Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Cass, Kiera; The Elite (The Selection #2) Buddy Read May 6th 2013
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No. I still need to. So are you team Prince Maxon or Team Aspen? I'm Team Prince Maxon.
I know I wanted to read that one, but don't think I've read it yet. I own it.
Are you going to get the book right away?
Kristin wrote: "I will probably get it within the first week of it being out because I am that impatient. If you read Throne of Glass I will read it again with you because I LOVED it."I just looked at the description and I did read it and not that long ago. I have a lot of reviews to write. I went through a phase where all I wanted to do was read and read a ton of books. That was one of the books. I need to write some reviews before I forget them.
I am for sure going to read this one. I loved The Selection. I didn't think I would like it either, but I did! :). I am on Team Maxon too.ETA: I loved Throne of Glass too!!! Do you guys like the Prince or the Captain for Celaena?
I didn't think the Captain got enough time with Celaena so I'm going with the Prince in that one too. That could change in the next book.
I like the Captain too. I have never read any of the extra short stories that go along with any of the books I have read. Do you like reading them?
are you all picking a date to read this or just discussing it as you do? I want to participate.
Kristin wrote: "Excited to read this. I didn't think I would like The Selection but was pleasantly surprised that I did. Has anyone read The Prince (the novella)?"Kim wrote: "I am for sure going to read this one. I loved The Selection."
Sumney wrote: "I'd like to participate as well! This will be my first buddy read in this group (or ever) and I'm excited because the selection was one of my personal top 5 books of 2012."
Bianca wrote: "are you all picking a date to read this or just discussing it as you do? I want to participate."
Are you getting the book right away? I'm thinking of setting the date for this one as May 6th. Is that good with everyone?
I know. I just got it today. My daughter immediately stole it so I'll be good.
Reading schedule
Approximately 100 Pages a day:
Date Chapters Pages
May 6th 1 - 10 1 - 104
May 7th 11 - 20 105 - 199
May 8th 21 - 26 200 - 323
Kristin wrote: "You know I prefer the 100 pages a day so I can read the book faster."We'll go with the 100 pages a day then.
I'm going to start this one tonight.
I admit it was hard to stop after the first section. I think Sumney and possibly someone else will be joining us in the discussion so I'll post questions for the first section.Questions for Chapters 1 - 10
1) After the last book I've been waiting for Aspen and America to be caught together and that is my prediction of what will happen in this book. Does anyone else have a prediction?
2) So I liked the Halloween party, but I can't help but wonder if showing her castle secrets, like the room no one but royalty is supposed to know about, will make it so even when the Selection is over America will not be let go if she is not the one selected? Can they let someone go around with this information?
3) What did you think of America's suggestion of making enlistment voluntary as opposed to forced? Do you think the kingdom would get any takers?
4) What did you make of Prince Maxon's abandonment of America after she told him she wanted a relationship with him? Did you believe his explanation?
5) Why was Celeste running her hands all over Aspen? Is he perhaps playing the field? Could what America thought she was seeing at the train station with the one girl have been correct? Is he as devoted toward her as he seems or is he a player? I must confess, I didn't like the way he acted in the last book when she tried to make their endeavors to marry easier by helping to create a nest egg for them financially.
6) Poor Marley. Who would have guessed she and a guard? I wonder what else is going on within the castle? What did you think of the situation? Could Maxon have stopped it? What did you think of how America acted? Do you think she will ask to leave? Did you think the punishment too harsh?
@Sumney1. I thought that would happen in the last book but now I don't think it will. I don't think Aspen and America will be caught together because it's already happened to Marlee. So not only has that already been done, it's a little predictable. My predictions: The trouble with the rebels will continue to escalate, maybe after what happened to Marlee? That could anger the rebels. I think that Maxon will like another one of the girls, probably just when America finally decides for real, for 100%, not EVER going to change her kind again, that Maxon is the one. I also think that will happen eventually but when it does, Maxon will be facing a tough choice of his own, the roles will swap and America will be the one who has to win him over.
What I don't completely understand is why didn't Maxon comfort her? I completely expected him to be waiting in her room to calm her down and be there for her but she wasn't so now she's going to go back to Aspen because he understands the gravity of the situation and he didn't just blow it off like it was nothing.
