Monir, Alexandra - Timeless (Timeless, #1) - November YA BOM - Start Date November 1st 2011

[Sashana]

Are you going to post your set of questions today, Anomander? Or are you going to wait until tomorrow? We're a day behind so do whatever works best for you.

[Lisarenee]

Sashana said, "I know she probably added that scene to be funny, but as a Jamaican I am really offended. It’s such a stereotype. First of all we don’t speak like that, second: we speak English and NOT Rasta. Our dialect is patois NOT Rasta. Rastafarianism is a religion."

Was looking forward to finding out your thoughts on this one. I was wondering what Rasta was. I got the impression from their nickname that they weren't really Jaimacans and were just pretending to be. Am I wrong about that?

[Sashana]

Nope, they were just acting like 'Jamaicans.' Rastas usually have dreadlocks (for example Bob Marley) some of them don't though. But some people just wear dreadlocks for fashion and not religion.

[Jex]

1) Why can only certain people see Michele and others can't?

I don't know. I'm guessing Clara can see her because she traveled through her diary, but I really have no idea why Phillip can see her. It doesn't make sense yet.

2) I wish we knew more about the key and how it works and where Michele's dad got it from.

Knowing more would be helpful, but that takes away a bit of the mystery as well.

3) Were you surprised that Cassie was okay with being Michele's alibi? Were you surprised she seemed open to possibility that what Michele was telling her was true?

I was a little surprised that she agreed to be the alibi without knowing more, but then again I think that Caissie is kind of used to being used by the people at her school and just assumed Michele was the same way. After the little blow up in the kitchen where Michele explained everything, I think it became easier for Caissie to see how different Michele is compared to the other classmates and therefore easier for her to trust her, even her unbelievable story. That aren't many ways to explain popping in out of thin air.

4) Thoughts about the coat traveling through time?

It shows that stuff can come back with her so maybe she'll eventually find a way to bring Phillip back with her as well. I mean, he apparently doesn't exist in the past according to Michele's grandparents.

5) Thoughts on the Fakin' Jamaicans?

Some sort of fad? Maybe they visited Jamaica and thought it was cool? Maybe it annoys their parents? Who knows.

6) So now we know why Clara was adopted into the Windsor family. Do you think Clara would have found out if Michele wasn't there? Did her presence alter the situation in any way? Did someone need to know in the future that Clara was a true blood relative? I just can't help feeling like there must be some reason Clara can see her. Could this be why or do you think there is another explanation?

Clara is apparently some sort of key player in the riddle, but I haven't figure out how/why yet. I think her story may parallel that of Michele with the missing father and the what not. Maybe it will give Michele answers about her own life.

7) What did you think of Ben Archer? Should Michele hold out for finding a way to be with Phillip or should she move ahead in her real time?

I have a feeling Michele is going to figure out how to bring Phillip to the present day...or keep herself in the past. Either way, she'll end up with Phillip so why bother with new boys.

8) How do you think the field trip will affect Michele's time traveling?

I think it will open up a whole new can of worms. Maybe the old houses will give more clues to the mystery of the time travel.

[Jex]

Sashana wrote: "Are you going to post your set of questions today, Anomander? Or are you going to wait until tomorrow? We're a day behind so do whatever works best for you."

If we're a day behind I have to drop out of doing questions. I might be able to do Monday, but Sunday I'm at an all day conference and doubt I'll get time to read :-(

[Sashana]

So should we change you to the last day?

[Jex]

Yea probably best. That way I know I can actually have time to post :-)

[Midu]

Sashana wrote: "Nope, they were just acting like 'Jamaicans.' Rastas usually have dreadlocks (for example Bob Marley) some of them don't though. But some people just wear dreadlocks for fashion and not religion."
How do the dreadlocks tie in with the religion?

[Midu]

Questions for Chapters 11-13:
1. His uncle is here for the money, that I can buy. But the way Philip's mother is reacting over the engagement.. What do you think?

2. Thoughts on Einstein and his theory. Seemed like the author just tied the problem of time-travel into a neat bundle with it.

. Promising that Caissie could use the key. Wise?

