Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Where the Forest Meets the Stars
Books of the Month
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Where the Forest Meets the Sky by Glendy Vanderah - August 2023 Themed BOM - PEACE (starts 16 Aug)
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Date Chapters %age MPDQs
16 Aug 1 - 7 20% Judith
17 Aug 8 - 14 38% Jenny
18 Aug 15 - 22 59% Cat
19 Aug 23 - 31 80% Angie
20 Aug 32 - 38 100% Teddie
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- What about that plot twist?!
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(last edited Aug 15, 2023 12:36PM)
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Nom:Judith
Angie (weekend date for preference please!)
Jenny
Cat
Teddie
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(last edited Aug 28, 2023 12:21PM)
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I'll volunteer for DQs for this one too. (If possible to get a Saturday or Sunday, that would be great.....no worries if not)
This has been on my TBR for a while - I'll join. I can do DQs.
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I'm ok either way. If you want to start a day later, cool.
Ditto what Jenny said!
I'm really enjoying this read - doesn't feel like a BOM at all - ha ha ha. Ursa is awesome!
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Well, that really is a low bar . . .LOL
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Ch 1 to 7
1.) What did you think of Jo's first encounter with Ursa? What do you think you would of done in that situation?
2.) I like how Jo still thinks of Gabriel as Egg Man even after she knows his actual name. It reminds me of nicknames we'd give to crushes of people in my group of friends. Anyway, What are your thoughts about him, any guesses on what his deal might be?
3.) Jo, unsurprisingly called the police. Did deputy dog's (I don't remember his name) response come as a surprise? Do you think his assessment was wrong?
4.) Does Ursa inhabiting a dead girl's body creep you out a bit? Do you think that may cause issues in future?
5.) The pop in of colleagues was interesting and allowed for some backstory of Jo's to be worked into the story. Do you think Tanner will pop back in at some point? What did you think of their conversation and Jo's inner thoughts on how men react to her once they 'know' her 'situation'?
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Ch 1 to 7
1.) What did you think of Jo's first encounter with Ursa? What do you think you would of done in that situation?
Hats off to Jo for keeping it together during the "I'm an alien" conversation. Though Ursa looking about 9 certainly made that easier to deal with than if it had been an adult. I probably would of reacted in a similar fashion until I could call the police. I would of been worried about adults hiding in the woods to jump me and would of assumed she was bait for a robbery.
2.) I like how Jo still thinks of Gabriel as Egg Man even after she knows his actual name. It reminds me of nicknames we'd give to crushes of people in my group of friends. Anyway, What are your thoughts about him, any guesses on what his deal might be?
I thinking maybe he had to leave a PhD program or other education type situation to care for his mother? Something like that since we know he's a caregiver. His interesting though and I'm certainly curious about him. Ursa clearly trusts him so hopefully he's a good egg (har-har).
3.) Jo, unsurprisingly called the police. Did deputy dog's (I don't remember his name) response come as a surprise? Do you think his assessment was wrong?
The deputy seemed highly unconcerned about the child's welfare. I know the setting is country but nowhere is THAT country. That being said, he's commentary is unfortunately more on the nose than anyone is likely comfortable acknowledging. But still. I think it was partly written that way because any sensible person would call the po-po, but if the police took Ursa away there'd be no story.
4.) Does Ursa inhabiting a dead girl's body creep you out a bit? Do you think that may cause issues in future?
Oddly, it struck me as sensible from the alien's POV but it got a bit creepy when Ursa talked about using the dead girl's brain to read and comprehend things. I'm hoping there are no run ins with the dead girl's family or friends. That just seems cruel.
5.) The pop in of colleagues was interesting and allowed for some backstory of Jo's to be worked into the story. Do you think Tanner will pop back in at some point? What did you think of their conversation and Jo's inner thoughts on how men react to her once they 'know' her 'situation'?
Tanner seems like an epic man-dumb tool and Jo is better off but as a person, it would still sting. He didn't even go visit her or talk to her during cancer treatment? And has an interest in whether or not she's going to get new boobs? How is that his business? I'm annoyed on behalf of women everywhere. Though that was probably part of the point of their discussion and Jo's inner dialog after. I believe every word of her inner dialog, men are so dumb sometimes. Not all individual man-persons, there are always some gems to be found, but as a whole so dumb. I hope during field work Tanner gets bitten by something venomous.
DQs Day 1 ~ Ch 1 to 71.) What did you think of Jo's first encounter with Ursa? What do you think you would of done in that situation?
Jo is a really good person to not have gone a little crazy on Ursa with the repeated alien story. The story got a bit more complicated with the zombie factor. But whether you thought about it from Ursa POV as an alien or as a 9 yr old, the story sort of made sense in a warped sort of way. I don't know if I'd have been worried that I was a mark for a robbery or an abduction. I would have wanted to keep Ursa safe for sure.
2.) I like how Jo still thinks of Gabriel as Egg Man even after she knows his actual name. It reminds me of nicknames we'd give to crushes of people in my group of friends. Anyway, What are your thoughts about him, any guesses on what his deal might be?
I think he too has a complicated story. Maybe a teacher or astronomer that stepped down from his career to care for his mother and the farm. I like him and want to know more about him.
3.) Jo, unsurprisingly called the police. Did deputy dog's (I don't remember his name) response come as a surprise? Do you think his assessment was wrong?
I wan't really surprised that Jo called the police. But I was super surprised by the deputy's reaction or lack thereof. He didn't seem at all concerned about Ursa or her situation. Like Judith said, if the deputy had taken her away we wouldn't have a story! Unless, Ursa really is an alien and teleported back to Jo's....
4.) Does Ursa inhabiting a dead girl's body creep you out a bit? Do you think that may cause issues in future?
No, it didn't creep me out at all; I read all kinds of weird things! It was nicer on the alien's part to inhabit a dead person instead of a live one. The only issues that I can think of would be if someone who knew the girl was dead or her family meet up with Ursa.
