Clare L McMahon Clare L’s Comments (group member since Mar 05, 2014)


Clare L’s comments from the 2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge group.

Showing 81-100 of 112

Oct 28, 2014 06:19AM

58421 Finished my third!

Science Fiction
Cyberpunk/Steampunk: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Dystopian: Red Rising
Space Opera: Ender's Game
Oct 16, 2014 06:10AM

58421 Finished another 2/4

10. Read a book where one of the characters is mad or traumatized. - The Shining
Oct 05, 2014 07:29PM

58421 Finished my first one!

6. Read either a book where something new is introduced OR read a book about technology or science. --> The Scorch Trials --> new technology that doesn't currently exist is introduced in this book.
58421 I read this book as well as the sequel Hollow City and thought they both were great books. I was drawn to the book by the cover and the photographs used throughout. The book was not what I had expected, but I still really enjoyed it. The photographs added a very interesting element to the book that I enjoyed!
Sep 29, 2014 03:40PM

58421 I will sign up for 4 as well.

Completed: 1/4

6. Read either a book where something new is introduced OR read a book about technology or science. --> The Scorch Trials --> new technology that doesn't currently exist is introduced in this book.
Clare's Corner (7 new)
Sep 29, 2014 03:36PM

58421 FOURTH QUARTER CHALLENGE: THE FIRST WORLD WAR
Duration: October 1 - December 31, 2014

World War I began 100 years ago and lasted over four years. We'll learn about the war and commemorate it with this challenge.

Finished: 2/4

1. Since it is 100 years ago that the First World War broke out, read a book that is at least 100 years old or at the most 100 days young.
--> Anne of Green Gables

2. Before World War II began in 1939, World War I was called the Great War, the World War, or the War to End all Wars. 135 countries took part in World War I, and more than 15 000 000 people died in the war. Read a story set in at least two countries.

3. The main causes of World War I included many factors, such as the conflicts and hostility between the great European powers over the four decades leading up to the war. The immediate origins of the war, however, lay in the decisions taken by statesmen and generals during the July Crisis of 1914 caused by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo. Read a book in which an important person is killed OR read a crime novel.

4. King George V, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the last Tsar Nicholas II ruled Europe's three most powerful states. They were related, as King George, Kaiser Wilhelm and Tsar Nicolas' wife were grandchildren of Queen Victoria. Read a family saga.
--> and the mountains echo

5. The sinking of the RMS Lusitania on 7 May 1915 contributed to the American entry into World War I and became an iconic symbol in military recruiting campaigns of why the war was being fought. The RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by the Germans. On top of this, Germany had suggested to Mexico to work together to attack the United States. The note making this suggestion however was intercepted by British spies and the American government was warned. Read a book where a code needs to be cracked OR read a spy novel.

6. World War I was the first war where tanks, aero planes, and submarines or underwater boats (U-boats) were used as common weapons. The generals however were used to fighting wars without these, so they ordered their armies to attack in the old style of marching in rows--allowing the enemy to shoot them down easily. At the battle of the Somme in 1916, 60 000 British men died in a single day. Read either a book where something new is introduced OR read a book about technology or science.
--> The Scorch Trials

7. Despite the new technology, lots of animals were used in the Great War. The work of these animals was varied. Horses and mules were used to move supplies and weapons. Oxen were also used to pull heavy loads. Dogs were used as sentries, scouts, and ammunition and equipment carriers as well as to send messages. Carrier pigeons were used extensively to carry messages. Cats were brought in to try and control the rat population. Read a book on animals OR read a book where at least one animal is important to the story.
- The Art of Racing in the Rain

8. The Christmas truce was a series of widespread, unofficial ceasefires that took place along the Western Front around Christmas 1914, during World War I. Through the week leading up to Christmas, parties of German and British soldiers began to exchange seasonal greetings and songs between their trenches. Troops from both sides were also friendly enough to play games of football with one another. Read either a book set at Christmas OR with the word Christmas in its title.
- A Christmas Carol

9. Life in the trenches was far from glamorous. In fact, trenches were dirty, smelly, and riddled with disease. For soldiers, life in the trenches meant living in fear: in fear of diseases and, of course, the constant fear of enemy attack. The open space between two sets of opposing trenches became known as No Man’s Land because no soldier wanted to traverse the distance for fear of attack. The climate in France and Belgium was quite wet, so No Man’s Land soon became a mud bath. It was so thick that soldiers could disappear into it never to be seen again. The British and French actually recruited manpower from China to dig the trenches. Read a novel in which the main protagonist is in fear for his life or health.
-->

10. Of the 60 million European soldiers who were mobilised from 1914 to 1918, 8 million were killed, 7 million were permanently disabled, and 15 million were seriously injured. Germany lost 15.1% of its active male population, Austria-Hungary lost 17.1%, and France lost 10.5%. Those who had survived had suffered gas attacks or got shell shocked. Some returned home without legs or arms. Some lost their sanity. Read a book where one of the characters is mad or traumatized.
--> The Shining

11. The "Lost Generation" was the generation that came of age during World War I. The term was popularized by writer Ernest Hemingway. Read a book by an author who served in the Great War OR read a novel set in the Great War.

12. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918 and is a national holiday in many countries. Every evening since 1928 The Last Post has been played under the Menin Gate Memorial in Ieper (Belgium) at 8 o'clock sharp. Most likely there is also a First World War Memorial statue or plaque in your town. Look around your own local official buildings (churches, town halls, universities, fire brigade stations, etc.) for a plaque commemorating those who have fallen in the Great War. Read a novel set in a town that has a First World War Memorial statue OR plaque. In case it is your own town, you can read a book set in your town or about your town.
Sep 25, 2014 11:03AM

58421 Yay Finished! Completed: 8/6

District 1: Daughter of the Blood --> jewel colours represents classes and there are several wealthy families.

District 2: The Infinite Sea --> Alien V Human War

District 3: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? --> electronically advanced society in ability to make realistic electronic animals and humans, and androids were sub-characters.

District 4: Life of Pi --> He gets stranded at sea and he fishes.

District 7: Second Chance Summer --> read the physical book and 3 of the main characters spend time in the woods

District 9:Annihilation--> none of the characters were named.

District 10: Animal Farm --> farm animals were the main characters with a focus on the pigs, and animal is in the name of the book.

District 11: The Maze Runner --> a young person dies and people are saved from dying via a medicine.
58421 I found the first few chapters were very drawn out, and found it hard to get through. Wasn't until she started to go to school that it picked up.

Oh Humbert Humbert... whatever sympathy I had for you in part I is gone. In part I of the book, he had his perverse cravings but for the most part kept it to himself. Part II made me despise him, instead of being the role model and guardian to Lolita, instead he uses her mother's death as a way coerce her into staying with him or be sent to an awful foster home (which he kindly remembers her of), and then basically sleeps with her nightly even though she is crying, has pains afterwards, and basically he knows it's no longer mutual and she is doing it for some extra cash, favours and to have a roof over her head. The way this book is written makes you want to sympathize with him understand his plight, oh poor Humbert he never slept with that one girl from his youth, he has such horrible cravings, SHE seduced him, she says such awful things to him, she acts out all the time! UGH poor Humbert!! He is too self absorbed to realize how much damage he is doing to the poor girl and not realizing his jealousy is taking her away from having a somewhat normal childhood. He doesn't love or care, this is lust over an ideal and you can tell he doesn't even really like her personality. Probably the most disgusting thing he wrote was when he mentioned producing another nymphet (probably to fondle) with her and maybe even his grandchildren! Gross! Anyways rant over!

This book has been very interesting, and takes a unique perspective of the mind of a pedophile. it is so wonderfully written that at times you feel for Humbert, even though what he is doing is wrong wrong wrong. I am curious what Lolita has in store for him! I really hope she plays a part in him being found out!
58421 I enjoy the odd mix of French, I know about 50% of it so I can get the gist of it, but I don't really bother looking up the words I don't know. The book is so different that it is interesting, but the long drawn out paragraphs can get boring at times.

I am curious what the rest of the book has in store and how the dynamic between Mrs. Haze, Lolita and Humbert will progress throughout the story. I think of all the characters, I like Lolita the best. Humbert is entertaining, but eck, his desires are so creepy.
Sep 09, 2014 01:20PM

58421 Done my second monopoly!

Completed: 2/4

Suspense:
Crime: Deeply Odd
Horror: Annihilation
Mystery: Reconstructing Amelia
Aug 05, 2014 09:40AM

58421 Finished 4 out of 6 so far!

District 1: Daughter of the Blood --> jewel colours represents classes and there are several wealthy families.

District 3: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? --> electonrically advanced society in ability to make realistic electronic animals and humans, and androids were sub-characters.


District 9:Annihilation--> none of main characters were named.

District 10: Animal Farm --> farm animals were the main characters with a focus on the pigs, and animal is in the name of the book.
Jun 30, 2014 08:07PM

58421 Done! Finished The Chaos Walking series Saturday and caught up on the Odd Thomas series just now. So that is 3/3!
Clare's Corner (7 new)
Jun 24, 2014 05:50AM

58421 THIRD QUARTER CHALLENGE: HUNGER GAMES
Duration: July 1 - September 30, 2014

May the odds be ever in your favor.

Completed: 8/6

The Capitol: The capitol is filled with beautiful extravagant people. Read a book with “beauty” in the title OR read a book where the main character is said to be extraordinarily beautiful.

District 1: District 1 produces luxury items. Read a book about people who are rich OR read a book where a piece of jewelry plays an important role.
Daughter of the Blood --> jewel colours represents classes and there are several wealthy families.

District 2: District 2 produces weapons and trains peacekeepers. Read a book about a war OR read a book with a cop as one of the characters.
The Infinite Sea --> Alien V Human War

District 3: District 3 makes electronics. Read a book about a technologically advanced society OR read a book with a computer (or robot) as a main character.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? --> electronically advanced society in ability to make realistic electronic animals and humans, and androids were sub-characters.

