Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

This topic is open to discuss The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee Be prepared for spoilers!

Synopsis:
Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

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Chapter Breakdown

Date		Chapters		Pages		MPQDs
Sept 12		1 - 4			3-55		Imke	
Sept 13		5 - 7			56 - 126	Kelly
Sept 14		8 - 12			127 - 199	Sonia
Sept 15		13 - 17			200 - 264
Sept 16		18 - 20			265 - 346	Imke
Sept 17		21 - 26			347 - 412	Imke
Sept 18		27 - 30			413 - 501	Chelsea

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I'm in and volunteer to write discussion questions.

I'm so excited about discussing this book! I read it a week or so ago and nobody else I know has yet, so this will be fun!

Jane wrote: "I'm so excited about discussing this book! I read it a week or so ago and nobody else I know has yet, so this will be fun!"

Yay! Next week :)

Hope everyone enjoys this read! I read it a few weeks ago for a readathon, and I really loved listening to it on audio book. Definitely recommend and I'm intrigued for the next one! :)

Imke, I'm putting you for first day, is that Okay?

Yes that's OK. If you need someone to write questions for the 16th and/or 17th I'll be able to do those days as well.

Cool. Thanks :)

I can probly do questions for the 18th if you still need someone.

Chelsea wrote: "I can probly do questions for the 18th if you still need someone."

We do, thank you!

If anyone is on the fence about this one I just wanted to say I read it a month or two ago and I definitely recommend it, probably one of my top five books I've read all year!

Thanks Devann. It seems to be really popular on the blogosphere so I have my hopes high.

Discussion questions 12 September, chapters 1-4

1. Our first meeting with Monty tells us a lot about him. What do you think of him based on the first 2 chapters? Do you like him?

2. Wow, Monty's father is giving him an ultimatum, behave on this trip or else. What do you think of this? Is it too late for an ultimatum like this? Do you feel sorry for Monty or did he get what he deserved?

3. I like the relationship between Monty and Percy. It's more than friendship and I like the way Monty is with Percy. What do you think of them together? Will they become more than friends/brothers during the trip?

4. Felicity is not the good girl I thought she was, where do you think she is off to?

5. Lockwood doesn't seem very smart for letting Monty and Percy go like that. Do you think he is on to them and setting a trap.

Discussion questions 12 September, chapters 1-4

1. Our first meeting with Monty tells us a lot about him. What do you think of him based on the first 2 chapters? Do you like him?
I like him so far. He's funny but he's not perfect, which I appreciate. He's outwardly outgoing but inwardly shy and he's reckless, but he has a good heart.

2. Wow, Monty's father is giving him an ultimatum, behave on this trip or else. What do you think of this? Is it too late for an ultimatum like this? Do you feel sorry for Monty or did he get what he deserved?
I think the ultimatum is a bit too harsh. I understand that his father wants Monty to grow up, but putting such a tight leash on him during a year of traveling is going overboard. I thought part of the purpose was to get the last bit of his recklessness out before coming home rather than squashing it so severely. I hope that Monty can find a balance.

3. I like the relationship between Monty and Percy. It's more than friendship and I like the way Monty is with Percy. What do you think of them together? Will they become more than friends/brothers during the trip?
It's hard to say. It seems like they both have feelings for each other but are both too scared to admit it. Monty is scared that Percy doesn't like him that way and Percy is scared that it's all a game to Monty rather than something serious. I hope they get a chance to sort things out because it seems like they could be good together.

4. Felicity is not the good girl I thought she was, where do you think she is off to?
Well, if she was previously stoked about going off to school and is now resisting it, it makes me wonder if she found something worthwhile that she wants to do rather than going to school. But since we don't know anything else about her, I can't really guess what it is.

5. Lockwood doesn't seem very smart for letting Monty and Percy go like that. Do you think he is on to them and setting a trap.
I think he really thought they were being honest. He may be a bit gullible, but then again they have both been behaving well for what, 2-3 weeks now? So Lockwood has no reason to not trust them. But if he finds out where they really went, I'm sure he'll clamp down even tighter.

1. Our first meeting with Monty tells us a lot about him. What do you think of him based on the first 2 chapters? Do you like him?
I really like him so far! Granted, if I met him in person, I highly doubt I'd feel so indulgent concerning his careless attitude. But as a character, Monty's great! One thing I really enjoy about him is that, while he clearly makes some questionable choices, he seems like a good person deep down, and he also acknowledges how his life really isn't a hard one, despite his complaints.

