Bea’s Comments (group member since Apr 29, 2011)

Bea’s comments from the Pick-a-Shelf group.

So far the stories do not seem very connected to me. Chapter 10 was about Barney and the killing of the officer...and the escape. Except for the fact that Barney is connected to Kingsbridge and a brother of Ned, this story just does not yet connect to what is going on there. (Barney is the Seville story continued.)

The active stories seem to be Kingsbridge and Ned...and the France story, because they are both connected to the idea of who rules England and the religious struggle. I just do not yet see how any of the Spanish story fits yet.

Tien wrote: "Not yet. Ch 11 is today's read :)"

I just finished it this morning.

Have you reached Ch. 11 yet? Dang, but it is long! I am trying to finish week 3 this week. That way, I will be on track for the last 3 weeks when I renew this weekend.

Tien wrote: "I am struck just by how close [spoilers removed]

Actually, we can probably Google to check any interviews he did at book launch to see why he chose this period of time for this Kingsbridge instalm..."

I am reading The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley also. It is set in Scotland and is about wanting to bring King James back from France to rule Scotland...about 150 years later. Interesting confluence between the two. Both are concerned with religion: Protestants and Catholics.

Tien wrote: "Bea wrote: "I am struck by the difference (so clear in this tale) between bad acts and evil acts. Bad ones seem to be driven from ambition, bullying, and other motivations. Evil...is beyond bad...i..."

Bad acts: cheating at business (the furs being shipped, the pledging of security to two parties), bullying others to get your way (Rollo especially). Evil: destroying others for revenge or anger...not just getting just dues...but going beyond to destruction. Taking it all, including life.

Michelle wrote: "Thanks Bea! I'm not too sure I'm going to finish this year though. =( Those last 3 (I'm reading one now) are going to be tough! Not doing so hot on this year's challenges."

Some years are like that. Just enjoy the reading...no matter. Although I finished my LOST list, I have never finished FOUND or Lost & Found. This year, I decided to work on FOUND and Lost & Found at the same time. I will probably not finish either before Dec 31...but that is OK. I will finish them next year.

Michelle wrote: "Message #20 updated!

Goal: 10 (+15 bonus)
Progress: 21/25 (84%)"

Good job!

Marina wrote: "I think I've basically given up on this, more or less. My LOST books were added in 2012, when I used to read very difficult books. I focus on my owned books for this challenge, and while I'd really..."

I sympathize, Marina. Perhaps next year you could use a different list for LOST...or skip it altogether.

Yes! I will also be reading Chapter 8 today.

BTW, I was a bit distressed about another of my heroines today...the events around Alice's downfall. I hope it is only temporary, but those times were hard ones...and I am not sure she has the will to come back. We might have her retire to the background of the story.

I am struck by the difference (so clear in this tale) between bad acts and evil acts. Bad ones seem to be driven from ambition, bullying, and other motivations. Evil...is beyond bad...it is beyond punishment. It destroys...completely.

I wonder what Ken Follett would write about our time?

So...the story now involves Kingsbridge, Calais, and Seville. Three cities, three countries. We also have Protestants vs. Catholics. I see Follett setting the table for a lot of conflict.

I am not much interested in the Kingsbridge story. It seems to be a re-run and centered around the young men. I do not like the character of Margery who gives into the church and her family. She seems spineless to me, although I understand the times and the place of women at that time. Still...

I much prefer the character of Betsy/Elise and Jerónima, who might have accepted the place society put them into but had strength to plan ahead and not be broken.

Now that I have said that, I realize that I am drawn to strong women and their stories. Hmm.

I have started and am grateful for the hints that bring back the story to me, as it has been awhile since I read book #2.

You are right...it is an easy read. I am hoping to get halfway through week #2 by Sunday, which will put me back on track for being halfway through the reading by the time I have to renew.

Finished Rooftops of Tehran for Trim 20, Lost & Found, and August Book It

Reading:
The Zookeeper's Wife for August Book It, Trim 20 and Lost & Found
The Cat Who Played Brahms for FOUND
A Column of Fire for Buddy Read

Tien, I apologize. I have not yet really started. It is on my plan for today. I will get back to you later.

Finished Death of a Cozy Writer for FOUND and Trim 20

Starting:
Rooftops of Tehran for Trim 20, Lost & Found, and August Book It
A Column of Fire for Buddy Read

Finished: Murder on the Oxford Canal for FOUND

Finished:
Oliver Twist for monthly shelf
The Dry for October Book It

I read Oliver Twist and gave it 5*. It was such a dreary start of a story that I despaired of making headway, but the story and characters quickly got my interest and I found myself eager to read. Definitely a classic in the real since of the word!

I nominate Victorian Books

Well, I requested it early this morning and now I have it! I will complete the first week this weekend...or at least start it then. It will need to be renewed on 11/15 for the next 3 weeks.

Reading:
Murder on the Oxford Canal for FOUND
Oliver Twist for monthly shelf
Death of a Cozy Writer for FOUND and Trim 20
The Dry for October Book It

Starting soon:
A Column of Fire for Buddy Read

Finished Ma Rainey's Black Bottom for FOUND