easier for her to trust him.

22. I loved it when Toby asked her cats to bring her to their king, Tybalt. Did you have a favorite part or character?

I think my favorite was probably the Luidaeg.

23. One thing I’ve been wondering about is whether or not her husband, Cliff, knew she is a changeling. She can’t control her illusion at the dawn so did he know about it? Does her daughter? If they know she’s a changeling why wouldn’t she have explained what had happened over the last 14 years? Or did I miss something and all this was explained.

I don't think it ever said they knew, so I'm thinking that perhaps we might find out in another book...I hope.

24. How did you like it overall? Do you think you will continue on with the series? If you do continue, what are you hoping to know more about it later books?

I liked it all right, but I didn't love it. I haven't gotten too much into the fae so that might be partly why. But it's kind of like a restaurant: I can't try it one time, not like the food, and say it's a terrible place. I have to try at least one more time (maybe two), so I'll most likely read book 2 and see if it grows on me.

Set 3 Chapters 14-20

13. We finally meet Lily. What do you think of her? Is she what you expected?

I have a new granddaughter (4 months old) named Lily, so I couldn't help but wonder based on her sweet nature how this Lily would be. LOL I don't think she is a very strong female character as of now, but that may change. I hope what Simon did to her wasn't as awful as I can picture.

14. Screw you, Evening! "I shouted. "Screw your duty and your dying and...and you're going off and leaving me to deal with this alone! "Why would October say she is doing this alone? From what I can see she has a lot of resources and help available. All she has to do is ask. Why wouldn't she ask for help?

I think in part this relates back to how Toby feels about herself. I see her lacking confidence and she just doesn't believe that people like her that much so she has trust issues. I think she will do what she has to do, but it usually feels SO MUCH BETTER when you have help, especially when you're over your head.

15. Why did October let the Doppelganger in? Was she really fooled? From what I've read so far I wouldn't have expected her to open the door.

Honestly, I don't think she opened the door to the "Doppleganger." I think she opened it to whomever she thought it might be.

16. I am so confused. There are a lot of new characters and I feel not enough of an explanation as to why they are there. What do you think of the book so far? Do you like the writing style?

The issue I have is that I've listened to over half of the book on audio while driving and I have a hard time keeping them all in my head. I prefer reading along to an audio with a physical copy and writing down names of characters until I get to know and remember them.

17. Can we trust Devin? Does he really care for October or does he want something in return?

I haven't trusted him from the get-go. I'm not sure he really does care for October yet. I have a hard time letting go of who he was in his previous actions by using children who need love and good role models, not someone who uses them.

18. Will October find Evenings killer in this book? And more important will she survive with all her limps still attached?

Good question. I hope she does find the killer in this book and I think she will, because I don't think the readers want that kind of cliffhanger. LOL

Chapters 6-13

7. During these chapters we meet Devin. What are your thoughts on him? How do you feel about the things he does to these runaways? October claims they used each other but love each other all the same. What do you think of their relationship? He searched for her for 10 years when no one else cared enough to.

As of now I'm not too fond of Devin because I think he's definitely been inappropriate with some of the girls.

8. Winterrose did a lot for October - more then she ever knew. She kept her Home safe while she was missing. Why do you think that was? How was it that Evening cared so much for October when it's clear that October kept pushing her away?

It isn't atypical for certain people to push others away when they themselves have been hurt or bullied, etc. October is a bit negative and doesn't seem to believe that others truly care for her.

Also because October is half-human and the pure bloods have power over her, and that's never really a comfortable place to be. She might not be able to see her worth as a result.

9. After October's visit with Devin she gets trapped in fog caused by a rose goblin. The goblin hands her the key that Evening gave away right before she was murdered. By using the key October found the Hope Chest which she assumes is why Evening was murdered. The Hope Chest give a changeling the ability to become Pure Blood. If Evening had this why do you think she never told October or offered it to her?

Although curiosity killed the cat, sometimes the idea of the unknown is too scary! Since no one really knows what the Hope Chest does, it's evident that it might do nothing good but only bad. Offering it to October might be opening up a whole new can of worms.

10. October gives the chest to Tybalt for keeping, making him promise to protect it for her. What do you think of him so far? I think his relationship with October is so interesting. To me, it seems like he cares about her even though October keeps saying there is nothing but hate between them. He's like a little boy teasing the girl he likes mercilessly because he's embarrassed he likes her. :)

I'm keeping an open mind, but having taught Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet for 25 years and knowing how hot-headed Tybalt was (and it's what his name means), I'm skeptical about him. He'll have to prove himself to me.

