Discussion Post: Parts 7-10

It's the end of our Read Along, and I like to say thanks to everyone who participated in our adventure. We had some fun discussions and chats. I hope those of you who read it for the first time have fallen in love, and I hope those of you who re-read it fell in love all over again. 

I had a lot of fun hosting this with my friends!

Kathy from Read This Instead is hosting our last discussion post today.

Here are my answers to her questions:

1. How did you feel when Max had to leave the Hubermanns? What did you expect would happen to him?

I was really upset and scared. I really hoped that he would find a safe place or make it out of Germany somehow, but I also was scared he was going to be captured and killed.

2. Why do you think Liesel ran out to Max when they finally did cross paths, even after she had seen what happened to Hans earlier in the book?

How could she not!?!? Max and Liesel understood each other on a unique level. I don't think they could help look for each other. They were family to each other.

3. What did you think of Death spoiling the ending a couple chapters before it actually happened? Did the warning make it easier to handle?

I always think I'm prepared for the end, but I'm not. I always cry, and my heart always breaks. I think the foreshadowing and spoiler alerts were fitting, and it just felt right that Death said things when he did.

4. Which death impacted you the most?

Rudy and Hans usually kill me. I like and hate how Liesel find each character and mourns them. Rudy just kills me. I just want to yell at Liesel!!! Why couldn't she have given him a kiss before it was too late!?!?!? I think I cry hardest for Hans. He is the first person she cries out for, and Death knew Liesel loved her papa best. I actually mourned a lot for Rosa this time. She really stood out to me this read through. 

5. How did your view of Ilsa Herman change over the course of the book? 

She starts out as a pathetic creature, but she grows into a sort of silent hero. There were a few small victories at the end, and one of them was that Liesel would go live with the Hermans. She had someone familiar and understanding to take care of her. I love when Ilsa leaves cookies for Rudy and Liesel!

6. The power of words is such a big theme throughout the book. Which instances of powerful words stuck out to you? Or, which quotes from the book stuck out to you?

The part where Liesel is in Ilsa's library and destroys a book really stand out to me. She loves words so much, but she also realizes that word can be dangerous as well. I think an overall theme in the book is words are power!

7. In this post Markus Zusak says:
In many ways I felt that the book is about Liesel’s different kind of loves - for Hans, for Rosa, for Rudy and Max, and for books and living in general.
Which of those loves resonated with you most?

All of them really. This is one of the reasons the book is so beautiful. Liesel is so alone and scared when she comes to live with the Hubermanns, but she grows to love and trust different people in different ways. 

8. Thoughts on Liesel and Death finally meeting? 

It was like they already knew each other. I feel like they were greeting each other in a way that old friends would. I love that Death gave Liesel her book back. It would have been a hard thing to let go, but I think Death knew the book ultimately belonged to the author. 

9. If this was your first time reading The Book Thief, is it what you expected?
If it was a reread, what did you notice this time around?

Rosa and how much I like her stuck out a lot more this time around. This was my 3rd read through. The part where Rosa holds Hans' accordian all night, when Rosa comes to school to tell Liesel Max was awake, and the end when Death describes how much love Rosa had really stood out. 

10. Will you see the movie?

YES!!!! I can't wait!!! I know I will cry like a blubbering idiot though.

We have a surprise for you!!

It is giveaway time!

We are giving away 3 t-shirts! They each feature the quote "I am haunted by humans."

To enter, please fill out the form below.

For those of you who are going to attend the movie with us, we'd like to wear these for that event!

Good luck everyone!

Fire & Ash

Goodreads Description:    In the gripping conclusion to the action-packed “standard bearer” (Booklist) of zombie series, the threat of death is given new life.