3. Hmmm..Phillip called her and it worked. How?

4. Did you connect the lawyer in the past with Michele's father before the revelation? Also, Michele isn't showing enough interest in finding out the connection.

5. Michele realized that when Phillip was mentioned by the guide, this was the first time anyone mentioned him in the present. Why didn't she think that her grandparents had denied any knowledge about Phillip?

6. "In the year 1927, at the age of thirty-five, Philip Walker was declared dead." Why say "declared" dead? Could it be that he had managed to time travel and he left his body behind?

7. Do you think Michele'd be able to keep her promise and not see Phillip again?

8. Dorothy thawing and trying to comfort Michele. That was a great scene.

A favorite:
"Sixteen long years of unbearable waiting. I can’t
do it anymore. She was supposed to return—she always did—and now I see the cruelty in this helpless
waiting, living at the mercy of Time. Dragging through the days, I ask myself why I bother when I know that
the one place I can find her isn’t here on earth. That’s it—that’s enough of this—I’m done."

[Midu]

Sorry for the delay.

[Jex]

Questions for Chapters 11-13:
1. His uncle is here for the money, that I can buy. But the way Philip's mother is reacting over the engagement.. What do you think?

I think that she was forced into a marriage out of obligation therefore she doesn't feel bad forcing her son into the same situation. Their wealth and power would have grown and she was upset that it was thwarted.

2. Thoughts on Einstein and his theory. Seemed like the author just tied the problem of time-travel into a neat bundle with it.

I didn't really understand the point of bringing Einstein into the story. As far as the time travel, we don't really need a scientific explanation. I wonder if it will help explain the key later or if it was just kind of pointless.

. Promising that Caissie could use the key. Wise?

I guess if someone is going to study it, it might as well be Caissie. They want answers and she might be able to find them

3. Hmmm..Phillip called her and it worked. How?

I think the barriers between the two points in time are getting thinner since she has traveled back and forth so many times.

4. Did you connect the lawyer in the past with Michele's father before the revelation? Also, Michele isn't showing enough interest in finding out the connection.

I connected the two the first time we heard the name.

5. Michele realized that when Phillip was mentioned by the guide, this was the first time anyone mentioned him in the present. Why didn't she think that her grandparents had denied any knowledge about Phillip?

I was hoping that he didn't exist in the history books to show that he had gotten to the future somehow, but I guess that isn't so. The grandparents may not have been aware of him, they can't know everyone in the Windsor/Walker history.

6. "In the year 1927, at the age of thirty-five, Philip Walker was declared dead." Why say "declared" dead? Could it be that he had managed to time travel and he left his body behind?

I was thinking he might have found a way to time travel and they just never found him, however the letter suggests that something else happened. It may have been a cover up, but who knows.

7. Do you think Michele'd be able to keep her promise and not see Phillip again?

Not a chance. I think her mind will drift and she'll get sent to the past whether she chooses to or not. She doesn't really have control of this time travel thing.

8. Dorothy thawing and trying to comfort Michele. That was a great scene.

I think Dorothy somehow knows that Michele is traveling back and forth through time. I feel there's more to the story of how her mother met her father and Dorothy figured it out. The mom time traveled back, met Henry, somehow brought him to the present, and they lived happily ever after until one day Henry was sent/forced back to the past. Dorothy probably knew about all this and is worried it will happen to Michele as well due to how Michele has been acting. The nice act is to get answers and figure out what's really been on Michele's mind. (That's my wild theory anyway).

[Midu]

@ Jex:
# 8. I felt like Dorothy knew too.

[Lisarenee]

Questions for Chapters 11-13:
1. His uncle is here for the money, that I can buy. But the way Philip's mother is reacting over the engagement.. What do you think?

I don't know. Maybe she never wanted kids in the first place, but couldn't get out of having one. that.

2. Thoughts on Einstein and his theory. Seemed like the author just tied the problem of time-travel into a neat bundle with it.

. Promising that Caissie could use the key. Wise?

I guess she had to come up with something? Maybe that thought is what inspired the book? I do not think it wise she lend the key out. What if they can't come back? Would she become real in the past or live a very lonely existence? Would she age? Can she and her dad only travel one way either past or future?

