Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

Theresa wrote: "One general comment - how many of you found yourselves looking things up - whether on a map or some idea that you wanted to verify or whatever - while you were reading? Behind spoilers, please mention what you researched and whether it had an impact on your reading."

Since I read this several months ago, I cannot remember specifically what I looked up, but I know I researched Paris back in the 1800s and other places from that timeline. And since I've never been to NYC, I also find myself looking up buildings and streets and other places mentioned to orient myself. Perhaps if I ever get to NYC, I'll be an old pro at finding things.

What do you think the author is expressing about:

Immortality? It's odd that we all think we would like to live forever, but that we forget that would involve a lot of really miserable days and nights, just like our finite lives do now. Obviously the fear of death plays a part in all of this.

Creativity, art and its relationship to life, death, identity and even immortality? I wonder if a majority of people want to leave something behind that will last to give them that feeling of immortality. I don't feel that particular need, but I suspect it is more common that I realize. I have written journals for much of my life thinking that they would be my legacy. And now I just really want to burn them all before I die. I don't feel the need to have even my family know me that well. Funny how that has changed over time.

Immorality vs. Morality? My old religious self, which pops up occasionally, at first cringed at how Addie kept herself alive. But in thinking about it, I suspect I would have done exactly the same if I was in her shoes. I love the idea of living a life that doesn't hurt other people, but it isn't reality.

Identity as linked with name? hmm, I don't really have any thoughts on this idea. I should think about it.
Edit: I found this quote that I like - “It is through our names that we first place ourselves in the world. Our names, being the gift of others, must be made our own.” (Ralph Ellison)

Nature of love? Love encompasses so many things in so many different ways - physical, spiritual, emotional. Love changes us, and changes the person we love, in both small and large ways. This book shows us what we consider a "typical" loving couple, and also shows us a relationship based on a combination of love and hate.

Last - do these all interlock together somehow in Addie LaRue? They do. They form Addie LaRue, and how she changes, and how she stays the same.

Teri--what a great quote regarding one's name.

I do think one's identity is very closely linked to one's name. Our youngest son is adopted and when it came time to decide on whether or not we would change his name, it was a decision we did not take lightly.

It was interesting to me that (view spoiler)[ the two people Addie felt closest to, Luc and Henry, were also the two people who could say her name. Maybe with them she felt seen? Whole? Her true authentic self? (hide spoiler)]

I also looked up the meanings of names of some of the characters.
Adeline means "noble" and I think for a person who could potentially live forever and also not be remembered, she did indeed live a noble life within the confines and constraints of her curse (not being able to keep a job, or have permanent housing, etc)

Henry is actually French, so I thought that was pretty neat since Addie was French. And it means "ruler of his home"

And (view spoiler)[ Luc was short for Lucifer. So that was a pretty obvious connection to his identity/character (hide spoiler)]

To start, introduce yourself and what genres you usually read.
Although I love to read nonfiction I seem to mostly read fiction! A few years ago I began to prioritize nonfiction books every month or so and now find I really need to do something similar to that now...again! So mostly fiction. I hadn't read much fantasy until several years ago when I began participating in reading challenges and being more active on Goodreads. I am rather picky in the fantasy novels I read and almost always love them!

Reading status: How far are you?
Uhm. Well, considering I was not feeling well this past weekend, I ended up picking up my copy just this morning. Since I work full time and workout regularly, I seriously doubt I'll get this read by the end of this month, but I will read it just as soon as possible!

Has anyone else already read it? When and why?
Nope.

Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?
As I mentioned above I now read way more fantasy than I ever have before. I actually just finished A Gathering of Shadows and now cannot wait to read A Conjuring of Light! Not only have I adored the Shades of Magic series, but she left AGoS on such a cliffhanger! 😁

Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?
As mentioned above, I am super-enjoying the Shades of Magic series, so I have great expectations for this one as well!

What prompt are you using it for?
Whatever prompt I decide to use it for. I always map each book read throughout the year to all applicable prompts and then decide at year's end which book to count for which prompt.

What format are you reading?
A hardcopy. I almost always read the IRL "real" book! I only resort to ebooks if unable to read it any other way and although I enjoy audiobooks, I discover I do not retain the story and details as well as when I've read the words on the page!

One last question: besides checking off a PS prompt and participating in this discussion, what led you to read this now?
If not for the monthly group read I probably would have held off on reading this right now...

Let our journey begin! We are in Villon-sur-Sarthe, France, and it is July 29, 1714....
I am finishing up Project Hail Mary and then this is next! BTW, I am madly in love with Andy Weir! Well, at least with his writing! LOL

@Teri - great comments/discussion. I concur on most. In fact, I looked back at some of the notes I made while reading, and this one struck me: Part 1 chapter XIV, very end: How Addie reinvents her history=starts when shorten memory of her name to ADDIE.

