Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

This thread is open to discuss Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire.



Synopsis
eneath the Sugar Sky returns to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children. At this magical boarding school, children who have experienced fantasy adventures are reintroduced to the "real" world.

Sumi died years before her prophesied daughter Rini could be born. Rini was born anyway, and now she’s trying to bring her mother back from a world without magic.

      ~ Buddy Style Reads ~
    Three Ways to Enjoy a Book!

At NRBC we use three styles of buddy reads. These will be indicated in the thread title as “Buddy Read”, “Relaxed Buddy Read” or “Informal Buddy Read”.

A “Buddy Read” has a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book. More information about these types of reads is below. An example is here, showing a reading schedule here.

A “Relaxed Buddy Read” is similar to our usual “buddy reads” except there are less questions and break points. For example, a book may be split into three sections and those reading the book should pause at the end of the section to answer some discussion questions, make comments, or ask their own questions to other readers. An example is here.

An “Informal Buddy Read” doesn’t have a discussion leader and participants are asked to consider some generic questions when making comments about the book. An example is here.

A “Read and Watch Buddy Read” may be set up as any of the above, but we will also watch the movie or T.V. series - or even go to a play! - and make comparisons, discussing what has been left out or changed as well as the actors and actresses. There is a long debate of what one should do first: read the books or watch the movie? We usually read first, but it isn’t essential. Also, if you would like to join in, but don’t want to watch the movie, show, or play, but only read the books, that is fine, too. An example is here.


MORE UNDER SPOILER
(view spoiler)[

“Buddy Reads” (“BRs”) include:

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   sequels come out. This helps us to remember what exactly happened in the previous
   book.

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   sentences about a book. We feel this is what distinguishes us as being a ‘book club’
   rather than just another GoodReads ‘group.’

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   set up to make it easy to do so.

• Moderators are people too, so occasionally we get sick, have to work late at our real
   jobs, or have something that keeps us from writing the questions. Please forgive us;
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• Discussions and questions are set up to make you think, analyze, and see things you,
   or even we, may have missed. Feel free to add your own thoughts at any time, if you
   think we've missed something.

• If you've read the book, feel free to let us know what you thought about the book.
   You can do so at the end of the buddy read, or, if you can't wait, add spoiler tags
   before you comment like:

   **************BEWARE! SPOILER FOR THE END OF THE BOOK**************

   Or insert a (view spoiler)[spoiler (hide spoiler)]. If you do NOT know how to do so, just check out our
   GoodReads 101 explanation on how to Insert a Spoiler.

• If you are looking for a reading buddy, post an inquiry in our Buddy read requests thread. Use that thread, if you want to have a repeat read of a BOM
    or buddy read, too.

• Have fun! We always do when more than one person joins in. And we look less silly
   if someone else discusses a book with us. (hide spoiler)]

res

I think we should start this book in June (Maybe 14/15?), so everyone who is still reading book 1 and 2, can catch up.


Team Hermione Granger

sadly i can't read it until mid july bc of the 6 months rule but i'll definitely be hanging around the thread regardless :)

Definitely joining this BR. Mid-June is fine for me :)

TEAM HERMIONE

I'm looking forward to reading Sumi's story. I'm fine starting whenever. I got a copy from the library, but it shouldn't be an issue to renew it if I need.

Team Severus Snape

just finished Down Among the Sticks and Bones!!! I got a couple of BRs lined up already... would June 20 work for you guys?

Team Lockhart :)

I have 2 BR starting on 20 June. I don't think I can handle 3 BR at the same time xD (25 June 1 BR)

But I can start 2 days after that or some days before 20 June.

I might have to start a little earlier, which should be no problem :) My library hold came in yesterday, so I have it for 20 days.

I'd like to join and as I have the book ready, I don't mind starting earlier.
I promise to use spoiler tags :)

I'm team Filius Flitwick.

June 22 would work great for me :P

I'm in!

I know I'm early, but my book's due in a few days, so I started :)

So far I'm liking this story and being back in this world. I had a hard time with the way book 2 was told, and I realize I like the way this book and book 1 are told.

Through Ch. 3

(view spoiler)[Love how Rini just dropped into the turtle pond and she seems to have no qualms about being herself, but a little sad that she doesn't seem to have any concern about Sumi...although if I were disappearing slowly I might not be concerned either ;)

Had to chuckle that Christopher kept Sumi's hands...odd, but expected in this story! (hide spoiler)]

I'm getting started on this book now. I really liked the rhyme at the beginning. Also, the introductions in these books read a bit like poetry. I really like that.

Like Snowtulip I had issues with the narrative style of the last book, so I'm hoping to like this one more.

Part I
I think I like the books set at the school better than in the worlds. This one is drawing me in and I'm already enjoying it.

(view spoiler)[Cora seems like an interesting character. I like the idea of her being a mermaid. I'm wondering if this will be Sumi's daughter Rini's story told through Cora. Every Heart a Doorway was a bit like that; it was Nancy's story and it wasn't Nancy's story. I'll be interested to see where this story goes. I enjoyed Rini's entrance into the turtle pond, where her sugar dress melts.