3. Hmmm..Phillip called her and it worked. How?

That was one of the puzzling things about this book. He has invaded her dreams since she was little right or just recently? Very odd. I wonder how that ties into things?

4. Did you connect the lawyer in the past with Michele's father before the revelation? Also, Michele isn't showing enough interest in finding out the connection.

I thought it possible. Since he was from the past is that why everyone could see him? Because he already existed?

5. Michele realized that when Phillip was mentioned by the guide, this was the first time anyone mentioned him in the present. Why didn't she think that her grandparents had denied any knowledge about Phillip?

Could be hey don't know, but highly unlikely. Makes you wonder.

6. "In the year 1927, at the age of thirty-five, Philip Walker was declared dead." Why say "declared" dead? Could it be that he had managed to time travel and he left his body behind?

I wondered the same thing. Glad I wasn't the only one.

7. Do you think Michele'd be able to keep her promise and not see Phillip again?

No. The temptation is to great.

8. Dorothy thawing and trying to comfort Michele. That was a great scene.

Yes, I liked that. Finally some sort of emotion.

[Lisarenee]

Jex are you doing questions for today or another day?

[Midu]

Or I can do em.

[Sashana]

Lisarenee wrote: "Jex are you doing questions for today or another day?"

Jex is doing the questions on the last day. I assumed we were pushing everything a day back since we got thrown off schedule the other day.

[Sashana]

Anomander wrote: "How do the dreadlocks tie in with the religion? "

That I don't know. I guess it's kind of like in some religions where you have to cover your hair or women can't wear skirts. I don't know the reason why though.

[Midu]

Interesting. Btw, Muslims don't HAVE to cover their hair or not wear skirts, its a matter of preference.

[Midu]

So who'll be doing the questions then?

[Sashana]

Anomander wrote: "Interesting. Btw, Muslims don't HAVE to cover their hair or not wear skirts, its a matter of preference."

I know, I was just using that as example. Muslim don't have to cover their hair if they don't want to but some of them do. Rastas don't have to have dreads but some of them do.

[Sashana]

Anomander wrote: "So who'll be doing the questions then?"

You can do them, Anomander.

[Sashana]

Answers for Chapters 11-13

1. His uncle is here for the money, that I can buy. But the way Philip's mother is reacting over the engagement.. What do you think?
I think she's more concerned about appearances than her son's happiness.

2. Thoughts on Einstein and his theory. Seemed like the author just tied the problem of time-travel into a neat bundle with it. Promising that Caissie could use the key. Wise?
I think she added that scene because she wanted to appease Cassie. I hope she doesn't go scientific on us.

3. Hmmm..Phillip called her and it worked. How?
I have no idea. And if Philip can somewhat communicate with her then why can't he time travel? So many questions are being left unanswered.

4. Did you connect the lawyer in the past with Michele's father before the revelation? Also, Michele isn't showing enough interest in finding out the connection.
Not immediately. When she said that the lawyer's name was her dad's name backwards then that's when I put it together. She needs to step back and take a look at the bigger picture and find out more about her dad and what her grandparents are hiding about her dad, because they are hiding something.

5. Michele realized that when Phillip was mentioned by the guide, this was the first time anyone mentioned him in the present. Why didn't she think that her grandparents had denied any knowledge about Phillip?
True. And they obviously lied about not knowing her dad in the old picture. The grandparents obviously know more than they are letting on.

6. "In the year 1927, at the age of thirty-five, Philip Walker was declared dead." Why say "declared" dead? Could it be that he had managed to time travel and he left his body behind?
That's exactly what I thought too!

7. Do you think Michele'd be able to keep her promise and not see Phillip again?
Nope. I give her a day, two at the most.

8. Dorothy thawing and trying to comfort Michele. That was a great scene.
I think we're on the same wavelength today, Anomander. I thought it was a great and much needed scene.

[Lisarenee]

So I was just looking at the author's website and you can listen to the 2 songs (not for free) that Phillip and Michele wrote. Interesting.

Also, here is an excerpt from the sequel, Timekeeper:

http://www.alexandramonir.com/en/arti...

