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

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

Discussion Questions Part 2 (Ch 12 to 16)

6) Sometimes we are strangers even to ourselves
Another great quote in this book! Do you think Elizabeth was just referring to Henry here or about all 3 of them? She seems quite restless and unsettled since finding Victor. Why do you think this is?

I think she was referring to all three of them because she includes themselves in the general population. In other words, she was referring to everyone.

7) It's fairly well established at this point that everyone is frightened of Victor to the point where most seem to want to avoid him as much as possible. Elizabeth comments that at night when she was scared and having horrible nightmares she went to Victor. And sleeping by his side, she had no nightmares. Why do you think that is?

I think she does that because she is crazy! LOL But seriously, I think that up to that point and throughout their lives, she and Victor had such a close bond that she doesn't fear him if she is right by his side. She can't conceive of the possibility that he'd hurt her if she's right there to talk him down.

8) Why do you think everyone was so willing to believe Justine killed William? To believe her going mad so suddenly and randomly? Do you think she actually did it? If not, who do you think it was?

I definitely don't think that Justine killed William. In that day and time it was easy to use a woman of Justine's class and lack of being "somebody" in society, so she was simply their scapegoat.

9) Elizabeth sees her actions towards saving Justine from her previous life as the only selfless thing she has done in her life. Do you think her actions were truly selfless though?

At the time when I read what she did for Justine, I did think her actions were selfless; however, now that the story has progressed, I think that based on her character traits she did have alternative reasons for helping Justine. I believe that one reason was simply to help her but not the only reason.

10) Upon seeing the monster having a conversation with Victor, that Victor appears to lose, Elizabeth's reaction is to find out what it is holding over Victor, remove the hold, then kill the monster. Do you think this is a normal reaction? What would you have done?

I don't know what I would have done if truly confronted with that situation, but knowing myself today I don't think I'd have killed the monster myself. I'm too chicken. I don't think it was normal because in reality I don't think most women would do such a thing.

Discussion Questions Part 1 (pg 1-124)

1. I love this quote in the story. “Justine did not have to pretend, as she always seemed genuinely unaware of the effect we had on men. I, however, was perfectly aware of my beauty. I considered it a skill, alongside speaking French, English, Italian, and German. It was a language of its own, in a way; on that translated well in different circumstances.” What does this tell you about the different characters of Justine and Elizabeth?

This quote reminded me of how the two women are so different. Elizabeth is very cunning and a "gifted" liar; whereas, Justine is such an innocent personality and so sweet in nature. She shoots straight and doesn't connive and lie the way Elizabeth. Elizabeth uses her "womanly wiles" to get what she wants, but Justine is a natural beauty who is so pure in heart that she doesn't even consider her effect on others, particularly men.

2. Elizabeth truly seems able to control Victor’s dark character. She helps him clean up after the incident with his younger brother, and comes up with a story to help save Victor. Why do you think she is able to do that when no-one else seems able to control him?

I think that in some ways they are similar personalities. For whatever reason, they bonded from the get-go and I think that gave them a special bond where he listens to her because he's possessive of her/their friendship. He's willing to listen to her because she seems to be his only true friend.

3. When Henry proposes to Elizabeth, she immediately begins to worry whether she can be the wife he needs. But she decides to send him to Victor to ask for his blessing. She figures there can be two outcomes - one Victor will return to her and ask her to marry him, or two Victor will give his blessing and she can marry Henry. This “plot” comes from feeling desperate to belong and the fear of not being needed by the Frankenstein’s anymore. What would you do if you felt that way?

To truly put myself in her shoes, I would have to consider the time in which Elizabeth lived. I would probably do the same thing she did to ensure a marriage and having a man to take care of me. Today, however, I would not do such a thing. I'd marry out of love and know that I can provide for myself.

4. When Elizabeth burns down the house that Victor was using for his experiments, she hears a large splash in the river. Who do you think it was fleeing the burning building? Do you think it’s the same man Elizabeth saw out her window at the boarding house and out of her carriage? Or do you think her mind is playing tricks on her?

No, I don't think her mind is playing tricks on her. But I'm not sure who it was that she saw. It's possible it was the same man.

5. Re-tellings are now one of my favorite new genres. Do you like this retelling of the Frankenstein story so far? What other re-tellings have you read that you really liked?

I love this book so far. My favorite re-tellings are A Court of Thorns and Roses, Hag-Seed, and Scarlet.

Will the deadline still be 1:00 PST?

I am supposed to be buddy reading Scythe but the other person hasn't begun it yet and sadly her mother passed away last night. So I went ahead and started The Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein. I think it'll probably give us more points.

I really hate for this to end. We have had such good camaraderie on this team and we've all been so supportive. That doesn't happen on all teams.