5.) The pop in of colleagues was interesting and allowed for some backstory of Jo's to be worked into the story. Do you think Tanner will pop back in at some point? What did you think of their conversation and Jo's inner thoughts on how men react to her once they 'know' her 'situation'?
Tanner is the character that will always pop back up! Tanner is a jerk and Jo is much better off without him. (I'm hoping her and Egg Man get together.) A lot of people react poorly or badly with survivors of any trama or illness; some because they are uncomfortable and don't know what to say and some because they are just plain mean spirited. Jo's inner dialog was very believable, sadly.
DQs Day 1Ch 1 to 7
1.) What did you think of Jo's first encounter with Ursa? What do you think you would of done in that situation?
I have no idea what I would have done. I probably would have tried to get her to tell me where she was from and called the cops. So, basically what Jo did. Or, I would have fed into her delusion(?) and asked a ton of questions about her home world.
2.) I like how Jo still thinks of Gabriel as Egg Man even after she knows his actual name. It reminds me of nicknames we'd give to crushes of people in my group of friends. Anyway, What are your thoughts about him, any guesses on what his deal might be?
I have a feeling that all the major players in this story are going to be damaged in some way, so I expect he will be too. I am hoping he becomes an ally of Jo. It is always good to have someone who can provide eggs nearby.
3.) Jo, unsurprisingly called the police. Did deputy dog's (I don't remember his name) response come as a surprise? Do you think his assessment was wrong?
I wanted to hit him pretty much off the bat. I'm not sure he was completely off base when it comes to seeing fostering as being a crapshoot, but not even seeming interested in the child? That was reprehensible.
4.) Does Ursa inhabiting a dead girl's body creep you out a bit? Do you think that may cause issues in future?
I do wonder why it is that story rather than her people having the ability to "give" her a body. I do imagine that when (if) her real Earth family is found there will be a sad story there. Perhaps they tried to kill her? Neglected her and won't miss her? I didn't check the description or tags for this book, so I don't know if it is sci-fi and she really is from another galaxy, in which case I bet the dead body doesn't last too long.
5.) The pop in of colleagues was interesting and allowed for some backstory of Jo's to be worked into the story. Do you think Tanner will pop back in at some point? What did you think of their conversation and Jo's inner thoughts on how men react to her once they 'know' her 'situation'?
I'm kind of glad the author has one of the colleagues someone that Jo slept with, as that gives a personal perspective. A shitty perspective, but a personal one. Since Tanner only saw her as a sexual object, he assumes that is what she is striving to be again. Idiot. The other people treating her like she is fragile and damaged is annoying. People aren't taught how to deal with stuff like this though. Sympathy and empathy are hard things to convey without seeming trite or non-genuine, and seeing Jo as someone who needs help is one way those who have not gone through mourning or health scares can cope. So, I found the scene realistic, even though I wanted to tell people to shut up.
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1.) What did you think of Jo's first encounter with Ursa? What do you think you would of done in that situation?
I thought Jo dealt with it pretty well! Certainly better than I suspect I'dve done! The need to question - how is the dead body not decomposing etc etc - would be strong!
2.) I like how Jo still thinks of Gabriel as Egg Man even after she knows his actual name. It reminds me of nicknames we'd give to crushes of people in my group of friends. Anyway, What are your thoughts about him, any guesses on what his deal might be?
Egg Man forever! I lie to think I give good nickname, but it can backfire!
Like others, I think he has pulled out of advanced research to help his mother. Do we think she also has cancer, or perhaps a dementia type illness - personality and memory seeming to be a bit of a theme too. But I like him
3.) Jo, unsurprisingly called the police. Did deputy dog's (I don't remember his name) response come as a surprise? Do you think his assessment was wrong?
The view that people will foster for money and thus not care or even be abusive is accurate (my brother did emergency fostering once for a child his husband taught when the foster family decided not to have him any longer two weeks before Xmas... the stuff they did (and didn't do) for this vulnerable kid was just appalling)
That said, I was surprised that the deputy / cop thought that wandering homeless in the forest was better seemed absurd - but we need a way for the story to develop, so a spot of plot hole necessary!
4.) Does Ursa inhabiting a dead girl's body creep you out a bit? Do you think that may cause issues in future?
I mean, is she an alien, or just using that story and the dead boy as a distancing mechanism to avoid thinking about what she's escaped?
5.) The pop in of colleagues was interesting and allowed for some backstory of Jo's to be worked into the story. Do you think Tanner will pop back in at some point? What did you think of their conversation and Jo's inner thoughts on how men react to her once they 'know' her 'situation'?
Tanner will probably be back - what a tool he is! Ditto other people who are avoiding Jo because she's had a double mastectomy! Cancer - and lack of boobs - isn't contagious, after all!
I did think it was a good way of showing what Jo's been dealing with - death of her mother, her own illness and loss of traditional feminine sexuality identifiers, and also showing which of those actually matters right now for her (hint: not the loss of sexual objectification for that tool Tanner!)
DQs Day 2Ch 8-14
6. Have you ever eaten a meal that you provided all of the ingredients for (not by shopping for them?)
Basically, have you ever lived on a farm or ranch or foraged for a meal in the wilderness? (Dinner at Gabe’s house made me hungry.)
7. What do you think of Jo and Gabe not being able to just turn Ursa in to child protective services? Do neither of them just want to be the bad guy? Is it at all realistic or a good idea that they are basically raising this child?
8. In a world where half of the population is in therapy of some kind and the other half is on some kind of mood altering drugs, how is it that mental illness is still so stigmatized? What do you think of Gabe’s back story? (I am going to start using the word “kaplooey” in random sentences now.)
9. Tabby is pretty cool, yes? The trip to Urbana gave us a clue to where Ursa came from, but then it was dropped from the story. Do you think that Jo just didn’t notice, or is the author just playing with us?
10. So, family dynamics are fun, aren’t they? What are your impressions of Gabe’s sister and mom, and how they interact? How about the newly minted “family” of Gabe, Jo and Ursa?
DQs Day 2 ~ Ch 8-146. Have you ever eaten a meal that you provided all of the ingredients for (not by shopping for them?)
