Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
Books of the Month
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A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger August 2022 Themed BOM - Friendship (starts 16 August)
Mod
Date Chapters MPDQs
16 Aug Nina, Age 9 Judith
Cottonmouth Meets the Coyote Sisters
17 Aug Nina, Age 14 Cat
Cottonmouth Reaches a Fork in the Road
18 Aug Nina, Age 16 Jenny
Cottonmouth Meets an Originator
19 Aug Cottonmouth Falls to Earth Lexi
Nina, 2 Days Before Landfall
20 Aug Cottonmouth Remembers Flowers Kerri
One Year Later
Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?
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Mod
Judith (nominator)
Cat
Jenny
Lexi
Kerri
Looks interesting. I'll volunteer as well.
Mod
Reread for me but I'll join as well (and volunteer)
My library hold came in, so I'd like to volunteer for DQs :)
hello, I'm new! I am very interested in reading this book
Hi dear Mods, as much as it pains me, I'll have to drop out of the volunteering for DQ's for this book as my copy hasn't come in from the library and won't be available to the end of the month at the earliest.
Mod
So now I have to figure out which bookcase I put this in? Fine. (I need to organize my shelves again, They have gotten out of control.)
My day is cool too.
Mod
1.) Did you like the opening chapter? What do you think of efforts to preserve disappearing languages/dialects? Do you think these efforts are worth it? Why?
2.) Do you have diaries from your early years? If you did, do you think you'd be surprised by what was in them? What would you tell your younger, pre-teen, self?
3.) Opposable thumbs or tentacles, which would you prefer and why.
4.) What do you think of the concept of animal people? And how they are tied to animals on Earth? Are you loving that some of them come to Earth to go to the bookstore?
5.) At the end of the section the Lake Monster answered Oli's question. Did that surprise you? What question would you ask the Lake Monster?
Mod
1.) Did you like the opening chapter? What do you think of efforts to preserve disappearing languages/dialects? Do you think these efforts are worth it? Why?
I did like it. The first image, of the medical stand being like a hatstand struck me - Nina trying to make the uncomfortable homely seems meaningful - finding connections,, maybe? Or mabye I've overthinking it!
And I think it's massively valuable to preserve languages and dialects, as they give both a link to history and culture and also an insight into how different communities think and relate to each other
2.) Do you have diaries from your early years? If you did, do you think you'd be surprised by what was in them? What would you tell your younger, pre-teen, self?
No diaries! and I'm not sure I'd say much, to be honest.
3.) Opposable thumbs or tentacles, which would you prefer and why.
Opposable thumbs all the way! Tentacles strike me as being very complicated to manage
4.) What do you think of the concept of animal people? And how they are tied to animals on Earth? Are you loving that some of them come to Earth to go to the bookstore?
I'm finding it interesting - I like the way that the Lipan / Apache mythology is being presented as fact. Love that they go to the bookstore! That makes more sense for them to bring back than tech items, to be honest.
5.) At the end of the section the Lake Monster answered Oli's question. Did that surprise you? What question would you ask the Lake Monster?
Ummmm.... I think I'd much rather keep clear of the monster if I could!
DQs Day 1: Nina, Age 9 to Cottonmouth Meets the Coyote Sisters 1.) Did you like the opening chapter? What do you think of efforts to preserve disappearing languages/dialects? Do you think these efforts are worth it? Why?
That part really stuck with me the first time I read
2.) Do you have diaries from your early years? If you did, do you think you'd be surprised by what was in them? What would you tell your younger, pre-teen, self?
I hated keeping a diary and kept one successfully only once. I’m not sure the handwriting was ever readable even by me, as I was in elementary school. I’m sure it would be amusing, as I think I put stickers all over it and drew pictures as well.
3.) Opposable thumbs or tentacles, which would you prefer and why.
Hmm, tentacles seem good at opening things and octopi seem to do well but can they type? It might be worth trying out. Less concern on breaking fingers. Maybe be less of a useful tradeoff if I also had to switch out lower appendages.
4.) What do you think of the concept of animal people? And how they are tied to animals on Earth? Are you loving that some of them come to Earth to go to the bookstore?
I love how seamlessly it is woven into the story and the slightly future earth (better tech and more climate change). The stories with the animal-people work really well on the audio (I read it the first time but like to do rereads as an audio as I sometimes experience the book differently).
5.) At the end of the section the Lake Monster answered Oli's question. Did that surprise you? What question would you ask the Lake Monster?
I liked that it was such a simple question and resulted in a qualified answer (“for now”). I think avoiding lake monsters (and lakes, because amoebas) is a good life plan.
DQs Day 1: Nina, Age 9 to Cottonmouth Meets the Coyote Sisters1.) Did you like the opening chapter? What do you think of efforts to preserve disappearing languages/dialects? Do you think these efforts are worth it? Why?
I absolutely think that disappearing languages should be preserved. And, disappearing or extinct cultures should be studied for what we can learn form them. I do not think that that all cultures are worth preserving though. If the Taliban goes away for instance, We should study it and avoid repeating it. Not that this book goes there by any means, it just popped into my head.
