Julie  Julie ’s Comments (group member since May 14, 2013)


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

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35559 I love this idea! I just saw it in the newsletter and put my library request in... A copy was available nearby, so I should have it in 2 days. I love to cook and try new recipes and it sounds like it will be fun and interesting to do it together.
35559 @LIsa Kay

#19 Cynthia went down in my estimation at the point she laughed at Hastings as well. He was a little impulsive there, wasn't he? Poor guy.
35559 Ashley Marie's Questions for Chapters 11-13


23. What did you think of Poirot's reasons for not telling Hastings his thoughts about the case? Do you think Hastings would have given it all away if he'd known?I do think that Hastings might have given it away because he kept sharing details with others that were speculative or pulled together incorrectly.

24. What a convoluted plot! Were you able to guess "whodunnit?" What do you think of Poirot's reasoning?I had eliminated Mr. Inglethorpe as too obvious. But, I was correctly suspicious of Evie! I just didn't imagine that they were working together. I did wonder if it was a combination of events, but I had no idea about Mary and her late night wanderings!

27. What did you think of the book as a whole? Do you think you'll continue reading this series? I really enjoyed revisiting the Agatha Christie book series. I ordered The Murder of Roger Ackroyd from the library and I look forward to reading that one soon.
35559 Logan's Questions for Chapters 5-7

13) Hastings gives us an interesting look at Poirot's process, such as his testing of the coffee grounds or calling in the gardener. Do you find it frustrating not to know Poirot's thoughts? Or does it serve the story better this way?I think there wouldn't be a story if we knew what he was thinking along the way. It would be too obvious.

14) Poirot says, "The simplest explanation is always the most likely." Do you think this is a clue for how this all plays out? Do you think he practices what he preaches?This is actually a really good question because if it was the simplest explanation, it would be the most likely suspect being guilty.... and it NEVER is.
16) What did you think of the inquest? It reminded me of a grand jury hearing. Who do you think were the truthtellers? Was Cynthia really asleep? What did Mrs. Cavendish really hear? I think Cynthia was actually drugged with some sleeping medicine and someone slipped in through her door. I think what Mrs. Cavendish overhead might be something about her marriage and Not Mrs. Inglethorpe's marriage. Maybe the argument was with John?
35559 Chapters 1 - 4

I am a little behind, but look forward to catching up this weekend. Thanks for the questions. I am going to go back and read all of your thoughts before I read on!

1 About 35 (!) years ago, when I was in high school, I went through a big Christie kick and read all the ones my local library had in circulation. However, I have not read any of them since! I have to say that Miss Marple has always been my favorite, but Hercule Poirot is also a dear. I love Miss Marple’s folksy ways while being as sharp as ever on the inside.

4. I did find it a little tricky to keep track of who is who in the beginning…. But, obviously, that is important, so I paid careful attention. If there were not quite a few suspects, it wouldn’t be fun to guess!

5 I feel a little suspicious of Evie in the event someone came in from the window. It didn’t make me suspicious of Mr. Inglethorpe because that would be too obvious!

8. At first, I was suspecting Cynthia… but then too many obvious clues were pointing her way. I think Mr. Inglethorpe must be ruled out as too obvious. Now I am wondering about Evie as a suspect.

10. This is really an interesting point. I am looking forward to reading other’s ideas here. I am blank.
35559 Comments and questions for Chapters 21 - 25; Pages 208-256
34) What do you think is at the root of Libby's meaness/viciousness? Do you think it's real or does it stem from a fear she'll end up being like her brother? This is the second time she's talked about herself as having a dark nature.I think the root is due to her feeling abandoned by her family. And the fear from her hearing her family being murdered.

35) So Diondra disappeared after the murders. Does that mean she was responsible or a part of it or that she was a victim that was never recovered?I have a feeling that she is partially responsible. I think she and Trey are somehow using Ben... I wonder if they are heading to his house now as they were being mysterious about their destination.

36) Do you think Runner has any useful information? The information that Diondra was pregnant and further implicating Trey was information that Libby may find very helpful.

37) So Ben never molested anyone, but Krissi's dad, even after knowing the allegations were a figment of his daughter's imagination went ahead and sued the school district. Lovely man. Nothing like kicking someone when they're already down. It appears that Krissi paid a price for her lies. Her Dad was a low life to pursue a lawsuit which he knew was unjustified and left Ben in a less defensible position.