Do you think Maxon just didn't care about that incident? Was he to busy to deal with it? Or does he just not know what to do? The first romantic/flirty relations he's ever had with a girl was when he met America and he's told her on many occasions that he hates it when girls cry because he doesn't know what to do.
That would be interesting if he started liking someone else. To pursue her so fully, then have her fall, and then not pick her would be awful for America. It would be a little more close to what we see on the Bachelor, however. I always thought it was terrible how these women seriously thought the bachelor would pick them and are totally taken by surprise when he doesn't.
I thought it was rather cold not to try to console America too. Every time I start liking Maxon it seems he does something to make me wonder about him.
2. I think they'd let her go. Only Maxon knows that America knows what she does. I don't think he'd tell anyone else what she knows and I'm betting none of the others know that he has any insider knowledge. If Maxon really loves her he wouldn't put her in that kind of danger. And he told her to keep it a secret so he must understand the importance and the risk. If they knew somehow they probably wouldn't let her go around with that information.
Maybe you're right, I just got a bad feeling about it.
3. I think that's a good idea! Maybe the kingdom could do that on a trial basis. But of course, if they didn't get enough volunteers they'd have to revert to their old ways. I think they'd have some takers and some voluntary members but the numbers would go down. The war with New Asia has been going on for a long time and so many people have died. There are so many people who would breathe a big sigh of relief if the service became voluntary and decide to save their skin, instead of their country.
I liked the idea and I think a trial would be a good thing to try. Maybe they're recruiting the wrong people. Maybe a group not recruited would want to.
4. I was really surprised when Maxon spoke less to America. They didn't spend much time together and he did kind of abandon her. I don't believe his explanation but I still believe that he would choose America and he ultimately wants to be with her. Maybe it has something to do with his Dad? I don't much like the King!
I wonder if he lost interest when he won the chase. I'm not 100 percent won over by him yet, but I do like him.
5. I think Aspen is a player. I didn't like him from the start of the selection and I've liked him less since. I think he's a player but at the same time it makes him really jealous when America is with Maxon. Probably because Maxon has more than he does and is an all around better guy. I also hated his reaction to her financial nest egg! Maybe he didn't want to spend the rest of his life with the same person but he didn't know how to tell her so he just waited until then to dump her and blamed it on something lame (I can't even remember what his excuse was). Does Celeste know something nobody else does? Excuse my language but Celeste is a sneaky bitch. She could've been trying to make America jealous.
Oh yay! Someone agrees. My daughter thought I was being silly. His infiltrating the palace didn't sit well with me. Plus, by being there he's putting America in danger. On the other hand, just before she left she did tell him after she signed all the paperwork that the girls were told to do whatever Maxon wanted...ANYTHING. Makes me wonder who created the Selection. Did they say in this book or the previous one?
6. I don't think Maxon could've stopped it. His dad is to powerful. Although I do think Maxon could've tried harder and he could've been more caring. When America tried to save Marlee I was totally cheering her on. It was great and I admire America for her attitude and her ability to do what's right. The punishment was definitely to harsh.
I agree. America showed how fiercely she'd fight for someone she cares for and for what is right. I think that was way to harsh of a punishment. Also, I still think Aspen and America will be found out.
A couple things about that chapter (despite the punishment itself..) made me sick:
- everybody was CHEERING, people came to watch because they like to and it's just a source of entertainment for them. That's psychotic.
Yes, but if you look at history, it's probably true to human nature. Think of the beheadings and hangings in Europe. Sometimes people can be cruel.
-"And Mr. Woodwork has essentially stolen property of the royal family through his relations with Miss Tames!" (page 91) That irks me, because I'm a feminist. Girls are people too, not property. I can't believe they said Marlee was property of the prince.
So yes, the punishment was harsh and disgusting. I don't think America will be asked to leave but I do think that in time the King will have a serious problem with her and this is what starts it. America promised Maxon she'd give it more time and not let that one day change everything so I don't think she'll ask to leave yet.
I wasn't surprised by this because when she signed those papers I think they mentioned something similar.