11. It seems as if October's magic is becoming easier for her to do. Do you think the Hope Chest has already affected her? Do you think it will ever wear off?

Her magic might be becoming easier simply because with a little practice most things do. I assume it depends on the kind of magic it is as to whether or not it will last forever or wear off.

12. We finally meet Sylvester and his family? What do you think of them? Connor seems like a strange guy to figure out to me!

So far I like Sylvester. Connor is a bit "strange" but that makes people interesting, so I'm good with his family so far.

Luna, on the other hand, is harder for me to figure out how she really feels. I think she might be being a bit fake in how she acts but time will tell.

Day 1, Set 1: Prologue to chapter 5

1. What strikes me is the heartlessness of the fae, or perhaps a better way to say it is their lack of humanity. That curse was so cruel: October was spelled into becoming a fish, and the spell stuck for 14 years, twice the length a human is held in the fae hollow hills. Do you think there is any relevance to the amount of time the spell lasted? Why do you think October calls the 6 months after she emerges from the spell her penance?

I agree that the curse was heartless. I honestly know very little about fae, so this "introduction" to them doesn't make me feel very good about them. I think Simon was specifically being cruel to her. I don't know why the time was doubled, but I doubt it was by accident. I'm sure there's a designed plan.

2. The daughter's name is Gilly and her mother was turned into a fish? Seems like someone should have seen that coming. Ok, the question: If Gilly is a quarter fae, doesn't that make her a changeling as well? If 14 years has passed, it seems she didn't need to make the choice, or she chose human - do you think the choice has been made? What do you think about a daughter not wanting to see her mother - even with just a quarter fae, wouldn't there be some things that are strange in her life? Wouldn't she want some answers?

It makes sense that Gilly would be a changeling. I think it is sad that she won't see her mother, but there are many mother/daughter relationships in real life that struggle too. I think that I would most definitely want answers but my pride MIGHT keep me from asking.

3. I laughed at the comparison of cats to Sidhe, "...where both sides said, "I don't need you," and both answered, "You'll still stay." How many cat caretakers (as one never OWNS a cat) out there agree? (Non-cat people: feel free to chime in. ;)

I am most definitely not a cat-lover...at all! I am a dog lover but leave the cats to others who love and appreciate them!

4. In these few opening chapters, we are introduced to two characters, Tybalt and Evening, both of whom October seems to have a hate/love or love/hate relationship with, while there is still some sort of a bond. Do you think this typical of the fae, or just October?

I honestly have no idea how to answer this question because I haven't read hardly anything about fae before.

5. After 5 chapters, I am having a hard time understanding October. I know she is a changling and so only half human, but I don't understand why she doesn't go to her child. I am hoping there is more context about her pre-fish years so I have a better view on why she makes the choices she makes. What is your take on October?

I really like her a lot. I like how she really does care about her friend's death enough to really investigate it and get involved.

6. When October relives Evening's death, she hears Evening say about her: "...she'll find what's been left for her to find, she'll end this mockery at last." What are your guesses about what the "mockery" is? Do you think it has something to do with why the Queen of Mists won’t help find Evening’s killer?

I don't know what the mocker is and I think it is very feasible that it might have something to do with the Queen of Mist's reason not to help find Evening's killer.

Well, I guess were in the same boat then. Lol

Book Title: Black
Author: T.L. Smith
Date read: 7/13/18
Number of pages: 277
BOM/BR: Yes, BR Link to BR
Character Names: Rose, Liam Black, Pres, Gray, Jake, Hayden, Stella

Morgan wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Morgan wrote: "Hey Vicki!!! I hope you enjoyed the book. I was super weirded out at first, as I thought the prologue was, quite possibly, the oddest prologue I've ever read. Ha! "

Yea, it definitely made more sense as the story went on. At first I thought he was simply (view spoiler)[controlling and that it was so he wouldn't let her in, so he couldn't feel that closeness. I guess in a way it was. I can see why he closed off and put up walls for sure. I couldn't understand why she'd stay with him but I knew she had to see more than the reader at first. (hide spoiler)]

Was it Roger who (view spoiler)[raped Rose? Do you remember? Or do you know why they were hunting her down? (hide spoiler)]