I went back and looked it up - it's p. 74/75 (hardcover edition), it's July 30, 1741 - she's just spent her full day of immortality --- bloody feet from walking in poorly fitting shoes have healed - no evidence of pain, injury. She's stolen to eat for first time. And she's dealt for first time with someone not remembering her and her name or her even being able to say her name.

"Her chest loosens, and for the first time since she left Villon, she feels somthing like human, if not whole.... /i>...she starts again, then stops. She never loved the name, and now she cannot even say it. Whatever she calls herself, it will be only in her head. Adeline is the woman she left in Villon....But Addie --- Addie was a gift from Estele, shorter, sharper, the switch-quick name for the girl who rode to markets, and strained to see over roofs, for the one who drew and dreamed of bigger stories, grander worlds, of lives filled with adventure. And so, as she walks on, she starts the story over in her head.My name is Addie LaRue..."

Isn't it basically saying that your life and thus your history starts with claiming your name? Saying it to others and having them say it back. Thus, when Luc's deal includes her name never being said, no one remembering, her inability to say it, that's how he's done more than give her immortality, he's also first, deprived her of a life and a history, and second, assured that she is bound to him because he is only one saying her name.

But that takes me to the next part: (view spoiler)[by becoming Addie to herself, no longer Adeline which is what Luc calls her! See page 440 ....

From the beginning, she gave Luc Adeline but she did not give him Addie. (hide spoiler)]

Another note from when I read it several months ago: I also see here an examination of a woman’s life --- expectation (cultural and even personal) of what that life will be - one with marriage and family providing a woman's legacy and identity ---- that it is believed that a refusal to marry, to demand instead independence, is to lose life, lose being known, lose identity, lose legacy. I think that idea is debunked here by Addie's ultimately claiming her independent identity as a different legacy - her 300 year history - through the book written and published by Henry.

Anyone have thoughts on that?

Checking to see how everyone is doing finishing who is reading this month. How far are you? Thoughts so far?

If you have finished, we of course have to talk about how it all ends -- behind spoilers. I do have a suggestion: Look back at the epigraph about the old gods -- quote from Magritte on page just before start of Part one - and think about it in context of what you have just read.

I'm also now wondering if the expression ' be careful what you wish for ' comes from this quote.

(view spoiler)[ the question is - did Addie get what she wished for? Is she happy and satisfied? What does she mean in the last sentences about being free after she bests Luc by proving he does not love her cannot love at all. Can Addie truly be free? Or will a new 'game' emerge between the 2 of them?

I don't know that there is an answer except that she's become an immortal like Luc -- playing games and challenging each other, usign mortals. Is this happiness? Freedom? Rather I think perhaps it is the destiny she wanted - of endless adventure -- what she defined herself as on page 75 when she renamed herself Addie. (hide spoiler)]

I finally bought my own copy (hardcover). I do not have time to re-read it now, but can't wait until I do. When I read it again, I'll definitely notice more about names Adeline/Addie.

Interesting comments on names, Hilary and Theresa.

I get where she's coming from about her name - there is something powerful about being addressed by your name versus that name being ignored. I should do a better job of calling people by name, as it really does make one feel seen.

The ending - I know some people don't like it, but I loved it. (view spoiler)[At first I really wanted Addie and Henry to be together forever, because I was so happy for her to be remembered. But I wasn't disappointed in the ending because it seemed more right than the other way. (hide spoiler)]

No idea if Addie will be happy or not, which means we need a sequel!

Teri wrote: "The ending - I know some people don't like it, but I loved it.


Teri! I totally agree with you. The ending was exactly what it needed to be.

I loved loved loved tbe ending! It felt perfect!

Through those last pages (view spoiler)[I just kept thinking that I had totally underestimated Addie. Just as Luc had. (hide spoiler)]

Teri--yes! I thought (view spoiler)[ Addie and Henry ending up together (hide spoiler)] was the ending I wanted. But what actually happened was the ending I didn't know I NEEDED. Very satisfying.

September has come and gone, but never fear, I'll happily continue monitoring and discussing Addie and her immortal life as long as anyone wants to do so.

I have more notes from my own reading and other discussions that I can continue to share out a bit at a time -- are you interested? Some of them are a bit rambling, maybe a tad eccentric.

I'm happy to share the actual notes - and for those who are members of Play Book Tag on GR, I can link you to where I have kept them in my Member Tracking thread.