Basically, have you ever lived on a farm or ranch or foraged for a meal in the wilderness? (Dinner at Gabe’s house made me hungry.)
I actually have, but when I was much younger and living with my parents. We had a garden, cows for beef and milk/butter and pigs for pork ....no chickens though!
7. What do you think of Jo and Gabe not being able to just turn Ursa in to child protective services? Do neither of them just want to be the bad guy? Is it at all realistic or a good idea that they are basically raising this child?
It is probably not a good idea, because I don't really think she is an alien, and it's going to blow up in their faces at some point. I do think they are probably giving her the best care that she would get though. I think they both care for her too much to let go of her when they know it might not be an improvement over her normal life.
8. In a world where half of the population is in therapy of some kind and the other half is on some kind of mood altering drugs, how is it that mental illness is still so stigmatized? What do you think of Gabe’s back story? (I am going to start using the word “kaplooey” in random sentences now.)
I don't really understand that - you'd think that everyone has been exposed to it or knows someone having treatment that it would be just like saying someone has a cold. I think there is a lot more to Gabe's story and I want to know it....now! hahaha Also, it felt like some of his trauma (or all of it) came from his sister!
9. Tabby is pretty cool, yes? The trip to Urbana gave us a clue to where Ursa came from, but then it was dropped from the story. Do you think that Jo just didn’t notice, or is the author just playing with us?
Tabby is a great character! I don't see how Jo could not notice the obvious distress that Ursa had went they town name was mentioned. Unless, she didn't want to notice because I think she wants to keep Ursa (whether she realizes it or not). (view spoiler)
10. So, family dynamics are fun, aren’t they? What are your impressions of Gabe’s sister and mom, and how they interact? How about the newly minted “family” of Gabe, Jo and Ursa?
I don't care for Gabe's sister at all. I think the mom uses Gabe to get her daughter to visit. The mom and daughter seem to feed off each other at Gabe's expense. I like the Gabe/Jo/Ursa family dynamic. I want more!
I may have to finish the book tonight!
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Ch 8-14
6. Have you ever eaten a meal that you provided all of the ingredients for (not by shopping for them?)
Basically, have you ever lived on a farm or ranch or foraged for a meal in the wilderness? (Dinner at Gabe’s house made me hungry.)
No, can't say that I have. Even when camping, at least part of what we ate was purchased at a store.
7. What do you think of Jo and Gabe not being able to just turn Ursa in to child protective services? Do neither of them just want to be the bad guy? Is it at all realistic or a good idea that they are basically raising this child?
I can see how it happened but I think they could get into trouble, though I don't think they will for some reason. I think they don't want her to end up in a worse situation than what they assume she's already in.
8. In a world where half of the population is in therapy of some kind and the other half is on some kind of mood altering drugs, how is it that mental illness is still so stigmatized? What do you think of Gabe’s back story? (I am going to start using the word “kaplooey” in random sentences now.)
Because to allow people to have the grace to be different takes effort and people have to make unselfish choices about how they interact with others. And they simply can't be bothered. Those differences aren't obvious most of the time. Also, because it is an aliment happening within your own mind, why can't you just will yourself better? Which is dumb, but a lot of people don't understand it.
But I do see how my son's peers treat him (he's autistic) and the compassion and forgiveness they show him and I have hope this is finally changing for the better.
9. Tabby is pretty cool, yes? The trip to Urbana gave us a clue to where Ursa came from, but then it was dropped from the story. Do you think that Jo just didn’t notice, or is the author just playing with us?
We all need a friend like Tabby in our lives. I think she noticed but there wasn't much to do about it? Or she chalked it up to just doing into a city versus being in the country?
10. So, family dynamics are fun, aren’t they? What are your impressions of Gabe’s sister and mom, and how they interact? How about the newly minted “family” of Gabe, Jo and Ursa?
I think to a certain extent they are completely taking advantage of Gabe's situation. His sister certainly doesn't want to take care of the farm and likely her mom day to day. So how nice it is that Gabe has issues, he can do all of it. His sister might be willing to take their mother in, but likely not on the farm. I'm guessing mom doesn't want to leave her home. I think both of them are hindering Gabe's path to wellness.
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6. Have you ever eaten a meal that you provided all of the ingredients for (not by shopping for them?)
Basically, have you ever lived on a farm or ranch or foraged for a meal in the wilderness? (Dinner at Gabe’s house made me hungry.)
No, though my eldest sister has access to a veg cooperative, so gets all of her summer salad and veg from there. The protein is the tricky one...
7. What do you think of Jo and Gabe not being able to just turn Ursa in to child protective services? Do neither of them just want to be the bad guy? Is it at all realistic or a good idea that they are basically raising this child?
I guess they did try once and then decided that the risk of her running off properly was too great, and this is the best solution? I think they are both just drifters in that respect anyway
8. In a world where half of the population is in therapy of some kind and the other half is on some kind of mood altering drugs, how is it that mental illness is still so stigmatized? What do you think of Gabe’s back story? (I am going to start using the word “kaplooey” in random sentences now.)
Yeah, his family are not helping him in the least. Is it partly a generational thing perhaps?
9. Tabby is pretty cool, yes? The trip to Urbana gave us a clue to where Ursa came from, but then it was dropped from the story. Do you think that Jo just didn’t notice, or is the author just playing with us?
I think it was mostly that Jo didn't actively notice, and had other stuff on her mind. But I was surprised at the time how easily Jo let it go...
10. So, family dynamics are fun, aren’t they? What are your impressions of Gabe’s sister and mom, and how they interact? How about the newly minted “family” of Gabe, Jo and Ursa?
Not impressed with his sister at all. His mum is better, up to the point of infantilising his mental health and also being selfish about keeping him as her carer. It's good to see some functional, healthy relationships, between Jo and Tabby and increasingly with Gabe. I was impressed by Ursa's willingness to embrace the weird and uncomfortable in order to get to Gabe with what he needed.
Mod
11. We get an actual romance - you happy with this rather than friendship?
12. First kiss energy... Is this a thing?! I mean, GREAT kiss energy I get, but I've had some bad first kisses!
13. So, George the bug man, quiet unshowy intelligence or Arthur the Renaissance man, had to have the limelight.... Which attitude do you prefer?