Benny Imura and his friends have found the jet and Sanctuary—but neither is what they expected. Instead of a refuge, Sanctuary is a hospice, and the soldiers who flew the plane seem to be little more than bureaucrats who have given up hope for humanity’s future. With Chong hovering between life and death, clinging to his humanity by a thread, Benny makes a startling discovery: A scientist may have discovered a cure for the zombie plague. Desperate to save Chong, Benny and his friends mount a search and rescue mission. But they’re not the only ones on the hunt. The reapers are after the cure too, and they want to use it turn all the zombies into superfast shock troops—and wipe humanity off the face of the earth.

In this riveting conclusion to the Rot & Ruin series, the battle to end all battles is just beginning.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a wonderful and thrilling end to the Benny Imura series! I've been waiting for this book for a long time, and it didn't disappoint!

-    The characters, especially Benny, has grown A LOT throughout these books, and I like how Benny and other characters reflect on that. They know that their experiences have changed them, and they are no long the same child they used to be. They have become hardened warriors, they've matured in so many ways, and they've seen things no teen should. I feel sad for the characters, but I also feel proud of them. 

-    The author must have done a lot of research for this, or he is very smart in a few sciences. The plague and the cure are very technical, and I didn't fully understand all the science talk and terms. It sounded smart though.

-    The beginning and a few other parts were kinda slow for me, but it was still entertaining, and the it set up a crazy and thrilling ending!

-    I had a feeling Morgie would make a come back! I wish he had done more, but I'm glad that the whole Morgie thing was resolved. I think there are a lot more Morgies in the world than Bennys, and I like how it showed not everyone is willing to run off on an adventure.

-    Go Lilah, Riot, and Nix!! Girl power! Woo!! These ladies really steal the show in a lot of scenes! They were ferocious and didn't hesitate in a fight. It was awesome!

-    It is amazing that the whole series takes place within a year! So much happens, and the characters grow so much. It felt like a lifetime to me and the characters!

-    Even through all the horror and chaos, I love how the author incorporates a bit a humor. I like that the characters can still banter with each other and make jokes. 

Previous books in the series

(click on the covers to see my thoughts)

  

Fall Shows

Jessica over at Books:A True Story wrote a post about the upcoming TV shows this fall, and I thought it was a fun idea, so!

My Fall TV Show Lineup!

I watched the Pilot episode on Monday and OMG! It was crazy! I am hooked and will definitely be watching!

I watched this last night, and I was not impressed. It felt like a CSI show in the Marvel universe. The end was a bit hokey. I don't know if I'll stick with this show. I was really disappointed.

 I can't wait for this to start!!! I'm dying to find out about the evil Peter Pan!!

I'm intrigued by this spin off. I hope it is good.

I don't know why we're still watching this, but we are, and I'm excited to see the season premiere on Thursday!

This year's show lineup is crazy. I'm going to be watching something almost every night! Yeesh!

What shows are you excited for this fall?

Top Ten Best Sequels Ever

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Best Sequels Ever

Click on the covers to see my thoughts on each book.
 
 
 
 
 

Victory Tour Gathering

I'm so excited to go see Catching Fire with all my friends!!

If you'd like to get in on the action, head on over to Penelope's blog for all the info and to purchase tickets!

May the odds be ever in your favor!

Discussion Post: Parts 4-6

How is the reading going? I know some of you have finished the book already! Well done! For the rest of us, there is still time! I hope everyone is having fun.

Let us recap what we just read.

Part Four

• Max's father teaches Hans to play the accordion and saves his life.
• We finally meet Max.
• Max gives Liesel a present.

Part Five

• Max fights the Fuhrer.
• The Mayor fires Rosa.
• Liesel steals The Whistler.
• Rudy makes some stupid choices.

Part Six

• We learn more about Death.
• A snowman is built in the basement.
• Max becomes severely ill.
• Liesel leaves Max a series of gifts.
• Liesel steals another book.

Now for the discussion questions! I look forward to all of your answers! Feel free to answer them in the comments section or write your own blog post! Make sure to link up your post here so everyone can see! 

1.    What emotions have you felt while reading? Are they strong emotions?

2.    Several characters mention similarities between Max and Liesel. What similarities have you noticed, and why do you think the author made these characters relate to each other?