I do like the opening. It sets up the main character as someone I will like a lot, I think.
2.) Do you have diaries from your early years? If you did, do you think you'd be surprised by what was in them? What would you tell your younger, pre-teen, self?
I was never a consistent diarist, and I didn't keep them. I kind of wish I had. The one time in my life I was consistent with keeping a journal, I was living through a crappy thing, and the journal was so full of vitriol, that when I reread it years later, I just decided to toss it out.
I would tell my younger self to stay in dance class. And other probably more important things.
3.) Opposable thumbs or tentacles, which would you prefer and why.
I am used to my wonderful thumbs, so I think I will stick with those.
4.) What do you think of the concept of animal people? And how they are tied to animals on Earth? Are you loving that some of them come to Earth to go to the bookstore?
I like the idea, and I am trying to figure out where Oli lives. Not Earth, but sort of Earth? Yes yes yes to the bookstore thing.
5.) At the end of the section the Lake Monster answered Oli's question. Did that surprise you? What question would you ask the Lake Monster?
I did kind of expect and answer, but not like that.
I think I would ask the lake monster whether humans are overall becoming better humans.
Or, if there was life elsewhere in the Universe. Why it would know that, I am not sure.
Mod
1.) Did you like the opening chapter? What do you think of efforts to preserve disappearing languages/dialects? Do you think these efforts are worth it? Why?
I enjoyed it and it drew me right in to the story. I'm glad it was an issue brought up, there is so much tied up in languages that people tend not to think about. And once it's gone there's no do-overs.
2.) Do you have diaries from your early years? If you did, do you think you'd be surprised by what was in them? What would you tell your younger, pre-teen, self?
I had some but they were tossed in one move or another. Like most here, I was inconsistent. But there are some field journals and other things that have some diary aspects that I've enjoyed coming across. I was older though so it's different.
I would tell my younger self to give myself more grace to make mistakes. And to spend as much time as possible learning from and just being with my grandparents. 3 of them lived until I was in my 30s so I am luckier than most. But still I regret not having them teach me more things.
3.) Opposable thumbs or tentacles, which would you prefer and why.
Permanently, probably still the thumbs. But I'm curious as to the tentacles.
4.) What do you think of the concept of animal people? And how they are tied to animals on Earth? Are you loving that some of them come to Earth to go to the bookstore?
I love how this is being woven in and how connected things are. Cause and effect is a real thing. Clearly animal people are our types of people. Who wouldn't want to come to Earth and immediately go to the bookstore. LOL
5.) At the end of the section the Lake Monster answered Oli's question. Did that surprise you? What question would you ask the Lake Monster?
I didn't expect the monster to come ashore that was a wee bit creepy. I'd probably ask something like is my son going to grow up and be happy with his life. Not sure the Lake Monster can answer that one though.
I didn't link this earlier, but I wanted to share this article of loss of languages/elders with the COVID pandemic from Jan 2021.Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/us...
DQs Day 1: Nina, Age 9 to Cottonmouth Meets the Coyote Sisters1.) Did you like the opening chapter? What do you think of efforts to preserve disappearing languages/dialects? Do you think these efforts are worth it? Why?
I thought the opening chapter was interesting! I like Nina and her relationship with her great-great-grandmother. I think it's very important to try and preserve disappearing languages. Language is such a deep part of culture and it's sad to see some languages being eradicated through colonization. I think it's important to try and bring them back for future generations.
2.) Do you have diaries from your early years? If you did, do you think you'd be surprised by what was in them? What would you tell your younger, pre-teen, self?
Haha, I actually found some diaries from my middle school/junior high years the last time we moved. They were so cringey 😂 Tween-me was freakin' dramatic. I would definitely let her know that the things she was worried about wouldn't matter at all by the time she's my age and tell her to not stress about them too much.
3.) Opposable thumbs or tentacles, which would you prefer and why.
I'm pretty attached (hehe) to my opposable thumbs, but tentacles seem like they would be fun! They'd probably give my short self better reach, too.
4.) What do you think of the concept of animal people? And how they are tied to animals on Earth? Are you loving that some of them come to Earth to go to the bookstore?
I love that there are animal people tied to the animals that live on Earth! Think about animals that have gone extinct, though, does make the concept even sadder, though. I think it's such a cool concept and I love that Earth stuff is basically contraband in their world.
5.) At the end of the section the Lake Monster answered Oli's question. Did that surprise you? What question would you ask the Lake Monster?
That did surprise me! I thought it was hilarious and sweet that this ancient monster would drag itself up from the depths just to answer that question. Hmm... I suppose if I had access to a being that had been around for ages, I might ask it about what life was like back when it was new. I think that would be a fascinating conversation.
Mod
I agree! Good call. That would be an amazing bit of info.I was thinking about the tentacles, and then I remembered the Flerkin (sp) from Captain Marvel, and I suppose the comics, although I never read them. Hidden, retractable, very effective tentacles, sure. I'll take them as well.
