bamaace83 ’s Comments (group member since Dec 11, 2018)

bamaace83 ’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

DQs Day 3

12. When Norma tells her mother she's pregnant, Norma notices fear in her other's eyes. What do you think that fear was about? Do you think she was remembering her own past experiences and worrying about Norma, or was she fearing that this would lead to Norma finding out the truth somehow? (Thinking to all of the bloodwork and stuff that comes from this, though admittedly not sure in the time frame if that was as much of a concern.)

I think that her mom was worried about Norma finding out the truth. I also think she didn't want Norma to have experiences like her but was more worried about the truth.

13. Ruthie was from Nova Scotia and went missing in Maine, yet Norma and Ben ran into each other in Boston of all places — somewhere his family would not be expecting her. Later, when they need some time away, Norma's husband takes her to Nova Scotia, where she feels some familiarity and connection to the land. Are these crossovers just coincidences, or do you think that in the grand scheme of the story, something more (fate, a higher power, etc.) is leading them to each other?

I think sometimes we just have different feelings and emotions connected to a place. I think Norma's subconscious was remembering a little bit of the past but Norma wouldn't have been aware of those events that were hidden.


14. We get the backstory in this section on why Joe didn't know he had a daughter at first. Knowing what we know now do you agree with his family's decision to keep him in the dark? Have your opinions on Joe changed with this piece of backstory revealed?

I think I've always looked at Joe as having a harder time in life. I think his family should've told him and been willing to help him process his emotions and outbursts more effectively. I don't think they always treated him well.


15. "I would learn to love the little one." What a strange thing for Lenore to say when broaching the topic of adoption — especially considering Norma's circumstances. What did you think when you read that — especially seeing how Lenore treated Norma growing up?

I think Lenore wanted a child so badly but then realized that she had to learn to love that child that she didn't give birth to. I think it was hard for her to think of Norma not wanting to try for another child and she didn't want her to go through all the things that she did.

DAY 2 QUESTIONS - CHAPTERS 4-7

7. "But sometimes I think that sadness drilled down deep and some of it might just be there for good"
"now get lost and leave me to my book."
"There was love in that house but none of us really knew what to do with it."
In chapter four we learn more about Norma's parents and life in their house as she grew up. Does learning about Lenore's past make you more sympathetic to her? And how about their parenting style, I can't imagine ever telling my children or grandchildren "to get lost" because I wanted to read a book. (Ok, I'm sure all parents might have thought it at times, but saying it to a child is a definite no no in my book!)

I don't think it made me more sympathetic towards her but did shed some light into her parenting style. She only knew cold and distant. She also was always afraid something was going to happen due to the past so that made her always ask questions. Dad just learned to be like that. I also think the get lost comment may have been normal in that household. I could see that happening in a few of my friends houses but it's just a different way of parenting. Not so loving or attentive.


8. In juxtaposition to Frank, Lenore and Norma, we have alternating chapters about family life from Joe's POV. Thoughts and why does the author structure the novel this way?

I like seeing side by side the families growing up. We can what each side of the story is as they grow up.

9. Chapter 5 - the horrible incident with Frankie and Charlie. How did you feel reading about this injustice? Could anything been done to avert this tragedy? How does Amanda Peters' writing the scene add to the heartbreak?

It made me feel for Frankie and Charlie but also made me realize that these things are still around in today's times and that we really need to do more to talk about welcoming and inclusiveness. No, I think those boys were going to do something at sometime. I think it was pretty well written.


10. What you think of Aunty June and her role in the story? Why does she encourage Norma to interact with the Indian protesters only to pull her back when she is recognized as Ruthie?

I think she wanted Norma to see that side of her history even without Norma knowing about that side but when things got a little too close to home, she got nervous that Norma's mom would find out and pulled her back.


11. Joe seems to be a tragic figure as the story of his life is revealed. How he has responded to racism and trauma make you feel when reading this book? Are you enjoying the story or does it make for uncomfortable reading?

Joe has had a rough life. I think he's responding the best that he could. I like the story. I really enjoy stories like this that shed light on what life was and also what our current events are and maybe that we should work hard to make sure these events don't happen again.