14. Ewww! Hope Lovett haunting Gabe's mother and lover?!! Did you find any romance in the unveiling of this secret relationship? Do you buy Jo's view that as a poet, Katherine might have found a metaphor to support this trysting location?
Day 3- Chapters 15 - 2211. We get an actual romance - you happy with this rather than friendship?
I'm good eithr way. I was expecting the romance. I think the two need someone that understands their unique ways. So they could be good for each other.
12. First kiss energy... Is this a thing?! I mean, GREAT kiss energy I get, but I've had some bad first kisses!
Never heard of first kiss energy - nerves, yes - I guess that could be misinterpreted as energy.
13. So, George the bug man, quiet unshowy intelligence or Arthur the Renaissance man, had to have the limelight.... Which attitude do you prefer?
The quiet unshowy intelligence for sure.
14. Ewww! Hope Lovett haunting Gabe's mother and lover?!! Did you find any romance in the unveiling of this secret relationship? Do you buy Jo's view that as a poet, Katherine might have found a metaphor to support this trysting location?
There was only resentment in the unveiling of the story. I don't think the way it was told shows romance at all. The phrase they used was common enough as to not spark questions, probably, but they could have found a better location!!
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11. We get an actual romance - you happy with this rather than friendship?
Like Angie, I would be fine with either. But I think these two could both benefit from some romance and it doesn't seem forced so I'm fine with how it's progressing.
12. First kiss energy... Is this a thing?! I mean, GREAT kiss energy I get, but I've had some bad first kisses!
I guess it is now? LOL
13. So, George the bug man, quiet unshowy intelligence or Arthur the Renaissance man, had to have the limelight.... Which attitude do you prefer?
unshowy intelligence hands down. the other . . . people just come off eventually as pompous windbags. it gets old fast.
14. Ewww! Hope Lovett haunting Gabe's mother and lover?!! Did you find any romance in the unveiling of this secret relationship? Do you buy Jo's view that as a poet, Katherine might have found a metaphor to support this trysting location?
Romance in it? Not really. But it certainly explains A LOT about Gabe's home life situation.
As for the location, it sounds like a great way to get bug bites on your butt. Or other places where it would also be very uncomfortable. Leave the dead alone to mind their afterlife business. Go bang in the barn like normal people out in the country.
DQs Day 4 ~ Ch 23 to 3115. George encounters Gabe and Jo by accident at the campus. What did you think about Jo’s attempt to make Gabe talk to George? Even more curious, what did you think of Gabe’s reaction to the talk he had with George?
16. Jo did a great job of keeping her cool and coming up with a plan to get Ursa and her out of the cabin when the men showed up. Did you see this coming? Or were you expecting a different outcome than men sneaking in guns blazing?
17. Gabe and Jo could be in trouble with the police, but it seems for child endangerment instead of killing two people/intruders. Gabe is trying to be the sensible one by telling Jo to contact a lawyer. What will happen? Do you think Jo and Gabe will be charged with a crime and if so, what?
18. Whew, there was a lot going on in this section. When they returned to Effingham and stopped for dinner, I was pretty sure that we were going to encounter trouble! Ursa….She is obviously in the middle of something big and bad. After learning that Ursa is under police guard (or protection, maybe?), what do you think is the real story? (Or do you agree with Tabby’s thought that the government knows there is an alien in Ursa’s body?!)
19. Gabe seems to have lost his reluctance to be out in the world. Were you surprised by this? What do you think brought about the change?
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15. George encounters Gabe and Jo by accident at the campus. What did you think about Jo’s attempt to make Gabe talk to George? Even more curious, what did you think of Gabe’s reaction to the talk he had with George?
I don't think it was planned or even something she thought would happen, but when the opportunity presented itself I think she knew it was just something that needed to happen. Probably something that should of happened years ago. Considering everything, Gabe handled about as well as anyone could of in his situation.
16. Jo did a great job of keeping her cool and coming up with a plan to get Ursa and her out of the cabin when the men showed up. Did you see this coming? Or were you expecting a different outcome than men sneaking in guns blazing?
When the car ended up following them home I figured some sort of altercation was going to happen that was going to bring everything crashing down.
17. Gabe and Jo could be in trouble with the police, but it seems for child endangerment instead of killing two people/intruders. Gabe is trying to be the sensible one by telling Jo to contact a lawyer. What will happen? Do you think Jo and Gabe will be charged with a crime and if so, what?
Well, they were clearly intruders who were there with the intent to harm as the only thing they tried to do was shoot Ursa and Jo. Self-defense seems an easy sell there to the prosecutors (with the bonus of being true). As for the child endangerment? That may depend on the truth of Ursa's disappearance and if she wakes up to tell her story.
18. Whew, there was a lot going on in this section. When they returned to Effingham and stopped for dinner, I was pretty sure that we were going to encounter trouble! Ursa….She is obviously in the middle of something big and bad. After learning that Ursa is under police guard (or protection, maybe?), what do you think is the real story? (Or do you agree with Tabby’s thought that the government knows there is an alien in Ursa’s body?!)
I'm guessing Ursa was assaulted, strangled and left in the woods for dead. I'm not sure if the attempted murder was to hide the assault or if she was targeted because she knows/saw something she wasn't supposed to see. And the whole alien story was her way of coping with all that trauma by making herself be a something new inhabiting her old body.
19. Gabe seems to have lost his reluctance to be out in the world. Were you surprised by this? What do you think brought about the change?
Maybe he feels more capable successfully defending Jo and Ursa? The desire to be with them/near them is stronger than the need to keep hiding? The truth about his parentage being more out in the open makes it seem less daunting? Likely some combination there of.
Day 3- Chapters 15 - 2211. We get an actual romance - you happy with this rather than friendship?
I am going back and forth on this. Not every story needs a romance, but seeing these two people who think they are too damaged for a relationship giving it a go is alright.