And, since the Flerkin appears as a tabby cat, and therefore has no opposable thumbs, they are even more handy/
DQs Day 1: Nina, Age 9 to Cottonmouth Meets the Coyote Sisters1.) Did you like the opening chapter? What do you think of efforts to preserve disappearing languages/dialects? Do you think these efforts are worth it? Why?
I did like the opening chapter, and I look forward to seeing Nina uncover the mystery of Rosita's story. I don't know much about preserving disappearing languages, but I do think the concept is interesting to learn about a group's history and culture.
2.) Do you have diaries from your early years? If you did, do you think you'd be surprised by what was in them? What would you tell your younger, pre-teen, self?
I think I might have a couple of diaries that I wrote in sporadically when I was younger. Many of the entries are overly dramatic, and I seriously question what I was thinking when I wrote them haha. I'm not entirely sure I would have told my younger self anything, because I think I needed an outlet sometimes to be able to express dramatic feelings, but if I was able to just listen to her, I would take that opportunity.
3.) Opposable thumbs or tentacles, which would you prefer and why.
I think it depends on how many tentacles I could have. If I'm allowed to have 8 like an octopus, I would probably want to try that out to see if I could be more productive. But if I'm only allowed the 2, then I'd stick with opposable thumbs for more fine motor skills.
4.) What do you think of the concept of animal people? And how they are tied to animals on Earth? Are you loving that some of them come to Earth to go to the bookstore?
I think the concept is really cool, and I loved when they were discussing how the animal people are affected by how well the animals on Earth are doing. I also think the addition of the bookstore is really funny. I wonder if they have some higher motive for reading the books, or if they genuinely just enjoy reading?
5.) At the end of the section the Lake Monster answered Oli's question. Did that surprise you? What question would you ask the Lake Monster?
I don't think it surprised me that he got an answer as much as it did that the Lake Monster actually took the time and effort to find him to give him the answer. I feel like that suggests that there is something big that is going to involve Oli's siblings. Considering the fact that Oli was able to get an answer to such a personal question, I would probably have some really personal but sad questions to ask.
Mod
6. We meet a sinister man at Rosita / Grandma's land. What do you think is going on with him? We also meet an adorable kitten who seems to have used up one life already. Something peculiar going on here or just Nina making wrong assumptions?
7. What do you make of Nina's relationships with her father, mother and grandmother? What do you make of the contrast with Oli, who doesn't have blood relatives and rejects the coyote twins' invitation to join their family? What does that say about the different worlds?
8. Oli has made a network of friends and connections. Do you have a favourite? What's happening/ed to Ami?
9. Thinking back to our last Native American / First Nation BOMs (The Only Good Indian and The Firekeeper's Daughter) the way Little Badger is incorporating traditions and cultural information that might be unfamiliar is very different (both TFD and TOGI are more firmly set in the contemporary world; TFD explained a lot, whereas this puts the onus on the reader to find context; TOGI left it unclear how much of the Other World parts was projection versus reality, whereas here it's clear that both worlds are real and parallel). Do you like the approach taken here? If you read TFD or TOGI, do you have a preference?
Mod
Day 2: Nina, Age 14 to Cottonmouth Reaches a Fork in the Road6. We meet a sinister man at Rosita / Grandma's land. What do you think is going on with him? We also meet an adorable kitten who seems to have used up one life already. Something peculiar going on here or just Nina making wrong assumptions?
I knew from the moment that man showed up that he was trouble. I get the feeling he's going to whatever it takes to get Grandma to sell her land or have it taken from her somehow. He was already being a jerk about the stream and then reporting the tree so that Nina's dad had to go trim it? He probably wants to build a strip mall or something dumb. Ugh... he's the worst. The kitten, however, is awesome! I'm wondering if it has some connection to the animal people? Seems like there is certainly something special about that cat.
7. What do you make of Nina's relationships with her father, mother and grandmother? What do you make of the contrast with Oli, who doesn't have blood relatives and rejects the coyote twins' invitation to join their family? What does that say about the different worlds?
Nina seems like she's really close with her family and I love that. It sucks that her mom has to be away and I'm sure that's having an effect on Nina. But I love that she can talk to her dad and grandma about pretty much anything it seems (except the possible fish girl in the well...) and how supportive they are of her. Oli seems like he loves his family, but the nature of his species makes it so they can't be as close as Nina is with her family. It seems like he envies the twins and their myriad relatives but he doesn't want to replace his own family with theirs. I think Oli's world is very much governed by the rules of nature and it's hard to go against those rules.
8. Oli has made a network of friends and connections. Do you have a favourite? What's happening/ed to Ami?
I love the coyote twins! They are so much fun and I love how they instantly accepted Oli into their family. I also love quiet little Ami and how sweet he' s always been! I'm really worried about him. I'm wondering if maybe his species on Earth has gone extinct?
9. Thinking back to our last Native American / First Nation BOMs (The Only Good Indian and The Firekeeper's Daughter) the way Little Badger is incorporating traditions and cultural information that might be unfamiliar is very different (both TFD and TOGI are more firmly set in the contemporary world; TFD explained a lot, whereas this puts the onus on the reader to find context; TOGI left it unclear how much of the Other World parts was projection versus reality, whereas here it's clear that both worlds are real and parallel). Do you like the approach taken here? If you read TFD or TOGI, do you have a preference?