2. Wow, Monty's father is giving him an ultimatum, behave on this trip or else. What do you think of this? Is it too late for an ultimatum like this? Do you feel sorry for Monty or did he get what he deserved?
For me, the ultimatum is extreme yet probably warranted. It's clear Monty's father expects his son (and all of his children, to some degree) to stay in line and project a good image for the family. Monty has obviously been romping about and so it makes complete sense his father is not having it. With that said, there's a harshness to his father that makes me feel sorry for Monty, because it goes beyond what anyone would deserve.

3. I like the relationship between Monty and Percy. It's more than friendship and I like the way Monty is with Percy. What do you think of them together? Will they become more than friends/brothers during the trip?
I should make this clear right now: I love the Monty-Percy dynamic. Whether they're stuck as bros forever or they end up as something more, I'm just glad to have the push-and-pull of their relationship and long lasting companionship in my life. The way things went toward the end of today's reading assignment makes me hope very much the two will manage to talk and move forward together; I think they could work wonderfully as more than friends/brothers (as Imke deftly classified them), but I'd rather see them stay mates than drift apart if those are the options.

4. Felicity is not the good girl I thought she was, where do you think she is off to?
I have no idea where she's off to, but I do love that she's off somewhere! It's only fitting Monty's not the only sibling with questionable pursuits, and after Felicity was accused of reading smut at the breakfast table, it's no surprise she may have secret endeavors of her own. I look forward to gaining more insight about this part of the story.

5. Lockwood doesn't seem very smart for letting Monty and Percy go like that. Do you think he is on to them and setting a trap.
I think it's doubtful Lockwood is setting a trap. Right now, he certainly doesn't strike me as the crafty, scheming type. Most likely, he honestly thought Percy was feeling better and had convinced Monty they should attend the event. However, I will say Monty being the one to say they're going may at least spark some suspicion in him down the line, because I don't think he'll remain unaware forever.

Discussion questions 12 September, chapters 1-4

1. Our first meeting with Monty tells us a lot about him. What do you think of him based on the first 2 chapters? Do you like him?
I like him but I feel like he might be annoying to have as a friend in real life. The "I don't care about anything" type of attitude. In a book however it's fine :)

2. Wow, Monty's father is giving him an ultimatum, behave on this trip or else. What do you think of this? Is it too late for an ultimatum like this? Do you feel sorry for Monty or did he get what he deserved?
I think it's a bit late, almost like just the final way to switch inheritance over to the new kid. I can see blame resting with both parent and kid though for a lazy kid. Early in life you have to guide and I'm guessing that was missing. However, at a certain point, you must grow up.

3. I like the relationship between Monty and Percy. It's more than friendship and I like the way Monty is with Percy. What do you think of them together? Will they become more than friends/brothers during the trip?
They sure seem to be growing closer together. I'm guessing it will end up as some sort of secret affair but with lots of drama.

4. Felicity is not the good girl I thought she was, where do you think she is off to?
Feels like it might still be something scholarly though. If someone's a book nerd at home it seems unlikely that they go crazy naughty girl when going to another city.

5. Lockwood doesn't seem very smart for letting Monty and Percy go like that. Do you think he is on to them and setting a trap.
Lockwood seemed decent at the beginning. I'm not sure what would be in it unless he's conspiring with the father.

Discussion Questions September 13th
Chapters 5-7, Pages 56-126

6. Did anything that happened at the ball surprise you?

7. We now discover what Felicity is up to. Thoughts? Was it what you expected?

8. It seems like he finally went too far at the party. Do you think this is the turning point for him to change his ways?

9. The trinket he picked up seems to be much more valuable than originally thought. What do you think it is?

10. Predictions for what happens next? Did Lockwood make it? Will they arrive in town safely?

Discussion Questions September 13th
Chapters 5-7, Pages 56-126

6. Did anything that happened at the ball surprise you?
Not really, maybe the interaction between Monty and Felicity, they actually seemed to act like brother and sister for a while.

7. We now discover what Felicity is up to. Thoughts? Was it what you expected?
Yes, I think Felicity is a very smart girl who wants to use her brain and not sit and embroider for the rest of her life. I think she wants to get a real education.

8. It seems like he finally went too far at the party. Do you think this is the turning point for him to change his ways?
No I think more needs to happen for him to turn his behavior around. I see good things in him, but they way he behaves now he's more a spoiled brat even though what he has been through.