12. First kiss energy... Is this a thing?! I mean, GREAT kiss energy I get, but I've had some bad first kisses!
A bad kiss is the worst! There was a great guy that asked me out on a date, and the date was fun, and then we kissed. It was like being drowned in a warm...I can't even keep typing this as you guys do not need the image in your head.
I haven't heard of first kiss energy either. Well, until now.
13. So, George the bug man, quiet unshowy intelligence or Arthur the Renaissance man, had to have the limelight.... Which attitude do you prefer?
Unshowy intelligence. I am not a huge fan pot people hiding their talents or smarts, but peacocks make me crazy.
14. Ewww! Hope Lovett haunting Gabe's mother and lover?!! Did you find any romance in the unveiling of this secret relationship? Do you buy Jo's view that as a poet, Katherine might have found a metaphor to support this trysting location?
No romance, no. One would think that a poet would have better ideas.
I snuck in to an archeological site on Kos and had a bit of a "trist" near (on) a stele. I highly recommend a graveyard. teehee
Mod
15. George encounters Gabe and Jo by accident at the campus. What did you think about Jo’s attempt to make Gabe talk to George? Even more curious, what did you think of Gabe’s reaction to the talk he had with George?
16. Jo did a great job of keeping her cool and coming up with a plan to get Ursa and her out of the cabin when the men showed up. Did you see this coming? Or were you expecting a different outcome than men sneaking in guns blazing?
I was shocked at the guns blazing, and a little bit impressed by Jo's sneaky thinking
17. Gabe and Jo could be in trouble with the police, but it seems for child endangerment instead of killing two people/intruders. Gabe is trying to be the sensible one by telling Jo to contact a lawyer. What will happen? Do you think Jo and Gabe will be charged with a crime and if so, what?
I was surprised there was not much done about Gabe's shootings. I suspect that something child related will be attempted, but there is a bit of a defence in that they did attempt to contact, and Deputy Dawg was negative and unhelpful
18. Whew, there was a lot going on in this section. When they returned to Effingham and stopped for dinner, I was pretty sure that we were going to encounter trouble! Ursa….She is obviously in the middle of something big and bad. After learning that Ursa is under police guard (or protection, maybe?), what do you think is the real story? (Or do you agree with Tabby’s thought that the government knows there is an alien in Ursa’s body?!)
No aliens! I think she's under protection, not guard, but precisely why is a bit opaque..
19. Gabe seems to have lost his reluctance to be out in the world. Were you surprised by this? What do you think brought about the change?
It was a quick shift, which actually annoyed me a bit. The power of love solving everything mental health related is not a great message.
DQs Day 4 ~ Ch 23 to 3115. George encounters Gabe and Jo by accident at the campus. What did you think about Jo’s attempt to make Gabe talk to George? Even more curious, what did you think of Gabe’s reaction to the talk he had with George?
I think Jo has gotten a little pushy, what with the beard and the telling him how he should feel about his parents and all. I don't think she planned that meeting though. Gabe did pretty well, I think.
16. Jo did a great job of keeping her cool and coming up with a plan to get Ursa and her out of the cabin when the men showed up. Did you see this coming? Or were you expecting a different outcome than men sneaking in guns blazing?
I was thinking it was an abusive parent that killed the other parent, and Ursa ran from him/her. I did not expect guns blazing.
17. Gabe and Jo could be in trouble with the police, but it seems for child endangerment instead of killing two people/intruders. Gabe is trying to be the sensible one by telling Jo to contact a lawyer. What will happen? Do you think Jo and Gabe will be charged with a crime and if so, what?
I think they will be charged, but I don't know if they will end up in jail. My guess is that there will be mitigating circumstances. And, the fact that the deputy idiot knew about the child from the get go will come into play.
18. Whew, there was a lot going on in this section. When they returned to Effingham and stopped for dinner, I was pretty sure that we were going to encounter trouble! Ursa….She is obviously in the middle of something big and bad. After learning that Ursa is under police guard (or protection, maybe?), what do you think is the real story? (Or do you agree with Tabby’s thought that the government knows there is an alien in Ursa’s body?!)
So hoping for aliens! But, alas, I think it will be the mob or something.
19. Gabe seems to have lost his reluctance to be out in the world. Were you surprised by this? What do you think brought about the change?
Just being out in the world probably helped. The big bad is often scarier in one's mind than in reality.
(Running a bit late but catching up with you guys - at least trying to :))DQs Day 1
Ch 1 to 7
1.) What did you think of Jo's first encounter with Ursa? What do you think you would of done in that situation?
I've been enjoying all their interactions. Of course, I would have said she was crazy (the girl) and got her to the police station ASAP. But I like Jo's approach better :)!
2.) I like how Jo still thinks of Gabriel as Egg Man even after she knows his actual name. It reminds me of nicknames we'd give to crushes of people in my group of friends. Anyway, What are your thoughts about him, any guesses on what his deal might be?
Not sure. He was obviously (or perhaps still is) trying for a PhD (probably English literature?) but is in some way prevented from doing so. And he's old-fashioned, like he's from another era or another place - I was thinking perhaps English (you know, like 'whoopsadaisy' in Notting Hill), but he'd have an accent so... In any event, I'm intrigued and not yet sure what to make of him though I think he's a goodie.
3.) Jo, unsurprisingly called the police. Did deputy dog's (I don't remember his name) response come as a surprise? Do you think his assessment was wrong?
I didn't like this character at all. His conclusion may be for the better, but I didn't feel he reacted like a cop. He came across pretty oblivious to the young girl's plight.
4.) Does Ursa inhabiting a dead girl's body creep you out a bit? Do you think that may cause issues in future?
Yes, it does and I can see how it might cause problems. What if she meets her parents or whoever killed her - so far, I'm assuming she was beaten to death? Also, not sure how the body 'preserves' and how come it's not rotting in any way (apologies, this is really gory, but that's what's happening in my mind - yuk - I try not think about it because I do so like the alien girl!).
5.) The pop in of colleagues was interesting and allowed for some backstory of Jo's to be worked into the story. Do you think Tanner will pop back in at some point? What did you think of their conversation and Jo's inner thoughts on how men react to her once they 'know' her 'situation'?