DQs for day 1

Some of these questions will lead to possible spoilers. Please be sure to hide any spoilers

1. What expectations do you have for the book based on the blurb or other description of the book?

I am intrigued on how this book plays out. The blurb is interesting and I want to know more about the family and all the truths that will unravel.

2. How reliable do you the think the 2 narrators are?

I like the book so far. I think it's interesting to read both points of view. I'm ready to see how this continues.

3. Chapter 1 opens with " The day Ruthie went missing the black flies seemed to be especially hungry...Indians made such good berry pickers...something sour in our blood kept the black flies away". How does this establish Joe's view of the relationship that exists between the whites and the Mi'kmaq?

I think it lays the groundwork for him to understand the he is different than the other population. It also means that he won't be treated the same or get the same type of advantages as some of the other kids because his blood is different.

4. How much is Norma dreaming vs remembering? What do you think the dreams foreshadow?

I think that she is remembering some things but also dreaming. I know the dreams are foreshadowing but not sure to the extent. I also think she has some hidden memories that will come out as the story progresses.


5. How do you explain Lenore's paranoia about Norma being out alone? How do you account for the incongruity of her insistence that Norma likes to play with baby dolls when she sees Norma choosing other playthings?

Oh, she doesn't want her out alone because of past events. I think Lenore wants Norma to play with baby dolls because she wants her to stay in that baby/small child era.

6. Why did Joe act so clingy when he returned from his first "guide" with his dad?

He saw things that he didn't want to see and lost some of his feelings towards his Dad. He hasn't had that experience with his Mother. I'm sure more will play out in this.

Discussion Questions Day 3

10. As we reach the halfway point I am seeing more and more similarities to the Amelia Peabody series. Is anyone else finding this. Does this affect your impression of the book?

I've never read Amelia Peabody so this doesn't have any meaning towards how I view the book.

11. We have been introduced to a number of Characters is there anyone that particularly stands out?

I like Inez. I think she's clever and witty. I wouldn't have had enough mental strength to do half the things that she does.

12. We have been introduced to Isadora and her Father. Why do you think he doesn’t let her out of his sight?

I think it's his way of protecting her but also making sure that nothing happens to her.

13. Inez seems to be attuned to Cleopatra and sees some of her memories. If you could choose to see one memory of a historical figure whose memory would it be?

This is an interesting question. Let's see. I would probably love to have some of the memories of Queen Elizabeth II. She met so many famous historical people and she lived through so many events. I would love to know more about some of her inner thoughts with some of those time periods.

Discussion Questions Day 2
Part One, Chapter 6 - Part One, Chapter 12

6. In this part Inez spends some time with Mr. Hayes. What did you think of their afternoon in Cairo? Did you enjoy their banter?

I liked their afternoon together. The banter was funny. You could tell at time Mr. Hayes was getting frustrated but Inez just kept powering through. Her jumping out of the carriage was funny.


7. After sensing familiar magic from an old trinket, Inez buys it and later has a vision of Cleopatra. What do you think this vision means? Do you believe Cleopatra’s burial site can only be found with Inez’s help?

I think we are going to learn more about this trinket as the story moves along. I think it could be found without her help but since she keeps having visions or magical feelings, I think she's going to need to be a part of the hunt.


8. Every now and then, the point of view shifts briefly to Mr. Hayes. Do you enjoy these moments from his perspective, or would you prefer the story to stay entirely with Inez?

I wish it was a little more clearly like each one have a chapter. I do like his perspective because it changes up a little of how the story reads and I like knowing what he's thinking.


9. Inez finds a letter from her mother, in which she suspects that Tío Ricardo is involved in illegal activities. Does this letter, along with the boat conversation Inez overhears, make you suspicious of Tío Ricardo? Or do you think he’s not responsible for Inez’s parents’ murder?

I've been suspicious of him since he tried to send her back. I think he's hiding stuff and I want to know more. I also think he knows more about what happened to her parents but he hasn't revealed all his cards just yet.

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?

I liked the first line. I'm interested to see where this book goes. I think it adds some suspense and makes you wonder what's going to happen.

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?

I think he's hiding something. I think he possibly knows more about what has happened to her parents. Maybe he wanted to protect her a little bit too but I think there is more to the story.


3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?