I'm so excited to read section two and I'll probably do that late tonight/early tomorrow!
I know and these young adult books are so much quicker to read than others.
@KristinWell I only read to page 200 so I will try to leave it alone for a couple of days but don't hate me if I can't!
lol
1) I keep waiting for that to happen too! I keep waiting for Maxon to find out about Aspen and see what his reaction is.
I know! I think it has to happen and I bet it will happen in a way that she had put a stop to it, but again I could be wrong. :)
2) I hadn't even considered that actually but I guess they couldn't really let her go but the King and Queen don't know she knows royal secrets and I am not sure Maxon would make her stay if she didn't want to.
We'll have to wait and see. Do we know what happened to the Elites from previous Selections?
3) I think America made a valid argument and maybe if the kingdom started acting like they cared about its citizens especially the lower castes people would join.
I wonder if they'll try any of the suggestions the girls have made? BTW, I think the people probably love her. At least those in the lower castes.
4) I don't buy it! I don't like where it is heading with Maxon and that makes me sad because I REALLY like him!! I want America and him to work out but it is hard when she confessed that and is willing to give up Aspen and then he ignores her for a week and that is just beginning of the drama :)
I didn't know what to make of this. It almost seemed like he wanted to see if he could win her over and that was enough. I guess we'll see what happens.
5) I still don't like Aspen after the way he acted about the nest egg. I think he only wants America because someone else may get to be with her. I can't believe that he would act that way with Celeste! Even though America does it with Maxon it is different because that is the whole reason she is there which Aspen told her do!!
Totally agree! I don't trust him and he is the one who told her to go for it and broke up with her. How dare he make her feel guilty!. lol This is fun doing this buddy read with the two of you.
6) I think that Maxon could have done more to comfort America during it. I don't think he could have stopped it but he could have chose to be there for America (and even the other girls) watching this happen knowing it was their friend. He doesn't want to be appear weak but he should appear like he cares about something other than himself. I feel like this incident is what changes America and Maxon...
It may very well. I wonder what the other girls truly think?
These questions were really hard to answer without giving anything away!
Try not to read ahead. lol
I am fist on the list for the book at my library and they just got it in today. Hopefully it will be ready tomorrow and I can join for the second 2 days
Bianca wrote: "I am fist on the list for the book at my library and they just got it in today. Hopefully it will be ready tomorrow and I can join for the second 2 days"It's a quick read so far so you should be able to catch up with us pretty quick. Can't wait to find out what you think.
Okay these are picture I posted with my review of The Selection. I thought they'd set the mood.The Castle as I imagine it:
And it has to have one of these:
Castle grounds:
The art gallery:
The bedrooms:
I love your pictures. That dolphin shrubbery pond is too cool. It took me a while to notice that was a table in the middle of that huge room. Could that possibly be one table? That is crazy.
Questions and Comments for Chapters 11 - 20 7) So Maxon told Elise and it sounds like the others that Marlee and Carter are together, but didn't bother to tell her and try to ease her sorrow when she was obviously the most affected? Why do you think Maxon waited so long to tell America what he'd done for Marlee and Carter and that they were in the castle? Did the others know they were in the castle too before she did? Did he want her to hurt a little like he hurt after her rejection? Kristin, I see what you meant in the last section of questions. It would be hard to bite your tongue knowing this already. :)
8) I don't know if anyone else feels like this, but Celeste reminds me a little of the Nellie Olsen character from the Little House on the Prairie TV show. She also reminds me a little of Hatsumomo from Memoirs of a Geisha which I'm reading too. Does she remind anyone of any other characters?
9) "Listen, Mer, the thing about Maxon is that he's an actor. He's always putting on this perfect face, like he's so above everything. But he's just a person, and he's as messed up as anyone is."
Did you ever notice the people who cast stones like this are usually the ones who are truly like they described? Do you think that's the case here or do you think perhaps Aspen is telling the truth? Part of what he had to say was very sweet, but he may have his own agenda where Mer is concerned. Wouldn't it be something if Maxon was the bad guy and Aspen was the good one?
10) Do you think the button bracelet will get America in trouble? I wonder how identifiable they are?