I hope he won't - he sounds pretty insensitive for someone who's had ages to think about everything surrounding her cancer - or perhaps he's a little immature (?). I'm all for Egg Man coming into Jo's life and Tanner leaving it!
It's a daring topic to choose to discuss in the book and I like that the author is giving space for all sides to express views - it's easy for me to judge Tanner from the comfort of my couch, but I guess I'd feel a little uncomfortable myself (though I hope it wouldn't be for long!). Tanner's views are pretty 'crude' imo I guess: "no hair", "no breasts", "menopause" - he's not thinking in shades about what's happening, and sensitivity is key for cancer patients and cancer survivors, especially as she is so very young and has had to give up on lots of important things like motherhood (at least in the 'classical' sense), and the hormonal changes she's undergoing will make her age faster probably, despite her treatment. Not to mention she's lost her mother too... that's a lot to cope with at any age, and she's still so young! It's interesting though, because so far, I'm not feeling really sad - it's more of a hopeful story at this stage for me.
Judith wrote: "Cat wrote: "Ursa is a better name than Earpood for sure!"Well, that really is a low bar . . .LOL"
Lol. Agreed on all counts!
DQs: Day 5Ch 32 - 38
20. In this section, Ursa relates what happened to her and her mother, but does it in a way that still works with her alien construct. Were there any aspects of the story that surprised you? Were you still hoping the alien part of the story was real? What was your take on Ursa’s origin story?
21. Part of Ursa’s healing involves integrating her little girl and alien parts. Jo suggested that the alien could be the soul of Ursa. What is your take on Ursa’s assertion that “It’s more like the other way around: Ursa is the soul of me, the one who came from the stars.” How do you think this idea plays into the title of the book?
22. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the idea of Ursa the alien giving off quarks that touch people’s lives - how all of us affect and are related to each other from a scientific standpoint., even if we can’t predict what the outcome will be. What are your thoughts around the quark idea? Just positive thinking?
23. A primary theme of the book is around the power of love - familial love, love of nature, chosen families - building nests with others to live. What did you think of how all the different families came together? And what about Lacey’s transformation from harridan to helpful - believable or just hopeful?
24. One part of the book that really resonated with me was Jo’s decision to “enter the darkness” with her dying mother, to be there fully with no regrets. That is the kind of emotional bravery I aspire to - shedding the self-protective shell to embrace a fuller loved and loving life. What aspects of the book struck a note for you? Do you believe that sometimes bad things happen to make way for better things next?
25. What are your final thoughts on the book? Favorite moments or themes? Who else wants to adopt Ursa?
Apologies for the question tardiness!
Mod
Ch 32 - 38
20. In this section, Ursa relates what happened to her and her mother, but does it in a way that still works with her alien construct. Were there any aspects of the story that surprised you? Were you still hoping the alien part of the story was real? What was your take on Ursa’s origin story?
I was sort of relieved the alien part wasn't real as the rest of the story/characters didn't seem to fall into the magical realism category. It all sort of made sense so her backstory worked for me.
21. Part of Ursa’s healing involves integrating her little girl and alien parts. Jo suggested that the alien could be the soul of Ursa. What is your take on Ursa’s assertion that “It’s more like the other way around: Ursa is the soul of me, the one who came from the stars.” How do you think this idea plays into the title of the book?
I guess that her soul is the pure, safe part of herself that she protected from the ugliness of what happened to her? and maybe the darkness of her past (forest) meets with the hope for a better future (stars?). I don't know, I'm not always the best at articulating themes sometimes.
22. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the idea of Ursa the alien giving off quarks that touch people’s lives - how all of us affect and are related to each other from a scientific standpoint., even if we can’t predict what the outcome will be. What are your thoughts around the quark idea? Just positive thinking?
I think it's true to a certain extent. We impact each other and are impacted by other people everyday. Sometimes even without out saying a word to each other. Quarks are just an explanation of that to some extent.
23. A primary theme of the book is around the power of love - familial love, love of nature, chosen families - building nests with others to live. What did you think of how all the different families came together? And what about Lacey’s transformation from harridan to helpful - believable or just hopeful?
Truth and honesty can make huge differences in relationships. Even if you don't realize there is a secret, the poison is still there destroying things from the inside. It was a little neat and tidy but wasn't worth dragging out the story to have it not mend that quickly. There was enough sadness in the story I'm not going to be butthurt about a cotton candy HEA for the characters.
24. One part of the book that really resonated with me was Jo’s decision to “enter the darkness” with her dying mother, to be there fully with no regrets. That is the kind of emotional bravery I aspire to - shedding the self-protective shell to embrace a fuller loved and loving life. What aspects of the book struck a note for you? Do you believe that sometimes bad things happen to make way for better things next?
Yes, I have personally had to deal with some very painful things and dwelt in mental darkness before. If some of those things hadn't happened I wouldn't have the life and family I have now. To go back and erase those experiences, I have no idea where I'd be right now but I'm fairly sure my son wouldn't exist. Which I just can't even imagine him never becoming.
25. What are your final thoughts on the book? Favorite moments or themes? Who else wants to adopt Ursa?
I nominated as a random selection from my TBR that I don't even remember adding because it was on KU and seemed to fit the BOM theme for August. And I'm glad I did and that it won. It was a lovely read and I think a good one to read as part of a BOM discussion. I'd love to adopt her :)
Mod
Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQs: Day 5 ~ Ch 32 - 3820. In this section, Ursa relates what happened to her and her mother, but does it in a way that still works with her alien construct. Were there any aspects of the story that surprised you? Were you still hoping the alien part of the story was real? What was your take on Ursa’s origin story?
I never really thought the alien part was real. I also didn't imagine Ursa had such a high IQ either. It was a very creative way for Ursa to deal with all the things that happened to her.
21. Part of Ursa’s healing involves integrating her little girl and alien parts. Jo suggested that the alien could be the soul of Ursa. What is your take on Ursa’s assertion that “It’s more like the other way around: Ursa is the soul of me, the one who came from the stars.” How do you think this idea plays into the title of the book?