9. The trinket he picked up seems to be much more valuable than originally thought. What do you think it is?
I'm finished with today's section so I'm not going to comment on this.

10. Predictions for what happens next? Did Lockwood make it? Will they arrive in town safely?
See question 9.

Discussion Questions September 13th
Chapters 5-7, Pages 56-126

6. Did anything that happened at the ball surprise you?
I couldn't believe Monty was stupid enough to try to do stuff with the girl in the Duke's rooms. I mean, come on! It doesn't take a genius to see that that was idiotic. It makes me wonder if he subconsciously likes the attention and did it on purpose, even knowing the danger.

7. We now discover what Felicity is up to. Thoughts? Was it what you expected?
I was disappointed that it was just for a lecture. I was hoping she would be a member of some secret society or something.

8. It seems like he finally went too far at the party. Do you think this is the turning point for him to change his ways?
Yeah, I don't know how much more embarrassing it can get, so I hope he wises up now. I like that he's kinda carefree but I don't want him to be such an idiot. Although with the threat on their lives from the Duke's men, I think that's more likely to make him grow up then the party situation.

9. The trinket he picked up seems to be much more valuable than originally thought. What do you think it is?
Maybe instead of Felicity, the Duke is in a secret society! lol:) Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up being something like proof of his dealing with the enemy or something else political.

10. Predictions for what happens next? Did Lockwood make it? Will they arrive in town safely?
I doubt that they're rid of Lockwood, but it would be convenient if they met up with him quickly and easily. I would assume that the bad guys would be expecting them to get back on the road and wait to ambush them again, if not in the road then in Marseilles.

6. Did anything that happened at the ball surprise you?
Nothing surprised me, necessarily, but it seemed strange to me he didn't take Jeanne having a "special key" as a sign to maybe not keep pursuing her. Now I'm curious to see what problem the duke has with Monty's father because he cut off before finishing. Also every comment that woman made to Percy about "his people" or whatever she was saying set my teeth on edge.

7. We now discover what Felicity is up to. Thoughts? Was it what you expected?
It was sort of what I expected. I don't know that I assumed she was definitely attending that event, but giving her penchant for reading and desire for education (despite the current pushback), I wondered if it was something mentally stimulating rather than devious.

8. It seems like he finally went too far at the party. Do you think this is the turning point for him to change his ways?
I don't think the party, itself was a full turning point, even if it was embarrassment enough, especially with Percy and Felicty's reactions, to make him reconsider. However, I would say the trail of events resulting from his humiliating display are doing better work to get Monty to sober up a little.

9. The trinket he picked up seems to be much more valuable than originally thought. What do you think it is?
Honestly, I'm not sure! It seems something may be hidden inside, but I'm wondering if that means there's a sort of treasure or or it's more of a tool in its own right. Considering the duke's displacement from his post (and his potential anger at Monty's father from some past event), I'm guessing it's shadier than the pretty box implies.

10. Predictions for what happens next? Did Lockwood make it? Will they arrive in town safely?
My guess is Lockwood made it, even if they won't see him for a little while. I don't think his character has added enough to the story thus far for his time to have ended. They may make it to town safely, but I highly doubt that will be the end of their troubles! That trinket (and Monty's behavior, in general) seems ready to attract quite a bit more disaster.

Discussion Questions September 14th
Chapters 8-12, Pages 127-199

11. Pascal the Apothecary is turning out to be quite the lucky find. Do you think he'll play into the story more heavily or just pass through on their journey?

12. Wow, Percy is ill. Did you see it coming? How do you think it will change their relationship?

13. Why do you think that the King had the box?

14. What do you think is really in the box? Do you think there is a cure?

15. Monty finally used his skills for good! What is your opinion on what he decided to do with the note? Do you think it will come back to haunt him?

Discussion Questions September 15th
Chapters 13-17, Pages 200-264

16. Dante and Helena are being very mysterious about the box and how it came to be "stolen". Thoughts?

17. Monty and Felicity had a deep conversation on issues of attraction. Do you think she'll come over to his side of thinking or remain neutral in the middle?