I seriously hope to be on teams with you guys/gals again!

QUESTION: I was going to read Scythe which is 435 pages but I realized that I can still do The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein for BOM points. I don't know which would help more, the larger page number or the BOM points, but I'm assuming the BOM. I am getting up at 3:30 AM because hubby has to pull an early shift, so it's possible I could read both; however, just in case I fall back asleep would it be better for our team to read the BOM with only 305 pages? I need input, please. I had put Scythe down for letter S and the BOM's author has an S in her last name, so either book works for the S if we need it.

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Vicki, your dates are not set for the recent books. If they aren't set, we can't count them :(

Please put the start and end dates for the book, for some reason Goodreads did not log them

The Yo..."

I went back and took care and double checked. Currently they are all on my wheel shelf. Fingers crossed they stay!

DQs: December 6th

Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus

27. What do you think of Vaughn's pranks? Do you find them funny throughout the story? Could you relate to the way he thinks - like everything is just a step away from a disaster to happen?

Generally, I don't find pranks to be very funny, mainly because they often backfire. I didn't care for his pranks, either, because (as too often happens) he went overboard.

28. I've noticed that the stories in the book have some kind of continuity regarding fathers and them leaving. Did you get a similar feeling too? What do you think why Vaughn's dad left and what do you think of his mom and how she is handling the whole situation?

Because I had such a good father, I always notice good/bad fathers and mothers in books/stories. So I did notice and it's heartbreaking. I think he's like too many men and runs from responsibility, rather than dig deep, solve for solutions, and lead his family. And the mother, like FAR too many in the stories I read, did not handle things well at all.

29. In my opinion, the quick love-to-be between Vaughn and Gracie felt a bit rushed. Do you feel the same way or do you have a different opinion? Do you think they go together well as a couple and why?

I did think it was a bit rushed, but it's a short story so it wasn't that rushed. I though they were into each other from the start. I think because they tended to be different, yet they got each other, it worked.

30. During the reading, I also wondered how kind was Gracie's dad, the pastor, to Vaughn. What do you think was the course of his actions, do you think it was really just out of kindness as Gracie pointed out? Overall, how did you 'experience' the pastor? Did he seem like an actual pastor?

I've of the mind that we never can know what's in one's heart, so who knows the real reasons for his trying to help Vaughn. That being said, I do think his reasons were motivated by care and concern. He appeared to be a good pastor and a caring one the way he was with his "sheep."

Welcome to Christmas, CA

31. Would you like to live in a town like Christmas? If yes/no, why?

Good question. It obviously has its pros and cons, but overall I'd love living in a small town like Christmas. I'm sure it's more family-oriented, meaning the community is like family, but my biggest concern in such a small populated area is the gossip that would abound and everyone would be what I always call "buttinskees> (butt-in-skees), butting into others' business where ones butt (nose) doesn't belong!

32. What do you think you would be if you were a food?

It's been a long time since I have pondered that question, as in never! lol I'd be ambrosia to represent goddesses!

33. Did you expect Rick acting this way and saving money so Maria could go to could go to college.

I wasn't expecting it, no, but I wasn't shocked either. He seemed to really care about her situation.

34. Personally, I really liked Maria as a character - especially when she helped Candy so much. What did you think of her?

She is one of those type of characters who grew on me and I liked her by time the story ended.

35. What part of Christmas is your favorite?

The ONLY thing that I can't live without: FAMILY

DQ's Day 5

Krampuslauf

22. Krampuslauf is an unusual holiday festivity. Does your community and/or country have unusual holiday traditions and/or festivals?

With as many cultures, religions, ethnicities, etc. in my community, city, and country, I am sure there are ones that I'd consider unusual, but I don't know of any in particular.

23. Penny and Silke were given the opportunity to decide if Roth was going to be punished. Penny showed more compassion with wanting Grieselda to punish him like Krampus would. What did you think about Roth being turned into a donkey?

Well, I'm not too terribly fond of what happened and it wasn't expected. I didn't like it.

24. Joachim told Hanna that his people are often beseeched for favors, but seldom invited to share feasts. When he offered her a gift, Hanna wanted to never forget that there’s magic in the world. Why do you think she wanted that?

I think in some ways we all hope that there is truly magic and there are still miracles in the world. I think it helps to keep us in positive spirits.

What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth

25. Sophie is having a hard time adjusting to college life. Having to say “just kidding” and wondering what she has done this time. Do you think she misread situations?

I definitely think she did. I think we all misread some situations in real life. It was obvious to me that she did feel like odd man out, and I think when we feel like that we tend to misread others.

