Mafi, Tahereh - Shatter Me - July Start Date July 2nd 2012

[Stefani]

Questions for Chapters 41 - Epilogue

38) So what did you think of the ending? Seems a little like the x-men which ironically is what my son is watching on TV. Do you like the super hero angle or did you like it more when she was unique?

I couldn't stop thinking x-men either, it took away some of the goodness of it for me too. I didn't like the super hero aspect and it seemed....cliche to me.

39) Do you think Adam and Warner have super powers and, if so, what could they possibly be?

This was another thing that was alluded to but not really answered. But based on what was alluded to I would say that yes they probably do. Though from what we've seen neither has done anything all that special.

40) We still don't know a lot about the state of the world. We've been given a tunnel vision type glance at it. Were you disappointed this wasn't expanded upon or do you figure it's something to look forward to in the next book?

I was very disappointed. The only glimpse of the world we got was a tiny bit of what Juliette remembered, a tiny glimpse of a city and that was about it. And we got a whole long preachy bit about how humans did this to themselves. Overall, not very impressed with the world building in this one.

41) Thoughts on the title Shatter Me? Appropriate? Toward the beginning of the books she talked about shattering.

I think it was an appropriate title. Juliette started out as a pretty shattered individual.

42) What did you think of the romance interrupted and the love triangle?

This bugged me too. It was refreshing that it wasn't typical YA insta-love with her and Adam. But seriously, every single male in the entire book seemed to fall all over themselves drooling over her. I really hope there's no love triangle.

43) Do you feel the plot was left off or just building up to something in a later book? It seemed this book was an introduction to the world (what little we see of it) and Juliette.

It is probably a build up to the sequel, but it wasn't done very well. The book started off to a roaring start and then just....stopped, and never really started again.

44) Did the ending make you want to read the next book? What about the novella from Warner's point of view? Would you like it if we get a totally different picture of Warner and the reason he is the way he is? It looks like we get to meet his dad in that one.

It really didn't make me at all interesting i the next one. I'm still a little interested in the novella, because Warner was the best character anyway. But even though this got off to a great start, it bored me to tears by the end so I no longer care.

45) Were you left with more questions than answers?

I was, and while a few questions are a great thing to get someone interested in the next book this gave really no answers to anything. It kinda felt like Lost (the tv show) to me, questions piled on top of more questions but no real answers.

46) What will you rate this one. I kind of liked this one and will probably give it a 4. It kept me interested and distracted me enough to accidentally read 2 days worth of reading instead of one. I do kind of wish there hadn't been a superhero aspect to it.

I am debating between a 2 or 3. I really enjoyed the beginning half, it was intriguing and fun and I found myself reading far past when I was supposed to for that day. But after that it just stalled and failed to keep my interest at all. Then we got a total x-men ending and I was so disappointed. It felt like we got the beginning half of a novel instead of a full novel.

[Laura]

Questions for Chapters 41 - Epilogue

38) So what did you think of the ending? Seems a little like the x-men which ironically is what my son is watching on TV. Do you like the super hero angle or did you like it more when she was unique?
I think it definitely leaned towards X-MEN or Avengers style. It is a bit overdone and I was disappointed in that angle. I guess it would depend on what she did with the sequel as to whether or not I would like the series as a whole.

39) Do you think Adam and Warner have super powers and, if so, what could they possibly be?
I think if they do its a different kind of super power and maybe they haven't quite developed it yet. I kind of hope that they don't just because I think it would be overkill on the powers bit.

40) We still don't know a lot about the state of the world. We've been given a tunnel vision type glance at it. Were you disappointed this wasn't expanded upon or do you figure it's something to look forward to in the next book?
I don't like this at all. What irratates me most is that I am sure that we won't know anything more about the world from the second book.

41) Thoughts on the title Shatter Me? Appropriate? Toward the beginning of the books she talked about shattering.
I think it was very fitting. Emotionally as well as physically it seems to fit Juliettes character.

