Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
This topic is about
The Knife of Never Letting Go
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The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1), by Patrick Ness, Young Adult BOM, Start Date November 22, 2014
@CaronA place of Silence. I like it. It adds to what Cynthia was saying about the possibility of different settlements.
I'd forgotten about the bridge!
The campfire box was a bit of awesome technology! I'd love to have one.
Rosina wrote: "Renee wrote: "I just started. Only a couple of pages in, but I giggled and thought of this."
that's really cute....what movie is that from?"
It's from Up. :)
Rosina wrote: "DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-61) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relation..."
Rosina, stick with it! I promise it gets better and you won't be able to put it down!
6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?I think the fact that the clothes are similar could mean that the girl comes from where all the people were before they moved to New World
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future? I think Aaron is too crazy to die..he's motivated by his insanity
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
I think Aaron is a zealot, and the book leads us to believe that he is insane. I wonder if the rest of the town thinks he's insane, at first I thought so, but now I don't know because the mayor is seeking his help to find Todd. I guess he could just be using him to find Todd and the girl.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
The think the silence coming from the girl scares Aaron, and he wants to sacrifice her because he is scared of her..kind of like witches and Salem ..not really sure on this part just yet
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
At first I thought Aaron was following Todd in the swamp, but now I agree I think Aaron was trying to find out what happened in the swamp.
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story? I don't think the girl reacts at all like you would think. I think she must be very strong, smart, and wary of all things Prentisstown. I wonder if Aaron found her before Todd did and she somehow managed to escape Aaron?
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
It seems that people left an "old world" for the New World to form a better environment for their religious beliefs, but what about the whole Spackle thing that was introduced in part 1? Was the town of Prentisstown one happy place before the Spackle or was it a miserable place before all hell broke loose..
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
The crocs have mutated or evolved into some scary critters, not that they aren't already pretty darn scary. I am interested to find out why the girl's quiet makes Todd so uncomfortable. Is he having an actual physical reaction to it..it seems his reaction is more than just being uncomfortable with the quiet..
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd? This book makes me glad I can't hear what a dog is thinking lol..At first I thought that maybe the girl couldn't hear the noise, but then she acquired the ability, but it seems like she had it all along and just hid it in an attempt to protect herself. I'm still a little perplexed as to why she doesn't talk to Todd, but she probably doesn't trust him yet..
Day 2 - Chapters 7-12 - DQs6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?
I thought perhaps all the females had been removed and placed somewhere else.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
I think he is more of a henchman used by the ones in control the Mayor to keep the others away from something that is hidden.
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
IF the world is being repopulated then some kind of religion would probably have to exist.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
No. I think the women were all taken away
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
Maybe the crash was what Todd heard when he thought it was his home exploding and Ben rushed back
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
I don't think they were her parents. Perhaps she was just with them or maybe she stumbled upon them as well.
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
Yes I do and that's why they have no women
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
I was wondering about the moons that's what I noticed
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
Maybe she had nothing to say.
I think it suggested in part I that Ben did share some knowledge with Todd about the situation, but it kept it from us, the reader.
Alycia wrote: "Rosina wrote: "Renee wrote: "I just started. Only a couple of pages in, but I giggled and thought of this."
that's really cute....what movie is that from?"
It's from Up. :)"
Thanks...I haven't seen it...
Laura wrote: "Rosina wrote: "DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-61) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you thin..."
Well I think I agree having finished the second part now. I am starting to get into it now.
6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?I think that she has come from somewhere else in the area where they have been a little more successful in handling the Noise so have been able to progress and improve their surroundings more.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
He's crazy for sure. Not sure if there is a little something else involved or not--seems like if he was just a normal man he would have been down. But now that he's come back, I think he's going to be a problem for a while.
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
I think they probably used it as a way to justify whatever they did that Ben showed Todd before he told him to run away.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
It would not surprise me a bit if that is what truly happened. I can see the men blaming the women for not putting out the Noise and doing something to "fix" it.
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
It certainly seemed like someone should have heard something as loud as a crash in a place that is basically a small country town.
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
I think she definitely has some major part to play in the story, but not sure how it will interact with Todd's story.
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
I don't know. The presence of the girl would indicate would seem to indicate that there are women on the planet somewhere, so whatever happened to the women in Prentisstown, didn't happen everywhere. So I tend to lean toward this happening as an isolated incident.
