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

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

Tammie, I am so confused by the time clocks. Week 3 said earlier that there was over 1 hour left and now it says over 6 hours and 31 minutes. But week 4 is counting down and says we have 6 days 17 hours. Why would week 3 say we have more time now? Week 3 ends Dec. 5 which is (for me) today. But when does week 4 start? I just read another book and now I don't know where to put it or if I messed up!

Today we leave our resort in Mexico at 12:45. The flight is at 3:40 and we arrive in San Francisco around 8:30. So we'll be home around 10:30...point being I won't be online today much if at all.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day (if you celebrate it).

Tammie wrote: "Vicki wrote: "I read and TinEye says it's 49.7% pink. I rounded it up and listed it as a pink book for bonus points; however, if that's not okay then captains ..."

OK, bummer! lol

I read and TinEye says it's 49.7% pink. I rounded it up and listed it as a pink book for bonus points; however, if that's not okay then captains please remove the color bonus check mark. Sometimes other computers give it a different percentage so just saying. If you want to check and see what you come up with or ask the MOD.

Jodie (JT) wrote: "vicki i just checked your book Winter it now has 40 tags so i changed that on the spreed sheet"

Oh my goodness! Thank you.

Today we went on a dinner cruise but left our resort at 2:00. While we were waiting in Los Cabos for the guy from our boat to pick up our group, I saw a lady reading Verity and I got SO excited! One of her friends told her she had to read a Colleen Hoover book. Of course, I had to talk to her about it. It was her first Hoover book! So I told her about my favorite, It Ends with Us, and she said that's the book her friend told her to read. LOL It was so cool. They happen to live in Banff, Canada which is where we went this past July. That was so nice to meet them.

Vicki's Participation

Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQs ~ Day 3 (Chap 23 - Chap 32)

9. More and more Delaney secrets are being revealed. Learning that Stan would get upset over something and just leave regardless of the situation was very odd, especially with stopping the car on the way to a tournament in the middle of the highway and just walking away. This was the strangest of the described behaviors to me. What secret made you pause? Did any of the secrets help you to understand the family dynamic?

I think Stan's behavior was immature just leaving when he was upset. It's not like he just left to get himself together for a few minutes or so, so just his leaving was weird to me. Like the time he left for 5 days was SO bad. I'd probably have left my husband. lol

10. Joy’s narration of the events of Father’s day were more dramatic than any of the other views. She kept referring to feeling sick and the things she was describing kept making me think of poisoning but I really don’t trust Savannah! What caught your attention from this section of the story? Do you have any theories on the circumstances of Joy’s disappearance?

Joy's disappearance could've been for multiple reasons. The author is making Stan appear to possibly be behind her disappearance but I think it's too obvious. I had no idea at this point what might have happened to her.

11. Joy and Savannah are enjoying an afternoon of shopping. During their stop at the cafeteria, we see a glimpse into a different Savannah. She reveals that she did classical ballet and she seems to have contempt for the child ballerina who was eating a cupcake. Do you think this was a look into the “real” Savannah and what, if anything, does it tell you about her past?

I think she felt somewhat disgust for this little ballerina because she'd have to keep her weight and shape and body in top shape. I have a feeling that she was harped on to keep her weight down and not indulge in much sweets or fat or foods that could have prevented her from being in her best shape.

12. Savannah shows up unexpectedly at Troy’s home with a story she wants to tell him; it takes Troy a bit to realize the true intent of the visit. Were you surprised by visit or did you expect something like this? How do you think Troy will handle the situation? Do you think this is Savannah’s true reason for seeking out the Delaney’s or is there more to it?

I didn't "expect" her to show up at Troy's but I also wasn't surprised that she did considering how she showed up so randomly at Joy's and Stan's and practically became an overnight family member. I think she's calculating and devious and that she's definitely trying to pit them all against each other for some reason.

Tammie wrote: "What do you all think...pink enough?
"

It doesn't specify how much pink so I would say it's okay. Just my opinion.

Tammie wrote: "Cindy wrote: "I'm thinking that I should have Dune finished sometime on Sunday if not sooner than that. I did get another book finished and added to the spreadsheet. I don't think I will be able to..."

Which two books? I am reading book but it's not tagged 10x

Day 2 Discussion Questions
Ch 13-22

5. The list of characters continues to grow. Although, I do think we are getting more views of the family. Have you been able to form opinions about the family members, yet? Do you have any favorites?

I think the family is absolutely dysfunctional and I can't say that I have a favorite. In fact, I don't really care for any of them.

6. The scenes with the brownies struck me as strange. The family all seem to know that the brownies are important to Amy, but Stan is weird and seems to be making it into a competition. Everyone else seems to be trying to avoid the show down. As a family that has been competitive for so long, is it weird that they seem to shy away from it?

LOL When I was reading that scene, I thought "really?" It was very weird to me but I think they're so dysfunctional that the scene fit anyway, if that makes sense.