I hadn't thought about it, but I agree with Judith. I think maybe she protected her soul with the alien idea. The light from the stars being the good/pure child and the forest being the bad place where everything happened. I look for the title or it's meaning/reference in the books I read. But this one took a bit of imagination.
22. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the idea of Ursa the alien giving off quarks that touch people’s lives - how all of us affect and are related to each other from a scientific standpoint., even if we can’t predict what the outcome will be. What are your thoughts around the quark idea? Just positive thinking?
It is unreal what you can accomplish just by believing it is possible. I think Ursa's quarks were her way of hoping for better.
23. A primary theme of the book is around the power of love - familial love, love of nature, chosen families - building nests with others to live. What did you think of how all the different families came together? And what about Lacey’s transformation from harridan to helpful - believable or just hopeful?
Again, belief is a powerful thing. I think that the truth helped with the transformation. It was kind of quick, but not in a way that threw me off or made me not like the story. It had plenty of sadness and it was nice to see it all working together for something good.
24. One part of the book that really resonated with me was Jo’s decision to “enter the darkness” with her dying mother, to be there fully with no regrets. That is the kind of emotional bravery I aspire to - shedding the self-protective shell to embrace a fuller loved and loving life. What aspects of the book struck a note for you? Do you believe that sometimes bad things happen to make way for better things next?
I have always said I wouldn't be who I am today without everything that happened in my past. I don't like some of it, but it still had a part in defining me.
25. What are your final thoughts on the book? Favorite moments or themes? Who else wants to adopt Ursa?
I really enjoyed the book. Ursa is/would be a handful, but I'd take that leap and adopt her.
Angie ☯'s BOM Participation Tracking:August 2023 ~ Where the Forest Meets the Stars
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
DQs: Day 5Ch 32 - 38
20. In this section, Ursa relates what happened to her and her mother, but does it in a way that still works with her alien construct. Were there any aspects of the story that surprised you? Were you still hoping the alien part of the story was real? What was your take on Ursa’s origin story?
I knew she wasn't an alien, but I was hoping that she was. I think it would have been a fun twist.
I didn't expect the jackass trying to rape Ursa. Yuck. Glad that character is dead.
21. Part of Ursa’s healing involves integrating her little girl and alien parts. Jo suggested that the alien could be the soul of Ursa. What is your take on Ursa’s assertion that “It’s more like the other way around: Ursa is the soul of me, the one who came from the stars.” How do you think this idea plays into the title of the book?Ursa for now is much more comfortable being the alien, so setting her mind/soul that way makes sense.
22. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the idea of Ursa the alien giving off quarks that touch people’s lives - how all of us affect and are related to each other from a scientific standpoint., even if we can’t predict what the outcome will be. What are your thoughts around the quark idea? Just positive thinking?
Positive thinking and noticing the hits and not the misses. I like that she is calling those events quarks, even if it is a strange use of the word. Maybe someone reading this story will pick up a physics book as a result and that would be cool!
23. A primary theme of the book is around the power of love - familial love, love of nature, chosen families - building nests with others to live. What did you think of how all the different families came together? And what about Lacey’s transformation from harridan to helpful - believable or just hopeful?
I found almost all of the relationships unrealistic. I should say the growth of the characters and how they influenced such growth unrealistic. It was all too easy, too predictable. I was rooting for the characters, but I kept tripping over their actions.
24. One part of the book that really resonated with me was Jo’s decision to “enter the darkness” with her dying mother, to be there fully with no regrets. That is the kind of emotional bravery I aspire to - shedding the self-protective shell to embrace a fuller loved and loving life. What aspects of the book struck a note for you? Do you believe that sometimes bad things happen to make way for better things next?
I don't think bad things happen in order for good things to come out of it, no. But, I aspire to growing and becoming a better person as a reaction to bad things. Good can and should some out of crappy life events. I would hope that I would be that selfless to be there for someone I love like Jo did for her mother.
25. What are your final thoughts on the book? Favorite moments or themes? Who else wants to adopt Ursa?
I liked it more at the beginning, and then the characters just kept annoying me. I would not want to adopt Ursa.
Also, the last few pages are unclear to me. Was Ursa adopted by that random family, or by Jo? The story seemed to contradict itself.
Jenny's BOM trackingDay 1- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Mod
Cat wrote: "by Jo. they were being funny."And they hadn't worked out whether Ursa could live in the house that didn't allow children until she performed one of her quarks?
No wonder I was confused.
Mod
Mod
20. In this section, Ursa relates what happened to her and her mother, but does it in a way that still works with her alien construct. Were there any aspects of the story that surprised you? Were you still hoping the alien part of the story was real? What was your take on Ursa’s origin story?
I never thought she was an alien. Initially I thought she had just run away from abusive family, but the first visit to Effingham kinda put paid to that. The whole rape attempt was extra, and not expected!
21. Part of Ursa’s healing involves integrating her little girl and alien parts. Jo suggested that the alien could be the soul of Ursa. What is your take on Ursa’s assertion that “It’s more like the other way around: Ursa is the soul of me, the one who came from the stars.” How do you think this idea plays into the title of the book?
I thought that it was more that the adults, grounded (earthy) were the forest, meeting the magical thinking of Ursa
22. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the idea of Ursa the alien giving off quarks that touch people’s lives - how all of us affect and are related to each other from a scientific standpoint., even if we can’t predict what the outcome will be. What are your thoughts around the quark idea? Just positive thinking?
The power of trying is strong! Giving positive thoughts / visualisation a name maybe makes it less "woo-woo" to the adults, so it's easier for them to buy that being active leads to good things happening?
23. A primary theme of the book is around the power of love - familial love, love of nature, chosen families - building nests with others to live. What did you think of how all the different families came together? And what about Lacey’s transformation from harridan to helpful - believable or just hopeful?
Lacey's transfrmation was shockingly sudden (a bit like Gabe's sudden comfort with frolicking in the world), but I was glad that she was able to reframe her thoughts.