42) What did you think of the romance interrupted and the love triangle?
I was annoyed that it seemed like everyone was falling all over her. I don't mind the love triangle bit as I am so used to it. It also kind of goes with the teenage persona. It happens all the time at the middle school I teach, so I understand why it happens a lot in YA fiction.

43) Do you feel the plot was left off or just building up to something in a later book? It seemed this book was an introduction to the world (what little we see of it) and Juliette.
I think it is building up to the next book. I am not sure if how I feel about it though. I think if it was done right it could be amazing, but right now I feel like it is overdone.

44) Did the ending make you want to read the next book? What about the novella from Warner's point of view? Would you like it if we get a totally different picture of Warner and the reason he is the way he is? It looks like we get to meet his dad in that one.
I think I will read the second but if it ends the same as the first I probably won't read any further. I think the novella would be interesting and will probably pick it up. I think a unique picture of him would make it better, but the likelyhood of that is slim to none.

45) Were you left with more questions than answers?
I was definitely left with more questions than answers and I am not sure if I like that or not.

46) What will you rate this one. I kind of liked this one and will probably give it a 4. It kept me interested and distracted me enough to accidentally read 2 days worth of reading instead of one. I do kind of wish there hadn't been a superhero aspect to it.
I think I am going to rate this one a three. I loved it at the beginning but disliked the ending. I am giving it a three based on unique voice and the possibility of a better sequel.

[Rachel]

:( You did. I got a day behind and stayed a day behind the rest of the time. I will say that I enjoyed the book and it would have been one that I could have read in one sitting. unfortunately, 9-10 hour days of constantly standing on my feet (we aren't allowed to sit down) means when I get home, sit down, and start reading I fall asleep!

[Rachel]

38) So what did you think of the ending? Seems a little like the x-men which ironically is what my son is watching on TV. Do you like the super hero angle or did you like it more when she was unique?

I didn't think X-Men until you pointed it out, but now that you mention it! I was happy for her that she found others like herself, but I kind of would liked it to be exclusive.

39) Do you think Adam and Warner have super powers and, if so, what could they possibly be?

Adam would be something like survival and strategic planning (his plan and hiding spot was wonderful except for invisible Kenji!). Warner definitely has manipulation powers of some sort.

40) We still don't know a lot about the state of the world. We've been given a tunnel vision type glance at it. Were you disappointed this wasn't expanded upon or do you figure it's something to look forward to in the next book?

I would like to know more but don't have to know more. I felt like it was explained enough in this book that I could leave it at that though. I got the why, how, who, some of thr when, and what. As long as I get all that I don't need explicit details.

41) Thoughts on the title Shatter Me? Appropriate? Toward the beginning of the books she talked about shattering.

The title was appropriate. Adam helped shatter the image she had of herself. She knows that she didn't kill the little boy on purpose and that she doesn't have to be bad and crazy like everyone else has led her to believe. Two things she seemed to have a lot of trouble believing in the beginning.

42) What did you think of the romance interrupted and the love triangle?

I didn't have a problem with it interrupted. I felt like it was too soon and the time just wasn't right yet. I didn't get a huge love triangle vibe, jsut a small one. She knew that Warner was cute, but she didn't have huge feelings for him. Warner might have been in love with her, but it was all for power.

43) Do you feel the plot was left off or just building up to something in a later book? It seemed this book was an introduction to the world (what little we see of it) and Juliette.

I was satisfied at where it left off. It wasn't a huge cliffhanger like some books. They weren't running for their lives are in the middle of a conversation and that was the end. I was thankful for that. I would almost be content with the ending if this would have been a stand alone book.

44) Did the ending make you want to read the next book? What about the novella from Warner's point of view? Would you like it if we get a totally different picture of Warner and the reason he is the way he is? It looks like we get to meet his dad in that one.

I always love learning and reading about the other characters so I would read it and probably enjoy it.

45) Were you left with more questions than answers?

Not necessarily.

