Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Rothfuss, Patrick - The Name of the Wind - Start Date: December 2nd
Discussion Questions for Chapters 7 - 1311. What do you think of the importance placed on names in this book? Book quote: "And names are strange things. Dangerous things." - Ben
12. Impressions of Kvothe's parents? And the Edema Ruh? What do you think of Kvothe's life on the road?
13. What are your thoughts of Abenthy (Ben) the arcanist? Book quote: "I ask that you not hold it against him. He meant well." Will Kvothe learn more than is good for him?
14. What do you think of the magic system, sympathy? Do you find it creative? The mind games Ben taught Kvothe - Heart of Stone and Seek the Stone - make my brain hurt.
15. Do you think Kvothe's thirst for knowledge - combined with his aptitude for learning - will get him into trouble?
16. What did you make of the conversation about the Chandrian?
17. Did you expect that Bast was more than he seemed? Why did Chronicler react so violently?
18. What did you think of the first part of Kvothe's story? Hooked yet? Any thoughts not covered in the DQs?
Discussion Questions for Prologue - Chapter 61. What did you think of the story Cob told about Taborlin the Great? Do you think we'll hear more about the Chandrian later on?
I definitely think the Chandrian will show up again. It seems like they might be behind some of the crazyness going on. I liked the Taborlin story. It felt very epic mythology.
2. So, the scraeling was pretty freaky. What did you think of the way Kote handled the situation?
He obviously knew lots more about them, but is hiding from something. He doesn't want anyone to think of him as more than an unusual inn keeper for some reason.
3. First impressions of Kote the mysterious innkeeper? And Bast? Why are they hiding out in the middle of nowhere?
Kote has some power, and may be lots older than he seems. Bast is sweet, but maybe a little amoral? They're obviously friends, but Bast isn't human. Presumably, Kote has something really dangerous in his past.
4. What do you think is in Kote's chest?
weapons maybe? magical artifacts. maybe even clothes of armor from his previous life.
5. What did you make of the encounter - or "civil robbery" - between Chronicler and the soldiers?
The army obviously has lots of power, but things can't be going well if they're resorting to stealing horses from travelers. The officer was at least polite about it.
6. So someone's recognized Kote, and he called him "Kvothe the Bloodless." Thoughts? What do you make of his quick thinking?
He's hiding, but it's not so vital, or he's not so bad that he'll kill to protect his secret.
7. How did Kote manage to kill five of the scrael? And what did he do with the bonfire and the chanting?
I'm assuming the scrael are somehow magical. He's said that they aren't demons, so it's not a religious rite. I assume that it's magical and keeps the scraeling from regenerating or calling more to their position. Bast says he kept a piece from the original, so presumably that had an impact on where the other five showed up.
I'm guessing he's unnaturally fast to be able to take on five of them with limited injury.
8. What do you make of Chronicler's idea for Kvothe - that's what I'm going to call him from now on - to tell his story? Do you think Chronicler is motivated by anything other than wanting to know the truth?
I think Chronicler is obsessed with recording stories. I don't know if the truth is as important as getting a comprehensive account. There's the old saying; there's your version, my version, and the truth. I think Chronicler wants all the versions and the truth will be determined by history.
9. What would you do, if you were Kvothe? Would you want to escape your dark past and hide, or set the record straight?
I'd keep hiding. If I left my old life there must have been a reason. Is telling one man my truth worth the risk, not only to myself, but to my student?
10. What did you think of the first section overall? Do you like the writing?
I do like the writing. I'm interested, but not enthralled so far. I like Pat Rothfuss. I've seen him on Sword & Laser and on his show Storyboard over on youtube. He seems really interesting, so I hope I like the story.
Discussion Questions for Chapters 7 - 1311. What do you think of the importance placed on names in this book? Book quote: "And names are strange things. Dangerous things." - Ben I think given all the names that Kvothe is known by, names will continue to be important. I'm also wondering what happened to Ben with names. Starting to wonder how the names play into magic and everything that Kvothe is learning.
12. Impressions of Kvothe's parents? And the Edema Ruh? What do you think of Kvothe's life on the road? Sounds like a pretty great life to me. Kvothe is learning all sorts of things from all sorts of people which I think really helps him learn. I'm interested to see how much of his life at university we get to see because I have a feeling that Kvothe and "traditional" schooling don't fit. His parents seem like they love him and each other and are doing their best to give him a good life. Kind of makes me want to join the circus or something!