I'm wondering if we will get to see Jack and Jill in this novel. (hide spoiler)]

Part II
So far this may be my favorite of the books.

(view spoiler)[I wasn't expecting to end up in Nancy's world, but it was nice to see her happy there. I'm a little sad for Kade as he is clearly attracted to her. I didn't feel like I understood the worlds and logic and nonsense after the first two books. Traveling to the worlds in this one I'm getting a better feel for the worlds and how they relate to each other.

I didn't really like Nadya, but her staying in Nancy's world was not what I expected. I hope she is able to find her way home.

I would not want to fall into the strawberry soda sea. And I'm glad Cora was there to save Christopher.

The ending of this section with them being surrounded and arrested seems bad. I hope they can find what Sumi needs and leave. (hide spoiler)]

Annalisa wrote: "Part II
So far this may be my favorite of the books.

"

I agree (view spoiler)[, I was happy to see Nancy enjoying her world and being at piece, definitely an interesting world :)

Also agree on getting glimpse into the different worlds and how they connect, and how some are closer than others and therefore maybe easier to get to by proximity.

So far it's like this bizarre road trip! (hide spoiler)]

Starting this too !
I'm so happy to go back to the school !! I missed it in book two.

Up to chapter 3

(view spoiler)[I really like how diverse the characters are. We have sexual orientation diversity, ethnic diversity but also body shape diversity. It's important to have all kinds of diversity in a book, and not just focus on one kind.

It's interesting that some kids go to worlds that correspond somewhat to their cultural background: Christopher the mexican to Mariposa (= butterfly in spanish) a place with walking skeletons. It reminds me of the Mexican holiday, the day of the dead or something like that, where they use the kind of skeletons imagery. And Nadya the russian to Belyrika (=white river in russian).

The plot in this book is really interesting too. I'm loving it. And Rini is so funny. ;) (hide spoiler)]

chapter 6

I love (view spoiler)[The creation story of Confection. It's awesome, so creative. I love it ! (hide spoiler)]

I am going to start is soon. Like I understand right now action takes place in school again *YEY for that*. Also, I would love to see a mix between school and someone's world.

Excited :D

Snowtulip wrote: "I know I'm early, but my book's due in a few days, so I started :)

So far I'm liking this story and being back in this world. I had a hard time with the way book 2 was told, and I realize I like t..."

I agree with your comment about(view spoiler)[ Rini not seeming concerned about Sumi. (hide spoiler)]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ Foxgard wrote: "Up to chapter 3

[spoilers removed]"

You are so right (view spoiler)[I hadn't really thought about the diversity in this book. It feels right. I like that we have it and I think more books should have it. Our world is a diverse place. Thank you for pointing that out. (hide spoiler)]

Part III

(view spoiler)[I wondered if the Queen of Cakes had maybe stepped through a door that wasn't meant for her. However, that doesn't seem likely.

Christopher's bone flute being made from his bone was a surprising development. I know he always has it, but I had never thought that it might have been taken from him. Getting to know the backstory for Christopher makes me like him more than I already did.

I have to admit the concept of baking a world seems very strange to me.

I also like how each of the characters that came on the adventure seem to have something they can give. (hide spoiler)]

I'm finishing up another BR tonight and will start with this one tomorrow night at the very latest! can't wait! I loved to hear we're back in the school for this book :)

Part IV

(view spoiler)[The Baker was not what I was expecting. I like the idea of baking Sumi a new body though. It seems right for her. There is one chapter left, but I feel like this section is really the conclusion to the book.

I really like Sumi's first comment when she wakes up after coming out of the oven. "I was dead a second ago, and now I'm naked," she announced. "Do I need to be concerned?" Off to finish the last few pages now. (hide spoiler)]

Part I

I am already loving the book.

(view spoiler)[I love the diversity in characters, that they are all so different and that in this school it doesn't matter at all.
I like Cora, she is really likable. And Nadya is so Nadya.
Rini - falling from sky to turtle pound and not having any problems with being naked - girl have some courage. (hide spoiler)]

Part V the ending. This is my favorite of the books.

Chapter 13 (view spoiler)[I liked how we got to see both sides the door that takes Christopher, Sumi, Kade, and Cora back to the school. Rini and the baker are back in their proper timeline where it is the future and Rini can go back home to both her parents. Christopher, Sumi, Kade, and Cora go back to the school, which is the past for Rini. There we see Sumi and Eleanor reunited. Also, I liked that we know that Sumi will be able to go back to her world. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14 (view spoiler)[I wasn't sure if the book would have closure for Nadya's story but it did. Also, that last little bit added a lot to her story. I didn't realize she was missing a hand or that she had been "saved" from drowning and that was what pulled her out of her world. I'm glad she got to go back and be with the turtles.