I'm really enjoying how Indigenous culture is being woven into this story! I love spending time in the animal people world and seeing how it might be bleeding over into Nina's world. I adored Firekeeper's Daughter for how it worked in Ojibwe traditions, but I'm also enjoying this more whimsical approach. I haven't read The Only Good Indians yet, but it's definitely on my TBR.
Also, Cat, your questions were great!
Cat wrote: "Argh! I've killed the conversation with my awful questions!"You have not! I am about to answer your probing, brilliant questions with sage, totally relevant thoughts. After I have dinner and a glass of something with alcohol in it. Long day.
Day 2: Nina, Age 14 to Cottonmouth Reaches a Fork in the Road6. We meet a sinister man at Rosita / Grandma's land. What do you think is going on with him? We also meet an adorable kitten who seems to have used up one life already. Something peculiar going on here or just Nina making wrong assumptions?
I definitely feel as if something weird is happening here. I'm not sure if the man is aware of the animal people and how the land seems to be connected with them. Perhaps he's hunting them as Nina's father suggested might happen if humans were to find out about them? Or he's just an oblivious man trying to "clean up" natural properties and do whatever he wants with them?
7. What do you make of Nina's relationships with her father, mother and grandmother? What do you make of the contrast with Oli, who doesn't have blood relatives and rejects the coyote twins' invitation to join their family? What does that say about the different worlds?
I love Nina's relationship with her family, although it makes me sad that her mom makes a faraway job such a priority when Nina clearly wants her home. I think it's kind of sad that Oli rejected becoming a part of the Twins' family, although I think he felt a little more secure just having them as friends. And I also think that he isn't just yearning for any family; he wants his family.
8. Oli has made a network of friends and connections. Do you have a favourite? What's happening/ed to Ami?
I don't think I really have a favorite, but I did enjoy the short interactions with the bounty hunter. In terms of Ami, I kind of assumed he was dying, but hopefully I'm wrong. I have no idea what would be happening otherwise.
9. Thinking back to our last Native American / First Nation BOMs (The Only Good Indian and The Firekeeper's Daughter) the way Little Badger is incorporating traditions and cultural information that might be unfamiliar is very different (both TFD and TOGI are more firmly set in the contemporary world; TFD explained a lot, whereas this puts the onus on the reader to find context; TOGI left it unclear how much of the Other World parts was projection versus reality, whereas here it's clear that both worlds are real and parallel). Do you like the approach taken here? If you read TFD or TOGI, do you have a preference?
I didn't read the other books mentioned here, and I am enjoying this book so far, but I do wish it had a little bit more explanation.
Day 2: Nina, Age 14 to Cottonmouth Reaches a Fork in the Road6. We meet a sinister man at Rosita / Grandma's land. What do you think is going on with him? We also meet an adorable kitten who seems to have used up one life already. Something peculiar going on here or just Nina making wrong assumptions?
Oh, he is a baddie alright. My guess is he is looking for passage to the other Earth. Or whatever Oli's land is called.
I wondered whether the cat was magical or whether Grandma healed her on the way to the vet.
7. What do you make of Nina's relationships with her father, mother and grandmother? What do you make of the contrast with Oli, who doesn't have blood relatives and rejects the coyote twins' invitation to join their family? What does that say about the different worlds?
I love a close family. They seem to listen to each other, which is so cool.
Oli cares about his family, but the circumstances seem so different. Independence amongst the snake family is important. But, Oli cares about his friends a lot. I'm not sure why he said no to the twins. Perhaps their home was too far away for him to feel comfy?
The worlds are so very different in that the disparate creatures mainly seem to get along, and differences in species doesn't seem to matter much. Not so much like Earth then.
8. Oli has made a network of friends and connections. Do you have a favourite? What's happening/ed to Ami?
Well, Ami is my favorite, so I imagine my heart will be broken soon.
9. Thinking back to our last Native American / First Nation BOMs (The Only Good Indian and The Firekeeper's Daughter) the way Little Badger is incorporating traditions and cultural information that might be unfamiliar is very different (both TFD and TOGI are more firmly set in the contemporary world; TFD explained a lot, whereas this puts the onus on the reader to find context; TOGI left it unclear how much of the Other World parts was projection versus reality, whereas here it's clear that both worlds are real and parallel). Do you like the approach taken here? If you read TFD or TOGI, do you have a preference?
I am loving this book. Much more than the other two. I liked TOGI for being so deliberately dark, but this one is the polar opposite. It is giving me joyful feelings quite often. I know it will not stay that way, but I think the oncoming storm will be earned.
Off to read the next bit...
DQs Day 3: Nina, Age 16 to Cottonmouth Meets an Originator10. We know why Ami is sick. What do you think of how the author has woven extinction and how humans treat the Earth into the story? (Did the revelation make you want to cry like I did?)