7. Savannah continues to stay just out of focus for me. I don't know what to think about her. Any thoughts on who she is or why she is working so hard to ingratiate herself with Joy and Stan?

She seems to have "oldest sibling syndrome (my made up term)." She always seems to want to get to the bottom of things and is in some ways a leader. But at the same time I don't trust her so her motives are possibly not good ones.

8. "Why not rewrite the memory and remember it as a perfect day? What was the actual benefit of accuracy when it came to memories?" (p157) I like this quote. It gives a bit of insight into the collective memories of the family. I think it offers a bit of unreliability to all of our narrators. What do you think about this view of memories?

The way I take this quote it appears to be saying we should change our memories so they are how we wanted them or would like them to have been. I don't like that because I think the things we've gone through, good and bad, make us who we are. We live and learn for both good and bad things in our life. So I'm not a lover of this quote.

Tammie wrote: "I'm reading a romance for another challenge and then I'm going to read Cinder. Glad you all are off and running on the reading. 1 week and we'll have a new genre to think on :)

Ple..."

I'm glad you liked Cinder :) I'm reading Cress and liking it BUT it was so long ago that I read books 1 and 2 that I feel like I am missing a lot.

Day 1 discussion questions

1. Traditional 1st BOM question! What has led you to join in?
Is Liane Moriarty one of your must read authors or are you more like me, where I'm happy to read her books as I get round to them.

I joined in to get points for my team! I've read four of her books, but even though I've liked them I haven't added her to my favorites yet so I guess I read them whenever I get around to it.

2. I'm finding this difficult to sink into. 2 different timelines and multiple points of view. So far we've had the prologue, the waitress, Joy, the beautician, Barb, Brooke's physiotherapy patient, Brooke, the Uber driver, the police officer and Logan. I feel like I've missed someone as well! Do you think we'll circle back to anyone other than the family?

I agree! I think there were too many characters introduced too close together making it a bit difficult for me to connect. I do think we'll come back full circle to some of them but not all.

3. Savannah has just appeared at the house. Do you think she has more of a link to the family than she is saying? I feel like the house choice isn't entirely random but I can't put my finger on why (other than reading too much and trying to see patterns). What are your feelings about Joy and Stan taking her in?

I also thought there's more to it than meets the eye. I think it was very unwise of them to take in a stranger like they did. There are appropriate times such as when a friend knows someone you don't and asks you if they can stay with you awhile, but taking in a totally random stranger is not good.

4. There's a lot of hints towards Joy and Stan's relationship being less than picture perfect. Do you think he's responsible for Joy's disappearance or has she really taken herself off grid? With the comments in her section about memory loss, is this actually a case of a lady with relatively early onset dementia getting lost?

It's really hard to say the reason she's gone. There are multiple possibilities. I think the husband appears guilty but I also feel like the author is pointing us to him too much. So even though he appears to be guilty he probably isn't.

I went back and read my reviews for the first 2 books in The Lunar Chronicles and decided it's time to read the next 2. I mean, it's only been since Nov. 18, 2013 since I read book 2. So I guess it's time! lol

Tammie wrote: "Has anyone read Cinder...I'm just noticing it's a YA book...any commentary would be appreciated as I'm thinking I'd probably read at least the 1st 2 books but don't want to commit u..."

I am not a sci-fi person, but I read this way back in 2013 so don't remember a lot about it except that Cinder is a cyborg (14 I think) and I don't recall it being "really young...no" Even though I am not a sci-fi person I did write on my review that I thought it was a "must-read" so that says something. That being said, we all have such different taste but I do think it's worth reading the first book and see how you like it. If you listen to the audio, it's only 10 hours on the slowest speed. That's how I read it and I enjoyed the audio but it's free on KU now. If you decide to read it, I'd love to know how you like it.

Hello team...sorry for being such a late-comer to this challenge but RL got in my way. I've been sick the past few days and need to be well for a trip to Mexico on Wednesday!

I love Wheels and can't wait to play it again!

Vicki's Wheels 7 Shelf

I live in the Central Valley in California. I'm a retired high school teacher (thank goodness)! I couldn't have dealt with the technology/ZOOM etc. that they've had to do since 2020.

Happily married to Scott for 22 years (my second marriage). I have 5 children (3 girls, 2 boys), 22 grandchildren (12 boys, 10 girls) and 5 great grandchildren with my 6th due on December 7th and it's a girl so that'll be 3 great boys and 3 great girls! We like to keep the numbers fairly even. lol

My favorite genres are historical fiction, psychological thriller, thriller, mystery, sports romance, romance in general, some fantasy but just can't really get into sci-fi unless it's not "hard core."

I am not happy with space opera but who's complaining? I will have to look at my choices but I might read The Martian again since I have it but I already read it in March 2021 so I'm not sure yet.

I plan to hopefully plan out some reading tomorrow assuming I'll feel better!