18. Oooo. What do you think a Lazarus Key does? Do you think they willingly parted ways with it?

19. Do you think there's an attraction between Felicity and Dante?

20. What would you do next if you were on this adventure?

Discussion Questions September 14th
Chapters 8-12, Pages 127-199

11. Pascal the Apothecary is turning out to be quite the lucky find. Do you think he'll play into the story more heavily or just pass through on their journey?
His group is moving on, but since they travel a lot, he could easily pop up again. I def wouldn't mind if he and the old women came back since they're so interesting.

12. Wow, Percy is ill. Did you see it coming? How do you think it will change their relationship?
I don't think there was any way to guess he had epilepsy as we had never seen him fall ill in any way yet. I'm hoping that it will make Monty mature so he can find a way to help his friend.

13. Why do you think that the King had the box?
I would guess that it was stolen from the apothecary, although in that case I don't know why he would have left it out in the open unless he figured no one would know what it was. If it has a dangerous substance in it, perhaps he planned on using it on his enemies or using it for larger production of the substance. Perhaps the alchemist was against its use and refused to make more so the King had it stolen so they could find someone else to make more. But since it sounds like there's one item in the box, it would have to be something like a bezoar, aka not something in powder form.

14. What do you think is really in the box? Do you think there is a cure?
I think it would have to contain something both dangerous and rare for the men to come after them like that. I don't think they would be quite so upset over a panacea.

15. Monty finally used his skills for good! What is your opinion on what he decided to do with the note? Do you think it will come back to haunt him?
Yeah, it was nice to see his flirting skills count for something. They all already made the decision to ignore Lockwood and go to Spain, so it could come back to hurt them all but probly not Monty by himself.

Discussion Questions September 14th
Chapters 8-12, Pages 127-199

11. Pascal the Apothecary is turning out to be quite the lucky find. Do you think he'll play into the story more heavily or just pass through on their journey?
I think he and the other people of the fair are a pass through. I did like this part, it shows that there Monty can change and he cares deeply about Percy and his sister.

12. Wow, Percy is ill. Did you see it coming? How do you think it will change their relationship?
He did show signs of being ill, but I thought it was just some sort of flu the epilepsie was a surprise and it gives the story a whole new dimension.

13. Why do you think that the King had the box?
I think there is some revelutionary thing in the box he needs for political reasons.

14. What do you think is really in the box? Do you think there is a cure?
Formula for an explosive? I don't think there is a cure for Percy.

15. Monty finally used his skills for good! What is your opinion on what he decided to do with the note? Do you think it will come back to haunt him?
It will defenitely come back to haunt him, but it was the only thing to do. He should have told Percy and Felicity about the note .

Discussion Questions September 15th
Chapters 13-17, Pages 200-264

16. Dante and Helena are being very mysterious about the box and how it came to be "stolen". Thoughts?
I don't think it has been stolen, but sold to pay of depts. Dante and Helena don't have a lot of money and I think they were threatened into selling the box.

17. Monty and Felicity had a deep conversation on issues of attraction. Do you think she'll come over to his side of thinking or remain neutral in the middle?
I think she will come over to his side, she is also unconventional for that time willing to learn, to want to go to university.

18. Oooo. What do you think a Lazarus Key does? Do you think they willingly parted ways with it?
I think it is the code to open the box. I think they don't know what it is.

19. Do you think there's an attraction between Felicity and Dante?
I think they think a like and there could be an attraction, but it is to soon for that. Dante seems very shy.

20. What would you do next if you were on this adventure?
What they are doing now, find out everything about the clues they have and then go to Venice (love that place).

Discussion Questions September 14th
Chapters 8-12, Pages 127-199

11. Pascal the Apothecary is turning out to be quite the lucky find. Do you think he'll play into the story more heavily or just pass through on their journey?
I don't think he'll necessarily return in any physical manner, though I do think his time with the group will prove very impactful in a variety of ways.

12. Wow, Percy is ill. Did you see it coming? How do you think it will change their relationship?
While I didn't expect this specifically, I did figure there had to be something going on with Percy that he was keeping quiet. Since the book is from Monty's POV, we obviously get a lot of info about his best mate, but that also means there had to be something getting left out this whole time. I'm hoping Monty will work to become a more trustworthy friend after this (and also maybe that he will find a way to take care of Percy if he inherits the estate from his father).

13. Why do you think that the King had the box?
My guess is he had something shady happening in a deal with the professor, and that the duke's shady dealings may be part of why he lost his position.

14. What do you think is really in the box? Do you think there is a cure?
Though this book already has unrealistic elements, I think a cure-all is simply too out there to be true. I don't know what is inside, but it's definitely something that could prove dangerous, perhaps even to the crown.