One bunch of notes I'll plop down right now - and they include some further thoughts since I first read Addie LaRue:

The metaphor of the Freckles as a Constellation.
Timeless
She was marked at birth - was this her destiny?
Her freckles are the stars = a constellation – which are often tied to myth are even oldest mysths. Big Dipper has 7 stars. Then there are The Pleiades or Seven Sisters. So Luc can be Orion hunting the Seven Sisters. They are close to each other in sky. Pleiades = doves in greek
Feature in greek myth – Orion falls in love with Pleiades.
Go back to Epigraph in beginning – talk about old gods. Luc is one of the old gods. ]

Does this mean all was fore-ordained? Or a continuation of an ancient story -- old gods vs newly immortal - is Addie's journey including how she manipulates Luc her journey and tests for that mortality to lead her to being a god?

I'm on page 106 of 541. I admit that after reading the first 15 pages or so I was kinda dreading continuing, wondering if I wouldn't be bored by instance after instance of people forgetting her. But I should have had more faith in Schwab! I am really intrigued by her storytelling in this one! And living for (view spoiler)[centuries! That sounds kinda good initially, but then...when you see what she is going through...it's not so good... (hide spoiler)]

Theresa wrote: "sel wrote: "This is a book that I kept looking at while shopping on line. I decided to make my purchase once I saw that it was chosen as a group read. Since then, I've noticed some reviewers have given it low marks. I was also surprised to hear that the story may not be a straight forward Fantasy novel as it incorporates some aspects of magical realism. I guess that I would like to see for myself. I am not a Fantasy reader per se and I have not read any V.E. Schwab books, so I may not be able to appreciate the nuances that others may see. I may grow to appreciate the discussions later with some more Fantasy books under my belt and

I will alert all that having a strong fantasy reading background is completely unnecessary to enjoying this book. In fact, having a broad more literature based background, or even crime fiction, may have you pulling more from the experience. As the month progresses I will be gently suggesting different literary influences I and others have picked up.

As for being familiar with author's prior works...this is a new style and direction for the author, or so I understand."

I would agree. It is definitely different from her Shades of Magic series.

Theresa wrote: "Katelyn wrote: "This is definitely my type of genre, I loved both timelines which is rare for me - I typically prefer one timeline over another but this book was written so well that the timelines ..."

I generally enjoy them immensely. I cannot think of one I've read that disappointed me at all...

@Lynne - whatever you do, do not underestimate this story! Or Addie!

I actually know what you meant by the beginning and being dismayed at the idea of reading about 300 years of not being remembered....I too had that feeling briefly. But I rarely give up on a book, and within a few pages, it all changed or morphed ....

It is my favorite read this year.

Theresa wrote: "@Lynne - whatever you do, do not underestimate this story! Or Addie!

I actually know what you meant by the beginning and being dismayed at the idea of reading about 300 years of not being remembered....I too had that feeling briefly. But I rarely give up on a book, and within a few pages, it all changed or morphed ....

It is my favorite read this year."

Oh, I'm not and I am typically the same way, Theresa! I briefly read through some of your questions and will be answering some as I go. I actually put this down for this week because I feel it is a bit more philosophical and intense than I expected. During the week I typically only get to read in bits and snippets and I want to devote real time to this one, so I'll plan to finish it this coming weekend.

Lynn wrote: "Theresa wrote: "@Lynne - whatever you do, do not underestimate this story! Or Addie!

I actually know what you meant by the beginning and being dismayed at the idea of reading about 300 years of no..."

I juggle books the same way. Friday night has become my night to just delve deep into whatever book needs more than casual attention. Sort of my weekend kick off!

I watched Wonder Woman 1984 this weekend (I wouldn't really recommend it) and "The Monkey's Paw" was referenced and it made me think of Addie LaRue. Luc was offered a Monkey's Paw of sorts. Her wish/desire came with a price.

ALERT to fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - the special edition is out and my copy just arrived. Gorgeous book -- but I have yet to examine how it differs from original first edition beyond cover color, a golden ribbon page marker, and special intro. I have a thing for special editions that I indulge for special books

I just read page 271 and am so glad that my favorite of the possibilities I was considering proved to be true! At least I hope it works out the way I hope it will!

Theresa wrote: "ALERT to fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - the special edition is out and my copy just arrived. Gorgeous book -- but I have yet to examine how it differs for original firs..."

I'll be anxious to know how it differs other than what you have already noted!

Just finished. I don't have time right now to read through everyone's comments, but man! That book read very slowly for me. I felt it was really deep. And the questions and considerations it raises... Just a phenomenal read in my opinion!

Lynn wrote: "Just finished. I don't have time right now to read through everyone's comments, but man! That book read very slowly for me. I felt it was really deep. And the questions and considerations it raises..."

As I have said before, I could write a dissertation on that book.