39) Trey's statement, "I'm serious, Diondra, it may be tonight, I need the power in me, I haven't felt it in too long. It may have to happen." Sounded extremely ominous. Could Trey and Diondra have set Ben up to intimidate his father to pay up or else? Why do you think Diondra not want Ben's father to know about them? Was she afraid it would get back to her father or was there another reason? Diondra and Trey did appear to use Ben to try to get to Runner. The problem is that Runner could not have cared less about Ben. And how did Runner and Diondra know each other? Ominous and Suspicious.
35559 Questions and Comment for Ch. 15- Ch. 20; Pgs 151-207
Begin: Libby Day - Now
End: Ben -1/2/85 5:58 PM


27. Libby finds a note from Diondra to Ben and looks her up. Is it a coincidence that she is only in the yearbook for one year? Do you think this is significant? Well, this isn't a big surprise due to her pregnancy and fear of telling her father.

28. Woah! A baby? Do you think Ben is the father? Could Diondra being pregnant have something to do with the murders? Maybe her dad finds out and goes crazy? Any other ideas? Diondra and Trey really treat Ben in a demeaning way. I can't see what Diondra thinks she is getting out of the relationship. Maybe they are just using him or playing him?

30. I am surprised Patty went to the Cates house. Do you think it was a good idea or should she have just waited for the police to contact them? Did anyone find the behavior of that group strange? I was surprised about her going as well. Since it wasn't someone she already knew, I can't imagine what she (or actually Diane who pressured her to go) thought they would accomplish by going. The scene there seems a little contrived with the girls and parents and counselor all together discussing what happened... I don't think that is how a serious sitution like this would be handled.

31. Libby met Krissi before the murders. Why do you think neither of them seems to remember this meeting? Krissi seemed to be angry at Ben. Do you think she lied because Ben pushed her away? I don't know why, but I believe Ben's version of his relationship with Krissi. It will be interesting to see if we find out what happened with Krissi's family falling apart after this accusation and their lawsuit against the school.
35559 Sarah wrote: "Comments and Questions for Ch 1 - Ch 4 Libby Day (Now)/Ben Day (1.2.85 9:13 AM)

1. Thoughts about Libby? She's the only survivor of the massacre. Does that justify her lack of strength? Lack of pu..."


Sarah, I appreciate your mental health analysis of Libby. It certainly doesn't make her more likeable, but I do feel compassionate about what she has been through...
35559 1. Thoughts about Libby? She's the only survivor of the massacre. Does that justify her lack of strength? Lack of purpose in life? She's living from exploring good souls' pity.It is hard to like Libby, but what she went through makes me give her a little more space. I hope that she is starting a journey towards more self-acceptance and the truth.


3. Thoughts about Lyle Wirth and his kill club? An unfortunate name, I think. And the request for souvenirs? So Creepy! I found it a little unbelievable that the people interested in the case would attack her so quickly... and not have more real questions for her.

4. We are introduced to Patty and Ben. Thoughts? Is there anything about Ben that stands out? It looks like typical teenager behavior. Specially with 3 little sisters. Even the hair seems like teenager affirmation.It does sound like teenager behavior and not so odd until he is so happy to be bleeding on the bike. That is when it gets over the top for me.


6. The Kill Club meeting place is absolutely creepy. Even someone that refuses to get a job must have some standards. What do you think about their reception? The way they think Ben innocent without a doubt and that she is either a liar or was brainwashed? this section didn't ring true to me. I think they would have tried to ask her questons or get to the bottom of her information instead of coming at her all accusatory. They didn't seem like they were REALLY into the facts... but into the drama of the case. And maybe the female kill club person was into Ben in a creepy way.

7. Were you surprised to know that Libby lied and didn't saw anything? Was Ben running after her to harm her or protect her? There is definitely more than meets the eye on this story.I was glad that her real memory was shared, so we know the parts that she actually remembered. It is hard to know if Ben was tryng to protect her, but it appears he didn't protect her sisters. Even though she didn't see Ben do it, she did hear him there.

9. What do you think about the book so far? The 3 different point of views? Did you read Gone Girl? Do you think is similar?I did read Gone Girl and enjoyed it. I like how we get to hear the voices of the different people involved. I'm enjoying the book so far and I am intested to see where we go from here!
35559 I'm in and looking forward to it!
35559 10. . What did you think of the fight scene? Is it wrong that I was glad Park stood up for her like that?! I was glad Park stood up for her, but I wonder if Steve would have responded just as well to a conversation. Even though Park seems to worry about being bullied, Steve seems to like Park and even in the beginning was asking his opinion on the bus about music.