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
I'm not entirely convinced that the Spackle haven't been made up to justify whatever happened to the women.
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
I think she's probably just traumatized by the loss of her parents, the attack by Aaron and being on her own.
Stacey wrote: "6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was ..."Good point about the Spackle, Stacey. It's definitely something to consider.
1) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?Since getting to the end of chapter six, I think the relationship will grow as they go on this adventure together. Maybe Todd doesn't know how to have someone rely on him and how to rely on others.
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
I was thinking it would be some way to get them to reproduce?
3) Aaron was defenitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
I'm not really sure what Aaron is up to. All I know is that I don't like him very much at this point.
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
I felt okay about it. I could understand why Todd would be hesitant. Going out on your own like that would be really hard. Yet, since everyone seems to know something more about Todd's situation than Todd does, I think that there must be good reason for him to have to go.
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
I'm not sure about this either. I think that would be a really interesting counterpart. I'm wondering if it has to do with being able to hear, or being able to project thoughts? Like maybe they are just guarding them or something?
OMG OMG OMG. I started reading this book this afternoon and I'm almost done. I'm going to answer the questions but I will finish this tonight. I just can't put it down!
Renee wrote: "I just started. Only a couple of pages in, but I giggled and thought of this."
BWAHAHAHA I thought the same thing and then that's how I pictured him throughout the book.
DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-61) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change? I can see how it would be annoying to always hear the thoughts especially when they are so basic. I don't like that he keeps hitting him but there must be a reason that he has a dog.
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be? I'm not really sure. It's really creepy to think of a town full of men that initiate boys. I can't imagine what it must be like to be the last "boy" left.
3) Aaron was defenitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
He was definitely up to no good. And not the good kind either. He creeps me out.
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this. I think Todd's scared to leave the only life he's ever known, especially when no one is giving him answers about why or what's going on.
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this? Sounds like a blessing to me if women/girls can't hear noise. Sometimes my own thoughts are too loud so having to hear other people's thoughts all the time might drive me crazy.
Day 2 - Chapters 7-12 - DQs6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?
my thoughts were similar, that they women hadn't died, I thought however that the town was the one that was sequestered, maybe that the "becoming a man" had to do with the secret being shared.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
I think that Aaron is going to be the "bad guy" of the series, I definitely don't think we have seen the last of him
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
I'm not so sure there is religion or a part that religion plays, inasmuch as it's a part of Aaron's insanity
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
no, I don't think it's the big secret at all, I think women and girls are still alive outside of the town
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
I think Aaron discovered it, and discovered the girl and how she doesn't have noise, and his insanity and wanting to sacrifice her is why he was in the swamp so much.
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
I think she's going to be a huge part of the story, if not the main story
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
I do, I think that the town being sequestered is why there are no women/girls, I think they are outside of the town, but the mayor is determined to be powerful and stuff, he's leading with power, I wouldn't be surprised if he killed off the women/children of the town
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
The noise.
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
she doesn't trust him
DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-61) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?
I would like to think that the relationship between Todd and Manchee does improve because Manchee is cute and funny. I think that over time Todd will see that Manchee's sole motivation is to make him happy and support him and make him happy.
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
This makes me think there is something under handed going on which the adult men are afraid of the boys discovering so it needs to be concealed for as long as possible.
3) Aaron was definitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
I have no idea what Aaron was up to. I don't like Aaron. I find he's a bit creepy and strange. I wouldn't be surprised if Aaron did know about the girl and/or the lack of Noise.
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
I felt the same as you did. I was also getting annoyed with Todd because he was refusing to get the danger he was in.
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
I felt that the Spackle idea was a red herring designed to keep people afraid and not willing to find out the truth.
Day 2 - Chapters 7-12 - DQs6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?
I felt the same as you Shannon - that the women hadn't in fact died but were kept apart from the men for some reason.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
I also couldn't believe he survived the crocodile attack. In fact I remember thinking 'will he ever die'? He seemed almost to be indestructable. I wouldn't be surprised if we see him again. He's a real pain.
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
Assuming Aaron does survive I think there will be more religious undertones but I'm not sure whether it will be overdone or not.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
I think the big secret is more than just whether girls were sacrificed or not.
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
I'm not sure why Aaron spent so much time at the swamp. Everything about Aaron is weird. I think that Todd is more important than other children for some reason.