26. Russell said the only constant in his life was the Simpsons. I feel when he was talking about his grandmother that she is a constant too, regardless of the amount of time he could spend with her. Is there something or someone that is a constant in your life that helps keep you grounded?

My constant is my faith and belief in God.

DQ's 3

14. We are halfway through. Do you have a favorite of the stories so far? Is there one you are particularly looking forward to reading?

I really liked several stories, but probably my favorite is "Your Temporary Santa." I was most looking forward to reading "Star of Bethlehem" simply because of the title.

It's a Yuletide Miracle

15. Marigold's apartment was a surprise. Have you ever lived somewhere with things piled up around you like that or where you had boxes unpacked for months?

LOL Let's just say I live it! But my "piles" are books and they are very necessary, so say I! Queen of the home! LOL Hubs might differ, but at least I keep getting new bookshelves to put them on.

16. I thought this story had a nice style. Have you read any books by Stephanie Perkins? What did you think?

I have read Anna and the French Kiss, and I read this book in December 201 6that she edited. I liked both very much and rated both 4 stars.

17. I was trying to picture Asheville in my mind and ended up doing some google-ing. Have you ever been there or somewhere like it?

No, I don't recall ever going to a place like that. Growing up, my mom and dad always got a tree from one particular place and had it snow-flocked and the lights added to it so you couldn't see the cords. They were always beautiful.

Your Temporary Santa

18. This story was the most unusual for me. I felt like there was a lot more going on than what I understood (like the nasty sister and the strange interaction with the mum in the hallway). But I find that a lot with Levithan books! How about you?

I haven't read other books by this author, that I can recall, so I don't have anything to go by. I'm not sure what his other books are like as far as writing style.

19. I like how he is Jewish and his parents gave him the story about Santa and how "you can wave to him as he flies past if you want". Did your parents have any unusual Christmas stories or traditions?

No, I don't even recall ever making cookies for Santa or anything like that. My dad owned a beauty salon and we did have parties at the salon where they did ladies' and young girls' hair for free. I was allowed to go and help sever food, etc. I love the spirit of giving and my parents taught me that, but I hope that's not unusual.

20. Did you ever see Santa? When did you stop believing?

I saw Santa when I was very young, and I can't tell when I stopped believing in him because that was too long ago. I can tell you I was in elementary school though. I'm guessing maybe by time I was 7 or 8.

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Awesome! Thanks so much. :) "

Vicki, thank you for finishing My True Love Gave to Me!

I put it in the spreadsheet for BOM Points and for the 50 bonus points for "8. Read a book wher..."

Do whatever with my books work best for! I always try to add something to one of the bonuses but it doesn't matter to me where it goes as long as it helps the team out. :)

Okay, mine is added now with the bonus. My book can cover 3 letters but I think it's already submitted for an E.

Thanks again, Teri. :)

Okay, thanks, Teri. :)

I just finished a book I hadn't planned to read but can't find any bonuses for it except ones that are taken. I don't know if anyone wants to dump their book if they're reading just for the bonus and have me take the spot, but if so these are the people and tasks I can replace IF anyone wants, if not that's okay:

Teri: Read a book between 202 and 301 pages (272 pgs.)
Colleen: Black text on cover
Mine: Has the name of at least 4 articles of clothing within the text

I don't know if it would help with anything if I replace someone else's or my own even. I don't know if replacing my own would help just by having the bonus done already so a "just in case" I don't get it done. lol I think I'm babbling!

Lol 😂 I KNEW I had it somewhere else but I’ll be darned if I could find it. Lol Thanks!

I'll do read something sweet.

Question: I'm doing the DQ's for but I don't think there's going to be only 3 sets, but more like 6 or so. I'm adding my link on the BOM tab, but only have room for one more so how do you want me to handle it?

Also, I read this book in December 2016, so I'm not sure how to show that I'm reading it again. I have the audio and book version, so I thought I'd use the audio but it still comes up as read and with my star rating. Suggestions?

DQs 2

Angels in the Snow

8. Shy puts up a good front that everything is just fine when he is actually starving and lonely. Haley's invitation to dinner seems to be exactly what he needs. Why do you think he is making choices that are clearly making him miserable?

I was so sad to hear that Mike told him he was the only one in the seven story complex not to have had someplace (least wise he didn't go anywhere) for Christmas. I think it's his pride.

9. Haley asks Shy about his meals, invites him to dinner, and then brings muffins which she puts straight into the refrigerator without giving Shy a chance to stop her. Do you think she suspects that he doesn't have any food? What did you think of her solution of fixing dinner and then dragging him up to her apartment to eat it?

Many people don't like to be thought of as "charity cases." I think Haley listens and is observant and knows in her heart of hearts that he's hungry and I think she did the one thing that she thought would save face for him, so she did the right thing.