3.    What do you think of The Standover Man aka the book Max wrote for Liesel.

4.    How do you feel about knowing who is going to die in the end and what are some of your predictions?

5.    What do you think of Rudy's rebellious attitude? 

6.    Is Rosa growing on you?

7.    What do you think of the relationship between Max and Liesel?

8.    Why do you think Liesel is so determined to steal from the Mayor's library?

9.    What really stands out to you in the story and why?

10.    If you were in Hans' position, would you have helped/hid Max?

Twitter Chat!! Don't miss it!

Saturday, Sept 21 

@ 7:00 PM

#bookthief

Blackmoore

From Goodreads:    Kate Worthington knows her heart and she knows she will never marry. Her plan is to travel to India instead—if only to find peace for her restless spirit and to escape the family she abhors. But Kate’s meddlesome mother has other plans. She makes a bargain with Kate: India, yes, but only after Kate has secured—and rejected—three marriage proposals.

Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore determined to fulfill her end of the bargain and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. But when it comes to matters of love, bargains are meaningless and plans are changeable. There on the wild lands of Blackmoore, Kate must face the truth that has kept her heart captive. Will the proposal she is determined to reject actually be the one thing that will set her heart free?

Set in Northern England in 1820, Blackmoore is a Regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn how to follow her heart. It is Wuthering Heights meets Little Women with a delicious must-read twist.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a very satisfying story with lots of tension and heartache! I loved it!

-    I know it is unfair to compare this with Edenbrooke, and I know they are two separate stories, but I can't help comparing them. I enjoyed Edenbrooke a lot, but Blackmoore was even better!

-    I loved Kate so much more than Marianne! Kate has more depth and character, and she wasn't as annoying.

-    I loved the inner struggles of Kate. She was so torn and lost, and I loved how she wanted to be free from her "cage". 

-    I loved Philip in Edenbrooke, and I like Henry a lot too. I don't know which is my favorite, but I'm leaning towards Philip. Although I did picture Richard Armitage as Henry the whole time :)

-    I was SO scared that the ending was going to be sad! I didn't know how things were going to turn out until the very last pages. I loved it! The ending was not how I predicted.

-    I loved the description of Blackmoore and the surrounding areas. I felt like I fell in love with the estate just because of the character's love for it and the way they described it. 

-    The relationship between Kate and Henry was perfect! I am a big fan of long life friendships turning into love! My heart ached and rejoiced for these two! 

-    Kate's mother was atrocious! I would be so embarrassed by her too, and I would have wanted to run away as well! What a fickle control freak!

-    I didn't read this book as fast as I normally read books. I was trying to savor it! 

-    I really liked how Kate's past was a bit mysterious. I liked the flashback chapters where we got to learn why Kate became the way she is. 

-    I loved how Edenbrooke and Blackmoore were very different. I enjoyed the gothic feel of Blackmoore and the darker moods. It was fun! 

In Which I Converse with Ben Folds about Brigham Young

It is no secret that I'm a big Ben Folds fan. I follow him on Twitter, and last Saturday, he tweeted me back!!! I had a conversation with BEN FOLDS!!! EEEE!! The crazy thing is that it was about Brigham Young. It kinda made it more awesome!

Here is our conversation:

benjamin folds ‏@BenFolds14 Sep

Last time in Salt Lake City my kids were photobombed by @JosephSmith. See you Wed night at The Depot. pic.twitter.com/0tVceuOXks

Kami Furr ‏@kamisthoughts14 Sep

@BenFolds @josephsmith That would be Brigham Young.

benjamin folds ‏@BenFolds14 Sep

@kamisthoughts @josephsmith really? Oops! Sorry! And I went to the museum and everything!

Kami Furr ‏@kamisthoughts14 Sep

@BenFolds @josephsmith It's alright. Maybe your guide was misleading.

benjamin folds ‏@BenFolds14 Sep

@kamisthoughts looks like most images of BY depict a man with a beard tho. You sure?