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
Yes I do think that.
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
I think it could have been. It would have had to come from somewhere right?
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
Not that I can remember.
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
I put this down to the girl not being sure of Todd. This wouldn't be surprising when her first encounter with a man from Prentistown was Aaron. I think that encounter would make anyone wary of speaking to another male. I also wouldn't be surprised if she was confused by all the Noise that she would have been hearing from Todd.
DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-6Ahh! Can't remember which book I read that reminds me of this. There was a girl who could detect voids left by magic use which was a skill she wasn't supposed to have and they captured her and then she went to another dimension to get back magic. This is going to drive me nuts.
1) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?
I assume that the dog is going to help keep Todd alive since it already seems to be happening. I imagine that you'd get close to someone if that's your only companion.
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
Seems to be whatever is causing him to leave since the other boy knew. Not sure how you'd keep that a secret though, maybe there's a shielding ability somehow.
3) Aaron was defenitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
Maybe he was following Todd. Otherwise it has to do with the town secret that the men get to know.
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
I imagine it's a case of "I was always told this" and not being open to changing your mind on a dime.
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
Maybe there's a village of all girls somewhere too since this one only has boys? Or maybe women make the absence of noise somehow.
I could not help but read ahead with this book, so I will completely skip any questions that are guesses at the book's future. It's very different from anything I've read before and I'm really enjoying it!2) I agree with others who have said that this, in part, has something to do with sexuality but I do believe it's more than that. I think it's some sort of knowledge that is hidden from the "boys"...which is currently just Todd.
3) Aaron is one of my least favorite combos of human beings: mean and religious. Being mean sucks, and religion is fine but can be polarizing by nature...but combine the two and you have a perfect recipe for hate.
4) It's interesting reading the arguments on both sides of the issue of Ben and Cillian hiding things from Todd and Todd's resistance to leave town. I know Todd viewed Cillian with a wary eye, but he should have just trusted Ben and got outta there ASAP!
6. I also immediately thought that the girls may be off in this next settlement on the map that Ben was telling Todd to go to.
7. Something is definitely up with Aaron. For some reason, I picture him like that farmer/alien in Men In Black who wanted sugar...lol just all dumb and evil and seeking one thing...I'm interested to know more about him but I hate him already!
8. There are definite spiritual aspects to the book and Todd is on a journey that is testing everything he thinks he knows and believes in. "Question everything" may be the message we should take from this! ;-)
11. I actually thought that it was perfectly acceptable that these may be the girls' parents even with her reaction (or lack thereof). People grieve in all different ways and when you're in a situation of survival, grief is forced to take a back seat. And, of course, shock comes in to play.
As an aside/personal question: is anyone thinking of buying this series now that you're partway through the first book? I'm a little past halfway through and am really enjoying it. The things we're learning about the girl and the Spackle, etc. are things I typically would not be interested in (view spoiler) if they were revealed as a prominent feature in the inner flap of a book, but I'm completely enjoying this!
Day 2 - Chapters 7-12 - DQs6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?
I think it's an opposite camp where it's only girls.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
I thought he was just sinking unconscious into the mud. He seems rather crazy. I'm guessing he'll be the main bad guy in this first book.
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
It seems like religion gets used a lot to keep a group of people under control of higher ups. The people at the top get the power and keep it and since they have a rigid structure in place it's hard for anything to change.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
Hrm. I don't think that's it. But maybe they were worried because they couldn't hear them and couldn't tell if they were going to stage a coup.
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
Doesn't seem like it would be a war thing if they brought their kid. Though she seems oddly unscathed for something that killed her parent's instantly.
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
I'm thinking they weren't real somehow and she was feeding off of his parent's being dead. It said something about them disappearing.
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
Reminds me a bit of the hunger games where the government is in complete control and keeps those beneath it in poor conditions so they can't overtake it.
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
Space ships? Noise? Technology differences.
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
I don't think most animals would be good talking companions. I think my dog usually just thinks "Food", "Sleep", "Pet", "Play" type of reactions. Plus she can already communicate most of those by her actions.
Maggieoh wrote: "As an aside/personal question: is anyone thinking of buying this series now that you're partway through the first book? I'm a little past halfway through and am really enjoying it. The things we'..."
*Lurking*
I can recommend carrying on with the series. The third in the trilogy is the best YA sci-fi book I have ever read. And there's three brilliant short stories too which I believe are all available free.