District 4: District 4 is a fishing district. Read a book about a fisherman OR read a book that at least partially takes place on a boat.
Life of Pi --> He gets stranded at sea and he fishes.

District 5: District 5 is the source of electrical power. Read a book that features a lightning storm OR read a book that is set in a place without electricity.

District 6: District 6 is the hub of transportation. Read a book written by an author from a different country OR read a book that takes place in a real location you could visit.

District 7: District 7 produces lumber and paper. Read a book that takes place in a forest OR read a physical book made out of paper (as opposed to an ebook).
Second Chance Summer --> read the physical book and 3 of the main characters spend time in the woods

District 8: District 8 makes textiles. Read a book about fashion OR read with an item of clothing on its cover.


District 8: District 8 makes textiles. Read a book about fashion OR read with an item of clothing on its cover.
District 9:Annihilation--> none of the characters were named.

District 9: District 9 produces grain and has no characters named in the books. Read a book with an unnamed main character OR read a book with a character who is a vegetarian.

District 10: District 10 specialized in raising livestock. Read a book that has a domestic animal as a character OR read a book that has an animal in the title.
Animal Farm --> farm animals were the main characters with a focus on the pigs, and animal is in the name of the book.


District 11: District 11 is an agricultural district and Rue, a young herbalist, originated here. Read a book where a young person dies OR read a book where an herbalist saves someone from dying.
The Maze Runner --> young people do die in this book and people are saved from dying via a medicine.



District 12: District 12 is the mining district, and Katniss and Peeta, its tributes, wear clothes that catch fire. Read a book that has a fire that is helpful in it OR read a book that has the word “coal” somewhere in it (add a quote of the sentence where you found the word).

District 13: District 13 is a rebellious district that specialized in nuclear technology. Read a book centered around a nuclear disaster OR read a book where the main character is rebellious.
Jun 24, 2014 05:36AM

58421 Completed: 9/6

The Capitol: The capitol is filled with beautiful extravagant people. Read a book with “beauty” in the title OR read a book where the main character is said to be extraordinarily beautiful.

District 1: Daughter of the Blood --> jewel colours represents classes and there are several wealthy families.

District 2: The Infinite Sea --> Alien V Human War

District 3: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? --> electronically advanced society in ability to make realistic electronic animals and humans, and androids were sub-characters.

District 4: Life of Pi --> He gets stranded at sea and he fishes.

District 5: District 5 is the source of electrical power. Read a book that features a lightning storm OR read a book that is set in a place without electricity.

District 6: Animal Farm --> Takes place in England and George Orwell was a british writer who was born in British India.

District 7: Second Chance Summer --> read the physical book and 3 of the main characters spend time in the woods

District 8: District 8 makes textiles. Read a book about fashion OR read with an item of clothing on its cover.

District 9:Annihilation--> none of the characters were named.

District 10: Animal Farm --> farm animals were the main characters with a focus on the pigs, and animal is in the name of the book.

District 11: The Maze Runner --> young people do die in this book and people are saved from dying via a medicine.

District 12: District 12 is the mining district, and Katniss and Peeta, its tributes, wear clothes that catch fire. Read a book that has a fire that is helpful in it OR read a book that has the word “coal” somewhere in it (add a quote of the sentence where you found the word).

District 13: District 13 is a rebellious district that specialized in nuclear technology. Read a book centered around a nuclear disaster OR read a book where the main character is rebellious.
Jun 19, 2014 06:03AM

58421 Just finished the Narnia series.. Two more to go... in 12 days, let's see how this goes!

Finished: 1/3
May 31, 2014 10:07AM

58421 Finished!! A Brief History of Time --> originally published in 1988.
May 26, 2014 06:02AM

58421 Finished the first one: Author born in 1988(Veronica Roth wrote one of the many short stories in the book)Shards and Ashes

Going to try to finish off the second one this week!
Apr 30, 2014 09:05PM

58421 I have completed my challenge, with a few minutes to spare (eastern time zone)!

1. Beauty and the Beast:
Fallen Too Far & The Rosie Project --> both would fit this category

4. The Sword in the Stone:
The Silver Chair
Clare's Corner (7 new)
Apr 30, 2014 09:44AM

58421 THE VERY MINI BIRTHDAY CHALLENGE
Duration: May 1 - 31, 2014

Completed: 2/2

1. Read a book that was published year you were born.
Published in 1988 - A Brief History of Time

2. Read a book from an author who shares a birthday or birth year with you.
Born in 1988 - Veronica Roth was born 10 days before me, since I have read the divergent series I will go with a dystopian book with stories from multiple authors including Veronica:
Shards and Ashes
Apr 30, 2014 09:39AM

58421 I will sign up for two.

Completed: 2/2

1. Read a book that was published year you were born.
Published in 1988 - A Brief History of Time

2. Read a book from an author who shares a birthday or birth year with you.
Born in 1988 - Veronica Roth was born 10 days before me, since I have read the divergent series I will go with a dystopian book with stories from multiple authors including Veronica:
Shards and Ashes