Nistha’s Comments (group member since Apr 16, 2023)

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

All, just intrigued what has been your best read(s) this year? I want to torture my bookshelves and increase my TBR

Haha! I feel the same so many times.. the only way out for me is to read short hooky books that I can finish in like 2-3 sitttings

Ahh indeed thanks for finding it a place :)

I am reading The Tainted Cup which was in the previous BoMs - I am thinking if we shift it to M15, move everything one down, then it will tie with the starting letter of P and cover one more for this ladder?

Logged my last read for this round! Unfortunately my ambitious goal of reading 2 more books did not materialise haha.. blaming my bosses

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?

I think they will become good confidantes for Ododo. They will give her another perspective. I fear one of them might die - i dont know why, got the feeling.

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 I read the scene, I felt it was more to cover her secrets than save Ododo. I do feel she cares for her but her intentions run deeper.

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"?

I think it was a great step for her to not only attend this but also give valuable advice. She is really smart and feels nice to read that her suggestions were taken.


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?

I feel the riot was more of a plot point to expose Kolo.

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?
Katniss is Ododo for sure. Maybe Haymitch is one of the advisers.

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 would be extremely cautious of Kolo - I am sure she has some agenda and is acting too good. The blacksmith woman can be an ally.


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?

Loving this sisterhod going on - I bet theres a good backstory to it. I feel she has joined.

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? (Yes, yes - I’ve gotten a touch cynical and suspicious in my old age.)

I do feel there is an ulterior motive just because it started off so randomly. But I do feel he is falling in love with her more and more and his love is pure.

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?

She is extremely mysterious to figure out. She has intentions and back story for sure. I feel she has trained or in some part involved with them (maybe by birth?)

Done!

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?

It is really interesting choice - very unique but I am only reading it as its the BoM

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 think it is fine - not too overwhelming - though the info dumping has made it harder for me to connect to the characters

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?

Not a great idea at all! I fell she and her mother have a love hate relation and afterall she is her mother, so must be very importan to her

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?

I have really enjoyed Kolo's character so far. I am fine with political marriages theme

Noted my last 2 books of the round.. I am travelling so hopefully I filled it right

I will finish my last book for this round today

Teddie wrote: "Update on SQUARE planning:

SQUARE 1
The Paris Apartment - Nistha
The Midnight Feast - Fiona
The Night Shift - Teddie
T ... T - ??

SQUARE 2 - PLANNED :)
Artemis - M
Six of Crows - Fiona
Six of Cro..."

I could do The Husband's Secret for Square 1

Fiona wrote: "Nistha, could you please add the correct edition of The Paris Apartment to your shelf? :)"

Sorry all done :)

My first book was a solid thriller. Now I am guilty of starting 4 books together haha. This round I am traveling a bit so might not be able to read a lot but I have picked up (hopefully) fast paced reads.. lets see how it goes

Hey everyone! So excited for another wheels..
I’m Nistha, 30, and currently living in London but originally from India.I work in finance here. I kind of read across genre but this year my trend has been horror, thriller and fantasy - I love romances but somehow didn't read a lot of them yet this year. I am not a big fan of YA or Non-fiction.

My shelf: 2025-wheels-around-the-world

If you could take a literary pilgrimage anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I'd like to do India - I feel I have missed out a lot here and there is a lot of diversity within the country itself - so would be exciting to read from authors across

What’s a book that made you want to pack a bag and travel somewhere new?
The Unhoneymooners - to Hawaii

You’re walking part of the real Camino de Santiago: which book character would you want as your walking companion?
Vera Wong - she is too fit for a granny and too cool

Do you prefer to read about far-off adventures or cozy, close-to-home stories?
Far off adventures

What’s a country or culture you’ve learned about through a book that really stuck with you?
Theft - taught me a lot about post colonial Tanzania

If you could read in any scenic spot in the world, where would you set up your reading chair?
In a beach in Thailand

Unfortunately I fell sick over the weekend so wasn't able to get to my reads :/


But I had a blast this year! Thanks caps for the hard work :) And all my teamies to make the past 3 months so enjoyable

Book: Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
Date Read: 17 August 2025
Pages: 204

Not sure if it works for any mini

Winifred Notty
Drusdilla
Andrews

Unfortunately for me, work has been a bit too hectic this past week so not sure if I would be able go get to my itenary book. But hopefully I should get the rest covered. The Sword of Kaigen has started off quite strong otherwise I would have dropped that one.

I finished my science book but I cannot post a completion post with links as I get access to my computer only late tonight..

Below completion post without links in case it works and we want to move on to another country

Wings of Fire: An Autobiography
Read 14 Aug 25
180 pp

Mini 3
Mpg science

It Would Be Night in Caracas by Karina Sainz Borgo
240 pp
12 Aug

Mini 1: Author born Venezuela

Char: Adelaida Falcon