Maggieoh wrote: "As an aside/personal question: is anyone thinking of buying this series now that you're partway through the first book? I am thinking of getting the rest of the series. I am enjoying this book a lot.
Maggieoh wrote: "As an aside/personal question: is anyone thinking of buying this series now that you're partway through the first book? I'm a little past halfway through and am really enjoying it. The things we'..."
I added both books to my wish list yesterday. I seriously couldn't put that book down.
DQ's for Chapters 7-126. I immediately thought the women must be somewhere but then when she went to her parents I wondered if she had come from somewhere else
7. Is Aaron really an alien in disguise? Someone who can't be killed?
8. I must have missed that bit because I haven't noticed any religious undertones
9. Yes, I wonder if all the women were sacrificed....what a horrible thought
10. The whole airship thing is very weird. How could it have crashed so near where Todd lives without him hearing it?
11. Maybe the two people aren't her parents, maybe they are aliens
12. I suppose some people could have rebelled so they set up their own society - I hadn't thought of that
13, yes I noticed the references to things we don't have on Earth. Do we know when it is set?
14. I am really puzzled by Viola; she can't talk but she can hear his ?Noise.
I haven't started the book yet but I want to. The problem is I can not find any ebook. Can someone provide me with a link for downloading the book? (Preferably epub or mobi version)
I hope it's not too early to post the third day's questions but it's nearly midnight here and I really need to be in bed. So here are the questions.DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-19
15) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it so important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army?
DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-1915. I don't want to see the book turn into a romance. Especially with 14 - 15 yr olds.
16. I'm not sure. I think it signifies that they're young or maybe naive.. I can't think of anything else.
17. I think Todd is surprised because he was taught that the germ that caused Noise in the men also killed the women, and it was contagious.
18. I think the rest of New World has agreed that Prentisstown is Crazy Town, and the men there are dangerous.
19. I've finished the book and I still can't answer that question. It seems like Todd is an obsession that serves no real purpose. That we know of...
20. I like dogs more than I like people, generally, so I always have a hard time when they get hurt or mistreated.
21. That's a difficult one. I think that the Army, aside from the Mayor, the Sheriff & the Preacher, just don't want to catch Todd as badly as he wants to get away. It's a matter of who wants it more, and is willing to drive themselves more.
DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-1915) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not? I'd like to see it as a friendship or a partnership. They only have each other right now. I don't really want to see it as a romance though and as for a healthy relationship, I'm not sure. They are so dependent on each other which is usually not good but in this case...
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else? I think it signifies their youth and is meant in love/like/whatever positive word you can think of.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise? I think he's so used to his world in Prentisstown being all he knows that everything is surprising him and I think he's probably jealous of being able to life without the noise or at least of quieter noise.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch? I think it's more foreshadowing of the bad bad men that live there. They're chasing a 12 year old!!
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it thso important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them? I keep thinking they know about that diary and want the info in there.
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened? I did not yelp out loud and cry a little.
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army? Kids are resourceful and smart. I'm guessing he's trickier/slier than they are and able to outsmart them.
6. I think all the girls were taken away somewhere, maybe to save them from this disease. 7. I definitely think that there is something different about Aaron. I think he knows more than he is letting on. I am really surprised he hasn't died yet though.
8. I don't really know how religion will come into play. I didn't really catch on to that.
9. I think that maybe the girl has to be sacrificed to have the noise go away and maybe have the women come back.
10. I definitely think that Aaron knew about the crashed ship and the girl. I think there is something more to the story than just the people looking for them.
11. I think she will become a big part of the story especially if she is supposed to be the 'sacrifice'
12. Possibly. I think they might not have agreed with the old leaders and they rebelled.
13. The fire box thing that she used was different and not of this world, and also the noise.
14. I think maybe in the beginning she was still in shock from her parents death and meeting other people. I personally have a dog and I think it would be cool to hear what she is thinking.
DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-61) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?
I am a big animal lover and my family always had a pet, in my early years dogs mostly (now we are a cat family) and I do hope the relationship between them will change. But I love the concept of hearing the thoughts of animals!
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
I am not sure if it's a big scary secret or just mind manipulation.
3) Aaron was defenitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
I think he knew about the girl. From what I understood people aren't usueally there and I can't think of another reason for Aaron to be there either.