11) So Celeste produced a magazine article saying that America wasn't what the country needed in a princess and future queen. I'm guessing that is a skewed opinion, but probably what the majority of the elite of society think. Do you think the opinion of those of the lower castes will come into play during the final selection?
12) What do you make of Gregory Illea after reading part of his journal?
13) So the rebels didn't go after America and they were gathering books? What do you make of this? What could they be looking for?
14) Sumney, it does seem like all of a sudden Maxon is getting closer to the other girls or at least Kriss. Your prediction may come to fruition.
15) What did you make of the 'We're Coming' grafitti? It seems like the castle has lousy security. They shouldn't be able to get inside the castle grounds like they do. What if they were the enemy and not just rebels?
16) Why wasn't Maxon waiting for her when she finally made it back to the castle? I found that troubling.
17) How did you like the reception assignment? Do you think the necklaces were a nice touch. I wondered if Celeste being so late to shelter was because she was trying to peek at what Kriss and America had planned.
18) Do you think the phone number she received from the Italian princesses will play a crucial role in matters later?
Oh dear goodness what and ending!Questions and Comments for Chapters 21 - 26
19) So nothing is really resolved at this point. Do you think America even truly has a shot with Maxon at this point? Why does Maxon insist she stay?
20) I'm not sure what to think about Maxon at this point. From what his father said at the end it's possible Maxon was sleeping with both Celeste and Kriss.
21)Speaking of Kriss, what did you think of her 'you tell, I tell' chat with America? She saw his bedroom? Why? She may not kiss him but does that mean she wouldn't do something else?
22) To tell you the truth, I didn't think what America suggested was all that preposterous, but do you think it was her proposal that sent the King into a rage or the fact she had the diary? I loved her, 'I wasn't here to win anymore. So how could I go out with a bang?' statement.
23) After knowing what the King did to Maxon, would you want the man for a father-in-law?
24) So what did you think of Maxon saying he almost proposed at the Halloween ball? Did you believe him? Why hadn't he? I thought his excuse was lame.
25) Did you notice in chapter 21 Maxon noticed the button bracelet? "Good-bye, America," he said quietly, and lifted my hand to his lips. As he did so, he noted the little homemade bracelet I wore. He studied it, seeming confused, then kissed my hand tenderly." Could this have been what truly killed the relationship? Could he have realized a guard had given it to her?
26) What do you think was in her letter to Aspen? Will it cause problems down the road?
27) Did Maxon redeem himself at the end by protecting America?
28) What did you think of the statement that totally set America off where he stated "Your done when I say you are."? He said something similar to his father. Do you think he'd been made to give up some of the other girls? Could he have had a relationship with someone before the Selection? Please tell me it wasn't Lucy. (Sorry my mind is going on a wild rampage here and I tend to get carried away with my thoughts,)
29) Overall thoughts of the book? What will you rate it?
30) Any predictions for the next book?
31) Anything I missed that you'd like to chime in about?
I really wanted to talk about the book but am feeling under the weather at the moment. Getting a headache and the start of a sore throat. I'll try to comment about yesterday's and today's reading tomorrow. My mind is like mush at the moment.
@ Kristin7) I don't know why Maxon wouldn't tell America what he did even if she couldn't see them right away. He could have said something to let her know that they were safe but that probably would have erased a lot of the drama that the book needed. I don't think Celeste knows but maybe Kriss...
I'm torn between him wanting her to want him despite what happened and him feeling to hurt by her rejection to be able to defend himself, and him not feeling he has to justify himself because royalty doesn't have to.
8) I don't know either of the characters you mentioned but she just reminds me of a spoiled brat so I can't stand her.
Very true.
9) A lot of Maxon's actions in this book have me questioning his motive which makes me sad because I loved him in the first one. But I am not sure how I feel about him as being America's love interest especially after what happened with Marlee. But I am not a big fan of Aspen either. He doesn't know Maxon but yet he chooses to judge him and his actions against America when he has hurt her just as bad. I almost want someone else to step in and make America forget them both with the way they are acting.