15. Monty finally used his skills for good! What is your opinion on what he decided to do with the note? Do you think it will come back to haunt him?
I was so thankful! Good work, Monty! Though it's definitely going to come back to haunt him. Everything in this book has consequences, and it seems even Monty's best efforts are included there.

Discussion Questions September 15th
Chapters 13-17, Pages 200-264

16. Dante and Helena are being very mysterious about the box and how it came to be "stolen". Thoughts?
I would say it definitely wasn't stolen, yet that no one was supposed to know the duke had it in the first place, otherwise he wouldn't have secretly gone himself to get it back.

17. Monty and Felicity had a deep conversation on issues of attraction. Do you think she'll come over to his side of thinking or remain neutral in the middle?
This was one of my favorite moments of the most recent reading for me. While it was hard to hear her opinions, I think they made complete sense for the time period, as well as for someone her age, who Monty points out hasn't really felt a strong attraction to anyone yet. My sincere hope is Felicity will come to understand, if not at least accept and respect, Monty's feelings. However, I'm not totally counting on it, because you never know.

18. Oooo. What do you think a Lazarus Key does? Do you think they willingly parted ways with it?
I haven't the slightest idea, but I think something dangerous is inside, and something that could get the Robles family, as well in the duke, in quite a bit of trouble. I would think Helena was more knowledgable about giving it away, while Dante did not support the idea.

19. Do you think there's an attraction between Felicity and Dante?
Not likely. And I sort of hope not, because Felicity is very young and doesn't need a romantic plot line to shine.

20. What would you do next if you were on this adventure?
Normally I would prefer to find a safe way to escape the dangers, but with an angry chaperone stranded somewhere, a murderous duke on their tails, and an abusive father at home, I'd probably just keep running and try to see as many wonderful sites along the way as possible.

Chelsea wrote: "I think it would have to contain something both dangerous and rare for the men to come after them like that. I don't think they would be quite so upset over a panacea."

Didn't they mention something about the king being sick? Now I feel like I should go back in the book and try to find what I was thinking about.

Kelly wrote: "Didn't they mention something about the king being sick?"

Yes, but I assumed that was just an excuse because he didn't feel like going to the party. But you're right that it's something to keep in mind.

Discussion Questions September 15th
Chapters 13-17, Pages 200-264

16. Dante and Helena are being very mysterious about the box and how it came to be "stolen". Thoughts?
I'm sure they know what's in it. And I'm guessing the Duke tried to buy it off them, etc., but was unable to convince them and so he stole it. Or maybe they sold it because they needed the money and now they regret it so they're grateful to have it back.

17. Monty and Felicity had a deep conversation on issues of attraction. Do you think she'll come over to his side of thinking or remain neutral in the middle?
It may simply be a matter of taking time to get used to it. Nobody changes fundamental opinions like that overnight, but they can be made to "see reason" with time and patience.

18. Oooo. What do you think a Lazarus Key does? Do you think they willingly parted ways with it?
Well, I'm definitely leaning towards the fact that it's probably not an actual key. Unless it's a key to another box that holds a "philosopher's stone" of sorts and they need the key to get into that box. But yeah, I'm wondering if their father was successful in creating a stone like that.

19. Do you think there's an attraction between Felicity and Dante?
She doesn't seem to be attracted to him and so far he seems to only have a boyish crush on her, so I doubt that it will lead anywhere.

20. What would you do next if you were on this adventure?
I would definitely keep investigating! Although it's hard to say where to go from here. Maybe keep following up on historical ties that could lead to the code to open the box, etc., like the Mary and Martha island lead.

Discussion Questions September 16th. Chapters 18-20 pages 265-346.

21. Mateu Robles isn't dead and we find out what is inside the puzzle box. Were you surprised by what Dante explained happened? Were Dante and Helena correct in keeping this a secret?

22. Monty finds out the cipher to get the Lazarus key from Mateu Robles. Why didn't he tell it to Dante or his friends?

23. Sneaky Monty getting the key out of the box while everyone is asleep. He is almost caught by Helena trying to seduce and then "kill" him. Do you think it's a good thing he didn't give her the key?

24. Off they go on their way to Italy and Venice. I'm looking forward to this next part, I hope the promised pirates come into play now. Is there anything you would like to happen? What has been your favorite part so far?