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
I think Ben and Cillian care a lot for Todd. But I also understand why Todd was being to resistant. He had no idea what's going on and they didn't have the time to explain it.
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
I don't know! I was so surprised by the, well, girl. And she doesn't make any Noise. I am curious if girls/women don't make Noise and maybe they didn't die but the men killed them and that's the manhood secret? Or maybe they keep them prisoners since they don't make any Noise you can't know where they are.
Day two - up to part 4So, I'm stunned, but in a positive way. Sci-fi/dystopia is one of my favourite genres and this book clearly is a representative of it LOL. Somehow, I thought it to be more of a paranormal kind, but I'm glad it has turned out differently.
I was shocked and surprised that Viola was willing to share her past, opinions and equipment with Todd. Their relationship is not extremely friendly and smoothly-going, but it seems they may grow rather found of each other in near future.
I have my "suspishuns" about the "difficult and dark past" of Prentisstown, but still, I'm waiting impatiently to find out for certain (I think that due to the lack of Noise, all the women in Prentisstown were killed and part of the initiation for boys was to do it).
I wonder why the "army" of the Mayor and he himself are so determined to find Todd and Viola. Why are they so important and is it going to be a major revolution in this New World?
I'm sorry for Manchee's tail. He was such a brave dog. I love that Todd starts to really care of him, eventhough he wasn't very happy to have him at the beginning.
I'm curious about the developments of the plot.
*****hanging my head in shame******I just realized I had accidentally stopped at the end of Chapter 11 instead of Chapter 12 for my days DQs.
I'm horribly embarrassed. And... well damn! Lots happened in Ch12!
Anima wrote: "Day two - up to part 4I have my "suspishuns" about the "difficult and dark past" of Prentisstown, but still, I'm waiting impatiently to find out for certain (I think that due to the lack of Noise, all the women in Prentisstown were killed and part of the initiation for boys was to do it).
I have the same suspicions, I think it will be something horrible like that and I can't find to find out. Everything about Prentisstown freaks me out!!
DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-1915) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
I definitely want to see it develop further, but it doesn't have to be in a romantic way at all. I do think that it is a healthy relationship, they are starting to bond together more and starting to have more trust.
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
I think it is a term of endearment. Hildy seems awesome and wise.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
Todd's worldview is shaken up, he is finding out slowly that most of the things he believed in Prentisstown don't hold true anymore...
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
Prentisstown must have a very bad history, I think it is a bunch of very scary, unhappy, cruel and paranoid men living there. They must have done terrible things especially regarding the women.
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it thso important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
I still can't figure this one out :)
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army?
DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-1915) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
I do see it developing further, although I agree with another poster that I don't really want to see it become a romantic type relationship -- at least at this stage of the game.
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
I felt like it was an endearment.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
I think Todd is realizing all kinds of things as he ventures further away from Prentisstown. As of yet, no one has really opened up and told him really anything. Up to this point, he was convinced he was carrying the germ and could possibly infect Viola.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
A war is hinted at -- probably between the two settlements. Everyone in Farbranch seems to know the history of Prentisstown, and it seems like it is horrendous.
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it thso important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
He is the last. No more children. No more women. I think if he can get away, whatever hold they have over the rest of the townspeople might be further stretched. It's about control and their loss of it.
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
Truth -- I nearly cried. I felt so bad for Manchee and for Todd.
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army?
Again, control.
DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-61) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change? For sure I think they will each depend on each other and love each other. How could you not love Manchee.
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be? Im not entirely sure but it looks like Todd might have been a sacrifice maybe? Most people in town seem to be crazy and Todd is very lucky to have Cillian and Ben as his caregivers.
3) Aaron was defenitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise? I think he was just following Todd to make sure he didnt go off anywhere seeing as his initiation for becoming a man was so soon and seemed to be of high importance. Kinda glad a croc ate him!
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this. They were obviously doing it for Todd's welfare. I can understand Todd's reluctance and really want to know what Ben showed him when he allowed him to look into his noise.
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this? I want to know what Spackle is too, first I was thinking it was a creature but now im not so sure. If a girl survived why did all the women die in the town. So many questions!
Sorry i'm late! I was having problems with picking up this book. First chapter did not seduce me at all. I hated Todd and his dog abuse >_> and like Anima, the language was really bothering me.But now that I've reached the end of chapter 6, i can see it's potential and i'm a bit more open about Todd. I shall continue on =D
DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-6
1) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?