[Midu]

Thanks for the link, Lisarenne. I liked the song Bring the colors back.

[Midu]

Questions for Chapters 14-16:
28. So, what DID happen to Phillip? Why didn't he show up on Google?

29. Lily scoffed. “It’s only my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays. Yet another example slang used today. Sleepover?

30. Was it fair of Michele to risk taking Lily to the Club just so she could draw out Phillip?

31. I hope they're doing the right thing in trusting Wolfe. He seems like a lech to me.

32. Interesting, her father can see her? Why?

33. Michele must have known how Lily's parents would react to her singing on the stage. Yet, she convinced Lily to go. Selfish much?

34. If they wanted to keep their reputation intact, shouldn't Lily's parents have waited instead of creating such a big scene?

35. You told me you were 22. Really, who buys Wolfe's excuse?

36. I liked that Walter was proud of his mother's achievements. She must have been a helluva woman to have raised him as a single parent at that time.

37. Will it be wise of Michele to go and see Phillip? Surely, he'd be a middle aged man by now.

Some favorites:
Tell your parents you’re going over to a friend’s house to spend the night, but just make sure it’s a
friend who can cover for you if they call. Then, instead of going to your friend’s, we’ll walk to the Plaza
Hotel, reserve a room, and take a taxi to Harlem from there.
Sneaking out is sneaking out, no matter what era.

Where have you been, darling?” Lily asked patronizingly. “Don’t you know that big breasts are not in
fashion? The flatter, the better!

[Lisarenee]

28. So, what DID happen to Phillip? Why didn't he show up on Google?

He either died, didn't do anything significant, or maybe time traveled to the future?

29. Lily scoffed. “It’s only my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays. Yet another example slang used today. Sleepover?

lol

30. Was it fair of Michele to risk taking Lily to the Club just so she could draw out Phillip?

Depends, if she knew that was her destiny then no, but if not....maybe.

31. I hope they're doing the right thing in trusting Wolfe. He seems like a lech to me.

I don't either.

32. Interesting, her father can see her? Why?

Because he's been to both times or she'll change something for him? Could she change it so her mom and dad get a happily ever after? Also how did her dad go back in time without the key?

33. Michele must have known how Lily's parents would react to her singing on the stage. Yet, she convinced Lily to go. Selfish much?

I think she didn't know enough for all she was doing. It could have ruined her great grandma's career before it really started.

34. If they wanted to keep their reputation intact, shouldn't Lily's parents have waited instead of creating such a big scene?

I wondered that too.

35. You told me you were 22. Really, who buys Wolfe's excuse?

He had to come up with something.

36. I liked that Walter was proud of his mother's achievements. She must have been a helluva woman to have raised him as a single parent at that time.

Yep. I keep wondering who his father is. I worried it might end up being Phillip.

37. Will it be wise of Michele to go and see Phillip? Surely, he'd be a middle aged man by now.

I think that would be awkward.

[Midu]

@ Lisarenee:
# 30. She knew very well that the past can change.
# 36. Yikes! That would be just weird.

[Lisarenee]

I know Anomander. I think George R.R. Martin (of A Game of Thrones fame) has warped my brain. That would be a given with him.

[Sashana]

Answers for Chapters 14-16

28. So, what DID happen to Phillip? Why didn't he show up on Google?
I think in the end she’s going to find a way to bring Philip to the future.

29. Lily scoffed. “It’s only my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays. Yet another example slang used today. Sleepover?
Yup, but extra points for the author using a lot of slang from the 20s.

30. Was it fair of Michele to risk taking Lily to the Club just so she could draw out Phillip?
Lily was going to go to the club anyway. They both had something to gain from going.

31. I hope they're doing the right thing in trusting Wolfe. He seems like a lech to me.
That he is.

32. Interesting, her father can see her? Why?
I think because her father is from the future. The question is how can other people see her father and not Michele??

33. Michele must have known how Lily's parents would react to her singing on the stage. Yet, she convinced Lily to go. Selfish much?
I genuinely think that her intentions were good. Lily was going to be in trouble either way so she might as well have sang.