13. What are your thoughts of Abenthy (Ben) the arcanist? Book quote: "I ask that you not hold it against him. He meant well." Will Kvothe learn more than is good for him? This to me is another hint at whatever it is that Kvothe has done to have to go into hiding. Sounds like magic gone wrong. Also could be poking some fun at himself for learning and learning and learning some more, much more then people seem to have believed he could have done.
14. What do you think of the magic system, sympathy? Do you find it creative? The mind games Ben taught Kvothe - Heart of Stone and Seek the Stone - make my brain hurt. It is definitely creative but it also makes my head hurt. I was trying to figure out how he did it and then that got me thinking about today's magicians and then my head said stop it, it's a book. Accept it and move on.
15. Do you think Kvothe's thirst for knowledge - combined with his aptitude for learning - will get him into trouble? Yes, yes, a thousand million times yes.
16. What did you make of the conversation about the Chandrian? It's very Voldemortian. HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED!
17. Did you expect that Bast was more than he seemed? Why did Chronicler react so violently? I'm so interested in Bast's role in all of this. And what exactly is he? Demon, vampire, zombie? We know about iron and demons so I think it's very interesting. Plus was Chronicler doing a spell? There is definitely more going on here and I want to know what's up!
18. What did you think of the first part of Kvothe's story? Hooked yet? Any thoughts not covered in the DQs? I definitely enjoyed this part of the whole book much more then first part. It's keeping me guessing and interested and I can't wait until I have more then just 30 minutes here and there to get into it!
I've gotten through the first chapter of today's reading and am not hooked yet, but the story is just about to begin. That is if he's finally figured out where to truly begin. *giggle*
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Mary’s Discussion Questions for Prologue - Chapter 6
1. What did you think of the story Cob told about Taborlin the Great? Do you think we'll hear more about the Chandrian later on?
Yes, I think so. Seems as though we’ll be seeing – or hearing – more of Taborlin the Great.
2. So, the scraeling was pretty freaky. What did you think of the way Kote handled the situation?
I read somewhere that you are never farther than six feet away from a spider. I’ll admit that I have varying responses to them, mostly depending up their size, or if I deem them poisonous. So, spider-like creatures that size would freak me out. I’m with Laura, I would think more people would have been suspicious of the way he handled them.
3. First impressions of Kote the mysterious innkeeper? And Bast? Why are they hiding out in the middle of nowhere?
Love the red hair! I’ll admit that I was trying to figure out who I was supposed to key in on as the protagonist. I thought it was going to start right away with the story of his early childhood. Again, I agree with Laura; Kote & Bast seem to me to be more equals than master & pupil.
4. What do you think is in Kote's chest?
No sure. Something magical?
5. What did you make of the encounter - or "civil robbery" - between Chronicler and the soldiers?
I was chuckling, softly. I was impressed at Chronicler’s ingenuity at hiding some of his valuables and his interactions with the soldiers, using his wits.
6. So someone's recognized Kote, and he called him "Kvothe the Bloodless." Thoughts? What do you make of his quick thinking?
I was impressed with his quick thinking…not sure why he is called “Bloodless.” Interesting, as it is not cold-blooded. Why “bloodless”? Is it because he has never been injured?
7. How did Kote manage to kill five of the scrael? And what did he do with the bonfire and the chanting?
Again, I’m guessing magic? Otherwise, I’m clueless.
8. What do you make of Chronicler's idea for Kvothe - that's what I'm going to call him from now on - to tell his story? Do you think Chronicler is motivated by anything other than wanting to know the truth?
Oh. I hadn’t thought of that. Fame could be his motive.
9. What would you do, if you were Kvothe? Would you want to escape your dark past and hide, or set the record straight?
Hmmm. Depends…on the upside.
10. What did you think of the first section overall? Do you like the writing?
Yes. Love the writing. I can see why people say it is almost “poetic.” Though, it did take me until about Chapter 5 to get hooked. I’m listening to the audio and, while I like the cadence of his voice, I do NOT think the narrator is differentiating the many different character voices very well.
Discussion Questions for Chapters 7 - 1311. What do you think of the importance placed on names in this book? Book quote: "And names are strange things. Dangerous things." - Ben
I am thinking we will find out a bit more about the importance of names as the book goes on. I am really enjoying the uniqueness of this book. The ideas are very different.
12. Impressions of Kvothe's parents? And the Edema Ruh? What do you think of Kvothe's life on the road?
I really liked Kvothe's parents. They seemed very loving and knowledgeable. I thought the traveling theatre troupe was interesting and it reminded me a lot of the gypsy lifestyle.