I hate how Todd treats Manchee. He keeps hitting him, telling him to be quiet, thinking how the dog is 2 stupid to learn anything. Hopefully, with him being alone with Manchee, things will get better. I'm hoping for a growth in the relationship!
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
I find it so weird that one year has 13 months >_< and of course, Todd resents the fact that he is the only boy in the town. He resents a lot of things.
Everything is so mysterious! From what Todd could get from Ben, the initiation isn't something good. "takes all the boyishness out". And it seemed rather painfull. I'm assuming that's why they wanted him out of there, in the first place.
3) Aaron was defenitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
Aaron was a religious/fanatic creep! Why on earth would he be at the swamp the 2 times Todd was there? Was he stalking Todd? Was he watching him, since he is the last boy in town? Was he trying to find a woman?
In the last encounter, Aaron was saying "It's mine Todd. Mine." Did he want to claim the woman all to himself? SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!!
Thankfully he met his doom! GO CROCS!
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
Well Todd was getting told, out of the blue, he had to leave his home, everything he knows. I would be very resistant if it was happening to me.No explanation, just randomly "You have to go. NOW". I just hope Ben and Cillian are ok :( i highly doubt it. I feel like they were killed while protecting Todd. :(
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
Well.. not sure about the why there are no girls/women but in a town full of men, suddenly a girl showing up? That would not end well for the girl.
I think he's going to join up with the girl, and the 2 of them are going to discover wth is going on >_<
DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-1915) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
I think it's going to develop into a love interest. they are teens, on an adventure, hormones and everything are probably happening
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
pup= puppy? Manchee also called little kids puppies
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
i think he will end up learning it.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
I think prentisstown did something bad to the people, some were from there, some had loved ones who were from there, i still think something happened to the women but the townspeople did it.
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it so important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
im not sure yet
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
i didnt realize he chopped it off! i thought it was just cut badly. i was angry, poor manchee
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army?
cause he's already escaped Aaron once, plus blew the bridge up, he's becoming a formidable opponent
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Day 2 - Chapters 7-12 - DQs6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?
That was my thought too or that they were being kept away from the men for some reason. I thought the girl was alone and taking care of herself because her parents were killed.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
I think Aaron is some kind of android or alien or something. I don't see how he could have survived the crocodile.
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
Maybe the girl is there to help with the matter of the women or try to fix whats wrong with everyone.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
It might be. Maybe the men thought that it would help with the noise and decided to sacrifice the women to fix it or they thought that the women were evil because they didn't have the noise.
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
I think Aaron was there because he saw the air ship go down and happen to run into Todd at the same time. I think all kids are in danger.
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
Yes, I think there's more to this girl and her story. She seems smarter and doesn't say much butI think theres more to be revealed.
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
Maybe or they may be the society that the others broke from.
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
There bandages, that are like human skin, and how it heals quickly, the noise, space ship, and the bynocks aka binoculars.
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
She may have wanted to make sure that she could trust him before she said anything to him.
DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-19
15) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
Yes. I think Todd is going to want to protect her from whatever this prophet thing is. I'd like it to develope but I think she may be the answer to something that is to come and Todd might have to make a choice.
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
I think its a term of endearment since they are young.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
I think told is surprised becausd he was told that women died because of a disease that had to do with the noise. Yes, I think Todd will eventually learn to do what Tam does and it may benefit him later.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
I think they may have heard bad things about the disease and about the people and also some who had left there may have their own issues with Pretisstown.
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it so important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
Todd may be the one to change everything with the help of the girl and they don't want it to happen.
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
I felt bad for poor Manchee but I thought he was brave.
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army?
I'm not sure about that but maybe Todd has something that others don't but I doesn't know about yet.
DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-1915) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
I think it's pretty normal for a 12/13 year old. They're just starting to grow up to the next level of interaction so it's reasonable that they're a bit unstable in their relationship. Plus it's hardly normal circumstances.
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
She called the other guy pup too. I assume it's just a word for child.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realizing this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
I assume because he didn't think they could live together since it killed all the women. I think Todd already knew that since others in Prentisstown could hide things too.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
I think it's because Prentisstown killed all the women and some of them were related to those in Farbranch (e.g. Jessica)
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it so important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
No idea. I thought it had to do with him escaping and telling others things but others obviously already know. I assume he has some way of toppling their leadership.