34. If they wanted to keep their reputation intact, shouldn't Lily's parents have waited instead of creating such a big scene?
Yes, by creating a scene they revealed her identity to many more people. Not a smart move on their part.

35. You told me you were 22. Really, who buys Wolfe's excuse?
No one lol. What a Pervert. His eyes lit up at the mention of money.

36. I liked that Walter was proud of his mother's achievements. She must have been a helluva woman to have raised him as a single parent at that time.
That’s true, and he’s surprisingly level headed considering who his mother is.

37. Will it be wise of Michele to go and see Phillip? Surely, he'd be a middle aged man by now.
He has to be over 30 now. I wonder if the author thought all of this through…

[Sashana]

I just had a eureka moment! Okay so this is my theory: What is Michele’s dad is really from the past? That would explain why he disappeared! He can’t live in the future because he is from the past! So he couldn’t continue his relationship with Michele’s mother just like Michele can’t continue her relationship with Philip. EUREKA!

[Sashana]

Anomander wrote: "Where have you been, darling?” Lily asked patronizingly. “Don’t you know that big breasts are not in fashion? The flatter, the better!

I thought that was an interesting tidbit. I wonder if its true.

[Sashana]

@Lisa: I finally listened to the snippets of each song. I really like them. I think it's great that she took the time to have them produced.

[Sashana]

You know what else is bothering me? Lily said that no one else could see Philip when he came to visit her (or am I wrong?) but Philip checked himself into a hotel. They were in the same time period...*confused*

[Midu]

@ Sashana:
Yup, but extra points for the author using a lot of slang from the 20s.

That's the opposite of what I'm indicating.

I think because her father is from the future.

Nope, he's from the past. He was Phillip's family's lawyer, remember?

When Lily said someone nobody could see but me, she meant Michele not Phillip.

[Sashana]

@Anomander
That's the opposite of what I'm indicating.
*shakes fist at internet* Sometimes I feel like I can never get my thoughts out right via the internet. What I meant to say was that: Yes, I agree with you (that she uses incorrect slang for certain eras) but for the 20s I think she used a great deal of correct slang (with a few exceptions).

Nope, he's from the past. He was Phillip's family's lawyer, remember?
This was prior to my eureka moment. I've seen the light now :)

When Lily said someone nobody could see but me, she meant Michele not Phillip.
Ah! So I was mistaken. Thanks for pointing that out. It really had my head spinning. This is what happens when I read and answer questions before 8AM in the morning.

[Midu]

@ Sashana:
:-)

[Jex]

Questions for Chapters 14-16:
28. So, what DID happen to Phillip? Why didn't he show up on Google?

Something bad I'm guessing.

29. Lily scoffed. “It’s only my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays. Yet another example slang used today. Sleepover?

Yea, the language doesn't seem to stay very consistent.

30. Was it fair of Michele to risk taking Lily to the Club just so she could draw out Phillip?

I actually thought that Michele drawing out Phillip is what would lead to his demise. She had broken things off and I figured he would have eventually moved on knowing she wasn't coming back, but to try to get his attention after 15 years, it could only crush him yet again.

31. I hope they're doing the right thing in trusting Wolfe. He seems like a lech to me.

Yea...but back then all the music biz wasn't very trustworthy. Really it hasn't changed that much today :-P

32. Interesting, her father can see her? Why?

Because he knows of time travel from her mother and therefore can see Michele as well. I mean, she is his daughter after all.

33. Michele must have known how Lily's parents would react to her singing on the stage. Yet, she convinced Lily to go. Selfish much?

I think she really hoped that the Windsor's would finally see how great Lilly was instead of just judging the speakeasy environment. Either way Lily was in trouble, she might as well try to convince them in the process. Not to mention if she hadn't gotten on stage she probably wouldn't have heard of the audition for the Follies.

34. If they wanted to keep their reputation intact, shouldn't Lily's parents have waited instead of creating such a big scene?

I think the big scene was necessary to the storyline. They find out about the Follies from it, not to mention it gets Lily out of the contract. They want her to not be able to sing in another place like that one so in order for that to happen the crowd has to know who she is and how young she is.