13. What are your thoughts of Abenthy (Ben) the arcanist? Book quote: "I ask that you not hold it against him. He meant well." Will Kvothe learn more than is good for him?
I wondered about that comment too. He seems like a good fellow, but I wonder exactly what he is going to teach Kvothe that will be bad for him in the future.
14. What do you think of the magic system, sympathy? Do you find it creative? The mind games Ben taught Kvothe - Heart of Stone and Seek the Stone - make my brain hurt.
I think the magic system is very creative. I think the whole idea of thoughts and your mind as its own kind of magic to be different from any other fantasy book that I have read.
15. Do you think Kvothe's thirst for knowledge - combined with his aptitude for learning - will get him into trouble?
Yes, that seems to be the case with most characters that are extremely smart.
16. What did you make of the conversation about the Chandrian?
It is very mysterious. I feel like we know next to nothing about them and yet I feel like they are very sinister for some reason.
17. Did you expect that Bast was more than he seemed? Why did Chronicler react so violently?
I had no idea that he was anything other than human. Until today's reading, I just thought that his uniqueness had to do with his abilities and his personality, not that he was some type of otherworldy being. I am wondering if his kind is known as something bad and that is why Chronicler reacted the way he did. The whole thing makes me want to just read more.
18. What did you think of the first part of Kvothe's story? Hooked yet? Any thoughts not covered in the DQs?
I am completely and utterly hooked. I thought Kvothe's story was interesting so far and I can't wait to hear the rest of it.
@ Stacie#11- I wondered the same thing with Ben, it seems like that is where this name business all started. I keep thinking something must have happened to him. I wonder what.
#12-I thought the same thing. Lets join a circus or a gypsy tribe!
#13-I agree
#14-I had to go back and reread that section a few times before I understood what exactly Ben was trying to teach him.
#16-SO TRUE!
@ Lisa Kay#2- I think the size scares me too. Also the ones with big bodies that are not in proportion with their legs. Those seem creepier to me.
#3-I love the red hair too!
#6- I thought the name bloodless was interesting too. I was wondering how it would play into the story, especially since this series seems to be known as the Kingkiller series on goodreads and Amazon.
I really liked this part! The chapter division has been great so far xD And it's nice to get to focus on only one individual - Kote. I'm off to work but I'll try to answer the questions later!
@ Jex1 - I think there was something said along the lines of "for he knew the names of all things," and you're right - very powerful stuff.
5 - Very smart of him. I bet he's had to learn it the hard way.
10 - It's not as straightforward as YA, true. I actually don't know very many people who've read it, but most of my friends aren't big readers. However, I do think it would appeal to people who wouldn't normally read high fantasy.
@ Sara1 - I liked it, too. I think it was a good introduction to the book.
8 - Good point.
9 - Another good point.
10 - I'll have to check out Storyboard. Glad you like the writing so far.
@ Stacie12 - Heh, I agree about joining the circus! And It does seem like a good life.
14 - Oh, I know. When I first read this, I kept trying to work it out in my head, but this time I'm just going with it. I think it's very creative.
16 - I got that vibe, too. :-)
18 - I hate being really into a book and having no time to read it.
@Stacie12. Lol! I totally agree!
16. Good point! It sounded as if they were going to come down from the sky if you mentioned their name.
17. Ditto that.
@ Lisa Kay2 - Seriously? You mean there's a spider six feet from me now? You're joking!
3 - I love his hair, too.
6 - Definitely an odd nickname.
10 - I think he does certain voices well. You're right, though - some voices sound nearly the same as others. I like his voice overall, though.
@Laura11. I totally agree! It feels refreshing after so many fantasy books that follow the same "rules".
12. I also got the Gypsy vibe.
15. Good point, all main characters seem really clever.
@ Laura (Response to Post #59...)#2 - Eep! Yeah, those were the weirdest.
#6 - Yeah, he has a lot of names.
@ Laura11 - Oh, I know! Sympathy, for instance. Very unique.
12 - Definitely like gypsies. I like his parents, too.
14 - So creative.
18 - I can't wait to read more, either. It's been a long time since I've read it and I'm getting pulled in again by the story. Glad you're enjoying it!
@ Mary (Response to Post #65.)#2 - Yup. Might be just a little tiny one, though. ☺ They really do eat a lot of insects. Just think of cobwebs. Depending on the type of spider, my mom would scoop them up, with like a card or something, and take them outside.
#10 - Yes, I do like his voice over all. I just wish - when I'm doing errands and chores - there was differentiation in accent or something between characters. Frustrating, as I have to run it back to catch who is saying what.
11. What do you think of the importance placed on names in this book? Book quote: "And names are strange things. Dangerous things." - Ben I think this is a really interesting concept, but there seems to be some magic involved other than just knowing the names. Ben said something like "you need to know your letters before you can spell".
12. Impressions of Kvothe's parents? And the Edema Ruh? What do you think of Kvothe's life on the road?
They seem nice and supportive. It's very gypsy like. I guess it suggests that Kvothe is a "free spirit".
13. What are your thoughts of Abenthy (Ben) the arcanist? Book quote: "I ask that you not hold it against him. He meant well." Will Kvothe learn more than is good for him?
No idea.
14. What do you think of the magic system, sympathy? Do you find it creative? The mind games Ben taught Kvothe - Heart of Stone and Seek the Stone - make my brain hurt.
I really liked the philosophy around emptying your brain and it felt a bit like meditation and eastern philosophy, at least the part about not being attached to your feelings. Very inspiring!
15. Do you think Kvothe's thirst for knowledge - combined with his aptitude for learning - will get him into trouble?
Yes. After all we know he got expelled from University at the very least.
16. What did you make of the conversation about the Chandrian?
I think they are the main enemy in the book. It connects to the story in the first pages.
17. Did you expect that Bast was more than he seemed? Why did Chronicler react so violently?
I got so much more interested in him! What is he? Why did he react? Can't wait to find out xD
18. What did you think of the first part of Kvothe's story? Hooked yet? Any thoughts not covered in the DQs?
Yay! I like it!
I keep looking around my office for these invisible spiders that are 6 feet from me potentially. I saw one last night and it didn't last very long. Maybe now when I see one I'll scream oh no the Chandrian and run just to confuse people.
Stacie wrote: "Maybe now when I see one I'll scream oh no the Chandrian and run just to confuse people."**hee hee**
Stacie wrote: "I keep looking around my office for these invisible spiders that are 6 feet from me potentially. I saw one last night and it didn't last very long. Maybe now when I see one I'll scream oh no the ..."lol
@ Susanne12 - Yes, I like his parents. Gypsy-like, I agree.
14 - I agree! I, for one, would love to be able to empty my brain completely whenever I wanted to. Like, when I want to go to sleep. I always have too many thoughts running around inside my head whenever I'm trying to settle down at night.
18 - Yay! :-D
Would anybody be willing to do the questions today? I don't think I can do them.
I'm pretty sure my heart just broke in 1000 pieces.
Stacie wrote: "I keep looking around my office for these invisible spiders that are 6 feet from me potentially. I saw one last night and it didn't last very long. Maybe now when I see one I'll scream oh no the ..."I nearly fell out of my chair at this visual. I too have been looking for spiders all day today.
Thanks Lisa Kay :)
I will do them Mary, I am almost done with todays reading and will post them soon after.
Laura wrote: "I will do them Mary, I am almost done with todays reading and will post them soon after."You're a lifesaver, Laura! Thank you! I'm feeling awful today and had to take some medicine that made me really drowsy and a bit nauseous. Doing the reading and the questions was looking pretty daunting.
I am a bit rusty on creating questions, sorry if these aren't that great.Questions for Chapters 14-21
19. What did you think of Kvothe binding the air in his lungs with the air outside of him? Were you surprised that he could do such a thing without training? Do you think he will be more cautious in the future?
20. Do you think we will hear more about the greystones (waystones)? They seem to hold some importance since they are mentioned in two different chapters.
21. Were you surprised by Ben's quick departure? Do you think we will see him again?
22. What a sad scene! I felt so sorry for Kvothe. I really liked his family and traveling troupe. Do you think that the Chandrians were who killed them? It sounds like it had something to do with Kvothe's parents new song. Thoughts?
23. What did you think of Cinder and Lord Haliax? Again, we have the mention of "the inner turnings of someone's name". Do you think this has to do with Lord Haliax's ability to control his gang?
24. What did you think about the doors to the mind. I thought it was a great true life metaphor of how we tend to deal with pain. Do you think Kvothe's mind is trying to give him clues about something through his dream?
25. Tarbean sounds like a terrible place. Was anyone else surprised that Kvothe didn't use his magic to defend himself against Pike and his gang? Why do you think he didn't?
26. Wow, Trapis and his home are pretty depressing. Do you think it will play a larger part in the story?
Discussion Questions for Chapters 7 - 1311. What do you think of the importance placed on names in this book? Book quote: "And names are strange things. Dangerous things." - Ben
There's always been a link to names and power in mythology. If you knew something's true name, then you had power over it. Rumplestiltskin in both the original fairytale or even in the show Once Upon a Time is a popular example of that.
12. Impressions of Kvothe's parents? And the Edema Ruh? What do you think of Kvothe's life on the road?
It seems like an idealized version of all traveling players. They're similar to the Romany in that the Edema Ruh seem like almsot an ethnic group. Not all traveling performers are Edema Ruh. They travel and perform and occasionally face prejudice, but without good reason because the troupe doens't do anything to warrent the suspicion.
13. What are your thoughts of Abenthy (Ben) the arcanist? Book quote: "I ask that you not hold it against him. He meant well." Will Kvothe learn more than is good for him?
He seems kind and the conversation with his donkeys was very sweet. But Kvothe seems like the kind of child who learns too fast. He's so good at absorbing knowledge that there isn't enough time to reflect on what each piece means and the wisest way to use it.
14. What do you think of the magic system, sympathy? Do you find it creative? The mind games Ben taught Kvothe - Heart of Stone and Seek the Stone - make my brain hurt.
I like it so far. It's very much the same principle behind Voodoo dolls and things like that. The mind games seem like a cross between meditation and Occlumency lessons from Harry Potter.
15. Do you think Kvothe's thirst for knowledge - combined with his aptitude for learning - will get him into trouble?
Absolutely! Among other things we already know that he gets expelled from University.
16. What did you make of the conversation about the Chandrian?
They remind me a little of the Ring Wraiths from Tolkien. Don't say their names, cold to the touch, light goes out when they pass. Granted, I've got Tolkien on the brain. I'm super excited about the Hobbit movie & I"m using a Gandalf bookmark in this book.
17. Did you expect that Bast was more than he seemed? Why did Chronicler react so violently?
I did think Bast was more than human, but I wasn't actually expecting to get answers this fast. I think Chronicler has lots of book knowledge, but very little practicle experience.
18. What did you think of the first part of Kvothe's story? Hooked yet? Any thoughts not covered in the DQs?
I want more, but I'm a little afraid of the downward turn he just promised us.
Questions for Chapters 14-2119. What did you think of Kvothe binding the air in his lungs with the air outside of him? Were you surprised that he could do such a thing without training? Do you think he will be more cautious in the future?
It seemed like the sort of mistake that an apprentice would make. The theory is sound and so they move on to the execution without thinking the consequences through. I think he'll be more careful for a while, but the scare will wear off and he'll do something else impulsive down the road.
20. Do you think we will hear more about the greystones (waystones)? They seem to hold some importance since they are mentioned in two different chapters.
I think they'll come back around. Ben obviously knows something more about them. It seems from Kvothe's father's poem that they might be gateways to somewhere else.
21. Were you surprised by Ben's quick departure? Do you think we will see him again?
Not really. It's necessary in the plot for him to disappear from Kvothe's life. Kvothe needs something to both slow down his studies and force them wider. Otherwise, he'd never need to go to University. I'm not sure that we'll see him again. I kind of think not.
22. What a sad scene! I felt so sorry for Kvothe. I really liked his family and traveling troupe. Do you think that the Chandrians were who killed them? It sounds like it had something to do with Kvothe's parents new song. Thoughts?
That hurt. Alot. I do think the Chandrians killed them all because of the song. Lord Haliax says, "Who keeps you safe from the Amyr? The singers?" I don't know if that's another term for a people we haven't seen yet, or if songs can actually harm them somehow, maybe by reminding people of their true names?
23. What did you think of Cinder and Lord Haliax? Again, we have the mention of "the inner turnings of someone's name". Do you think this has to do with Lord Haliax's ability to control his gang?
Yes. Lord Haliax is obviously the power. Possibly, he even grants Chandrian-ness on his followers. He owns them in a way.
24. What did you think about the doors to the mind. I thought it was a great true life metaphor of how we tend to deal with pain. Do you think Kvothe's mind is trying to give him clues about something through his dream?
The doors made a tremendous amount of sense to me. I do think the dream is full of clues. Some of them are just his mind reminding him how to survivie this and others are pointing to reasons and reactions.
25. Tarbean sounds like a terrible place. Was anyone else surprised that Kvothe didn't use his magic to defend himself against Pike and his gang? Why do you think he didn't?
I think there's a difference between knowing something intellectually and knowing it instinctivly. Kvothe hadn't practiced his sympathy in a long time and never in such dire circumstances. I think he forgot about it,
26. Wow, Trapis and his home are pretty depressing. Do you think it will play a larger part in the story?
Sad, but it's also a sliver of goodness in a mostly uncaring city. I'm not sure if he'll come into play again or not. Something is going to have to motivate Kovthe to leave. I just hope it's not something else horrible.
Mary wrote: "Laura wrote: "I will do them Mary, I am almost done with todays reading and will post them soon after."You're a lifesaver, Laura! Thank you! I'm feeling awful today and had to take some medicine ..."
Hope you are feeling better today, Mary! Thanks for the questions Laura!
Questions for Chapters 14-2119. What did you think of Kvothe binding the air in his lungs with the air outside of him? Were you surprised that he could do such a thing without training? Do you think he will be more cautious in the future? I agree with Sara. Definitely seems like a mistake an apprentice would make. Especially at Kvothe's age. While I think Kvothe will exercise some caution, I also think he got a taste of what he has the power to do and I worry a little that it will get him in trouble later on.
20. Do you think we will hear more about the greystones (waystones)? They seem to hold some importance since they are mentioned in two different chapters. Oh yeah, I definitely think we have more to come with the waystones. I'm guessing they have other purposes yet to be revealed.
21. Were you surprised by Ben's quick departure? Do you think we will see him again? I was surprised at first but see where the author was going with the story and why it was necessary. I really hope we will see him again but I'm not so sure. I'm hoping that we see him either while Kvothe is at university or after he leaves.
22. What a sad scene! I felt so sorry for Kvothe. I really liked his family and traveling troupe. Do you think that the Chandrians were who killed them? It sounds like it had something to do with Kvothe's parents new song. Thoughts? So there I am sitting at my desk, minding my own business and reading during lunch. Next thing I know, I'm tearing up and upset because of this scene. I really think my heart broke in thousands of pieces. I was kind of upset about it for the rest of the day! Kvothe's parents must have known something/said something/been something that the evil Chandrians didn't much care for.
23. What did you think of Cinder and Lord Haliax? Again, we have the mention of "the inner turnings of someone's name". Do you think this has to do with Lord Haliax's ability to control his gang? I think these are pretty darn scary villains and I would like to never run into them in a dark alley. Later on, when we hear the origin of Lord Haliax, we learn more about the power of names and I definitely think he's controlling his minions through a mixture of binding to names and some sort of evil sympathy stuff.
24. What did you think about the doors to the mind. I thought it was a great true life metaphor of how we tend to deal with pain. Do you think Kvothe's mind is trying to give him clues about something through his dream? I think that Kvothe has spent so much time avoiding his thoughts and feelings and "stuffing" them, that his mind took it upon itself to remind Kvothe of what he was capable of. I definitely believe in the power of dreams/the subconscious/doors to the mind.
25. Tarbean sounds like a terrible place. Was anyone else surprised that Kvothe didn't use his magic to defend himself against Pike and his gang? Why do you think he didn't? Yeah, I think I'll leave Tarbean off my list of fantasy worlds to visit. I think that Kvothe was so focused on survival that it probably didn't occur to him to use sympathy. I also think that using sympathy in a strange town with people who already hate you might just be a recipe for quick and painful death.
26. Wow, Trapis and his home are pretty depressing. Do you think it will play a larger part in the story? I think it shows Kvothe that not everyone is bad and he can find the good if he looks hard enough. I feel like we are done with Trapis and his kids.
Sara wrote: "They remind me a little of the Ring Wraiths from Tolkien. Don't say their names, cold to the touch, light goes out when they pass. Granted, I've got Tolkien on the brain. I'm super excited about the Hobbit movie & I"m using a Gandalf bookmark in this book."Lol! Good point! I'm also super excited about the Hobbit movie xD
Susanne wrote: "Sara wrote: "They remind me a little of the Ring Wraiths from Tolkien. Don't say their names, cold to the touch, light goes out when they pass. Granted, I've got Tolkien on the brain. I'm super exc..."Ohhhh creepy visual! I like it!
I only made it to Chapter 20 today. These chapters were heartbreaking!19. What did you think of Kvothe binding the air in his lungs with the air outside of him? Were you surprised that he could do such a thing without training? Do you think he will be more cautious in the future?
What they said xD I think he will start experimenting again but not make such a mistake again.
21. Were you surprised by Ben's quick departure? Do you think we will see him again?
I was surprised. I think we'll see him again! Wasn't there a reference to that?
22. What a sad scene! I felt so sorry for Kvothe. I really liked his family and traveling troupe. Do you think that the Chandrians were who killed them? It sounds like it had something to do with Kvothe's parents new song. Thoughts?
I agree! I got the impression that the song was the reason.
23. What did you think of Cinder and Lord Haliax? Again, we have the mention of "the inner turnings of someone's name". Do you think this has to do with Lord Haliax's ability to control his gang?
Names are obviously important! If I have to guess I would guess that Lord Haliax is Chandrian or at least connected to them.
24. What did you think about the doors to the mind. I thought it was a great true life metaphor of how we tend to deal with pain. Do you think Kvothe's mind is trying to give him clues about something through his dream?
I fully agree! I think that is so true. I always say that the memory adds cushions (and because I wrote a diary for many years I know it to be true - more than once I was shocked at how different my memories were compared to the accounting in my diary). Now I don't, I'm happier with my memories xD
25. Tarbean sounds like a terrible place. Was anyone else surprised that Kvothe didn't use his magic to defend himself against Pike and his gang? Why do you think he didn't?
I think he's still in shock, but I think he will get into a similar situation again and do magic then xD
OMG Lisa Kay, you just made my horrible day so much better!!!
Lisa Kay - THANK YOU!!! That makes today so much happier.
@ Sara#19-Good point. I bet you are right about only being scared a little while.
#20-I agree
#21- I hope not, I really liked Ben! You do have a point about the story though.
#22- Hmmm....I didn't think about the songs being dangerous for the Chandrian due to their names.....interesting.
#25- Good Point
@ Stacie #22- I was highly upset too. I really liked all of the troupe.
#25-Good point. I didn't think of him using his sympathy powers as being dangerous.
Mary if you need me to do questions for these chapters I am game, just let me know.
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Mary’s Discussion Questions for Chapters 7 – 13
11. What do you think of the importance placed on names in this book? Book quote: "And names are strange things. Dangerous things." - Ben
Well, I think that is Kvoth’s primary goal-to find hold to capture/control/name the wind. And the wind is an elusive thing, as well as a dangerous one. As far as having control over something, if you know its true name…I’ve read that before in other books, but I still like it.
12. Impressions of Kvothe's parents? And the Edema Ruh? What do you think of Kvothe's life on the road?
I’m loving it; I like the “run away to the circus” and vagabond existence theme.
13. What are your thoughts of Abenthy (Ben) the arcanist? Book quote: "I ask that you not hold it against him. He meant well." Will Kvothe learn more than is good for him?
I’m enjoying Ben as Kvothe’s teacher. Love that he has, among his occupations, “Dentist.” LOL! I think that quote implies that.
14. What do you think of the magic system, sympathy? Do you find it creative? The mind games Ben taught Kvothe - Heart of Stone and Seek the Stone - make my brain hurt.
Yes, I’m finding the book very clever – like Kvothe – and very creative (I thought for sure that rock was going to float). Didn’t hurt my brain too too much, of course I wasn’t actually doing them. LOL! I don’t think part of my mind could hide something from the other part…but, wait, maybe that is what denial is!
15. Do you think Kvothe's thirst for knowledge - combined with his aptitude for learning - will get him into trouble?
Oh, yes. Plus, he’s young.
16. What did you make of the conversation about the Chandrian?
I found myself wanting to know the words Kvothe missed. Very mysterious. I think Kvothe’s mother may have been on to something.
17. Did you expect that Bast was more than he seemed? Why did Chronicler react so violently?
Not really, just that he and Kvothe were very good friends, not master/pupil. I don’t know why Chronicler reacted that way, unless they are natural born enemies. **shrugs**
18. What did you think of the first part of Kvothe's story? Hooked yet? Any thoughts not covered in the DQs?
Yes, very entertaining. Nothing further; you’ve done an excellent job, Mary! ☺
Laura wrote: "Mary if you need me to do questions for these chapters I am game, just let me know."Hi Laura,
Mary is sick again today. She asked if either Lisa Kay and i if we could do today's questions, but we're both still trying to catch up. I actually finished the reading, but am too tired to write any decent questions. If you would like to do the questions that would be great, otherwise I'll try to write them in the morning when I'm not yawning every 2 seconds. If anyone decides to take over the questions, just post you're going to start writing them so we don't end up with two different people writing questions for the same section. I'll do the same in the morning if nobody else has claimed the section. BTW, thanks for doing yesterday's questions.
Lisa Kay wrote: ""Okay I want to know how they made that look so authentic because that is just not possible. lol
Discussion Questions for Chapters 7 - 1311. What do you think of the importance placed on names in this book? Book quote: "And names are strange things. Dangerous things." - Ben
Many books and things about magic have tampered with the idea of how important a name is. Just look at stories like Rumpelstiltskin or various fae books. To know the true name of something is to have true control over it. Your identity is everything you are.
12. Impressions of Kvothe's parents? And the Edema Ruh? What do you think of Kvothe's life on the road?
Definitely an interesting way to grow up. Sounds like a gypsy clan of sorts. I could think of worse things to be a part of. Although it must suck always being a stranger and always being on the road.
13. What are your thoughts of Abenthy (Ben) the arcanist? Book quote: "I ask that you not hold it against him. He meant well." Will Kvothe learn more than is good for him?
Seems like Ben was the first to realize the true potential of Kvothe. Makes me wonder if he would have achieved much without having met Ben. Or maybe someone more sinister would have found his skills. I definitely think Kvothe could easily get himself into trouble with how quickly he picks up on things. Although he could probably get himself out just as easily for the same reasons (as seen in the talk with his mom about the song)
14. What do you think of the magic system, sympathy? Do you find it creative? The mind games Ben taught Kvothe - Heart of Stone and Seek the Stone - make my brain hurt.
Mine too. I don't know how you teach yourself to think of two things gs at once but it would be great for game night against yourself.
15. Do you think Kvothe's thirst for knowledge -combined with his aptitude for learning - will get him into trouble?
Most definitely. But what's a story without some trouble?
16. What did you make of the conversation about the Chandrian?
Sounds scary. Can't wait to hear more.
17. Did you expect that Bast was more than he seemed? Why did Chronicler react so violently?
Sounds like a demon to me. Or something similar. Maybe something fae? I hadn't thought of him as anything different until they pointed it out.
18. What did you think of the first part of Kvothe's story? Hooked yet? Any thoughts not covered in the DQs?
Definitely intrigued but not completely hooked. Still working my way into it. This style of book always takes a bit longer for me to warm up to.
Jex wrote: "Although it must suck always being a stranger and always being on the road."Always being a stranger would suck for me, too.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Wise Man's Fear (other topics)The Wise Man's Fear (other topics)
The Name of the Wind (other topics)
1. What did you think of the story Cob told about Taborlin the Great? Do you think we'll hear more about the Chandrian later on?
I think it foreshadows something to come later, especially the part about being able to command something as long as you know it's name. Powerful magic.
2. So, the scraeling was pretty freaky. What did you think of the way Kote handled the situation?
You can tell that he's seen the scraeling before but doesn't want anyone to know that he's seen it. I wonder where they're coming from. Is it controlled by someone? Or simply a disturbing creature plaguing the land?
3. First impressions of Kote the mysterious innkeeper? And Bast? Why are they hiding out in the middle of nowhere?
I can't wait to hear more about Kote's past. Sounds like he's done a lot of things and his tale is about to be told with him meeting the Chronicler.
4. What do you think is in Kote's chest?
I must not have been paying much attention because I don't remember the chest. Must be something to do with his past I guess.
5. What did you make of the encounter - or "civil robbery" - between Chronicler and the soldiers?
Chronicler is pretty smart to keep just enough coins to keep them happy in his purse, but not enough to be robbed blind or too little to make them search him more. He's obviously been through a robbery or three in his travels. Sucks that so many soldiers are littering the streets and keeping people from traveling any more.
6. So someone's recognized Kote, and he called him "Kvothe the Bloodless." Thoughts? What do you make of his quick thinking?
The description says Kote goes by many names, Bloodless being one of them. Just part of his tale I guess. I'm interested to find out more.
7. How did Kote manage to kill five of the scrael? And what did he do with the bonfire and the chanting?
My guess is that he's run into them before and knows how to deal with them.
8. What do you make of Chronicler's idea for Kvothe - that's what I'm going to call him from now on - to tell his story? Do you think Chronicler is motivated by anything other than wanting to know the truth?
I think Chronicler could make a pretty penny by finding out the story of Kvothe. It sounds pretty epic based on the small amount we know.
9. What would you do, if you were Kvothe? Would you want to escape your dark past and hide, or set the record straight?
I guess it depends on exactly what was in my past. Since we don't really know his story it's hard to say if it's better to tell or run.
10. What did you think of the first section overall? Do you like the writing?
After reading so many YA and dystopian novels lately it took me a bit to get into the writing, but I like it. It's definitely peaked my interest. Not to mention this book has been recommended to me by about half a million people including some that usually aren't big on reading.