46) What will you rate this one. I kind of liked this one and will probably give it a 4. It kept me interested and distracted me enough to accidentally read 2 days worth of reading instead of one. I do kind of wish there hadn't been a superhero aspect to it.

A solid 4.

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Questions for Chapters 1-9

1.) What do you think of the strikeouts in the text? Unique!

It is unique but I don't care for it. I find it a little annoying. I have seen this used in other books and didn't care for it then either.

2.) Can you imagine being locked up for 264 days? WOW.

I can't imagine being locked up for a few hours let alone 264 days.

3.) Why are all the numbers not spelled out? You think the story would read differently if they were spelled out instead of numerically written (Example: Would you be as astonished at being prisoned for 264 days if it was simply written out?)

I didn't really pay it that much attention lol I guess it doesn't matter to me whether it is spelled out or numerically writtn...it has the same meaning/effect.

4.) I wasn't expecting Juliette to be set up so quickly. Were you?

No I wasn't expecting it to happen that quickly but kind of had a feeling something was going to happen when she was locked up with a guy.

5.) I found it weird that Juliette finally got a cellmate after all this time and now we know why. Do you think Adam cares for her or is he just doing his job?

I want to say that he does care about her but not really sure at this point.

6.) What do you think Juliette's actual "power" is. Apparently she can't touch anyone without a barrier between. Does she kill them like the clues lead us to believe or do you think something else happens?

Possibly death by touch or something to that affect...I don't really know.

7.) The world has been used up. Temperatures are wacky and what we know today as birds doesn't exist. I couldn't help but think that we might be in this predicament one day.

That would be really strange. It makes me think about our seasons. We barely have spring or fall anymore.

8.) I don't like Warner already. One more greedy, power hungry person only looking out for himself. What do you think he is going to use Juliette to do if her power really is death by touch?

I don't like him either. He will probably have her kill off his enemies or those who may pose as a threat to him. He is greedy and power hungry so he could probably use her "power" to increase his greed and power.

9.) First predictions of the book? Do you like the writing style? The descriptions?

So far I am not really liking this book. It is IMO very poorly written and the descriptions are a bit annoying. I don't like the constant repetition of words and phrases. I'm not connecting with the characters and don't feel anything towards any of them except dislike. What are the meanings of all those metaphors??? They just aren't making any sense to me.

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Questions for Chapters 10-17

10. We now know that Juliette remembers Adam, but we don't know their past together. Do you think they were friends at one time and do you think Adam remembers her?

I'm not sure if they were friends but I do think that he does know and remembers her.

11. What do you think is the secret with Warner's mother? Do you think something happened to her or do you think something else is going on?

I'm not real sure but something must have happened or maybe something that was said just triggered a memory of his mother.

12. We finally know a little more about Juliette's power. Were you surprised by her thoughts as it was happening? She seemed to like/hate her power at the same time. What affect do you thin this will have as the story plays out? Do you think she will learn to control it?

I wasn't surprised by her thoughts. I'm wondering if the only way that she can control it is by not allowing people to touch her. That would be a very strange power to have. She does seem to have a love/hate relationship to this power I'm not sure she really wants to control it.

13.Other than to make people fear he do you think Warner had another purpose for making Jenkins touch her? Do you think he was being truthful about his intentions? What other games do you think he has up his sleeve?

I am under the impression that Warner made Jenkins touch her because he doesn't like Jenkins or for some kind of cruel punishment. Warner is not a very likeable/nice person so he is capable of almost anything LOL

14. I loved the fact that Adam saved her journal for her. Do you think they will keep up communication this way? Or can Juliette not trust Adam at this point?

I don't think he can be trusted. If it was Adam who saved her journal and left the messages they may can continue to communicate this way. But for some reason I feel that this is another one of Warner's cruel games.

15. The military scene makes me think of the Hitler Regime. As a matter of fact the description of the posters, buildings, etc. give me a fee of that entire era. Do you feel the same way? Do you think the author did this on purpose?