35. You told me you were 22. Really, who buys Wolfe's excuse?

I think he's just trying to cover his arse

36. I liked that Walter was proud of his mother's achievements. She must have been a helluva woman to hav raised him as a single parent at that time.

Raising a kid as a single mom at any time is hard, but I'm sure she took a lot of flak for it back then.

37. Will it be wise of Michele to go and see Phillip? Surely, he'd be a middle aged man by now.

not wise at all. She needs to let him go not respark the relationship.

[Jex]

I'm caught up now. I'll read the last section and get questions posted as soon as I can.

[Jex]

Questions for 17-End

1. Why do you think Clara and Lilly couldn't see Michele when she returned to 1944?

2. Michele finally puts together that Henry Irving is her father. Why do you think her mom never tried to tell Michele about time traveling?

3. Phoenix Warren is Phillip Walker...did you see that coming?

4. So Michele fell in love with her great-grandfather? Thoughts?

5. Thoughts on how it ends?

6. What do you think they'll cover in the sequel?

7. Will you read the sequel?

[Midu]

Questions for 17-End

1. Why do you think Clara and Lilly couldn't see Michele when she returned to 1944?

Probably because they don't need her anymore.

2. Michele finally puts together that Henry Irving is her father. Why do you think her mom never tried to tell Michele about time traveling?

I don't think the mom knew. She just kept marveling that Henry was so different from other boys of his age.

3. Phoenix Warren is Phillip Walker...did you see that coming?

Yep, miles away!

4. So Michele fell in love with her great-grandfather? Thoughts?

No, she didn't. How was Phillip related to her?

5. Thoughts on how it ends?

A cliffhanger? Hate them all.

6. What do you think they'll cover in the sequel?

How she gets him to try to remember their love.

7. Will you read the sequel?

Maybe.

[Jex]

Phillip ended up with Lily, who was Michele's grandfather's mother...making Lily her Great Grandmother. I guess I just assumed that he was "fully" with Lily after the whole stage thing and the spiel about him moving on.

[Midu]

Nah, they just made music together. I think Walter may be Wolfe's. Can you imagine Phillip abandoning his kid or being a gambler, after the kinda childhood he himself had?

[Sashana]

Answers for Chapters 17-19

1. Why do you think Clara and Lilly couldn't see Michele when she returned to 1944?
I think because Philip is now in the future. So some of the things Michele might have done would erase itself.

2. Michele finally puts together that Henry Irving is her father. Why do you think her mom never tried to tell Michele about time traveling?
Michele is so dense (sorry, just had to say that). She had so many clues that he was her dad but she didn’t find out until he was dead. I think her mother didn’t know about the time travel when she was alive, remember that she (Michele's mom) said that he left her because her parents paid him off.

3. Phoenix Warren is Phillip Walker...did you see that coming?
Yes. From miles away.

4. So Michele fell in love with her great-grandfather? Thoughts?
I don’t think Philip is related to her in anyway. The lady who kissed Philip was of no relation to Michele.

5. Thoughts on how it ends?
It was very abrupt and so many things were left unanswered. Cliff hangers tend to leave me angsty and excited but this one was kind of eh...

6. What do you think they'll cover in the sequel?
I think we’ll hear more about Michele’s dad. And of course more Philip, possibly a love triangle with Ben Archer?

7. Will you read the sequel?
I think so. I’ll wait for my library to get a copy

[Sashana]

What did you guys rate the book? I gave it 2.5 stars.

[Sashana]

@ Anomander
#1: True. For some reason I think they don’t even remember her. Wouldn’t they think of Michele when Stella said that she saw someone?

#3: I didn't read you're answers before answering mine but we answered it the same way :D

[Jex]

Meh so I totally mis read the Phillip kissing someone scene. Oh well. I was bored toward the end honestly and just wanted the book to be over. I only rated this 2 stars because honestly if I hadn't been reading it as a BOM I probably wouldn't have bothered to finish it.

[Sashana]

Jex wrote: "I only rated this 2 stars because honestly if I hadn't..."

lol Ditto. Thanks for pushing through for us, Jex :D

[Midu]

@ Sashana:
Great minds and all that ;-)