11. The threads of the story are coming together. Oli and the twins are going to Earth. The twins and Bright immediately signed up for the journey and the danger. Do you think you would do the same for a dear friend? In our world, what? Donate a kidney, or something similar?
12. Any ideas on why Grandma cannot leave her home? And, what will happen to her when the hurricane lands?
13. Who is this nightmare king in our world, do you think?
14. What do you think of Nina decoding Rosina’s last story? How important is the story and the warning? Do you think Nina’s mom knows more than she is sharing about the family history?
Mod
6. We meet a sinister man at Rosita / Grandma's land. What do you think is going on with him? We also meet an adorable kitten who seems to have used up one life already. Something peculiar going on here or just Nina making wrong assumptions?
He's definitely got designs on the land, and I think for more nefarious reasons than just property dealing. I expect that, being so wild and close to original lands, it's also closer to the the animal-people's world, so it's easier to pass in, and he wants to exploit that.
Tightrope seems adorable and also possibly not-normal! Got my eye on the kitten for future shenanigans!
7. What do you make of Nina's relationships with her father, mother and grandmother? What do you make of the contrast with Oli, who doesn't have blood relatives and rejects the coyote twins' invitation to join their family? What does that say about the different worlds?
I really like all the relationships, Nina's and Oli's. The characters all seem real. I like that it's showing that family can be healthy as blood family or found family - too often a book is only focused on one sort, which, within the context of a given book, implies that the other is less rewarding.
I think it's interesting that we are getting coyote twins in this story. Usually when we see Coyote it is in their Trickster guise, and solitary, so it's making me think about my assumptions there, as well as (I assume) being more authentic - coyotes are pack/group animals?
8. Oli has made a network of friends and connections. Do you have a favourite? What's happening/ed to Ami?
Like others I think Ami is wonderful, and am very worried that his animal equivalent has become extinct. :(
I also enjoyed the bounty hunter bear - of course bears are colour blind and so she'd get the wrong blanket! And the idea of the bounty being claimed as breakfasts is fairly hilarious, whilst also making total sense in a barter economy.
9. Thinking back to our last Native American / First Nation BOMs (The Only Good Indian and The Firekeeper's Daughter) the way Little Badger is incorporating traditions and cultural information that might be unfamiliar is very different (both TFD and TOGI are more firmly set in the contemporary world; TFD explained a lot, whereas this puts the onus on the reader to find context; TOGI left it unclear how much of the Other World parts was projection versus reality, whereas here it's clear that both worlds are real and parallel). Do you like the approach taken here? If you read TFD or TOGI, do you have a preference?
For info provided: I think that I slightly prefer the tack taken here and in TOGI - of not pandering to the ignorance of non-Native readers, though I do know I'm missing out cultural elements. Generally it doesn't feel like the stuff I'm not fully in the picture for is not essential, so that's good.
For the pure realistic versus magical realism/horror versus mix of real and fantasy - I think its great that all variants exist and work well. Like Jenny, this is my favourite of the three so far.
Mod
10. We know why Ami is sick. What do you think of how the author has woven extinction and how humans treat the Earth into the story? (Did the revelation make you want to cry like I did?)
I'd guessed at the cause of the sickness :(
I like the fact that the Reflected World is connected to our world in that way, but its very sad that it doesn't work both ways - that the more harmonious way of living doesn't trickle back.
11. The threads of the story are coming together. Oli and the twins are going to Earth. The twins and Bright immediately signed up for the journey and the danger. Do you think you would do the same for a dear friend? In our world, what? Donate a kidney, or something similar?
I'd hope I would, yes! I enjoyed the bonkers road-trip of Oli and his gang, with the completely majestic original Bighorn, as well as the insight into the coyotes and the monster truck!
12. Any ideas on why Grandma cannot leave her home? And, what will happen to her when the hurricane lands?
Is she the descendent of the heroic figure in Rosita's story? And the longer she is away from the connection to the Reflected World ('cos if she is a descendent, she's got a bit of animal people in her) the weaker she becomes?
When the hurricane lands, I'm guessing she's going to be on her land, that Nina, Oli and the gang will wind up there, Paul will make some sort of move and mayhem will ensue.
13. Who is this nightmare king in our world, do you think?
I don't know about the actual king, but suspect Paul is one of his followers
14. What do you think of Nina decoding Rosina’s last story? How important is the story and the warning? Do you think Nina’s mom knows more than she is sharing about the family history?
I think the story is important. I suspect Oli's magic communications skills will unlock a different interpretation that will shine a different light on things.
Not sure about Nina's mum - shall have to think on that!
Good call on maybe Oli being able to interpret the story for Nina. I hadn't thought of that!
DQs Day 3: Nina, Age 16 to Cottonmouth Meets an Originator10. We know why Ami is sick. What do you think of how the author has woven extinction and how humans treat the Earth into the story? (Did the revelation make you want to cry like I did?)
I really enjoyed how she works in our actions on Earth having consequences that we can't see. It is true even if there weren't another world populated by animal people! I thought it was extinction since Ami seemed so rare and it makes me sad to think that they might lose him. I want them to be able to save him but how do you stop the human race from destroying what we have? We truly seem dead set on it...