I was mad that he just took her ring! I want to say that ring plays a part in the story and we will be meeting up with Thomas later in the story.


4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?

I like a fast-paced story but the writing isn't bad. I think this is the first time that I've read a book by this author.


5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?

I think it's going to add to the story. I don't mind politics in stories when it helps to enhance the story.

I'm coming to get all my books updated! I was trying to finish up books and getting other things tracked and forgot this one. I promise I'll be more on top of it for June. I'm also starting What The River Knows today and going to get my discussion questions done. I was saving that one for June 1st and I'm on a scary waitlist for the next one. Off I go to the spreadsheet...

Ohhhh thanks for helping me to the secret spreadsheet wizards!

I think so, Ethiopia and NY are the main two countries and the others are sprinkled. It's a long book but I feel pretty good about half of it in Ethiopia.

I got my books added and I finished a hard book. I did put it down in one of the mini's because it had a map in it but I don't know if I was supposed to do that. I think I put everything on there correctly.

Hey Friends! I'm late to the party because I missed original sign-up but I've played tower teams many times in the past. Just call me Anna. I live in Southern Indiana, am married, one dog and no kids. We have a trip planned next weekend but for the most part I'll be around all summer. I don't love space/alien/horror books but I love romance, especially hot hockey boys. I'll be back later tonight to see what I need to read and jump in.

Do I have time to add my books? Whew, someone saved me. Thank you!!!

What series numbers do we need? I can fill in also!

Thanks! I'll just keep adding those books.

I definitely have an O book and 2 I books that I will get read. I'm close to my cap though because I had a good week of reading with a lot of fast books but this next week will be a little different.

Shelby wrote: "Anna - You have one book on your shelf, that you hadn't added to the spreadsheet. I noticed it was your first book read with a finished date of the 12th. Was just wanting to make sure if it was sup..."

Hey! I'm pretty sure that I finished that one before the challenge actually started. I read that one in the morning. Let me fix that shelf. :)

DQs Day 1
Now - Now last line "...reach out and touch her."

1.) Is this your first book by O'Leary? Only reading for points and that lovely 'O' letter for Wheel-a-thon or was it already on your tbr list?

I read this book almost two years ago and am now rereading for wheels to get some extra points. I'm hoping that I'll pick up on something new this time while I'm reading it. I haven't read any other books from this author that I remember.


2.) Road trips. Love them, hate them? If you've gone on a road trip before what are some must have for the journey?

I always love a good road trip. My husband doesn't do well if it's over 10 hours but I really like them. I love to stop off at random places and see sights that I would normally miss. We love national parks and I feel you have to road trip to get to some of those.


3.) Deb's comment about never having a baby obviously proved untrue. Do we think the baby daddy is going to make an appearance in the story? Or do you think it's a no name person who isn't relevant to the book?

I'm going to skip this question since I have read it a couple years ago.


4.) The flagrant unconcern about money by half the characters is a bit gross. Do you think that's at the root of Dylan and Addie's split? Or do you think it's the mysterious Grace? Marcus especially seems to not know the whole breakup story. Any guesses to why Dylan didn't seem to tell him the truth?

I think secrets will be revealed at the right time. A lot of the books that I read have no concern about money. I just think it's normal to have in books nowadays.

5.) Initial impressions of the cast of characters?

My favorite characters so far are actually Deb and Marcus. I just like the side characters and the banter from them. I know this is about to be a long trip in that tiny car.

Here's my wheel shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

I checked and I read that book way back in 2022 so I'm up to reread it again. I will probably learn something new this time around.

Waves hey! Thanks Shelby for the nudge. These notifications have really jacked me up. I’m Anna and live in the Louisville area. I’m married with one dog and work a Monday through Friday job. I’ve been playing wheels for years and it’s one of my favorite challenges. I’ll catch up in a bit but wanted to pop in.

Judy wrote: "Anna, I've gone to your shelf and grabbed the books you've added since your last update to the spreadsheet :)"

Thanks! I went to Alabama for a couple of days and didn't get them updated before I left.

I just went and dropped all my books from the past week-ish. I'm still on crazy holds for The Book That Wouldn't Burn and Funny Story. I'm hoping that they both will appear soon.