Vicki's BOM Participation

Day 1 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 2 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 3 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQs Day 3 Chapter 10 to Chapter 13

10.) Another glimpse at Oliver's life. What the heck is he doing with those people? I'm exhausted just reading about Garland and her 'friends'. Do you think he'll find his way back to Mallow Island?

OMG! I have to agree with you...I'm also exhausted! lol I do think he has enough strength in him to find his way back to Mallow Island.

11.) Zoey. This girl breaks my heart. Her coming to realize and possibly accept she was a child no one really wanted. I mean he dad didn't even go to her high school graduation. WTF? Do you think you could do what she's doing and with the attitude she has, if you were her?

I have to admire Zoey! I grew up in a very loving yet strict home. My dad was always there for us girls and we always knew we were loved and he was proud of us. Mom too. I have to say I don't know that I would have the strength to have such a positive attitude, but being a woman of faith I would sure hope so.

12.) Pidgeon has been disappearing for longer periods of time. Any thoughts on what's going on there? Are you enjoying the woo-woo ghosty elements?

I thought Pidgeon was maybe just ready to move on and spend time alone/with others? I did like the book much more than the title and cover would've indicated to me because I am a cover freak and not a lover of this one! I definitely will read a book based on a beautiful, intriguing, mysterious cover or any that pique my interest for whatever reason.

13.) We have much more of Mac's story now. Was any part of his story surprising to you?

Absolutely! I didn't think about his mother having left him like that. Maybe rather than saying I was "surprised" I'd say that I figured on that specifically. I was somewhat surprised by his nurturing character.

DQs 2: chapter 5 - Ghost Story Lizbeth

6. A second ghost! Who appears to be tied to being a ghost because of Mac , and seems like she'd rather leave. Do you think that's true, or is she staying because she wants to? How does Camille's experience compare to Lisbeth's?

I think she's ambivalent and staying in large part for Mac's sake but I think a part of her also wants to be there. Camille and Lizbeth seem almost opposites. I think Camille is much more of a "blue person" or is what I'd call a "people person."

7. We meet Oliver. What do you think of him and his situation and decisions?

I have to admire him for having the gumption to take care of his mental health and seek a therapist. I hope he makes an equally good decision and gets away from Garland!

8. Roscoe Avanger - any thoughts about him and his control over the Dellawisp? Lizbeth highlighted some passages from his book (chap 9). What do you think of the selection, and what, if any, relevance do you see with the wider story we are reading ?

I had a feeling that he wanted to help others but honestly wasn't sure at this point in the book whether there'd be any real relevance.

9. There are a lot of difficult parent/child relationships so far, but only one sibling. why do you think we haven't heard from Lucy yet?

I think mainly for the suspense of the reader wondering and questioning what's really going on.

Day 1 DQs: Chapter 1 – Chapter 5

1. Have you ever read any books by this author before? What drew you to read this book?

Yes, I've read 7 of her books (8 including this one) but I've not rated any of them a 5-star book yet. I was drawn to this one because a friend wanted to buddy read it and then it became BOM and I wanted to read it for extra points for a challenge.

2. How does the book’s setting on an island influence the story so far? Would you want to visit?

I don't see how the island is influencing the story so far, but typically the setting does influence the storyline so I assume it will and I'll discover how later. I'd visit just about any island given the chance, so sure.

3. What do you think of the use of ghosts as a narrative strategy, in general and in this book?

I think it can be fun and sometimes more interesting but I don't have enough ghost POV's since there was only 1 up to this point so I can't answer how it will work as a narrative strategy yet.

4. Do you have a favorite character yet? Why?

I'm not sure I have a true favorite as of yet, but I really like Zoey and Charlotte (maybe because that's my BFF's name).

5. Finally do any of the marshmallow food items sound worth eating or do they seem a bit much? Does where you live have any famous food items?

Well, I absolutely love roasted marshmallows! But I only eat them if we go camping and it's been a few years. I'm not really a sweet potato eater, but it brings back sweet memories of when Mom made them with marshmallows for Thanksgiving.

California is known for its sour dough bread, the California roll, Cobb salad, and especially in San Francisco cioppino, which is a spicy fish stew. I have had many people tell me that they have never eaten Mexican food as good as the restaurants in CA makes it but that's based on friends and family who've moved or visited other states and countries.

NetGalley November 2022
Beginning of the month.
Feedback Ratio: 26%
435 Approved | 112 Feedback Sent



To Start:
a: How many books on your NetGalley shelf: 292 (431 approved / 108 feedback sent)
b: What books are on your NG shelf: August Goal: 10 books (plus some reviews for books already read)



c: What your NetGalley feedback ratio is: 26% (but I'm a work in progress!
2. During the month, read the NetGalley books that you can AND update your post with your reviews. (You can do this after each book or wait until the end of the month.)

3. At the end of the month, update your post and with:
c: Your updated shelf count:
e: Your updated ratio: