Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Good Omens
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Pratchett, Terry and Gaiman, Neil - Good Omens - Start Date January 13, 2013*** REVISIT starts August 4, 2018
***I forgot to mention, are you all paying attention to the footnotes? They're hilarious tidbits of information.***
Yeah, the footnotes are great.
LOL The footnotes can be quite informative!
Okay Katie, after you mentioned The Top of the Sixes is a real restaurant, I had to do some investigating. lol Here are some pictures:
Oh Lisarenee!!!! That was so cool of you to post these pictures! It just brought tears to my eyes; it was nice to revisit that memory again. :-)
Ok, this is not a comfort genre for me and I have been totally lost. Now reading the questions/comments that others have posted I'm going to do a reread of the first section and then try to comment/answer them! :)
That is so cool, I never thought to look it up to see if it was a real restaurant or not.
I'm cheating a little because I've read this book at least once a year since it was published. My mom bought the hard cover for me. But, I shall try to answer without any spoilers. Also, did you know the American edition has a bunch more text than the British edition? Random coolness.
1) So we have an angel and a demon who aren't quite friends but seem to hang around each other. The demon was once an angel. I'm guessing the two perhaps knew each other before Crowley started working for the dark side. Did you recognize that Crowley was Crawley right away? Did you like how he maintained some of his snake-like characteristics even in a more humanly form?
"he was wearing snakeskin shoes, or at least presumable he was wearing shoes, and he could do really weird thing with his tongue. And, whenever he forgot himself, he had a tendency to hiss."
I love Crowley. And Aziraphale. I just picture this snake and this angel sitting around having tea in the garden. They know they aren't really supposed to chat, but there's not really anyone else to talk to.
Did anyone else love Crowley's car? Because I thought it and the drive to the convent were awesome.
2) We have a misplaced Antichrist baby. Here's the run down of who went where:
The Youngs got the Antichrist and named him Adam
The Dowlings got the Young's baby and named him Warlock
The Dowlings baby ended up with the sisters. What do you think happened to him? Do you think he possibly stayed with the sisters or got adopted or do you suspect they disposed of him?
He might have grown up and won prizes for tropical fish. But I suspect that he didn't grow up after all. The nuns were not, after all, pink biscuits aside, very nice people really.
3) We have several questionable people whose part in all this I'm unsure of:
Anathema Device - 8 year old girl who will only live until the age of 11? Did I get that right? I believe it's just saying that when you're 8 you can barely comprehend of people older than 11, not that she won't make it past 11.
Newton Pulsifer - 12 year old inventor? Likes electricity.
Scarlett - former arms dealer who might become journalist?
Sable - wrote a diet book which slowly starves people to death? He signed a copy as Dr. Raven Sable but has no degree and is not a doctor.
Mr. White - seems to be present when bad things happen--Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and Windscale.
Any suspicions on how these guys will come into play with this one? Are they for team Satan?
The colors are rather their own team. I've always liked them and what they become later.
Newton and Anathama I would have liked to go to school with I think.
4) Thoughts on Warlock's upbringing? How'd you like the revised nursery rhymes? Do you think this experience will end up testing the question that Aziraphale posed about genetics? "What will hapen to the child if it doesn't get a Satanic upbringing, though?"
I think it's all rather fun it an Edward Gorey sort of way. There's nothing immediately different about the two children from a visual standpoint. If there had been the mix up wouldn't have happened. So, really, how much personality can be in a baby? How much is the parents? And how different is an anti-christ's education from a politician's?
5) What role will Agnes Nutter's prophecies play? Will we ever find out what she predicted?
They're ever so important. And accurate.
6) First impressions of Crowley and Azirphale?
Love, love, love, all the love. I want to hang out with Crowley and cuddle Aziraphale. He seems like someone I'd want for an uncle.
Sara, when you and Crowley hang out in his awesome Bentley, may I come along too?
lol Okay going to start writing questions and comments
Questions and Comments for the section entitled Wednesday7)So as Sara mentioned above I was wrong about Anathema Device. She does appear to live past her 11th birthday. She also runs into Crowley and Aziraphale and her significant part (at least so far) is that she inadvertently loses Agnes Nutter's book of Prophecies in the back of Crowley's Bentley and it comes into the possession of Aziraphale. I wonder if we'll see her again?
8) Scarlett is now nicknamed Red and going by the name Carmine Zuigiber and is now a journalist like she wanted. Carmine, by the way, is vivid color of crimson so I love how these guys still keep their names in a manner of speaking. After finding out war keeps breaking out wherever she goes, could she be some sort of horseman of the apocalypse? Isn't one war? Could Sable with his starvation plan be famine? I may be way off with this one as we only have three colors. I guess Mr. White might be death if it holds true??? I've read a lot of apocalypse novels so that's where my mind is gearing to.
9) What did you think of the hellhound? The build up of the name being so important only to be named Dog. Oh, the horror. lol
10) What did you think of Mary leasing the building and holding clinics for building team spirit among employees? I always knew those things were evil by nature. *smirk* Sounds like Crowley might not be as evil as he's supposed to be. Again a reference to him smiling like a snake.
11) Did you like Aziraphale as a magician? He sounded to be a complete failure. Well, at least till the gun came into play. :)
Questions and Comments for the section entitled Wednesday7)So as Sara mentioned above I was wrong about Anathema Device. She does appear to live past her 11th birthday. She also runs into Crowley and Aziraphale and her significant part (at least so far) is that she inadvertently loses Agnes Nutter's book of Prophecies in the back of Crowley's Bentley and it comes into the possession of Aziraphale. I wonder if we'll see her again?
I am not sure about seeing her again. I am thinking she may have played her part in the book by losing the book. I could be wrong though. I thought at the beginning of the book it said she wouldn't live to see her 11 birthday. Hmm...I am going to have to go back and do some rereading.
8) Scarlett is now nicknamed Red and going by the name Carmine Zuigiber and is now a journalist like she wanted. Carmine, by the way, is vivid color of crimson so I love how these guys still keep their names in a manner of speaking. After finding out war keeps breaking out wherever she goes, could she be some sort of horseman of the apocalypse? Isn't one war? Could Sable with his starvation plan be famine? I may be way off with this one as we only have three colors. I guess Mr. White might be death if it holds true??? I've read a lot of apocalypse novels so that's where my mind is gearing to.
I didn't make that connection, but it sounds like you could be right. I am thinking that this sounds about right. It would also fit in with the story theme. I am also loving how the authors are keeping the names similar throughout the story.
9) What did you think of the hellhound? The build up of the name being so important only to be named Dog. Oh, the horror. lol
I really liked this whole scene. What struck me as funny is that the dog changed to be exactly what the little boy wanted. It also shows that Adam has grown up to be something that no one would expect to be the antichrist.
10) What did you think of Mary leasing the building and holding clinics for building team spirit among employees? I always knew those things were evil by nature. *smirk* Sounds like Crowley might not be as evil as he's supposed to be. Again a reference to him smiling like a snake.
I loved how they made the team spirit building thing seem so evil. I mean, who really likes to go to those things? I am really liking the banter between Crowley and Aziraphale. It is quite funny.
11) Did you like Aziraphale as a magician? He sounded to be a complete failure. Well, at least till the gun came into play. :)
I was surprised that he wasn't a bit better. I did find it funny that none of the kids liked it. It goes to show the nurture side of the nature vs. nuture debate. Warlock and his friends seem to be quite the brats.
1. The fact that Crawley wanted to change his name to fit himself better made it easy to see the serpent in Crowley. I can see why Crowley and Aziraphale would become friendly if not actual friends. They would be the only constant in each otbhers life since time began. As far as the snakelike characteristics "they" say you can't change your basic nature.2. I feel the nuns probably had him adopted. They would have had to make money to support themselves and what better way to do that then to run an adoprion agency. Also explains why women would go there to have children.
3. I'm afraid I can't really answer this one as I have read the book a few times before. I recognize all the characters.
4. Since the babies were so similar no one could tell when they were switched. Although the child just seems to get confused, so maybe something that is already in the child is awakened by the education and enviroment.
5.again I've read the book before so I know. They are very important and coming.
6. Love how they seem to be closer to each other than their respective co-workers. Also how they have become so comfortable here in the world. Also would like to point out Aziraphale must be a member of goodreads since he is a definate book hoarder.
Laura wrote: "I really liked this whole scene. What struck me as funny is that the dog changed to be exactly what the little boy wanted. It also shows that Adam has grown up to be something that no one would expect to be the antichrist."
That was funny. I was laughing so hard.
Laura wrote: "I am not sure about seeing her again. I am thinking she may have played her part in the book by losing the book. I could be wrong though. I thought at the beginning of the book it said she wouldn't live to see her 11 birthday. Hmm...I am going to have to go back and do some rereading."
They way they described her she sounded older than 11. Didn't they call her a young woman?
Laura wrote, "I loved how they made the team spirit building thing seem so evil. I mean, who really likes to go to those things? I am really liking the banter between Crowley and Aziraphale. It is quite funny."
I know. At first I was wondering what was going on and then it hit me and I started laughing so hard.
Laura wrote, "I was surprised that he wasn't a bit better. I did find it funny that none of the kids liked it. It goes to show the nurture side of the nature vs. nuture debate. Warlock and his friends seem to be quite the brats."
With his powers he could have done some interesting tricks but opted not to and yes, it does seem to showcase the nature vs. nurture debate. Aziraphale strikes me a geeky sort of lovable uncle. I guess that meshes with what Sara said.
Nancy wrote: "Ok, this is not a comfort genre for me and I have been totally lost. Now reading the questions/comments that others have posted I'm going to do a reread of the first section and then try to comment..."Did we help at all?
7)So as Sara mentioned above I was wrong about Anathema Device. She does appear to live past her 11th birthday. She also runs into Crowley and Aziraphale and her significant part (at least so far) is that she inadvertently loses Agnes Nutter's book of Prophecies in the back of Crowley's Bentley and it comes into the possession of Aziraphale. I wonder if we'll see her again?I have a feeling we’ll see her again. If she’s a descendant of Agnes Nutter herself, she must have some witch blood running through her veins. She’ll make it her mission to get that book back. I look forward to her maybe ending up in Aziraphale’s bookstore and him trying to chase her out!
8) Scarlett is now nicknamed Red and going by the name Carmine Zuigiber and is now a journalist like she wanted. Carmine, by the way, is vivid color of crimson so I love how these guys still keep their names in a manner of speaking. After finding out war keeps breaking out wherever she goes, could she be some sort of horseman of the apocalypse? Isn't one war? Could Sable with his starvation plan be famine? I may be way off with this one as we only have three colors. I guess Mr. White might be death if it holds true??? I've read a lot of apocalypse novels so that's where my mind is gearing to.
Lisarenee, I think you’re right on the money. After thinking about Sable’s book (hilariously titled Foodless Dieting) I’m like, he has to symbolize SOMETHING! Then I came up with famine but had forgotten about the “Apocalypse Horsepersons” in the beginning of the book (the list of characters) so I guess that’s where War comes in too. I loved that she walked out of that scene totally unscathed wearing a grin. Pretty badass.
9) What did you think of the hellhound? The build up of the name being so important only to be named Dog. Oh, the horror. Lol
I agree with Laura’s take on the hellhound, how it changes and all. I like that he settles for just Dog. The Antichrist just might be a pretty nice kid.
10) What did you think of Mary leasing the building and holding clinics for building team spirit among employees? I always knew those things were evil by nature. *smirk* Sounds like Crowley might not be as evil as he's supposed to be. Again a reference to him smiling like a snake.
Ha ha! Laura, you are so right! Going to those things are torture and Crowley is such a demon turning them into real guns but then he's a softie because he rigs it so no one gets hurt. I’m so sweet on him!
11) Did you like Aziraphale as a magician? He sounded to be a complete failure. Well, at least till the gun came into play. :)
I admit, it was painful to read and I was like, JUST USE YOUR POWERS! Stick it to those obnoxious kids!!! And then when the hellhound didn’t show up, that was pretty priceless. I can imagine their faces when it dawns on them that someone Truly. Messed. Up. I wonder how Satan is going to take this...and side note…wouldn’t God and Satan be keeping an eye on their guys just in case?? I wonder if they know already and have anticipated this snafu.
Vickilynn wrote: "Also would like to point out Aziraphale must be a member of goodreads since he is a definate book hoarder."HAHAHAHAHA true story.
Finally getting caught up on this after having some issues with my copy of the audio. Loving it so far!Questions and Comments for In the Beginning - Eleven Years Ago by Lisarenee
1) So we have an angel and a demon who aren't quite friends but seem to hang around each other. The demon was once an angel. I'm guessing the two perhaps knew each other before Crowley started working for the dark side. Did you recognize that Crowley was Crawley right away? Did you like how he maintained some of his snake-like characteristics even in a more humanly form?
"he was wearing snakeskin shoes, or at least presumable he was wearing shoes, and he could do really weird thing with his tongue. And, whenever he forgot himself, he had a tendency to hiss."
I love their friendship. They're "frenemies," heh. Like Katie, I found it funny he only changed one letter in his name. I think he's my favorite character too.
2) We have a misplaced Antichrist baby. Here's the run down of who went where:
The Youngs got the Antichrist and named him Adam
The Dowlings got the Young's baby and named him Warlock
The Dowlings baby ended up with the sisters. What do you think happened to him? Do you think he possibly stayed with the sisters or got adopted or do you suspect they disposed of him?
May I just say that the conversation between Sister Mary and Mr. Young about baby names was hysterical? I've got the audio (one that actually works now, thank goodness) and Martin Jarvis has the most hilarious voice for Sister Mary. Anyway, I agree with most everyone here - the nuns probably disposed of the baby, which makes me very sad.
3) We have several questionable people whose part in all this I'm unsure of:
Anathema Device - 8 year old girl who will only live until the age of 11? Did I get that right?
Newton Pulsifer - 12 year old inventor? Likes electricity.
Scarlett - former arms dealer who might become journalist?
Sable - wrote a diet book which slowly starves people to death? He signed a copy as Dr. Raven Sable but has no degree and is not a doctor.
Mr. White - seems to be present when bad things happen--Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and Windscale.
Any suspicions on how these guys will come into play with this one? Are they for team Satan?
Not sure how these characters will come into play later, but they're certainly interesting.
4) Thoughts on Warlock's upbringing? How'd you like the revised nursery rhymes? Do you think this experience will end up testing the question that Aziraphale posed about genetics? "What will hapen to the child if it doesn't get a Satanic upbringing, though?"
I think Warlock's going to be a very confused boy who might need an awful lot of therapy when he's older. I think Crowley and Aziraphale are going to realize he's not the Antichrist sooner or later and will need to find Adam. The nursery rhymes made me giggle.
5) What role will Agnes Nutter's prophecies play? Will we ever find out what she predicted?
I'm betting we find out at some point. I have no idea how her prophecies will come into play just yet. I love the name Agnes Nutter.
6) First impressions of Crowley and Azirphale?
Love them both. I'm really enjoying their interactions.
Off to read the second section. :-)
Questions and Comments for the section entitled Wednesday7)So as Sara mentioned above I was wrong about Anathema Device. She does appear to live past her 11th birthday. She also runs into Crowley and Aziraphale and her significant part (at least so far) is that she inadvertently loses Agnes Nutter's book of Prophecies in the back of Crowley's Bentley and it comes into the possession of Aziraphale. I wonder if we'll see her again?
I think we'll see her again. It seems to be pretty important that she's related to Agnes Nutter. I could be wrong.
8) Scarlett is now nicknamed Red and going by the name Carmine Zuigiber and is now a journalist like she wanted. Carmine, by the way, is vivid color of crimson so I love how these guys still keep their names in a manner of speaking. After finding out war keeps breaking out wherever she goes, could she be some sort of horseman of the apocalypse? Isn't one war? Could Sable with his starvation plan be famine? I may be way off with this one as we only have three colors. I guess Mr. White might be death if it holds true??? I've read a lot of apocalypse novels so that's where my mind is gearing to.
I totally forgot about the Apocalyptic Horsepersons! Good catch. This totally makes sense.
9) What did you think of the hellhound? The build up of the name being so important only to be named Dog. Oh, the horror. lol
Well, Adam seems to be proving Crowley right, that the upbringing is everything. I also love that the hellhound changed to fit Adam's idea of a dog. So funny.
10) What did you think of Mary leasing the building and holding clinics for building team spirit among employees? I always knew those things were evil by nature. *smirk* Sounds like Crowley might not be as evil as he's supposed to be. Again a reference to him smiling like a snake.
Those are SO evil, I agree. I thought the book was going to take a really dark turn when Crowley gave people guns and I was scared for a moment. Good thing he's a demon with a sort-of conscience, or maybe he just feels guilty about being evil around Aziraphale.
11) Did you like Aziraphale as a magician? He sounded to be a complete failure. Well, at least till the gun came into play. :)
Whole scene = priceless.
I'm a little late on answering the first questions, so here they are. Time to go read yesterday's and today's sections!Questions and Comments for In the Beginning - Eleven Years Ago by Lisarenee
1) So we have an angel and a demon who aren't quite friends but seem to hang around each other. The demon was once an angel. I'm guessing the two perhaps knew each other before Crowley started working for the dark side. Did you recognize that Crowley was Crawley right away? Did you like how he maintained some of his snake-like characteristics even in a more humanly form?
"he was wearing snakeskin shoes, or at least presumable he was wearing shoes, and he could do really weird thing with his tongue. And, whenever he forgot himself, he had a tendency to hiss."
I knew it was him as soon as I saw the name. Kind of funny that he didn't change it much, but at least we know it's the same one. I think I like him the most out of everyone. He seems interesting.
2) We have a misplaced Antichrist baby. Here's the run down of who went where:
The Youngs got the Antichrist and named him Adam
The Dowlings got the Young's baby and named him Warlock
The Dowlings baby ended up with the sisters. What do you think happened to him? Do you think he possibly stayed with the sisters or got adopted or do you suspect they disposed of him?
I hate to say it, but I think they just disposed of him.
3) We have several questionable people whose part in all this I'm unsure of:
Anathema Device - 8 year old girl who will only live until the age of 11? Did I get that right?
Newton Pulsifer - 12 year old inventor? Likes electricity.
Scarlett - former arms dealer who might become journalist?
Sable - wrote a diet book which slowly starves people to death? He signed a copy as Dr. Raven Sable but has no degree and is not a doctor.
Mr. White - seems to be present when bad things happen--Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and Windscale.
Any suspicions on how these guys will come into play with this one? Are they for team Satan?
I think at least a few of them may be for team Satan. Not sure how they are going to come into play though.
4) Thoughts on Warlock's upbringing? How'd you like the revised nursery rhymes? Do you think this experience will end up testing the question that Aziraphale posed about genetics? "What will hapen to the child if it doesn't get a Satanic upbringing, though?"
I think they will realize pretty soon that he isn't the Antichrist. I'm hoping he isn't going to be traumatized from all of this.
5) What role will Agnes Nutter's prophecies play? Will we ever find out what she predicted?
Not sure what role her prophecies will play since I still don't know what they are. But, hopefully we will find out soon enough.
6) First impressions of Crowley and Azirphale?
I love them. It seems like the more we see them together, the more hilarious the book will be. Crowley is definitely my favorite though!
Questions and Comments for the section entitled Wednesday7)So as Sara mentioned above I was wrong about Anathema Device. She does appear to live past her 11th birthday. She also runs into Crowley and Aziraphale and her significant part (at least so far) is that she inadvertently loses Agnes Nutter's book of Prophecies in the back of Crowley's Bentley and it comes into the possession of Aziraphale. I wonder if we'll see her again?
Yes, I think we'll see her again. She seemed really intent on finding that book.
8) Scarlett is now nicknamed Red and going by the name Carmine Zuigiber and is now a journalist like she wanted. Carmine, by the way, is vivid color of crimson so I love how these guys still keep their names in a manner of speaking. After finding out war keeps breaking out wherever she goes, could she be some sort of horseman of the apocalypse? Isn't one war? Could Sable with his starvation plan be famine? I may be way off with this one as we only have three colors. I guess Mr. White might be death if it holds true??? I've read a lot of apocalypse novels so that's where my mind is gearing to.
Your explanation sounds good to me! Would never have picked up on what you did! :)
9) What did you think of the hellhound? The build up of the name being so important only to be named Dog. Oh, the horror. lol
I thought it was funny that the dog kept changing based on what the boy said he wanted.
Lisarenee wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Ok, this is not a comfort genre for me and I have been totally lost. Now reading the questions/comments that others have posted I'm going to do a reread of the first section and then ..."Definitely yes!! I didn't answer any of the first set of discussion questions since I hadn't a clue what was going on. But yes, after reading everyone else's responses I've gotten a better understanding of the book and the Wednesday section was much easier to read.
Questions and Comments for the sections entitled Thursday and Friday12) So did you read the footnotes about the missing baby? I laughed so hard at the footnote about Greasy Johnson. "See? You were right about the babies." *snort*
13) I love Adam's friends. Did you notice when Adam thinks things, things happen? The Lost City of Atlantis returns with live people. Was the Witch army due to his Spanish Inquisitions wish? (Spanish Onions - lol) Remember Adam's statement that Nuclear Power plants should be done away with? The lemon drop was pretty telling. So could Adam be coming into his powers? Could that have been what he did to make Anathema happy?
14) The section on Raven seems to confirm my horsemen theory. "Sable signed for it, his real name--one word, six letters. Sounds like examine." I went back to Red's signature and the quote about her name states, "The name she wrote was not Carmine Zuigiber. It was a much shorter name."
15) What did you make of the missing aura?
16)So Anathema shows herself again. She gives Adam some occultist magazines and "changed his life." I wonder why the hell-hound didn't want to go into Anathema's house?
17) What did you think of Sable's line of diet foods? Sounds like the authors are not too thrilled with fast food restaurants. Another known evil?
18) How do you like Wensleydale's comics? Interesting kid.
19) 6 double 6 phone number? Wouldn't that be 666?
20) Could the spirals Anathema found be a series of sixes? For some reason when they started talking of spirals a series of sixes intertwined came to mind. Seems like sixes show up quite frequently so it just may be I've got them on my mind. Sounds like everyone is zooming in on Adam. Wonder why they decided all this would take place around his 11th birthday? I'd think he'd be older for armageddon.
21) What did you think of Newton Pulsifier? He looks like Clark Kent???? Or is it Superman???
22) What did you think of the Witchfinders and Shadwell?
12) So did you read the footnotes about the missing baby? I laughed so hard at the footnote about Greasy Johnson. "See? You were right about the babies." *snort*BWAHAHAHA I just about died when I read that. I think it was the “right” being in italics that did me in, like the narrator was talking just to me. There I was, on the platform for the C, laughing my ass off that I had to put the book away to breathe. Luckily, New Yorkers didn’t spare me a glance, they were probably just happy I wasn’t trying to sell them candy for my baseball team fundraiser.
13) I love Adam's friends. Did you notice when Adam thinks things, things happen? The Lost City of Atlantis returns with live people. Was the Witch army due to his Spanish Inquisitions wish? (Spanish Onions - lol) Remember Adam's statement that Nuclear Power plants should be done away with? The lemon drop was pretty telling. So could Adam be coming into his powers? Could that have been what he did to make Anathema happy?
I liked the added detail of the lemon drop too. I wonder if he’s been doing little things throughout his life that went unnoticed (kind of like Harry Potter coming into his own) but now that he’s reading all of these stories his imagination is running wild. He seems like such a nice kid that it would be interesting if he uses these powers to save the world rather than end it?
And once again, Lisarenee, you point out a good detail about Adam liking to make people happy. That may pose as a problem down the road when he learns who his real father is. Would he want to make Satan happy too? Such a dilemma!
14) The section on Raven seems to confirm my horsemen theory. "Sable signed for it, his real name--one word, six letters. Sounds like examine." I went back to Red's signature and the quote about her name states, "The name she wrote was not Carmine Zuigiber. It was a much shorter name."
Yeah, the examine made me giggle. I like the little subtle hints they throw at you, like they’re trying to see if we’re paying attention.
15) What did you make of the missing aura?
I saw it as he’s not fully human. I don’t know the birthing ways of Satan like if he spawns evil from himself or he has to engage with another creature of some sort? I wish they taught me these things in grade school…
16)So Anathema shows herself again. She gives Adam some occultist magazines and "changed his life." I wonder why the hell-hound didn't want to go into Anathema's house?
Hmmm I’m guessing it had something to do with the horseshoe? I don’t know the meaning of it and was hoping someone else might have a clue as to what that means. I was a little baffled by Dog too, if Anathema is a witch, wouldn’t she be on the same side as the bad guys in a way? Or is she a good witch? Are there good witches? I’m clueless on this one. I would look it up on the internet but I’m curious what everyone else thinks.
17) What did you think of Sable's line of diet foods? Sounds like the authors are not too thrilled with fast food restaurants. Another known evil?
Fast food is evil!!!! And too damn delicious!!! I thought the food items were hilarious and the fact that they aren’t really food confirms my suspicions that Taco Bell’s meat, isn’t really meat.
18) How do you like Wensleydale's comics? Interesting kid.
I feel like Wensleydale is going to royally piss off Adam because he always has to make side comments and contradict him. I worry for Wensleydale’s safety if ever this shall occur.
19) 6 double 6 phone number? Wouldn't that be 666?
HA! So didn’t catch that one!
20) Could the spirals Anathema found be a series of sixes? For some reason when they started talking of spirals a series of sixes intertwined came to mind. Seems like sixes show up quite frequently so it just may be I've got them on my mind. Sounds like everyone is zooming in on Adam. Wonder why they decided all this would take place around his 11th birthday? I'd think he'd be older for Armageddon.
Yeah, I was wondering about that too, 11. Seems kind of young to me and they showcase that fact because the Them are still playing imagination games and having curious yet innocent discussions about things.
21) What did you think of Newton Pulsifier? He looks like Clark Kent???? Or is it Superman???
LOL I’d say he looks like Superman! He is interesting but I can’t put my finger on what exactly makes him stand out as a character.
22) What did you think of the Witchfinders and Shadwell?
Shadwell is all kinds of weird. I think I would have trouble staring directly in his face for some reason. Could be the description of his teeth or his shifty behavior but he’s obviously really serious about witch hunting. So that will come in handy in the next section I assume.
Katie wrote: "BWAHAHAHA I just about died when I read that. I think it was the “right” being in italics that did me in, like the narrator was talking just to me. There I was, on the platform for the C, laughing my ass off that I had to put the book away to breathe. Luckily, New Yorkers didn’t spare me a glance, they were probably just happy I wasn’t trying to sell them candy for my baseball team fundraiser."Haha! This cracked me up.
Katie wrote, "I read that. I think it was the “right” being in italics that did me in, like the narrator was talking just to me."I know. I like how they do that. I burst out laughing to. My kids have gotten used to me I think.
Katie wrote, "Would he want to make Satan happy too? Such a dilemma!"
I didn't even think of that.
Katie wrote, "I like the little subtle hints they throw at you, like they’re trying to see if we’re paying attention."
I think to enjoy this book you really have to look for those hints. I'm still trying to figure out the meaning of the cotton Y thingy. Was that a reference to underwear? I think I missed something there that I shouldn't have.
Katie said, "Shadwell is all kinds of weird. I think I would have trouble staring directly in his face for some reason. Could be the description of his teeth or his shifty behavior but he’s obviously really serious about witch hunting. So that will come in handy in the next section I assume."
I agree. I wonder if he truly does believe? Sounded like he was taking money, but not really expecting to find anything.
Questions and Comments for the sections entitled Thursday and Friday12) So did you read the footnotes about the missing baby? I laughed so hard at the footnote about Greasy Johnson. "See? You were right about the babies." *snort*
That was so funny. I love that we all had such pessimistic outlooks on the baby's fate.
13) I love Adam's friends. Did you notice when Adam thinks things, things happen? The Lost City of Atlantis returns with live people. Was the Witch army due to his Spanish Inquisitions wish? (Spanish Onions - lol) Remember Adam's statement that Nuclear Power plants should be done away with? The lemon drop was pretty telling. So could Adam be coming into his powers? Could that have been what he did to make Anathema happy?
I like Katie's above comparison to Harry Potter. It seems like Adam is indeed making these things happen just by thinking about them. I hadn't even connected Adam's statement about Nuclear Power plants and the uranium going missing. *facepalm* You have to wonder what he'll do next.
14) The section on Raven seems to confirm my horsemen theory. "Sable signed for it, his real name--one word, six letters. Sounds like examine." I went back to Red's signature and the quote about her name states, "The name she wrote was not Carmine Zuigiber. It was a much shorter name."
So, have I missed something? Have we met Pollution? I read almost 200 pages yesterday and I was exhausted by the end of it, so I may have missed it.
15) What did you make of the missing aura?
Agree with Katie - it meant he wasn't human. And now I'm wondering how he came into being, too. Did Satan just say, "Okay, time for the Antichrist!" and POOF, there he was? Hmm.
16)So Anathema shows herself again. She gives Adam some occultist magazines and "changed his life." I wonder why the hell-hound didn't want to go into Anathema's house?
Must have been the horseshoe. A horseshoe is typically used as a luck symbol, so perhaps it was hung above the house to bring good luck to it? Perhaps it also warded off evil or something and that was why the dog didn't want to go in.
17) What did you think of Sable's line of diet foods? Sounds like the authors are not too thrilled with fast food restaurants. Another known evil?
Yeah, fast food is pretty evil... Although I miss it now that I'm gluten-free. Only a few restaurants have gluten-free menus I trust.
18) How do you like Wensleydale's comics? Interesting kid.
I love that he was ashamed of his comics. I love that he called it a comic to begin with, heh.
19) 6 double 6 phone number? Wouldn't that be 666?
Interesting coincidence...
20) Could the spirals Anathema found be a series of sixes? For some reason when they started talking of spirals a series of sixes intertwined came to mind. Seems like sixes show up quite frequently so it just may be I've got them on my mind. Sounds like everyone is zooming in on Adam. Wonder why they decided all this would take place around his 11th birthday? I'd think he'd be older for armageddon.
I don't remember the spirals you're talking about, as everything yesterday is starting to blur together. The ley lines? It's definitely going to get interesting when everyone finds Adam and discovers he's a normal(ish) boy and his hellhound answers to "Dog."
21) What did you think of Newton Pulsifier? He looks like Clark Kent???? Or is it Superman???
I'm not really sure how important he'll be in the grand scheme of things. Part of me wonders if he and Anathema will encounter each other soon.
22) What did you think of the Witchfinders and Shadwell?
I love that Shadwell is working for both sides. That made me laugh. He's definitely strange, and after reading about him, I sort of wanted to take a shower and get really clean.
Questions and Comments for the sections entitled Thursday and Friday12) So did you read the footnotes about the missing baby? I laughed so hard at the footnote about Greasy Johnson. "See? You were right about the babies." *snort*
Ha Ha! I laughed hard too. I think thats why I love it so much when they do footnotes in books like this. They are usually always funny or interesting.
13) I love Adam's friends. Did you notice when Adam thinks things, things happen? The Lost City of Atlantis returns with live people. Was the Witch army due to his Spanish Inquisitions wish? (Spanish Onions - lol) Remember Adam's statement that Nuclear Power plants should be done away with? The lemon drop was pretty telling. So could Adam be coming into his powers? Could that have been what he did to make Anathema happy?
It almost sounds like he is doing it without realizing that he is doing it. I don't think he did anything to make Anathema happy, because he doesn't realize it is actually happening. I thought the Captain of the ship that ended up in the middle of Atlantis was so sarcastic. It was great.
14) The section on Raven seems to confirm my horsemen theory. "Sable signed for it, his real name--one word, six letters. Sounds like examine." I went back to Red's signature and the quote about her name states, "The name she wrote was not Carmine Zuigiber. It was a much shorter name."
I agree. At the front of the book wasn't there a list of characters that had the horsemen in it? I thought that there was.
15) What did you make of the missing aura?
I think he is missing an aura because he is the antichrist, a spawn of hell.
16)So Anathema shows herself again. She gives Adam some occultist magazines and "changed his life." I wonder why the hell-hound didn't want to go into Anathema's house?
I wondered this too. I would think that nothing of hell would be put off by occultists. It sounds like something they would have their hands in
17) What did you think of Sable's line of diet foods? Sounds like the authors are not too thrilled with fast food restaurants. Another known evil?
I could understand why the authors dislike fast food restaurants. Even the salads they put on their menus are loaded with fattening ingredients. I laughed out loud when I read the part about super-sizing everything.
18) How do you like Wensleydale's comics? Interesting kid.
Wensleydale's character seems really smart, but easily influenced. One of those strange kids that just wants to fit in, but isn't afraid to voice his opinion.
19) 6 double 6 phone number? Wouldn't that be 666?
That's what I gathered. It seems like not everyone is confused as to where the antichrist is.
20) Could the spirals Anathema found be a series of sixes? For some reason when they started talking of spirals a series of sixes intertwined came to mind. Seems like sixes show up quite frequently so it just may be I've got them on my mind. Sounds like everyone is zooming in on Adam. Wonder why they decided all this would take place around his 11th birthday? I'd think he'd be older for armageddon.
I don't remember the spirals that you were talking about either. I realized that yesterday's reading, for me was a bit harder to keep up with. I do however find it interesting that he is so young. I also thought he would be older. I bet it has something to do with how everything is going to go down.
21) What did you think of Newton Pulsifier? He looks like Clark Kent???? Or is it Superman???
I am betting that he will play a pretty small role in everything we keep getting introduced to all of these characters, they are starting to all run together.
22) What did you think of the Witchfinders and Shadwell?
I thought at first that he was one and the same as Madame Tracy. I think he is a strange character and he creeps me out.
7. There is too much buildup for her to have played that small a part in the book. The authors spent no time on the the parents of Warlock or the nuns except Mary who ran the Manor after the convent collapsed.8. Red would definately be War, the horseman. Sable is Famine. I read the reference in Revelation in the first section. The verse itself didn't really clear up anything butt if you read the whole chapter it is talking about the horseman of the apocolupse.
9. The hellhound is very definately his masters creation. It is funny he becomes a friendly dog. That is a big demotion from hellhound.
10. Those businesses with multiple departments are cut-throat. I thought the reference to alliances being formed was also funny. I think time spent apart from the "base" has blurred the lines for both Crowley and Aziraphale.
11. Aziraphale took his magic class in a very innocent time and the children seem to be more aware of tricks. My grandchildren are 10 and 11 and I don't believe they would be impressed with that kind of magic show.
I was just thinking about your Taco Bell statement Katie, and it reminded me of what a lot of people used to call it when I was growing up--Taco Hell. How appropriate.
Laura said, "At the front of the book wasn't there a list of characters that had the horsemen in it? I thought that there was."There was, but I somehow missed it. It says the horseman will be in the book, but don't say who they are. An interesting item I found with that, however, is that Pestilence has been replaced by Pollution. So when do we meet that horseman?
Nancy wrote: "Lisarenee wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Ok, this is not a comfort genre for me and I have been totally lost. Now reading the questions/comments that others have posted I'm going to do a reread of the first..."Oh good. It took me a little bit to get into the reading that first day too until it dawned on me what was going on.
Vickilynn wrote: "I read the reference in Revelation in the first section. The verse itself didn't really clear up anything "I did too and totally agree with you.
Laura said, "It almost sounds like he is doing it without realizing that he is doing it. I don't think he did anything to make Anathema happy, because he doesn't realize it is actually happening."I wonder if he does? You may be right.
Questions and Comments for Part One of Saturday23. I love that the Witchfinders come armed with a pin. "I've got a pin, and I'm not afraid to use it!" Why do you think Shadwell has such archaic beliefs about witches?
24. Agnes seemed pretty prepared to die. Do you think she was talking to Shadwell all those years ago, or was Shadwell merely dreaming about the past? Also, can you believe someone named their child Thou-Shalt-Not-Commit-Adultery Pulsifer?
25. More of Adam's thoughts and desires are showing themselves - UFOs, whales, rainforests, tibetans, etc. He seems so caught up in wanting to make the world a better place for him and his friends that he's going to destroy it by starting it over. Will he snap out of it? How do you see it unfolding?
26. "Something or someone loves this place. Loves every inch of it so powerfully that it shields and protects it." Is this Adam's love Anathema is describing? Do you think this love will ultimately stop him from carrying out his plan to reboot the world?
27. What did you think of the interaction between Anathema and Newt? Without Agnes Nutter's prophecies, would it have happened? Will they still be interested in each other if the world doesn't end?
28. Did you like Agnes's prophecy about Dog? I like what Anathema wrote next to it: "? Is this something to do with Bismark?"
29. What did you think of all the body-snatching scenes as Aziraphale tried to get closer to home? How will he get back in his own body? Will the fact that he's disobeying orders from Heaven have negative consequences?
30. Do you like Crowley's way of making his plants grow? "Say hello to your friend…He just couldn't cut it…" How about the way he trapped Hastur in a tape?
31. So now the Four "Bikers" of the Apocalypse are all together. What is their mission? Chaos on earth in its final hours? Serving the Antichrist? How about the tagalong bikers - think they'll help any? (I thought they were hysterical when they were trying to decide what to name themselves.)
32. What's going to happen when Aziraphale and Crowley realize that Adam is not the Antichrist they'd imagined? Will Aziraphale regret telling Shadwell to kill him?
Laura wrote: "I think he is missing an aura because he is the antichrist, a spawn of hell."HAH. :D
Questions and Comments for Part One of Saturday23. I love that the Witchfinders come armed with a pin. "I've got a pin, and I'm not afraid to use it!" Why do you think Shadwell has such archaic beliefs about witches?
Hmm....not sure about this one. My guess is that he is an obsessive personality and this is the one thing that he has latched on to for most of his life.
24. Agnes seemed pretty prepared to die. Do you think she was talking to Shadwell all those years ago, or was Shadwell merely dreaming about the past? Also, can you believe someone named their child Thou-Shalt-Not-Commit-Adultery Pulsifer?
I thought it was Newt having that dream? Man, this book is really hard to follow, I think that is why I am not enjoying it as much as I could be enjoying it. No, I can't believe that someone would name their child that. I almost wonder if the child didn't change their names kind of like the bikers did.
25. More of Adam's thoughts and desires are showing themselves - UFOs, whales, rainforests, tibetans, etc. He seems so caught up in wanting to make the world a better place for him and his friends that he's going to destroy it by starting it over. Will he snap out of it? How do you see it unfolding?
I doubt he will snap out of it. The world has to end in some way right? At this point, I have no idea how it is all going to end. My brain is fried from work and I will be lucky if I remember half of what I have read in this book.
26. "Something or someone loves this place. Loves every inch of it so powerfully that it shields and protects it." Is this Adam's love Anathema is describing? Do you think this love will ultimately stop him from carrying out his plan to reboot the world?
I think it is Adam. He is the only spirit character that I think has been there long enough to develop any kind of feelings for the area. I don't think it will stop him from rebooting the world though.
27. What did you think of the interaction between Anathema and Newt? Without Agnes Nutter's prophecies, would it have happened? Will they still be interested in each other if the world doesn't end?
I get the feeling that it might not have happened. It didn't seem like Anathema was very interested in Newt. It could have grown into something though.
28. Did you like Agnes's prophecy about Dog? I like what Anathema wrote next to it: "? Is this something to do with Bismark?"
Again, something I apparently missed. I was having a hard time following those prophecies, I should have read them more carefully.
29. What did you think of all the body-snatching scenes as Aziraphale tried to get closer to home? How will he get back in his own body? Will the fact that he's disobeying orders from Heaven have negative consequences?
I am sure that there will be consequences for him not following orders. I thought it was interesting that he was going into Madame Tracy's body. Its funny how Shadwell didn't recognize him. I thought for sure since they had dealings with each other he would figure out who it was.
30. Do you like Crowley's way of making his plants grow? "Say hello to your friend…He just couldn't cut it…" How about the way he trapped Hastur in a tape?
I thought the plant scene was clever. I giggled a bit to myself because I know plants are living things, but I never thought of them as having fear before. I found it interesting that he was able to trap a more powerful demon in a tape. I wonder what is going to happen with that.
31. So now the Four "Bikers" of the Apocalypse are all together. What is their mission? Chaos on earth in its final hours? Serving the Antichrist? How about the tagalong bikers - think they'll help any? (I thought they were hysterical when they were trying to decide what to name themselves.)
I think that the bikers are going to meet up with the antichrist. I wonder if they are going to the right one? I am not sure what they will do once they get there. I also found the naming scene funny.
32. What's going to happen when Aziraphale and Crowley realize that Adam is not the Antichrist they'd imagined? Will Aziraphale regret telling Shadwell to kill him?
I am not sure. I doubt that the killing will actually happen. I am thinking that it is all going to be one giant ball of craziness.
I read this right now, and I will answer Lisarenee's Q for tIn the Beginning - Eleven Years Ago1) So we have an angel and a demon who aren't quite friends but seem to hang around each other. The demon was once an angel. I'm guessing the two perhaps knew each other before Crowley started working for the dark side. Did you recognize that Crowley was Crawley right away? Did you like how he maintained some of his snake-like characteristics even in a more humanly form?
"he was wearing snakeskin shoes, or at least presumable he was wearing shoes, and he could do really weird thing with his tongue. And, whenever he forgot himself, he had a tendency to hiss."
I really like Crowley and in my mind he portrayed by Johnny Deep. But since he look in younger side than Aziraphale, so no Deep. As for his name, Crawley maybe because his reptil-like character and the authors change his name into Crowley. Which I believe from Aleister Crowley. Interesting
2) We have a misplaced Antichrist baby. Here's the run down of who went where:
The Youngs got the Antichrist and named him Adam
The Dowlings got the Young's baby and named him Warlock
The Dowlings baby ended up with the sisters. What do you think happened to him? Do you think he possibly stayed with the sisters or got adopted or do you suspect they disposed of him?
I suspect they disposed him. If he stayed with the susters, he will kinda useless. Or maybe they keep him to become helper or what.
3) We have several questionable people whose part in all this I'm unsure of:
Anathema Device - 8 year old girl who will only live until the age of 11? Did I get that right?
Newton Pulsifer - 12 year old inventor? Likes electricity.
Scarlett - former arms dealer who might become journalist?
Sable - wrote a diet book which slowly starves people to death? He signed a copy as Dr. Raven Sable but has no degree and is not a doctor.
Mr. White - seems to be present when bad things happen--Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and Windscale.
Any suspicions on how these guys will come into play with this one? Are they for team Satan?
as for Anathema, and Newton I believe they are in team Heaven. For Scarley, Mr White and Sable, those are match the description of Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse. Mostly, from their appearance in many country
4) Thoughts on Warlock's upbringing? How'd you like the revised nursery rhymes? Do you think this experience will end up testing the question that Aziraphale posed about genetics? "What will hapen to the child if it doesn't get a Satanic upbringing, though?"
Ugh, I think I'm still not done to this part. I read the translation version
5) What role will Agnes Nutter's prophecies play? Will we ever find out what she predicted?
I believe she predicted about the real Armageddon. And we will find out in the middle of the book
6) First impressions of Crowley and Azirphale?
Love them both. They are so different yet complete each other and become friends.
Questions and Comments for the section entitled Wednesday7)So as Sara mentioned above I was wrong about Anathema Device. She does appear to live past her 11th birthday. She also runs into Crowley and Aziraphale and her significant part (at least so far) is that she inadvertently loses Agnes Nutter's book of Prophecies in the back of Crowley's Bentley and it comes into the possession of Aziraphale. I wonder if we'll see her again?
I think she will have a bigger part to play than I originally thought. At least I hope so, I kind of like her. Not sure why though. But, she has to find her book. So, we have to see more of her.
8) Scarlett is now nicknamed Red and going by the name Carmine Zuigiber and is now a journalist like she wanted. Carmine, by the way, is vivid color of crimson so I love how these guys still keep their names in a manner of speaking. After finding out war keeps breaking out wherever she goes, could she be some sort of horseman of the apocalypse? Isn't one war? Could Sable with his starvation plan be famine? I may be way off with this one as we only have three colors. I guess Mr. White might be death if it holds true??? I've read a lot of apocalypse novels so that's where my mind is gearing to.
Maybe it's possible that Sable and Red could both be signs that the apocalypse is coming soon. Not exactly the horseman, but something similar. Maybe Mr. White will be the horseman. I think I'm starting to get confused...
9) What did you think of the hellhound? The build up of the name being so important only to be named Dog. Oh, the horror. lol
I'm going to love Dog! But, I thought it was hilarious when his named turned out to be Dog. I love it!
10) What did you think of Mary leasing the building and holding clinics for building team spirit among employees? I always knew those things were evil by nature. *smirk* Sounds like Crowley might not be as evil as he's supposed to be. Again a reference to him smiling like a snake.
I think it's interesting. I love how her character has changed since the beginning. I like this version better. I'm wondering if we will get to see more of her though.
11) Did you like Aziraphale as a magician? He sounded to be a complete failure. Well, at least till the gun came into play. :)
I loved that whole scene. The guns were great!
Answers to Questions and Comments for Part One of Saturday23. I love that the Witchfinders come armed with a pin. "I've got a pin, and I'm not afraid to use it!" Why do you think Shadwell has such archaic beliefs about witches?
The only reasonable explanation for the pinning is that you pin things on the map and the term somehow got jumbled up in Shadwell's addled mind and he thought people literally pinned witches???? This was very strange to me.
24. Agnes seemed pretty prepared to die. Do you think she was talking to Shadwell all those years ago, or was Shadwell merely dreaming about the past? Also, can you believe someone named their child Thou-Shalt-Not-Commit-Adultery Pulsifer?
I think this was their jab at people who name their kids things like charity, chastity, etc... As for the dreaming I don't think it was a dream. I think it was Agnes showing him that what they do to witches isn't right. I don't think Shadwell every thought things through.
25. More of Adam's thoughts and desires are showing themselves - UFOs, whales, rainforests, tibetans, etc. He seems so caught up in wanting to make the world a better place for him and his friends that he's going to destroy it by starting it over. Will he snap out of it? How do you see it unfolding?
I think his friends will show him the errors of his thinking and save the day at the last minute.
26. "Something or someone loves this place. Loves every inch of it so powerfully that it shields and protects it." Is this Adam's love Anathema is describing? Do you think this love will ultimately stop him from carrying out his plan to reboot the world?
This is the second time this has been said. The first was when Crowley ran into Anathema's bike or was it she who ran into his Bentley. I find it interesting they both (she and Aziraphale) felt it.
27. What did you think of the interaction between Anathema and Newt? Without Agnes Nutter's prophecies, would it have happened? Will they still be interested in each other if the world doesn't end?
Is this supposed to be representative to the Lion laying down with the lamb???
28. Did you like Agnes's prophecy about Dog? I like what Anathema wrote next to it: "? Is this something to do with Bismark?"
I have no idea about that one.
29. What did you think of all the body-snatching scenes as Aziraphale tried to get closer to home? How will he get back in his own body? Will the fact that he's disobeying orders from Heaven have negative consequences?
They did say once they lose a body the forces that be have a difficult time conjuring up another or some such earlier. So far I'd say he hasn't really done any disobeying. Did I miss something? I may need to reread that bit.
30. Do you like Crowley's way of making his plants grow? "Say hello to your friend…He just couldn't cut it…" How about the way he trapped Hastur in a tape?
The plant growing was funny and I loved how he trapped him in the answering machine tape. He cracks me up with his deviousness.
31. So now the Four "Bikers" of the Apocalypse are all together. What is their mission? Chaos on earth in its final hours? Serving the Antichrist? How about the tagalong bikers - think they'll help any? (I thought they were hysterical when they were trying to decide what to name themselves.)
Hell's Angels on wheels. Gotta love it.
32. What's going to happen when Aziraphale and Crowley realize that Adam is not the Antichrist they'd imagined? Will Aziraphale regret telling Shadwell to kill him?
Can anyone kill him? Especially a witchfinder with a pin? Would fire affect him? Hmmmm....
Questions and Comments for Part Two of Saturday and Sunday33. What did you think of Adam's conclusion that he and his friends needed Greasy Johnson's gang? Do you agree with his logic?
34. Mr. R. P. Tyler had a busy few minutes. First the Four Bikers of the Apocalypse, then Adam and his friends, then Madame Tracy and Shadwell (and Aziraphale inside Madame Tracy), then Crowley. Whew! Which encounter was your favorite?
35. Do you think Adam was trying to make his friends into his own personal Horsemen of the Apocalypse, with the crown, scales, and sword? Did he know instinctually what to do, or was he making it up as he went along?
36. What did you think of the final showdown? Did it play out the way you expected?
37. Were you surprised Mr. Young stepped out of the car, or were you expecting Adam's other father?
38. Will Newt and Anathema live by Agnes's prophecies, or free of them? Will they get married? Agnes seems to think so...
39. Okay, so if Agnes Nutter knew the world wouldn't end, why did she say it would? Was it all to get people where they were supposed to go? My brain is hurting.
40. Did you think the ending was fitting, with Adam stealing apples?
41. What is your opinion of the book overall? What will you rate it? Any thoughts not covered in the DQs?
@ LauraSorry you aren't enjoying this one as much. I think the audio version really helped me follow everything. The narrator was brilliant and had a distinct voice for everyone. I have a paperback copy I'm using as well, so I can flip through and find parts I need to read again. I can see why it might be hard to follow, though. There's a whole lot going on at once.
@ Ren
So glad you're joining us, Ren! I can totally see Johnny Depp. I think you're right about Aleister Crowley.
@ Mandi
I love Dog, too! I think he's one of my favorite aspects of the whole book.
@ Lisarenee
The plant growing was my favorite scene in the whole book I think.
12. It was funny that he was a bully type but is devoted to his tropical fish. Made me wonder about the parents. They were never really discribed.13. Adam's friends are awesome. Pepper and Brian seem to be more aware that Adam is more leader than is Wensleydale. He seems less inclined to believe everything Adam says. I thought it interesting that the weather had beeen a child's ideal for several years. I'm pretty sure I remember Crowley saying that the child would be changing the world, that he couldn't help himself.
14. Definately the horseman. Not much about the third one yet and nothing on the fourth. Can't wait to find out about them.
15. The aura is probably missing because he is the antichrist.
16. It had to have something to do with the horseshoe. I looked up horseshoes and found that they were hung over threshholds to protect from evil. It was thought that witches couldn't enter a home with one hanging above the door.
17. He has gone from nutrition deficient with no calories to making people fat while deleveringno nutrtion. I like that he is testing it in Des Moines. I'm near there so I'll stay away from fast food.
18. Wensleydale is deferent all right. I don't know if I would consider that series a comic.
19. 6double6=666
20. The ley lines, which are historically where important things happen,are changing into a spiral centered in Tadfield.
21. I understood if he went into the phonebooth he would come out looking like Clark Kent so an even nerdy version to start with. He is just bored with his life and wants something to change. Some days I understand the feeling.
22. I get the whole Witchfinders Army is Shadwell. He made up the rest to make it look like an organization. He seems to be a crotchety old man who does and says things for show and doesn't really believe them. Seems to be focused on nipples and women doing witch things and totally dismisses happenings because there are no women involved. But he takes and eats the food Madame Tracey makes him, like he protests for the look of things.
So just thinking out loud--So Anathema caught the eye of Newt??? lol
FYI, I looked up the name Anathema and found out it is:Noun
- Something or someone that one vehemently dislikes.
- A formal curse by a pope or a council of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine.
Questions and Comments for the sections entitled Thursday and Friday12) So did you read the footnotes about the missing baby? I laughed so hard at the footnote about Greasy Johnson. "See? You were right about the babies." *snort*
So, they gave the baby away? I guess I was wrong!
13) I love Adam's friends. Did you notice when Adam thinks things, things happen? The Lost City of Atlantis returns with live people. Was the Witch army due to his Spanish Inquisitions wish? (Spanish Onions - lol) Remember Adam's statement that Nuclear Power plants should be done away with? The lemon drop was pretty telling. So could Adam be coming into his powers? Could that have been what he did to make Anathema happy?
I do believe he is coming into his powers. It's making things a lot more interesting and hilarious. I'm not sure if that's what he did to make Anathema happy though.
14) The section on Raven seems to confirm my horsemen theory. "Sable signed for it, his real name--one word, six letters. Sounds like examine." I went back to Red's signature and the quote about her name states, "The name she wrote was not Carmine Zuigiber. It was a much shorter name."
It took me forever to realize what Sable's real name was. I even went back to the beginning and reread the names. I didn't think about it until today when I said it out loud.
15) What did you make of the missing aura?
I think it's because of him being the Antichrist. Maybe since he wasn't born of the human world, he doesn't actually have an aura.
16)So Anathema shows herself again. She gives Adam some occultist magazines and "changed his life." I wonder why the hell-hound didn't want to go into Anathema's house?
Possibly because she is a witch? Maybe she has some kind of barrier spell for evil? I mean, Adam isn't necessarily evil, so it doesn't harm him. That's my best guess.
17) What did you think of Sable's line of diet foods? Sounds like the authors are not too thrilled with fast food restaurants. Another known evil?
Fast food is evil! Lol. I honestly don't know what to think about his foods. They are definitely different.
18) How do you like Wensleydale's comics? Interesting kid.
They are all interesting kids.
19) 6 double 6 phone number? Wouldn't that be 666?
That's what I was thinking when I read it.
20) Could the spirals Anathema found be a series of sixes? For some reason when they started talking of spirals a series of sixes intertwined came to mind. Seems like sixes show up quite frequently so it just may be I've got them on my mind. Sounds like everyone is zooming in on Adam. Wonder why they decided all this would take place around his 11th birthday? I'd think he'd be older for armageddon.
I thought he should be too. He is still just a child. But, maybe since his powers are still uncontrollable to a certain point, that it is a good time to start the armageddon.
21) What did you think of Newton Pulsifier? He looks like Clark Kent???? Or is it Superman???
I think he is just a little strange. But, it's possible I think that because of the strange person he got caught up with.
22) What did you think of the Witchfinders and Shadwell?
Shadwell kind of annoys me. He just seems too bizarre for my tastes.
Questions and Comments for Part One of Saturday23. I love that the Witchfinders come armed with a pin. "I've got a pin, and I'm not afraid to use it!" Why do you think Shadwell has such archaic beliefs about witches?
Because there was not a better way to determine if someone was a witch or not? I'm not really sure. He annoys me still.
24. Agnes seemed pretty prepared to die. Do you think she was talking to Shadwell all those years ago, or was Shadwell merely dreaming about the past? Also, can you believe someone named their child Thou-Shalt-Not-Commit-Adultery Pulsifer?
I think maybe she was actually talking to him. She wasn't afraid of what they would do and she proved it. I thought the names were pretty out there. Kind of funny though.
25. More of Adam's thoughts and desires are showing themselves - UFOs, whales, rainforests, tibetans, etc. He seems so caught up in wanting to make the world a better place for him and his friends that he's going to destroy it by starting it over. Will he snap out of it? How do you see it unfolding?
I don't think he will snap out of it. I think this is him starting the apocalypse. I think his powers are just growing.
26. "Something or someone loves this place. Loves every inch of it so powerfully that it shields and protects it." Is this Adam's love Anathema is describing? Do you think this love will ultimately stop him from carrying out his plan to reboot the world?
That is definitely something I haven't thought about. I did think about it being Adam's love, but never thought about it stopping him from carrying out his plans. Must keep reading!
27. What did you think of the interaction between Anathema and Newt? Without Agnes Nutter's prophecies, would it have happened? Will they still be interested in each other if the world doesn't end?
I think it would have happened without her. I don't believe it would've happened so quickly. I think Agnes Nutter's prophecies pushed her to jump right into it. I do hope they will still be interested in each other if the world doesn't end.
28. Did you like Agnes's prophecy about Dog? I like what Anathema wrote next to it: "? Is this something to do with Bismark?"
Agnes' prophecies confuse me, even with the side notes.
29. What did you think of all the body-snatching scenes as Aziraphale tried to get closer to home? How will he get back in his own body? Will the fact that he's disobeying orders from Heaven have negative consequences?
I think there will be consequences and I think he knows that. He is trying to stop the apocalypse from starting. Of course there will be consequences. But, I think the body snatching scenes are great!
30. Do you like Crowley's way of making his plants grow? "Say hello to your friend…He just couldn't cut it…" How about the way he trapped Hastur in a tape?
As I said in the beginning, Crowley is definitely my favorite. It's because of things like this that I like him so much. He makes this book so much more interesting.
31. So now the Four "Bikers" of the Apocalypse are all together. What is their mission? Chaos on earth in its final hours? Serving the Antichrist? How about the tagalong bikers - think they'll help any? (I thought they were hysterical when they were trying to decide what to name themselves.)
I can't wait to see what happens with the bikers. I think they are going to go find the Antichrist while causing chaos. The naming of the other bikers was a pretty hilarious scene. I loved it. Although I kept thinking about naming them after the Dwarfs from Snow White. Thought that may be a little easier.
32. What's going to happen when Aziraphale and Crowley realize that Adam is not the Antichrist they'd imagined? Will Aziraphale regret telling Shadwell to kill him?
I'm not sure what to expect. I'm hoping it is going to be great.
23. I love that the Witchfinders come armed with a pin. "I've got a pin, and I'm not afraid to use it!" Why do you think Shadwell has such archaic beliefs about witches? I would be utterly amazed if the pin takes down the Antichrist. And then laugh my ass off.
24. Agnes seemed pretty prepared to die. Do you think she was talking to Shadwell all those years ago, or was Shadwell merely dreaming about the past? Also, can you believe someone named their child Thou-Shalt-Not-Commit-Adultery Pulsifer?
I feel like Anathema has no choice but to be prepared (I liked that she had all the medical supplies out on the table for Newt) because of the book. As for the dream, I don’t know why that was revealed to Shadwell but when Agnes was calling him an old fool, the first time I read that as her talking to God, though maybe she knew Shadwell was going to dream this event down the road? She’s basically telling him he’s not going to win this one?
25. More of Adam's thoughts and desires are showing themselves - UFOs, whales, rainforests, tibetans, etc. He seems so caught up in wanting to make the world a better place for him and his friends that he's going to destroy it by starting it over. Will he snap out of it? How do you see it unfolding?
When it comes down to it, the Antichrist is still a kid so he wants the world to benefit him as a kid. I still don’t find him evil, I find him a bit selfish like some kids are but not in a bad way! Remember being a kid? Sometimes you though of others but there were times when it felt like the world was soooo unfair! Homework sucked, going to bed when your parents said to was horrible, going to school was a chore, and bath time seemed to cut into fun time. He just wants to always have fun and he’s not thinking of everyone else in the world because he can only see in front of his face.
26. "Something or someone loves this place. Loves every inch of it so powerfully that it shields and protects it." Is this Adam's love Anathema is describing? Do you think this love will ultimately stop him from carrying out his plan to reboot the world?
Yeah, I think it’s Adam too. Tadfield is all that he knows. He reads about other stuff but this is his home base.
27. What did you think of the interaction between Anathema and Newt? Without Agnes Nutter's prophecies, would it have happened? Will they still be interested in each other if the world doesn't end?
Once again I feel poor Anathema has to abide by what the book said. Did she really need to sleep with him on the day the world ends? I don’t see why it’s important to do so but maybe Newt losing his virginity will set the universe on some other course.
28. Did you like Agnes's prophecy about Dog? I like what Anathema wrote next to it: "? Is this something to do with Bismark?"
I honestly didn’t catch that one. I liked them though, some more obvious than others, and the comments from the family were great.
29. What did you think of all the body-snatching scenes as Aziraphale tried to get closer to home? How will he get back in his own body? Will the fact that he's disobeying orders from Heaven have negative consequences?
I read that scene as he stepped into the light and Heaven took that as him coming back to them. I feel like he’s just a spirit now until he has to stand and fight against Satan’s army. But the fact that he’s jumping from body to body leads me to believe he’s trying to escape the authorities and he is going to pay dearly for this.
Though the body snatching was absolutely hilarious.
30. Do you like Crowley's way of making his plants grow? "Say hello to your friend…He just couldn't cut it…" How about the way he trapped Hastur in a tape?
I agree with Mandi, every scene Crowley is in makes the book that much better. I loved this part so much that when I came home from work I read it aloud to my husband and might have even used an English accent at one point (might have). I know Ren sees Johnny Depp as Crowley but the way he talks, his demeanor, his devious tricks, it’s all so very Loki to me. I can’t help picturing Tom Hiddleston.
31. So now the Four "Bikers" of the Apocalypse are all together. What is their mission? Chaos on earth in its final hours? Serving the Antichrist? How about the tagalong bikers - think they'll help any? (I thought they were hysterical when they were trying to decide what to name themselves.)
LOL The naming going on was hilarious though I have the feeling these tag along bikers are going to meet an unfortunate end. As for the Apocalypse Bikers, I am looking forward to their badassery.
32. What's going to happen when Aziraphale and Crowley realize that Adam is not the Antichrist they'd imagined? Will Aziraphale regret telling Shadwell to kill him?
Poor Aziraphale and Crowley. Once this is all over I have a feeling the two of them are going to be right back where they started, like in the first scene in the Garden of Eden. Only they’ll be in some kind of “prison” serving all of eternity with no books and tons of Queen music.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (other topics)Authors mentioned in this topic
Terry Pratchett (other topics)Neil Gaiman (other topics)
Yes, I noticed that too. I thought that show cased the authors' sense of humor nicely.
Katie said, "I am not entirely sure either of these characters. I think some are on Team Satan and some play for the other team and I would wager a guess that they will all have a hand in Armageddon in some way (either spur it along or try to stop it). I’m also trying to figure out if they are from the Bible in some capacity or not."
I wondered the same thing. I looked up the revelation verse and didn't see any real significance in it. Ravens in literature have some meaning. I think they proceed death, but I'll have to look it up and I'm too tired at the moment.
Katie said, " I also liked that Sable dined at The Top Of The Sixes! My grandma used to take me there all the time when I was a kid! But I ate a cheddar cheese burger not just a string bean and a slice of meat."
I didn't know that was a real restaurant. How fun.