10. In the end, it turns out that Haley wasn't completely honest, and she confesses her deception to Shy. What do you think initially motivated her to deceive him? Why is she telling him the truth now?

I think she liked him right off the bat but didn't have the nerve to tell him, so she lied so she'd have reason for him to come to her place and her to go to his. I think she tells him the truth because she's gained confidence in their relationship and she feels more comfortable letting him know the truth.

Polaris Is Where You'll Find Me

11. Given that Natalie has lived at the North Pole since she was a baby, did you find it odd that she seemed so completely alone at the party and separate from the elves?

Not really because I've been to places where even though I'm a confident woman, I've felt totally out of place and alone. They say you can be at a party and be around a lot of people and be alone but not lonely. I think she simply felt out of place.

12. What did you think of Santa as a dad: the dress, the dance, the fact he can't be lied to?

I think like most dads, he doesn't want his little girl to grow up. I think he's creating a memory for her that she might not even realize will live in her heart and memory forever by dancing with her. Such a thoughtful thing to do.

13. The end of the story was really open ended. Do you think Flynn is right that she will go away someday and stop believing or do you think she will stay at the North Pole?

I do think she'll leave one day; however, I think she'll continue to believe in the way that most adults do. We know the truth about certain myths/lies but perpetuate them anyway for whatever reasons, like Santa Claus. Many people tell their children there is Santa and even when they ask if he's real, they lie and say yes. That's a choice we have to make because one day every child learns the truth from someone.

Thanks, Karen.

On my personal SS, it doesn't show that I've read one 20 point book. Is there a way to fix that because I am locked out of it? Thanks, MODs. :)

When it says read something tagged on the first page, that isn't the same as the MPG where the book and its genre and author into etc. are shown, is it? It would be when you click "see top shelve" and on that very first page, right?

DQ's - Dec 1

Midnights
1. Mags and Noel meet at a New Years Eve party and we read dialogue from 4 consecutive celebrations. To me, it’s pretty obvious Noel is interested in more than a ‘friendship’ relationship with Mags. What are your thoughts about why Mags is so reluctant?

I'm not sure it was a matter of reluctance as much as she's young and possibly inexperienced and shy. It takes guts to step out of one's comfort zone and take a chance on something more than just friendship.

2. Not sure, but Noel appears to have some experience with other girls…Natalie, Amy, Alicia…while Mags doesn’t interact with other boys. What’s keeping Mags from other boys and if Noel really likes Mags why is he kissing/dating other girls?

I think he fears rejection from her because he's not getting the vibes that she likes him. He's not going out with her and he's young so I'm not surprised at all that he's kissing other girls just because he can. If Mags is anything at all like I have always been, she wouldn't want to kiss a boy she doesn't have feelings for and I think she only has feelings for Noel.

3. It seems that Noel is really the one open to different things and specifically change vs Mags who appears likes things status quo. One quote ’everything was the same and everything was different’… what does this mean to you?

This one reminds me of when I've reminisced and taken my children to where I used to live when they were young and I was a young mom. The entire neighborhood looked the same, the house was the same, and yet it looked so much smaller than I remembered it. Going by my parents' apartment where they lived before they passed away looks the same but without them there it will never really be the same.

The Lady and the Fox
4. The man (Fenny) is outside standing still…in the trees always at Christmas, always in the snow… What do you think about this man? He says he’s where he’s supposed to be…he’s only allowed to come when it shows…why do you think he’s supposed to be there?

I'm guessing that perhaps he is simply trapped and possibly under a spell. He's a mystery for sure.

5. Fenny gives Miranda the Fox Damask from his coat as a present and she fixes it so the fox is no longer chained and returns it to him one year later, again as a present. Is this ‘fox’ magic? Would he have been able to be free of the lady had this not occurred do you think?

No, I don't think he'd be free of the lady otherwise.

6. The fact that Miranda’s mother is in jail is one aspect of this story that requires ‘imagination’. What does her mother have in common with Finny (the man in the snow) and/or the lady? Do you think her mother is really in jail in Thailand?

I think I'd need more info to answer this one. I don't know why she'd make up a story like that though, so probably her mother is jailed.

7. The book was written in a ‘different’ style. If you were going to put a label on the style, what would you call it and why? Does Link’s style remind you on another author you’ve read…if so, who?

I think these are the type of stories I'd label as fairy-tales, if I had to pick something. I must say that this one was my least favorite story so far. To me, it takes real talent to write a short story that gives enough insight into the characters and plot development to really pique my interest and this one did not.

Carrie wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Okay, let's hope that this week doesn't run my reading life again. I am so sorry everyone, but I won't have two of my books completed. This is the first time I haven't gotten all of m..."

Awesome! Thanks so much. :)