Discussion Questions September 16th. Chapters 18-20 pages 265-346.

21. Mateu Robles isn't dead and we find out what is inside the puzzle box. Were you surprised by what Dante explained happened? Were Dante and Helena correct in keeping this a secret?
I first suspected that their father might be alive when they were talking about talking someone at the opera, so I thought maybe they were referencing talking to their father who had perhaps become estranged from them for whatever reason. But the story makes sense, although I don't understand why Robles buried his wife so far from where he lives because it makes it a lot harder to reach her quickly if he needs to. I do definitely understand why Dante and Helena were keeping it all a secret if many people have come over the years to steal their father's secrets.

22. Monty finds out the cipher to get the Lazarus key from Mateu Robles. Why didn't he tell it to Dante or his friends?
I think he feels both responsible to Mateu and selfish in regards to Percy's health. He knew that Mateu didn't want Helena to have the key and give it to the Duke and Monty wants to save Percy, so I understand why he kept it a secret.

23. Sneaky Monty getting the key out of the box while everyone is asleep. He is almost caught by Helena trying to seduce and then "kill" him. Do you think it's a good thing he didn't give her the key?
Oh, yes. She's only trying to free her father and doesn't really see/care about the long game. It could be really horrible for the Duke to get the stone and she should respect her father's wishes to keep it safe.

24. Off they go on their way to Italy and Venice. I'm looking forward to this next part, I hope the promised pirates come into play now. Is there anything you would like to happen? What has been your favorite part so far?
I'm mostly concerned that they get enough to eat and enough rest for Percy to stay healthy. Despite the fact that taking Mrs. Robles' heart would "kill" her, I think it's worth it to save Percy. She's basically dead anyway, Mateu isn't going to use it for anything, so why not help a good man? I know that in that time period, Monty and Percy can't publicly be a couple, but if Percy is healthy, Monty could find him a job or simply house him since he'll eventually take over his father's estate, so they could potentially be near to each other all their lives. I always hope for a happy ending:)

Discussion Questions September 17th Chapters 21-26 pages 349-412.

25. Gah, foiled again. I'm glad Percy and Monty are finally starting to talk about their feelings. Do you think they will get together eventually and stay together?

26. Yeah, pirates (sort of), I do love some piraty action. Do you like pirates? Do you have a favorite book/movie that features pirates? Do you like how they are portrayed in this book?

27. What do you think of the way the author handles issues like racism and homosexuality?

28. I love Scipio and the way he treats Monty. Monty is very insecure and he has some sort of PTSD. What do you think?

Discussion Questions September 17th Chapters 21-26 pages 349-412.

25. Gah, foiled again. I'm glad Percy and Monty are finally starting to talk about their feelings. Do you think they will get together eventually and stay together?
Yes, I'm so glad they were finally honest with each other! And I hope that they can be together, but like I said before, they can never publicly be a couple. I suppose the best they can hope for is for Monty to have an understanding/ignorant wife so they can be together on the side.

26. Yeah, pirates (sort of), I do love some piraty action. Do you like pirates? Do you have a favorite book/movie that features pirates? Do you like how they are portrayed in this book?
Well, I do love Pirates of the Caribbean, but I'm not sure I've ever actually encountered pirates in reading before. At least not in depth. So my idea of pirates is limited to what I see in movies like the Pirates series and Peter Pan, etc. And seeing as how these pirates are newbies, we're not actually seeing REAL pirate action, lol.

27. What do you think of the way the author handles issues like racism and homosexuality?
I like how open and direct it's dealt with. Monty obviously has white male privilege and he's finally learning it, which is good. And Felicity is trying to be more open-minded about homosexuality. So really, it's extremely progressive for that time period.

28. I love Scipio and the way he treats Monty. Monty is very insecure and he has some sort of PTSD. What do you think?
It seems like everyone has been very kind to Monty about his abusive past. Once Percy and Felicity realized how serious it was, they made sure to take care of him, and now Scipio sees that he's troubled and is kind as well. So it's nice that Monty has people to stick up for him finally.

Discussion Questions September 17th Chapters 21-26 pages 349-412.

25. Gah, foiled again. I'm glad Percy and Monty are finally starting to talk about their feelings. Do you think they will get together eventually and stay together?
I do think they'll eventually get together, especially since they've both been holding onto their feelings for each other for so long and definitely deserve the happiness of a successful relationship. However, there are so many obstacles in the way, that I doubt it will be an easy, uninterrupted progression.