Kami Furr ‏@kamisthoughts14 Sep

@BenFolds Pretty sure. He has a cane and there are mountains in the background, and Joseph Smith never made it to SLC and never had a cane.

Kami Furr ‏@kamisthoughts14 Sep

@BenFolds Brigham Young didn't have a beard in his younger days.

benjamin folds ‏@BenFolds14 Sep

Oops @kamisthoughts thank you! You're right. Apologies to Smith and Young. (AND Smith and Wesson) KIDS: last photo is of Brigham Young

Kami Furr ‏@kamisthoughts14 Sep

@BenFolds You're welcome! Glad to be of service.

Kami Furr ‏@kamisthoughts14 Sep

@BenFolds p.s. I expect an awesome discount on tickets to your next concert in SLC now.

benjamin folds ‏@BenFolds14 Sep

Sure. @kamisthoughts it's Wed night at The Depot. Solo Show

Kami Furr ‏@kamisthoughts14 Sep

@BenFolds Dang! I have book club that night. I'll catch ya on your next trip here.

Then someone said:

CheltCelt ‏@gumtreedryad14 Sep

@kamisthoughts @BenFolds Sod book club! Go see Ben!

I'm still kinda freaking out about this! Too bad I have book club tonight, or I'd go see him! I'd cash in on that discount too!

Top Ten Tuesday

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Books on my Fall TBR List

Released this Fall:
 
 
 


Plan on Reading:
 

Prodigy

Goodreads Synopsis:    June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long. 

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

My Thoughts:

-    OH!! So much to think about!! This book was Brilliant!

-    I LOVE LOVE LOVE the different font and text color when switching between Day and June's point of view! It makes it super easy to know who you are reading about! Plus, it is just fun to read in blue!

-    There was so much going on in this story! I didn't know who was good or bad! I didn't know who was to be trusted, and I was scared about what Day and June were going to do!! It was a roller coaster of events and emotions! It was fantastic!

-    Each character is so complex and unique! I just didn't know what they were going to choose next, and I didn't know what the right choices were! 

-    The story is very complex as well, but I didn't get lost or anything. There is just a lot going on with the government and the characters. 

-    The ending is KILLER!!! OMG!! I wanted to scream!! I need the next book in my hands NOW!!

1st Book in the Series

(click on the cover to see my thoughts)

Blackmoore Launch Party

On Tuesday, some friends and I went up to The King's English for Julianne Donaldson's launch party. It was a strange party. I was expecting chairs, but no!

They had some yummy food, including a Blackmoore cake.

Here is everyone mingling! I didn't like it. I wanted to sit in a chair and listen to the author talk about her book. Instead, we awkwardly wandered around the gallery.

At least there was some eye candy in tails! They were really tall!

Here is Jenni, Me, the author, and Suey! I had fun with these gals!

The World of The Hunger Games

From Goodreads:    The definitive, richly illustrated, full-color guide to all the districts of Panem, all the participants in The Hunger Games, and the life and home of Katniss Everdeen.

Welcome to Panem, the world of The Hunger Games. This is the definitive, richly illustrated, full-color guide to all the districts of Panem, all the participants in The Hunger Games, and the life and home of Katniss Everdeen. A must-have for fans of both the Hunger Games novels and the new Hunger Games film.

My Thoughts:

-    This is a companion book for the movie.

-    I already knew most of it, but it did have some fun new facts from the author in it. I really like where the name Panem came from! It is so fitting!

-    The book is filled with great pictures from the movie. I got to look at the different scenes and moments for longer than a split second. 

-    Sometimes Peeta looks hot and other times he is eh.

-    This made me REALLY excited for the Catching Fire movie!! SQUEE!!

-    This also brought back memories of the first time I met some of my favorite blogger people! 

-    I think this is a worthwhile read for Hunger Game fans.