11. The threads of the story are coming together. Oli and the twins are going to Earth. The twins and Bright immediately signed up for the journey and the danger. Do you think you would do the same for a dear friend? In our world, what? Donate a kidney, or something similar?
If my best friend suddenly went into a coma and I thought that travelling to a different world/dimension would save her, I would do it in a heartbeat! Same with the real world comparisons. We've been through so much together that she is family and I would give a lot for my family.
12. Any ideas on why Grandma cannot leave her home? And, what will happen to her when the hurricane lands?
It seems like her longevity is tied with the land? I'm wondering if she's actually part animal person. The story that Nina has partially translated got me thinking.
13. Who is this nightmare king in our world, do you think?
Probably Paul because Paul sucks 😂 Seriously, though, I would assume it's probably someone like Jeff Bezos or some other multibillionaire that wouldn't want to world to remember the animal people because then they might actually stop destroying the Earth. Or they just want magic/world-shaping all to themselves.
14. What do you think of Nina decoding Rosina’s last story? How important is the story and the warning? Do you think Nina’s mom knows more than she is sharing about the family history?
I'm thinking the story is very important. Like I mentioned above, I'm wondering if it's an actual family history and Nina and her family are all part animal person. Nina's mom seems to science-minded to believe in the other world, but I think maybe her dad might know more than he's letting on.
DQs Day 3: Nina, Age 16 to Cottonmouth Meets an Originator10. We know why Ami is sick. What do you think of how the author has woven extinction and how humans treat the Earth into the story? (Did the revelation make you want to cry like I did?)
Animals and the environment are something that I think of frequently, and I've slowly and gradually been shifting some of my habits to hopefully reduce any negative impacts I might be having on the Earth. So reading a story where animals feature so heavily and now where extinction and other problems are arising is something I personally enjoy, but I find it sad to see Ami is being affected by something that humans might be causing.
11. The threads of the story are coming together. Oli and the twins are going to Earth. The twins and Bright immediately signed up for the journey and the danger. Do you think you would do the same for a dear friend? In our world, what? Donate a kidney, or something similar?
I definitely think I would step up for a friend in whatever way I could. If I had to donate a kidney, I would most definitely see if it was possible. I've really liked seeing how Oli's friendships have strengthened over time. I found it sad to see him alone in the beginning, so it's nice to see that he has people to support him and to have fun with.
12. Any ideas on why Grandma cannot leave her home? And, what will happen to her when the hurricane lands?
I haven't made any super solid connections, although I definitely think the land is connected somehow to the Reflecting World. I'm not sure what will happen when the hurricane lands, but I hope that everyone is able to stay safe.
13. Who is this nightmare king in our world, do you think?
That's a good question. I have no idea at this point, but I'm thinking Paul is somehow connected with him or the followers.
14. What do you think of Nina decoding Rosina’s last story? How important is the story and the warning? Do you think Nina’s mom knows more than she is sharing about the family history?
I think it's very cool that Nina is working so hard to figure out the story. Today, I think there are so many people who just don't even think to learn about their family members and family history. I don't think Nina's mom knows much. I think it's going to be more of a story between mom and daughter where there's tension over the fact that her mom doesn't believe her and then they are able to come together once her mom realizes that Nina is right about things.
Mod
Day 2: Nina, Age 14 to Cottonmouth Reaches a Fork in the Road
6. We meet a sinister man at Rosita / Grandma's land. What do you think is going on with him? We also meet an adorable kitten who seems to have used up one life already. Something peculiar going on here or just Nina making wrong assumptions?
He wants the land for something. Whether it is access to animal people or to develop all of it, remains to be seen.
Nina isn't making wrong assumptions, people (especially females) need to listen to the warnings given to them by their hind brains instead of trying to be 'nice'. Fewer women/girls would turn up in ditches.
7. What do you make of Nina's relationships with her father, mother and grandmother? What do you make of the contrast with Oli, who doesn't have blood relatives and rejects the coyote twins' invitation to join their family? What does that say about the different worlds?
I don't know if it's really the different worlds as much as it is different family/cultural structures. My family is all up in each other's business out to second cousins and such. My husband's family has a tight immediate family but almost zero interaction with aunt/uncle/cousin. My best friend's situation is similar to Oli's. I think it shows they are all normal and you find what works for you.
8. Oli has made a network of friends and connections. Do you have a favourite? What's happening/ed to Ami?
Ami I think. I like how his different way of communicating is embraced. As a parent of a seriously speech delayed child, this made me happy.
I'm assuming there are only a few animals left on Earth that are he's species and he's dying.
9. Thinking back to our last Native American / First Nation BOMs (The Only Good Indian and The Firekeeper's Daughter) the way Little Badger is incorporating traditions and cultural information that might be unfamiliar is very different (both TFD and TOGI are more firmly set in the contemporary world; TFD explained a lot, whereas this puts the onus on the reader to find context; TOGI left it unclear how much of the Other World parts was projection versus reality, whereas here it's clear that both worlds are real and parallel). Do you like the approach taken here? If you read TFD or TOGI, do you have a preference?