Yes there is definitely a feeling of the Hitler Regime. I do think this was intentional by the author.

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Questions for Chapters 18 - 25

16) Adam can touch Juliette without getting zapped. Plus, he has the bird she kept thinking of tattooed on his chest. Any thoughts? Is he the only one who can touch her?

Maybe he has a power that counteracts her power. I was and still am wondering why he isn't affected LOL There must be some significance to this bird but not sure what. Is the bird what makes him immune to her power???

17) I kind of like Juliette's description of killing time. Do you think she's transferring her aggression to the time that she would normally have had for Warner?

Possibly.

18) I like how Juliette attempted to barter with Warner to get the cameras out of her room. Before the last couple of chapters of today's reading why did you think he gave in to her request?

Maybe it was a way to get on her good side.

19) Do you think Warner's obsession is only because of the power he can wield if he can control her or do you thing there's more to it?

He is a control/power freak so I think it is all about the power.

20) We now know what happened to get her confined to the mental ward. Why do you think no one told her about her ability to kill others? Did they not know?

Nobody ever touched her nor was she allowed to touch anyone so I feel like it was known. I think no one told her because her power wasn't understood by others and possibly it was feared.

21) So we now know Adam volunteered to be Juliette's roommate. Does this change your opinion about him? Do you think she can ever trust him? Did you believe what he said to explain?

I am still a little leery of Adam. I'm not sure if he can be trusted and his story is believable but anyone can lie and make it sound good.

22) Warner is the lowest of the low. Gah! How could he put her through such a test?

He is so cruel and heartless that he is capable of anything. He doesn't care.

23) The scene with Juliette breaking the wall reminds me of the Hulk, but she also reminds me a little of Katsa from Graceling. Did it remind you of anything or any characters?

Good question. Actually I didn't really think of anything when I read this but she does remind me a little of Kat from Graceling.

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Questions for Chapters 26-32

24. Adam says Warner wants her to believe a normal life is impossible. For 17 years it has been. Could Warner be right?

She has never really lived a normal life and so I think that Warner is right.

25. So, Warner can touch Juliette too?! Do you believe that she was mistaken? Is he immune like Adam? How many others might be and why?

I think Warner is immune like Adam. I think that maybe they have a special power or maybe their special power is "immunity" to other powers.

26. On the same note if there is more than one person immune to Juliette's power, could there be more with powers like hers? Could immunity be a sign of your own unique power?

LOL I just answered this question in the last question. I think "Immunity" may be a special power.

27. Subduing Warner and escaping seemed way too conveniently easy. Could this be a set up? More going on to this scenario?

It was convenient. At times I think Warner has himself fooled that he is powerful and wants everyone to believe he is powerful when in reality he really isn't. I want to say no that it isn't a set up but I could be wrong.

28. A tracker toxin in the soldier's blood. It makes logical sense, and so did Adam's explanation of how to disable it. Is it possible that Warner allowed their easy escape because he changed the formula for the toxin after the last time Adam came back? Could Warner be tracking them right now?

As far as Warner is concerned anything could be possible. Yes, he could be tracking them but I don't think he would leave them to their own devices too long because they could get too far out of his grasp where he couldn't re-capture them.

29. Does it seem to anyone else that James knows much more than he should if they haven't seen each other in 6 months and only spoken on questionably secure phone lines? According to Adam he didn't know the details of Juliette's power until he saw it, so how did James know if they can't talk that openly?

Yes it does seem like he knows quite a bit. I was a little shocked that he knew more than what I thought he should. He has to have some kind of connection to know what he knows but I'm not sure who or how he got the info.

30. Juliette thinks Adam joined the army for his brother. Do you agree? What would the advantage of army life be for James' wellbeing? I suspect Warner may come into play here, guaranteeing James' safety for Adam's loyalty. Am I being too suspicious?

Are there any other employment opportunities besides the army? I think Warner comes into play here too. No I don't think you are being too suspicious.