26. Yeah, pirates (sort of), I do love some piraty action. Do you like pirates? Do you have a favorite book/movie that features pirates? Do you like how they are portrayed in this book?
Normally pirates don't interest me whatsoever and I'd never choose to read about them, but I thought this plot was hilarious. What I loved most was Felicity calling them out for not actually being pirates, but I'm also enjoying the dynamic between the crew mates. Seeing Percy connect to the "pirates" in a way he hasn't been able to with anyone yet was also great.

27. What do you think of the way the author handles issues like racism and homosexuality?
While I don't have any authority to judge how anyone handles either issue, I think both are being very well executed in this book. I'm glad both are treated in a realistic manner, considering the time period in which the book is set. The fact that both are tough concepts to encounter here gives the story greater depth. Of course I wish Monty went without punishment or shame for his sexual orientation and that Percy could naturally be the equal of every highborn child. Yet I think these obstacles are necessary, if not hard to swallow, aspects of the plot.

28. I love Scipio and the way he treats Monty. Monty is very insecure and he has some sort of PTSD. What do you think?
I think it makes all the difference in the world for someone who doesn't know Monty in his home life to tell him to defend himself. Percy knows that his best friend can't easily stand up to his father, just as he knows he can't take many of the luxuries Monty finds inherent thanks to his skin tone. Felicity suggested Monty simply stop liking guys in order to avoid the punishments, but she's also attentive enough to realize Monty can't simply fight their father.
But Scipio is an outside figure who sees someone trapped and in need of the courage and self-confidence to stand up for himself. Since the very start of the book, Monty's been flinching out of instinct and making jokes at his own expense. There's no way he'll easily overcome years of abuse, but I'm so glad someone new has come into his life and sparked at least the very beginning of his attempts to stand up for himself.

Discussion Questions September 18
Chapters 27-30

29. What did you think of Percy's decision to not use the heart for himself?

30. Were you surprised when Helena stepped in front of Monty twice so that the Duke wouldn't shoot him?

31. Monty's father's past certainly explains why he's so tough on Monty- so that he won't make the same stupid mistakes, although that obviously doesn't excuse the abuse. Were you surprised to hear about the things he did? What would you do with that information in Monty's position?

32. What did you think of Helena's decision to burn the heart?

33. If you were Felicity, would you stay with the pirates/privateers and learn to be a surgeon, or would you return home?

34. What are your final impressions of the novel?

Discussion Questions September 18
Chapters 27-30

29. What did you think of Percy's decision to not use the heart for himself?
It was a very Percy thing to do, and I also felt like it conveyed an important message. Percy's illness burdens him greatly, yet it does not define him. At this point, he's learned to manage as well as he can, and some miracle cure (on the off chance one really did exist) wouldn't necessarily help him mentally and emotionally, despite its other benefits. Of course I want Percy to be healthy, but I certainly did not begrudge his decision.

30. Were you surprised when Helena stepped in front of Monty twice so that the Duke wouldn't shoot him?
No, I wasn't particularly surprised. The way Helena's father and brother spoke of her in previous readings, I doubted she was really going to just lop out her mother's heart and run off to free her father with no regrets. Moreover, the Duke of Bourbon didn't strike me as a reasonable man, so I figured Helena's last opportunity to be in charge of the situation would fade once he got involved. While I don't think she had any love lost for Monty, I feel it was an understandable move both times, especially as she desperately tried to handle her family business on her own terms.

31. Monty's father's past certainly explains why he's so tough on Monty- so that he won't make the same stupid mistakes, although that obviously doesn't excuse the abuse. Were you surprised to hear about the things he did? What would you do with that information in Monty's position?
It didn't surprise me because, while Monty's father could simply be a cruel man, I figured there had to be some motive. I wasn't necessarily expecting a secret wife from the countryside, but it wasn't a shock, either. The parts about the ponies and his friends' wives made complete sense. Despite the temptation to strip him of his pride and honor, I don't think that's really the best way to get back at the man. If anything, I think Monty took the most appealing route by mentioning it offhand in a letter, as if letting his father know the truth could come out, yet also not wasting the effort or pain of seeing the man in person.

32. What did you think of Helena's decision to burn the heart?
It wasn't what she wanted throughout all of her efforts to get to the tomb, but it was the wisest and perhaps even bravest decision. After all, the Duke of Bourbon was on his own side, and there was no guarantee her father would be freed, which she thankfully saw before it was too late.