I have to laugh because I loved him in the first book too and this book has made me question if he's the right choice for America too. I said something similar to my daughter and she laughed at me because of it.
10) I keep waiting for someone to recognize it and for them to be discovered which would also mean America would be caned or put to death. I wonder if it will ever come to that. Doesn't Aspen know how much he is asking America to risk? Selfish boy!
He is selfish and America is a fool to keep the dang button on her. At least keep it in a pocket so you can say you found it on the floor.
11) Well since only the higher castes can have magazines would they even ask the lower ones? And I am sure none of the upper castes want to think about a 5 ruling them even if the curretn Queen was from a lower caste. I don't know where this series is heading or how many books there will be but I would like to see more of a rebellion from the lower castes especially if something happens to America. I think America could make a good Queen but I am still not sure about Maxon if he won't stand up for anything.
I agree. Yes, I was pretty sure this was a trilogy, but it would not be the first trilogy to be expanded so you never know until the last book is out and even then maybe not. Cassandre Clare expanded her series after saying it would end with a trilogy. Two years later and there was a fourth with a fifth in the works.
13) My first thought was the secret room with all the books but I wondered why they didn't do anything to America. Almost like they respect America just as all the maids in the house do.
I know. I was curious about this too. Maybe they see her as one of them and the only one who could make a difference. She's not pliant and she speaks her mind.
14) This is part that I don't like. It sounds like Maxon and Kriss are going to be....
I don't know what to make of this.
15) I have been wondering the whole time if maybe someone in security is helping the rebels out and that's how they know when to hit and how to get in. They have so many attacks and yet their security is still crappy as ever.
I wonder if Aspen might be in on it?
16) See this is why Maxon is worrying me. Why wouldn't he if America is who he wants? He should be fighting for her especially after Marlee and showing her that he cares but it seems like ever since America told him that she chose him he disappeared and hasn't been there for her at all.
Totally agree with you. I think most people wouldn't do anything else until the one they care about was safely back in the castle. He wasn't even out looking for her.
17) I thought the reception assignment was a great idea for the girls and the necklaces were thoughtful. I would think as a Queen you need those in the castle to be loyal to you and be showing your appreciation to them that would help.
I liked how we get to see what she'd be doing as a princess and queen. I would have thought Kriss would have been more involved in the planning. It seemed to me like America planned the majority of the event. Did you get that impression too? I wonder if during her entertainment days she saw how the other half lived?
18) I hope so. I wonder how many of the other girls got the Italian princesses numbers! Everyone seems to love America except the people that need to the most.
I'm guessing no one else did. They weren't allies.
@ Sumney7) Maybe Maxon was just really busy? I know that's unlikely but I'm still willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Don't forget that anytime America has seen Maxon lately it's been late at night, he still
has his suit on and appears to be tired.
I'm at a loss about why he did this.
8) Celeste reminds me of a pouty, spoiled, bratty child!
Yes, she does> :)
9) That's possible but I'm not sure. I think Aspen has an agenda, I just can't pinpoint it! He told America she wouldn't make a good princess/queen!! So, yes, America and Aspen have had some sweet moments but I still think he's kind of a jerk.
You bring up a good point. I wonder if Aspen may have a low opinion of women or is just old fashioned? I'm thinking back to when he wanted to be the provider and not America.
10) Maybe Maxon will suddenly decide that he cares (again) and she'll have to explain it to him!
I see you are also beginning to lose you like of Maxon.
11) I don't think so. It's possible because I get the impression that the lower social classes are the majority. However, the King tries very hard to ignore them and all of the important higher-up people don't really care.
True.
12) Everybody thinks Gregory Illea is a great guy but I'm skeptical... I get these weird vibes from him. Maybe he's not who everyone thinks he is? I'm sure he has secrets. Who doesn't?
Could he be working with the rebels?
13) Maybe it has to do with things that the general public doesn't know (example: America didn't know about Halloween) or maybe they just want some of the banned books.
Trying to get banned books to see what's in them maybe? That is a good thought.
14) Thanks! Although it's good to be (kinda) right... I really dislike Kriss. Ew.