31. James promised not to tell anyone they're there but he is just a kid. Think he'll slip up?

Possibly especially if Warner has a hand in this.

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Questions for Chapters 33 - 40

32) What does it mean that both Adam and Juliette dreamed of the bird and once they were together the dreams stopped?

This bird thing has had me puzzled throughout the whole book. I still haven't figured out it's significance yet but hope it is revealed at some point in time.

33) I laughed at James, "You're touching a girl!" So is Adam getting a little ahead of himself in declaring her his girlfriend or do you think he's just stating the obvious?

I think he is just stating the obvious.

34) "But being around so much love has managed to thaw my frozen parts into something human. Like maybe I could be a part of this world. Like maybe I don't have to be a monster. Maybe I'm not a monster." I loved that!

This is one of those phrases that the author throws in that drives me crazy. This is just another one of those YA adult "love at first sight" romances. UGGGGHHHHHH.

35) We've like had one mention in the book of Kenji when he wanted to get a look at Juliette. What is going on? Why is he at Adam's house? Would you trust him? Would you trust him with James?

Nope, I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him which wouldn't be very far LOL I have no idea why he is at Adam's house but wondering how he got there or who brought him.

36) She shot Warner! Is it okay if I do a little happy dance? Do you think he's dead?

No, I don't think he is dead. He is too evil to be dead.

37) Do you think they'll get to where they want to go? Do you think it will be a safe place for them?

I think they will manage some how to get there but it probably won't be safe nor will it be what they hoped it to be.

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Questions for Chapters 41 - Epilogue

38) So what did you think of the ending? Seems a little like the x-men which ironically is what my son is watching on TV. Do you like the super hero angle or did you like it more when she was unique?

I didn't care for the ending and didn't like the super hero perspective.

39) Do you think Adam and Warner have super powers and, if so, what could they possibly be?

Yes I think they do have super powers but I don't know what they could be as they didn't really do anything to give us a hint to what they might be.

40) We still don't know a lot about the state of the world. We've been given a tunnel vision type glance at it. Were you disappointed this wasn't expanded upon or do you figure it's something to look forward to in the next book?

Yes, I was disappointed that it wasn't expanded on because world building helps the reader understand a little more about the society and the characters. It maybe something to look forward to in the next book but feel like it should have been done in this one.

41) Thoughts on the title Shatter Me? Appropriate? Toward the beginning of the books she talked about shattering.

I wasn't impressed with the title nor Juliette as a character.

42) What did you think of the romance interrupted and the love triangle?

This seems to be typical in the YA romances. Everyone seemed to be falling head over heels for her. It didn't really bother me. I think the romance between Adam and Juliette is a little cheesy and I am not really feeling love.

43) Do you feel the plot was left off or just building up to something in a later book? It seemed this book was an introduction to the world (what little we see of it) and Juliette.

It was probably just building up to the sequel.

44) Did the ending make you want to read the next book? What about the novella from Warner's point of view? Would you like it if we get a totally different picture of Warner and the reason he is the way he is? It looks like we get to meet his dad in that one.

No it doesn't make me want to read the next book. I really didn't care for this one as the author's writing style is terrible. I don't think a totally different picture of Warner would make me like him so it wouldn't really matter.

45) Were you left with more questions than answers?

No,because at this point I don't really care what happens in the next book. I was just glad to finally get through this one. The only questions I have is how in the world does this book have a 4 star rating.

46) What will you rate this one. I kind of liked this one and will probably give it a 4. It kept me interested and distracted me enough to accidentally read 2 days worth of reading instead of one. I do kind of wish there hadn't been a superhero aspect to it.

I will rate this book ONE star. I didn't like the writing style. The metaphors/similies that were used were unnecessary and most of the time made absolutely no sense. Most of the descriptions where horrible and made little to no sense. The repetitive phrases drove me nuts. The romance was cheesy and the X-men ending was totally random. I didn't like the characters because there was really no way to connect to them. Overall this was just an awful book.