TOGI was okay, I think my issues with it is horror really isn't my thing so it went in some very dark directions I didn't enjoy reading about. Well written and if that's your thing, I'd recommend it.
TFD I enjoyed and I think learning about the culture as it pertained to the story.
I find the approach here fine, it's just a different type of story and I think it works. And if it makes readers go investigate a new to them culture, the mores the better.
Mod
10. We know why Ami is sick. What do you think of how the author has woven extinction and how humans treat the Earth into the story? (Did the revelation make you want to cry like I did?)
It just made me really sad that so many species are dying and people can't seem to change their behavior because it's too hard (really though inconvenient) or because they are trying so hard to just get through the day they simply can't. And then I think about people who pay a premium to be the hunter who kills the last known animal of a species. It's just gross.
11. The threads of the story are coming together. Oli and the twins are going to Earth. The twins and Bright immediately signed up for the journey and the danger. Do you think you would do the same for a dear friend? In our world, what? Donate a kidney, or something similar?
Yes, of course I would.
12. Any ideas on why Grandma cannot leave her home? And, what will happen to her when the hurricane lands?
I'm wondering if she is part animal people? I really don't know and am curious where this thread goes. Hopefully it goes somewhere.
13. Who is this nightmare king in our world, do you think?
Paul is connected to him but I don't know if it's Paul or if Paul is just a minion.
14. What do you think of Nina decoding Rosina’s last story? How important is the story and the warning? Do you think Nina’s mom knows more than she is sharing about the family history?
I think it's amazing and am here for it all. I'm thinking that last story is pivotal in some way that we'll find out about later. I'm not sure if Nina's mom knows more. I guess she could, but her mom isn't the tribal member, Nina's father is so it would make more sense for him to know more. But then the mom is the linguist. I don't know, LOL
DQs Day 3: Nina, Age 16 to Cottonmouth Meets an Originator 10. We know why Ami is sick. What do you think of how the author has woven extinction and how humans treat the Earth into the story? (Did the revelation make you want to cry like I did?)
This is a reread but I thought it was a sad as they talk about losing the ability to transform and then the fading away.
11. The threads of the story are coming together. Oli and the twins are going to Earth. The twins and Bright immediately signed up for the journey and the danger. Do you think you would do the same for a dear friend? In our world, what? Donate a kidney, or something similar?
Yes, I think so. Hesitant on kidney specifically but have some of my own health issues.
12. Any ideas on why Grandma cannot leave her home? And, what will happen to her when the hurricane lands?
I thought she is tied to the spirt world since they come in there. Maybe not an animal but something.
13. Who is this nightmare king in our world, do you think?
I thought before that Paul is a minion since they keep saying he is in France.
14. What do you think of Nina decoding Rosina’s last story? How important is the story and the warning? Do you think Nina’s mom knows more than she is sharing about the family history?
I think it is wonderful that she has this both as a project and the story itself. I don’t think her mom would have any reason to know more, her dad either, but her grandmother might.
DQs Day 4: Cottonmouth Falls to Earth to Nina, 2 Days Before Landfall15. To get to earth, Oli and friends must go up to then fall to earth. This is further emphasized in the title and the chapter name. Why do you think the author made the choice that the path to Earth is by falling?
16. We meet the Mockingbird again in this section. What do you think of her role so far as a character and as a trickster character?
17. What are thoughts on Own Dave and what was shown about him in the give away scene? Do you think Nina is overly trusting that this will work out?
18. If you had the ability to have an animal form, what would you choose? (You may want to consider the potential tradeoffs like wing ears).
DQs Day 4: Cottonmouth Falls to Earth to Nina, 2 Days Before Landfall15. To get to earth, Oli and friends must go up to then fall to earth. This is further emphasized in the title and the chapter name. Why do you think the author made the choice that the path to Earth is by falling?
I thought of it in a purely logical way, since Oli's home is the Reflecting World. I figured since they had to go up, then they would have to go down almost like they hit the mirror point. And then perhaps if they took the other paths to go to Earth, it would work differently. I actually am also reading The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor (based on Alice in Wonderland), where The Pool of Tears is the path between Wonderland and Earth, and those who jump into the Pool of Tears will fall into the water and then all of a sudden shoot back up to land on the other side. So I wonder if something similar would happen in this book if they were to take a water path?
16. We meet the Mockingbird again in this section. What do you think of her role so far as a character and as a trickster character?
She's really frustrating me honestly, because I've been skeptical of all of the characters (although especially Brightest) since we met Mockingbird. I keep hoping that it's not Mockingbird just pretending to be everyone. I'm interested to see what her deal is though.
17. What are thoughts on Own Dave and what was shown about him in the give away scene? Do you think Nina is overly trusting that this will work out?
He comes off as not so great of a guy to me, so I totally think that Nina is overly trusting. I'm worried that it's not going to work out the way they want it to.