11. Weird question - but do they still make waterbeds? I remember when they were so cool. Did you ever have one?I never did have one... and I wonder if they still make them. It was funny to remember about them.

12. The gunshot scene was pretty scary and those cops were useless! I can't believe Richie shot a gun to scare some neighbourhood kids. Do you think the mum was just making that up and something more sinister was happening?I found it a little unbelievable that the police would send her back in like that. That just didn't ring true. I think Richie was probably threatening her Mom.

v14. I wanted to smack Park for accusing Eleanor of writing those horrible things herself. Ah - adolescents! I don't know where this book is going. I'm concerned about a tragic ending. Any predictions?
I couldn't stand it and already read to the end! So, I can't say!
35559 6. E&P like the idea of flying as their superpower. What would you like?I think I'd like to stretch out time! And have more hours in every day. :o)

7. So many beautiful quotes in this section like "Holding Eleaor's hand was like holding a butterfly. Or a heartbeat. Like holding something complete, and completely alive". I think what I am enjoying about this romance is that it feels "real". It isn't like typical YA books where they instantly fall in love for no discernible reason other than grey eyes, flowing locks and nice muscles. Do you agree?The holding hand scene is really great. I remember after the first time I held hands, it felt like my hand was buzzing afterward, so I can still remember how amazing something so simple could be.

8. Her father seems almost as bad as Richie but for different reasons. He has 4 kids he hasn't seen in a year?! What did you think of him calling out of the blue like that?I like how Eleanor saw the way to use it to her advantage. She realized it wasn't something special he was doing for her, but she saw how she could use it for herself. She ended up with a toothbrush (Thank God!), some soap, and a chance to talk on the phone with Park. And she sees her Dad for what he is.

9. I was a bit confused that Richie took the kids to the movies and eats steak, but they can't afford toothbrushes and soap? Or do you think Richie just doesn't proide them with essentials as a way of control?I felt like the movie thing was odd as well. They also don't have a phone. It could be a control issue... or just something to be abusive. It seems shocking that Eleanor's mother doesn't try to figure out how to get toothbrushes for her kids.
35559 June 16 - Chapters 1-13

1. What are your initial thoughts? Do you like the writing style? I am enjoying the book so far. I do like the writing style and how she shows us how both characters are feeling at the time. The difficulty of bullying and dealing with that is portrayed in a very real and believable way.

3. The description of Eleanor was great. I liked how she called herself (paraphrasing) her mother but "smudged". We also learn Richie kicked her out of the house a year ago. How do you imagine Eleanor? What do you think she did to be kicked out of home? Seems awful to me that her mother would leave her at a friend's house like that for a year. I think Eleanor stood up against Richie and got thrown out… which is why she is so determined to lay low and not make waves. Eleanor is doing the best she can with the limited resources that she has available to her. Eleanor’s mother is really at fault here for enabling Richie at the expense of her children and her own self worth. And for choosing Richie over Eleanor.


5. The scenes with the back and forth of the comics had me laughing. Do you like how their friendship is developing? I do love how they gradually started their friendship… with a simple act of kindness letting her sit there (even though he discounted it by making a mean statement). I am not a graphic novel or comic book person, but I did read The Watchman this year… so I am enjoying the references to that. They are connecting through similar interests and Eleanor is so deprived of interaction and interesting music/reading/fun … so she is soaking it up.
35559 Just got notice that my reserved copy came in at the library today! Great timing... and I'm looking forward to joining in.
35559 ShoSho wrote: "9) Mat’s plan of making a book sounds amazing ..."

I love how your family can include you in the party via laptop! It makes the distance you are apart draw closer. Love it!
35559 36)Were you surprised that the majority of the Unbroken Spine members continue to work on the code? Even after google couldn't find anything?
I wasn’t really surprised because it was quite possible they misses something… which, of course, they did!

37)What did you think about Deckle's proposition to trade Penumbra's address for the Punches. They seem to have a lot of faith into Clay's abilities.
That definitely seemed like an odd request that didn’t relate directly to the address at the time.

41)“Climb, my boy! Climb!”. What did you think about the final book having Penumbra and the bookstore? I though it was cool and sweet. And Clay is right. Penumbra is already there for generations to come.
I thought that was a very sweet touch. Also, I do think sometimes you can understand things from audiobooks in an enhanced or different way, so that was interesting, too.