24. One part of the book that really resonated with me was Jo’s decision to “enter the darkness” with her dying mother, to be there fully with no regrets. That is the kind of emotional bravery I aspire to - shedding the self-protective shell to embrace a fuller loved and loving life. What aspects of the book struck a note for you? Do you believe that sometimes bad things happen to make way for better things next?
Agree - the being brave and putting yourself out there to lead to better things, even if there is pain involved is a good message to try and live by
25. What are your final thoughts on the book? Favorite moments or themes? Who else wants to adopt Ursa?
DQs Day 2Ch 8-14
6. Have you ever eaten a meal that you provided all of the ingredients for (not by shopping for them?)
Basically, have you ever lived on a farm or ranch or foraged for a meal in the wilderness? (Dinner at Gabe’s house made me hungry.)
No, never. I did help out on a farm in Brittany when I was about 10 years old. We were staying at a neighbouring house (much like in this story) and I'd get up at the crack of dawn and help milk the cows, electrify fences, and so on. The farmer was a bit like Gabe in the sense he didn't mind my trotting along at all, and he'd show me how to tear an old bucket into squarish shapes to isolate the fence from the wire - except of course I just wasn't strong enough (and obviously I was nowhere near as talented as Ursa). In any event, memorable times were had - including the farmer getting chased up a tree by his bull, and his German Shepherd lending a helping paw/nip ^^!
7. What do you think of Jo and Gabe not being able to just turn Ursa in to child protective services? Do neither of them just want to be the bad guy? Is it at all realistic or a good idea that they are basically raising this child?
I guess in real life, it's not realistic at all (not to mention completely illegal), but the whole idea is sold on me, so I'm not letting it get to me!
8. In a world where half of the population is in therapy of some kind and the other half is on some kind of mood altering drugs, how is it that mental illness is still so stigmatized? What do you think of Gabe’s back story? (I am going to start using the word “kaplooey” in random sentences now.)
Just curious: are those really the official numbers?
We all go 'kaplooey' sometimes, am I right?
I think mental illness is stigmatised because of old beliefs and a dire lack of funding. Just look at the psychiatric wards in developed countries - a lot of them are shockingly outdated. I think people who suffer from mental disorders and illnesses still tend to keep it quiet. It takes a lot of maturity and acceptance to open up about mental stuff - it's like other people will freak out or start treating you like a fragile Fabergé egg (like his Mum and sister do to 'great effect'... ugh!), when you just need to be treated like everybody else and learn to express boudaries and limits that aren't quite the same as most people's. I love Gabe even more for his backstory, super relatable to me - I can't imagine the stress of going to uni where your Dad is a renowned teacher, must have been horrible! Plus, his Egg Therapy rocks :).
9. Tabby is pretty cool, yes? The trip to Urbana gave us a clue to where Ursa came from, but then it was dropped from the story. Do you think that Jo just didn’t notice, or is the author just playing with us?
She is seriously cool (and a bit nutty too). Glendy Vanderah is definitely playing with us - I need to know more!
10. So, family dynamics are fun, aren’t they? What are your impressions of Gabe’s sister and mom, and how they interact? How about the newly minted “family” of Gabe, Jo and Ursa?
Lol, yes family dynamics are... My initial impression of Gabe's mum was pretty good, but I'm not into his sister one bit - and that Karpman drama triangle is making me cringe. But as you say, family dynamics are fun. Or 'fun'.
Day 3- Chapters 15 - 2211. We get an actual romance - you happy with this rather than friendship?
Definitely. It was going down that road, and I'm glad it's got there. Not sure whether it will last, Gabe's a little volatile and unpredictable (aka immature), but Jo definitely seems up to handling their relationship.
12. First kiss energy... Is this a thing?! I mean, GREAT kiss energy I get, but I've had some bad first kisses!
Lol. I guess I've had both - but I would think it's more about 'getting-together' energy than actually the first kiss itself. Pretty sure they're both maxed with endorphins however good or bad the kiss was.
13. So, George the bug man, quiet unshowy intelligence or Arthur the Renaissance man, had to have the limelight.... Which attitude do you prefer?
I prefer that George downplays his intelligence - Arthur is too insecure (but then we learn it's with good reason!). I do not approve of George going out with Arthur's wife though, nor do I approve of Arthur letting himself be trodden on like some old doormat. It's perculiar Gabe has never discussed this with his Mum or sister though (or even his father for that matter!).
14. Ewww! Hope Lovett haunting Gabe's mother and lover?!! Did you find any romance in the unveiling of this secret relationship? Do you buy Jo's view that as a poet, Katherine might have found a metaphor to support this trysting location?
Yes, just awful right? And the way he learns who his father is! Ugh... it made my skin crawl tbh. I can imagine some people finding romance in a graveyard, and I understand the poetic metaphor, but it wouldn't work for me, the idea of an 18-year old being buried just under us... just, no way!!
After the loss of her mother and her own battle with breast cancer, Joanna Teale returns to her graduate research on nesting birds in rural Illinois, determined to prove that her recent hardships have not broken her. She throws herself into her work from dusk to dawn, until her solitary routine is disrupted by the appearance of a mysterious child who shows up at her cabin barefoot and covered in bruises.
The girl calls herself Ursa, and she claims to have been sent from the stars to witness five miracles. With concerns about the child’s home situation, Jo reluctantly agrees to let her stay—just until she learns more about Ursa’s past.
Jo enlists the help of her reclusive neighbor, Gabriel Nash, to solve the mystery of the charming child. But the more time they spend together, the more questions they have. How does a young girl not only read but understand Shakespeare? Why do good things keep happening in her presence? And why aren’t Jo and Gabe checking the missing children’s website anymore?
Though the three have formed an incredible bond, they know difficult choices must be made. As the summer nears an end and Ursa gets closer to her fifth miracle, her dangerous past closes in. When it finally catches up to them, all of their painful secrets will be forced into the open, and their fates will be left to the stars.
In this gorgeously stunning debut, a mysterious child teaches two strangers how to love and trust again.
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nominator: Judith