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
Poor Manchee. I liked when he went all puppy kid happy. He seems like he's becoming a good dog. I'm glad he wasn't hurt too badly.
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army?
It seems a bit strange but maybe they need to get rid of anyone he's contacted too.
Melike wrote: "Anima wrote: "Day two - up to part 4I have my "suspishuns" about the "difficult and dark past" of Prentisstown, but still, I'm waiting impatiently to find out for certain (I think that due to the ..."
I have the same feeling about Prentisstown. I wouldn't want to live there even for a minute, with this abusive, black Noise, clearly dictatorial Mayor's rule, and despair everywhere!
Chapt. 13-19 15. I think Viola's and Todd's relationship will develop further. I think Todd wants to protect Viola even though she is capable of protecting herself. To early to know if it will be a healthy relationship.
16. Hilly calls Viola and Todd pups as a way to allow them to continue to be children not adults.
17. Todd thinks noise will kill the females. Todd does realize from Tam that he can learn to quiet his own noise.
18. The name Prentisstown has a bad connotation for the people in Farbranch.
Almost like Prentisstown is where bad people and bad things have happened.
19. Don't know yet what threat Todd is to Prentisstown.
20. Proud of Manchee for protecting Todd and proud of Todd for returning to protect his dog.
21. Prentisstown wants to keep it's citizens controlled and away from other settlements. Don't know why.
Day 2 - Chapters 7-12 - DQs6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from? I thought that there was another town nearby and that she had somehow got lost. That the women dying off was just a lie that everyone told to cover up the fact a lot of people left their town (probably due to their craziness).
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future? I was so bummed when I found out he was still alive, I did think it odd that the villain was "killed off" so early though. They have those special healing kits maybe something in there is keeping him alive and together.
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues? Im not religious myself and dont know a lot about religion and its practices so I couldnt say.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls? yes something happened with the crazy men of the town. I think some people escaped and settled elsewhere. It still doesnt make sense that Cillian and Ben would stay though as they seemed so sane and nice.
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd? Initially I thought Aaron was following Todd to make sure he would be around for his initiation into manhood but now I think that Aaron knew about the girl. Im hoping there is some safety for them at the settlement they are heading towards but who knows.
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story? I thought she might have been mute at first but the last paragraph in the chapter scratched that. I dont believe Viola will get the Noise virus and die and Im interested to find out her story now that she is talking.
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society? I wonder why the people on the settlement were chosen to inhabit that particular world and for what reason. I cant remember if it said earlier but are some of the older men part of that initial space landing or has it been a generation or two longer. What caused the Noise virus. I believe its made a lot of men mad which has in turn made them create this messed up society.
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits? Medicine that heals instantly was another.
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd? I think she was in shock about the crash landing and her parents.
Rosina wrote: "Renee wrote: "I just started. Only a couple of pages in, but I giggled and thought of this."
that's really cute....what movie is that from?"
The movie is called "Up". A great movie too.
DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-61) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?
I think he was a bit resentful of the extra work in caring for a dog that he didn't want in the first place. i think he will bond more with the dog as the story progresses.
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
Maybe what really happened? At the end of chapter 6 Aaron said something along the lines that clever boys didn't make good men, so maybe not.
3) Aaron was definitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
He knows the truth, don't like him. I think he is trying to protect their way of life.
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
I thought they should go with him.
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
Maybe the noise germ only affected the men. Maybe it killed the women, but this girl is immune somehow. I'm intrigued and want to keep reading.
The writing style with the phonetic spelling is getting on my nerves....
Chapters 1-61) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?
I definitely think Todd will eventually grow attached to his dog seeing they’ll be going through hard experiences together.
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
I have no idea what the initiation is nor why he’s the only remaining boy in town.
3) Aaron was definitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
I think he may have discovered the ‘quiet’ before Todd and was looking for a scapegoat or something for his discovery.
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
I was screaming at Todd to shut up, stop complaining and just move his butt. He was being too stubborn for his own good. Grrr
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
I read the prequel before reading this so I have a pretty much good idea who the girl was (was that a spoiler moment?).
Renee wrote: "The writing style with the phonetic spelling is getting on my nerves..."Same here, it's starting to annoy me...
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