I know this is one I hoped you be wrong about. So far I'm okay with Kriss
15) I don't think so. America saw the rebels. Something tells me the rebels aren't really that bad. But maybe they have people inside the castle. Could Kota be a rebel?
Sorry, I wasn't implying that the rebels were the enemy I just meant what if the enemy decided to attack? It seems like they'd have an easy time infiltrating the castle.
16) Maybe Maxon's Dad dislikes America. I think that's a possibility. He's basically snubbed her, he made an effort to get to know all of the other contestants!
I really didn't notice that till you mentioned it. you're right.
17) The reception assignment was okay. I liked reading about the events themselves when they finally happened. To much Kriss for me! I almost couldn't at handle it! I dislike her at least as much as I dislike Celeste.
lol
18) I hope so! The Italians were fun, interesting characters and I'd love it if they helped America because she definitely needs it.
Me too!
@ KristinFinally we can talk about the ending I won't spoil anything!! I will admit this ending had me crying I was like "NOOOOOOOOOO! America can't leave". My husband thinks I am crazy.
LOL I screamed once or twice too, but I can't remember why. My daughter was amused. She loves it when she reads a book before me.
19) The way Maxon talks I am not sure if he has America's true feelings at heart. I don't want to think Cass wrote these books and America is going to end up Aspen when she could make so many changes to this country. I hope she still has a true shot with Maxon.
I think she has to end up with Maxon, but I guess we'll see if she has something else up her sleeve.
I think Maxon wants to make sure whoever he picks will say yes and he's going to break a few hearts.
20) I feel so torn. I still like him from the first book but I really hope he redeems himself in the next one.
I'm so with you on this. I don't know what to think of Aspen or Maxon.
21) That was the most awkward conversation! I think Kriss needed the confidence to know what Maxon and America had done. But maybe she should be asking all the girls, not just America.
True and it was very awkward.
22) I think the fact that she had the diary sent the King over the edge because if people knew what Gregory did they would be revolting. I think her idea is a good one but of course those in power want to stay in power no matter who they hurt.
So this makes me wonder, Can they let America go after this?
23) NO! I feel bad for Maxon and how could his mother not know? The King seems so awful.
If the King had caned America, could she have ever left? What would people think? Do you think Maxon would have taken the caning for any of the other girls? I agree I don't like the King. Didn't they say the King had an older brother in line for the throne before him? Could he have killed him?
24) His excuse was lame. I think he should have proposed if he wanted to but I think maybe someone had other motives like the King wanted him to stay away from her and not propose to her.
There seems to be something we don't know about her. A story yet to be told.
25) I wonder if Maxon knows who Aspen is. It wouldn't be hard for him to find out who Aspen is and exactly what their relationship was.
But supposedly no one knew about their relationship. Would he truly be able to figure out who the boy she left behind was?
26) I was waiting to read it somewhere in the book. Did she also write a letter to Maxon? Why not?
I don't think she wrote one to Maxon. I think she was too mad at him and had already said all she had to say to him. She probably also figured whatever else was needed to be said could be done face to face before she got the boot.
27) I was surprised that he did save her at this point. I was expecting him to sit on the sidelines again.
Me too. I don't know what to think of him after this conversation. He's a confusing guy.
28) It was like Maxon thinks he can order everybody around including America and his future wife. But America is not the type to take orders and he should know that. That is what the novella is about. The girl before the Selection.
I need to read the novella. Gah! So if there was a girl before did he make up all that about never kissing someone else before?
As for the orders maybe he just wanted to be in control of one thing in his life, but I don't know.
29) I liked the book. It had all the things I love the Bachelor but in YA setting.
I liked it too and the way it is a bit like the Bachelor.
30) America and Aspen are caught. Hopefully Maxon picks America. I think Aspen and Kriss should get together...
I don't know if he knows it's Aspen but we'll see.
31) What about the King's warning at the end? I think he is going to cause some major trouble for America in the next book (which is the last one)
That would be scary and make me extra careful about all I do. The King has it out for America.
Sumney wrote: "*just**and"
Did you manage to collect your thoughts?
This topic is open for discussion of The Elite by Kiera Cass. Be prepared for SPOILERS.
Synopsis:
The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.
Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.
America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.
Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.
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