33. If you were Felicity, would you stay with the pirates/privateers and learn to be a surgeon, or would you return home?
Personally, I have no interest in pirates or privateers or any desire to stay with them, but I think Felicity should definitely do so! She deserves any chance possible to pursue her passions, and since any sort of tight-laced society won't permit a woman to engage in the scientific endeavors she loves, this may be her best opportunity. Nonetheless, as much as I want her off doing her thing, I do hope she gets to see Monty and Percy rather often and that she makes a few friends of her own, outside the crew.

34. What are your final impressions of the novel?
I just gushed in my review before returning to the group to answer these questions, but I think I still have some enthusiastic words left!
This book was just so clever and so much fun that I really hope people will read it and then tell their friends to read it, who can then tell their friends to read it, and so on. The adventure itself is such a whirlwind, yet the characters are the heart of the story, and the various dynamics between Monty, Percy, and Felicity are fantastic. Lee knew just when to pull on my heartstrings, when to give me someone to root more, and when to practically shove me over laughing.
At this point, I just need to say thank you to NBRC for getting me to bite the bullet and read The Gentleman's Guide, because I loved it!

Discussion Questions September 16th. Chapters 18-20 pages 265-346.

21. Mateu Robles isn't dead and we find out what is inside the puzzle box. Were you surprised by what Dante explained happened? Were Dante and Helena correct in keeping this a secret?
I wasn't terribly surprised. I don't blame Dante and Helena at all since I imagine it's a pain to constantly be lied to and used by everyone you happen to meet.

22. Monty finds out the cipher to get the Lazarus key from Mateu Robles. Why didn't he tell it to Dante or his friends?
I think he was starting to think more of the big picture and what could happen if this got out and someone owned the rights to life and death.

23. Sneaky Monty getting the key out of the box while everyone is asleep. He is almost caught by Helena trying to seduce and then "kill" him. Do you think it's a good thing he didn't give her the key?
I think so. You really don't want the duke to have it no matter what ends up being done with it otherwise.

24. Off they go on their way to Italy and Venice. I'm looking forward to this next part, I hope the promised pirates come into play now. Is there anything you would like to happen? What has been your favorite part so far?
I think I like the party the best so far when he started his transformation.

Discussion Questions September 17th Chapters 21-26 pages 349-412.

25. Gah, foiled again. I'm glad Percy and Monty are finally starting to talk about their feelings. Do you think they will get together eventually and stay together?
I think they will. They seem to be moving in that direction.

26. Yeah, pirates (sort of), I do love some piraty action. Do you like pirates? Do you have a favorite book/movie that features pirates? Do you like how they are portrayed in this book?
I'm still rather fond of Captain Jack Sparrow in the original movie. I'm ok with pirates. Maybe space pirates would be best.

27. What do you think of the way the author handles issues like racism and homosexuality?
I think it's done in a decent way. It's good that different people understand things differently. It shows some of the issues we have today.

28. I love Scipio and the way he treats Monty. Monty is very insecure and he has some sort of PTSD. What do you think?
I think he'll get there. Just too used to being always put down for anything he does.

Discussion Questions September 18
Chapters 27-30

29. What did you think of Percy's decision to not use the heart for himself?
I think it wouldn't have been the life he wanted if he had. He didn't seem like the type of person to sacrifice another for his own gain.

30. Were you surprised when Helena stepped in front of Monty twice so that the Duke wouldn't shoot him?
Somewhat. She seems like a very conflicted character and not at all sure of what she wants.

31. Monty's father's past certainly explains why he's so tough on Monty- so that he won't make the same stupid mistakes, although that obviously doesn't excuse the abuse. Were you surprised to hear about the things he did? What would you do with that information in Monty's position?
I'm not exactly sure that's why he's so hard on him. I get the feeling it's trying to maintain his own image of perfection rather than to try to protect Monty.

32. What did you think of Helena's decision to burn the heart?
That's the best way to keep it safe and keep the knowledge out of anyone elses hands.

33. If you were Felicity, would you stay with the pirates/privateers and learn to be a surgeon, or would you return home?
I'd probably stay and be a surgeon but then again I decided to become a software engineer as a women so I don't shy away from male dominated fields.

34. What are your final impressions of the novel?
I liked it though there were some parts that I found kind of slow. The end was better I feel than the beginning and middle.