42)Were you surprise that the key was in the punches?And what about Gerritszoon’s message?
I loved Gerritszoon’s message and that Clay was able to share it in the big reveal.

44) Did you like how the epilogue wrapped all the characters? Any development you liked to see it another way?
I did enjoy the epilogue and the fun directions for the future.

45)How will you rate the book? Final thoughts?
4 stars for me. It wasn’t anything too deep or challenging, but it was fun and entertaining… and I looked forward to picking it up every day.
35559 Karen wrote: "Not sure if anyone has read this:
http://www.robinsloan.com/note/pictur...

I actally do think the writer is in love with Google :)"


That was interesting! Thanks for sharing.
35559 25) Anyone else curious about this book trilogy, The Dragon-Song Chronicles? It keeps being brought up and the third book is supposedly Moffat's codex vitae. I wonder what secrets the book holds?
Yes, this book is becoming more important and may hold clues for discovering the code. It is interesting that Penumbra didn’t say anything about his knowledge of Moffat when Clay mentioned that it was his favorite book series at his initial interview.

26) Were you surprised Clay decided to copy Penumbra's codex vitae? Would you have been able to stay the extra time it took to copy it?
I think copying Penumbra’s book was equally important to Clay. I’m glad he copied it as the risk of it burning doesn’t seem like such a total loss.

27) What did you think at first of Moffat's burned book?
I was surprised that it was still on the shelf and wondered if the burning had been very recent.
28) Anyone else think Clay was going to be caught? I really like the drama the whole scene created.
I also liked the way the scene unfolded. I did think he would be found out even while he was listening to Corvina

31) I was surprised Greg, Penumbra's eBook prototype finder, was a Googler. I was also surprised that no one had managed to sneak a copy of the book to Google before.
I really appreciated Rachel’s thoughts here on how electronic vs. traditional doesn’t have to be an either or… that most of us fall somewhere on a continuum between the 2.

33) Do you think Covina knew nothing would be found by Google? "You must stop Penumbra, or this final failure will destroy him." If he knows nothing will be found, why do they continue the club? Covina was not contacting Clay out of his concern for Penumbra… but out of concern that his way of working would be compromised.

34) Were you surprised nothing was found? I wasn’t surprised. And I agree … that after they were so haughty about their resources and expertise… that I was a little glad that it didn’t work.
35559 I really love how this group interacts with the book more in depth and reads it together. It is hard not to read ahead (!), but then it would be impossible to answer the questions without knowing how your thinking is influenced by future events.

Anyway, I am enjoying all everyone has to say about the book. :o)
35559 Questions and Comments for The Strangest Clerk in Five Hundred Years/Pop-Up

16 and 17 Thanks for the research info. That was very interesting especially about Manutius.

18) Manutius' codex vitae is supposed to hold the secret to eternal life.
I think it was interesting how they each responded to this information. Obviously, Kat was all over it and a beliver right away. Clay seemed skeptical, but curious about it… he seems equally interested in copying Penumbra’s book. Neel just seems more operations/problem solving focused.
19) Why do you think Corvina is so against using a computer to solve the puzzle?
I think Corvina is not interested in changing the method because he doesn’t want any of his power diluted. He wants to be in control of the search and the company. A successful effort led by Penumbra would compromise his authority.

20) What do you think of the plan to copy Manutius' book?
Great idea. It will interesting what the computer can do with the code and it is has less consequences than stealing the actual book.

21) Anyone else curious about this Grumble?
I wonder if we’ll get help from Grumble again!

22) What do you think about the Unbroken Spine with it's codex vitaes, dark robes, and underground secret library?
So, one thing I am a little confused about is if the library in San Fransisco is complete except for the Manutius book?

23) So do you respect Clay for not working for his friend? I think it would change their friendship. What do you think of Neel's request for Clay to find him a filmmaker? Does Clay even know anything about film making?
I think Clay is wise not to work for his friend. Their friendship is valuable and it would change. They wouldn’t remain equals anymore. I think Neel’s request for a filmmaker is part of their mutual friendship and reliability to each other. Clay probably knows nothing about film making, but Clay is very resourceful at problem solving.

24) Google Forever??? Now I think the author's making fun of them. Lol
I wonder if the author is setting up a traditional book vs. ebook battle for the end?
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