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

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

DQs Day 2 Chapter 9-13

6. In this section, we learn that the countdown at the start of every chapter is for the Read-a-thon, a reading event Daphne is planning at the library. Did you try to figure out what it was about? What did you think? Or were you just along for the ride, waiting to find to, like I was?

I remember knowing it after while what it was for. I knew she was on some sort of coutndown and that does add to the stakes of the story!

7. Speaking of the Read-a-thon, have you heard of or participated in (or even organized!) something like it? Would you like to?

Haha, would love to but havent yet!

8. “[Sadie] and Cooper were our best friends” Daphne is not only going through the end of her romantic relationship, but also seems to have lost her best friend. What’s your take on that? Have you ever been on either side of this situation? (No need to answer/go into detail of course!)

Umm, kinda, though the common friends chose neither sides and all the friendships broke apart with time and distance. My take is this is a tricky situation. Because you can not have common hangouts.

9. “I think the beard is sheer chaos, but not inherently bad. It’s your face, Miles. All that matters is how you feel about it.” I think Daphne makes a great point here and think we should all remember that a bit more before we judge people’s looks. Were there any quotes that really stood out to you?

A lot but no longer remember..

10. What do you think is up with Miles’s family so he doesn’t have a relationship with his parents? How do you feel about Daphne neither probing nor really wondering about it?

I think it was very mature of her to do that. She knew when he needed the space. Also, knew at that point it was none of her business.

DQs Day 1 Chapter 1-8

1. Is this your first Emily Henry book or have you read others by her? If not your first, what has been your favorite book of hers, so far? If your first, has she been on your radar before or is this a BOM/Games thing you're reading for?

I have read all of her books except You and Me on Vacation. My favourite book has been Book Lovers. I quite enjoy her books.

2. What do you think so far of the story and the writing?

I have finished the book already but I think it was an amazing start. You can already sense the insecurities of our MCs. It really is a funny story..

3. What would you do if you found yourself in the same shoes as Miles and Daphne and were invited to an ex's wedding?!?

Haha, that must have been so infuriating. I am also a petty person and love revenge so I am sure I might have acted out in vengeance. Who cares about being the bigger person?!

4. I love Emily Henry's characters. I always find myself laughing throughout her books. Are you enjoying the characters so far in this one? Anyone in particular an early favorite?

Very enjoyable. Her banter is top notch as always. I liked Miles and Ashleigh from the star.

5. Any early predictions for how this will turn out? Do you think Peter's call to Daphne is an indication of jealousy? Do you agree with Ashleigh when she said "If Peter was going to break your heart now, he would’ve done it eventually." and "He's a lunch swapper, and whether it was the rusty metal Batman lunch box or a Cars 2 zip-up one that's filled with mold, at some point, he was going to trade in the sack lunch." (I love that metaphor!!)

I have already read it but yeah at that point I did think Peter was an idiot who wants to have the best of both worlds. I loved the metaphor as well.

Perfect! That's great :)

Yay! Just clearing it up, does it mean any books completed from now can be used for the mini i.e. for the next spins also? Or for next spins, we need to finish the books after we have done the spin?

Cris (The Biblio Blonde) wrote: "Just realized I hadn't added my last couple of books, so those are on my shelf and the spreadsheet now.

Can't believe we only have a couple of weeks left in the challenge!"

I know right? It went by so fast. I got some good reading done (above what I expected), thanks to this game! And I love our team..

Cris (The Biblio Blonde) wrote: "Judy wrote: "Nistha wrote: "What are the rules regarding the BoM reading dates? Can I start reading for Funny Story earlier and participate in BoM points or do I need to read it on..."

From what I understand, we need to complete it after 2 August, we can start it at any point.

I finished my book Ten Tiny Breaths and liked it so much!

Judy wrote: "Nistha wrote: "What are the rules regarding the BoM reading dates? Can I start reading for Funny Story earlier and participate in BoM points or do I need to read it only during tha..."

Ahh great! I just got it from the library and it expires just near to the start date of reading. So I can read bulk of it and then finish near the start date. Thanks :)

I plan to finish mine by tonight.

What are the rules regarding the BoM reading dates? Can I start reading for Funny Story earlier and participate in BoM points or do I need to read it only during that period?

DQs Day 5

16.) Were there any surprises about the supporting characters? Did they get the endings you expected? That the characters deserved?

Valentina maybe. I don't know, I was quite uninterested to be honest on the side characters

17.) Did the ultimate point and outcome of the tournament leave you satisfied? Or did the whole thing seem like a bizarre waste of everyone's time, money, and life (literally in some cases)?

I thought it was a waste of my time. It just felt like bent to fit the storyline. I did not enjoy this book.

18.) Luiza and Santangel's ending. Was it what you were hoping for? Satisfying? Remind you of how a different series ended the storyline for lead MCs (view spoiler). Would the ending of worked if the magical system had been more defined? I still don't have a handle on the parameters of Luiza's magic. Maybe there isn't any?

It was okay, I guess. I was only invested in Luiza and Santangel so it was kind of fine for an ending. I don't think there are any parameters, the author just made her have the power of whatever she wanted.

19.) What did you end up rating the book? Would you recommend it to others?

2 stars - To be honest, I had DNF'd other books from this author and I did not like this one as well. I won't recommend it, much better books out there

Day 3 DQ's Chapter 24 - 33

9. We keep hearing how people smell. Luzia of orange blossoms, Perez of plums and amber. Why do you think the author keeps mentioning this? Do the smells mean more than just an odor?

I thought it was just for us to blend in a more detailed scene for the magic. I could be wrong though.

10. We are over halfway through the book. What has been your favorite part/scene/person/line so far?

The only parts I like in this book are the ones involving Santángel. Everything else is a bit of a bore


11. Valentina and Marius seem to be rekindling their marriage, finding love where there wasn't before. Why do you think the author is adding that part of the story when she could have left it out?

I think they will have more role to play in the story going forward. Also a way to show how everything changed after that day.

11. Now we are over halfway and know more of Luzia, the competition and this world. Why do you think the publisher and possibly the author chose this cover over any other possibilities? If you could remake the cover, what would you want it to look like?

I feel the cover makes sense as blend between Luzia and Santángel's magic. Afterall, they complete each other. But also pose a threat to each as well.

Day 1 DQ’s
1- Although Valentia feels shame in her actions to confront Luzia and her magic she still threatens her to use it at her dinner party. What were your thoughts and do you feel bad for Valentia and her desperation?

I do understand her predicament but that does not justify what she did. One needs to stand up for oneself if they want to improve their lives. She could find herself some hobby or be more assertive to her husband to earn her respect.

2-Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house and gave her extra chores. Why do you think Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house?

To continue mistreating her and denying her the opportunity of a better life somewhere else

3-How did using music and song to make Luzia magic work make you feel or think of.

Thats a nice power and lot of room to develop on as well

4- Don Victor(De Paredes) shows up at Casa Ordobos to make sure Luzia has a room with and even hints at having her join him if not. Why do you think having Luzia in her own room benefits either of them?

Power play and friendship

Yeah it seemed right up my alley! I will let you know next week :)

Yay! I will do Ten Tiny Breaths :)

Which book are you thinking with Ante?

I could also do Ten Tiny Breaths or Tears of the Giraffe if we are going with TE (with hardish endings) but happy if someone else wants to take it as well..

If we go for ante, then there also options as well

I can't also find anything .. If we have enough supply drops to protect piles, then we can use 1 here right?

Does anyone have access to YSSELA'S RUN: THE POWER OF ONE ?

There's also A Cyclist's Guide to Crime & Croissants

Unfortunately I don't have access to any