18. If you had the ability to have an animal form, what would you choose? (You may want to consider the potential tradeoffs like wing ears).
This is a really hard question for me because I just love all animals, and there are so many different types of experiences you could have depending on what animal you were. I definitely don't like the idea of wing ears, but being able to fly and be so free sounds intriguing. I also like the idea of being an elephant, because I love their intelligent and emotional sides. But, honestly, choosing just one is super difficult.
DQs Day 4: Cottonmouth Falls to Earth to Nina, 2 Days Before Landfall15. To get to earth, Oli and friends must go up to then fall to earth. This is further emphasized in the title and the chapter name. Why do you think the author made the choice that the path to Earth is by falling?
Good question. Perhaps it is because the author sees the Earth as beneath the reflected world, in the sense of not being as "good" or as respectful of those that live on it or something. I don't want to say it is heaven and hell, because christianity isn't part of the traditional stories this book is based on. Or, it is a purely logistical thing.
16. We meet the Mockingbird again in this section. What do you think of her role so far as a character and as a trickster character?She's a great trickster. I want to think that she is just playful, and a bit fun-evil, and not evil-evil, in line with the nightmares.
17. What are thoughts on Own Dave and what was shown about him in the give away scene? Do you think Nina is overly trusting that this will work out?
Yup. A social media millionaire? Don't trust.
18. If you had the ability to have an animal form, what would you choose? (You may want to consider the potential tradeoffs like wing ears).
I would be torn between a cat of some type or a bird of some type. I would love to fly, so maybe a bird.
DQs Day 4: Cottonmouth Falls to Earth to Nina, 2 Days Before Landfall15. To get to earth, Oli and friends must go up to then fall to earth. This is further emphasized in the title and the chapter name. Why do you think the author made the choice that the path to Earth is by falling?
Perhaps to make it seem more otherworldly? It certainly gave the scene where they travelled a very ethereal feel and I enjoyed it!
16. We meet the Mockingbird again in this section. What do you think of her role so far as a character and as a trickster character?
At this point, she comes across as someone who wants to help, but can't help her trickster nature to start trouble. The whole bear attack was a bit over the top, Mockingbird! But I don't think she wants to hurt our group of friends. I think she does think of them as friends but she just can't help herself.
17. What are thoughts on Own Dave and what was shown about him in the give away scene? Do you think Nina is overly trusting that this will work out?
Nina's entire money-making scheme has made no sense to me. I get that well-viewed videos can rake in some money, but somehow I don't see it being as lucrative as Nina thinks it's going to be. Also, Dave comes off as kind of slimy in the clip that we saw.
18. If you had the ability to have an animal form, what would you choose? (You may want to consider the potential tradeoffs like wing ears).
I'd have to pick a bird form, winged ears and all, haha. I just think being able to fly would be absolutely amazing!
Mod
15. To get to earth, Oli and friends must go up to then fall to earth. This is further emphasized in the title and the chapter name. Why do you think the author made the choice that the path to Earth is by falling?
Because if the path to Earth is in the sky, no one in the Reflecting World can just wander around and accidently stumble through a portal? I'm not really sure, but I'm wondering if you fall into the Reflecting World as well.
I like Taylor's explanation of the situation.
16. We meet the Mockingbird again in this section. What do you think of her role so far as a character and as a trickster character?
I think she just wants to be included in the group and is going about it in a really awkward way. A shape-shifter is can be a real asset but she's going about it in not the best way.
17. What are thoughts on Own Dave and what was shown about him in the give away scene? Do you think Nina is overly trusting that this will work out?
I think her concept of how long that will take for the toads is way off. Even to just get the program up and running. And with how long it will take to get the money.
Plus the guy is creepy. I don't know if he's just a red herring or if there is something more nefarious going on with him. I feel like that's a way cults start nowadays.
18. If you had the ability to have an animal form, what would you choose? (You may want to consider the potential tradeoffs like wing ears)
A bird of prey I think, the ability to try out flying is intriguing. I have loved the Big Cats my whole life though. Or being something that can explore the ocean depths in ways humans simply can't would be cool too. Sigh. too many choices. LOL
The sample size is too small for really good science, but I have noted that no one yet has chosen the Dung Beetle as a preferred animal form. Huh.
Nina is a Lipan girl in our world. She's always felt there was something more out there. She still believes in the old stories.
Oli is a cottonmouth kid, from the land of spirits and monsters. Like all cottonmouths, he's been cast from home. He's found a new one on the banks of the bottomless lake.
Nina and Oli have no idea the other exists. But a catastrophic event on Earth, and a strange sickness that befalls Oli's best friend, will drive their worlds together in ways they haven't been in centuries.
And there are some who will kill to keep them apart.
Darcie Little Badger introduced herself to the world with Elatsoe. In A Snake Falls to Earth, she draws on traditional Lipan Apache storytelling structure to weave another unforgettable tale of monsters, magic, and family. It is not to be missed.
August 9 is International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples so our theme for August is FRIENDSHIP, and we are very happy that the book is written by a member of the Lipan Apache tribe.
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nominated by Judith