I at first thought that Jack might be the one to bring life back to Sumi, however, I'm glad we didn't end up visiting the moors in this novel. (hide spoiler)]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ Foxgard wrote: "Up to chapter 3"

First, when I saw Belyrika (=white river in Russian) I didn't see it. But after separating the words "Белая река", I was like yes, it is. LOL

Annalisa wrote: "Part IV
"

Yes (view spoiler)[ I really liked the baker, too ! She's absolutely not what I expected and I'm glad. Another character who adds diversity to the mix.
I really liked Sumi in the first book. I'm glad she remained just as quirky and her death didn't change her. (hide spoiler)]

Annalisa wrote: "Part V the ending. This is my favorite of the books.

Chapter 13 [spoilers removed]

Chapter 14 .."

I also thought (view spoiler)[ we would end up in the moors for a minute. It would have made sense after all: in that world they know how to bring people back to life.
But then I got to think about it and going to the Moors would have meant facing Jill, Sumi's murderer. Maybe not the smartest idea... (hide spoiler)]

Elen wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ Foxgard wrote: "Up to chapter 3"

First, when I saw Belyrika (=white river in Russian) I didn't see it. But after separating the words "Белая река", I was like yes, it is. LOL"

Sorry I miss-spelled it. It's actually bellyyreka. I know "река" is supposed to be pronounced "rika", so that must be why. haha
I just noticed immediately and I thought it interesting that the one russian character was also the one to go there. Is there something cultural that decides in which world they belong?

I finished the book. :D

(view spoiler)[Being able to travel to all these different worlds and not just hear about them from the children was fascinating. It just shows how complex this constellation of worlds Seanan McGuire created is. They are all so very unique. I love it.
I also loved going back to all the characters I loved from book one (well, except Jack and Jill. But because we got a whole book about them I think we can forgive her that ;) ). And Rini was a great addition to this crazy band :D (hide spoiler)]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ Foxgard wrote: "Annalisa wrote: "Part V the ending. This is my favorite of the books.

Chapter 13 [spoilers removed]

Chapter 14 .."

I also thought [spoilers removed]"

It seemed (view spoiler)[like a logical conclusion to visit the moors at the beginning of the book. However, I quickly realized we wouldn't be going there. Like you said Sumi's killer is there. This was a much happier story that it would have been if there had been a visit to the moors. (hide spoiler)]

Part II


(view spoiler)[Google Maps is coming to rescue. lol *I had to write that*
I love, love that they are traveling between words and the first one they visited was Nancy's world. I was really happy that Nancy is happy.
Creation of Confection - really interesting historical story of its creation. But I don't want to live in the candy world. (hide spoiler)]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ Foxgard wrote: "Elen wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ Foxgard wrote: "Up to chapter 3"

First, when I saw Belyrika (=white river in Russian) I didn't see it. But after separating the words "Белая река", I was like yes, it is...."

Good question. Maybe in some part they culture have an impact, but not a big one. Yes, I am also curious how they doors choose them - what trait should have and not to be in this particular world and not in another..?..

Part III


(view spoiler)[Now I understand the world more clearly - Nonsense, Logic and in between of them.

I like that Cora is the main storyteller.

The Queen of Candy - Don't like her at all. She is just cruel to her people.

I wouldn't want to live in the world full of candy and sweet things.
(hide spoiler)]

Annalisa wrote: "Part III

."

Christopher (view spoiler)[is ending up as one of the my favorite characters in this world. He has the level of romanticism I like, and I'm super curious about the rest of the story. And knowing his flute is made from his bone just adds to it! (hide spoiler)]

Part IV and V

I loved this book, best of them all. I enjoyed the school and world in one book combined. Seanan writes so beautifully and good.

(view spoiler)[Cora still has really big issues about her body - it's sad, bc everyone is so loving and kind to her.

“I was dead a second ago, and now I’m naked,” she announced. “Do I need to be concerned?” - Best quote in the book!!! (hide spoiler)]

Thru Part II/Chpt 6 -

(view spoiler)[Loved being back at the school, even if only have a short while. Especially love "seeing" Christopher & Kade again, & that they have large roles in this story.

Rini is an interesting character & does remind me a lot of Sumi but I still don't understand how it is that she's actually there. I did laugh when she said that her mom & dad had sex & that she was born as the explanation but I still don't get it. I guess it's like an alternate time-line?

Was not expecting to see Nancy again in this series. Thought her story was over and done with so it was a nice surprise. Didn't expect Nadya to stay behind, thought Christopher would've been the one to volunteer since it was closer to his world. He's one that I'm really rooting for - to go back to Mariposa. Hope by the end that that will happen *fingers crossed*

Love that they are able to travel to the different worlds but how can it be that easy with Rini's bracelet? (hide spoiler)]

Annalisa wrote: "Part II
So far this may be my favorite of the books.

"

(view spoiler)[Agree, it's much easier now to understand how the worlds are connected in the whole scope of things. (hide spoiler)]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ Foxgard wrote: "Up to chapter 3

..."

(view spoiler)[I didn't get that about the worlds/cultural references. I thought it was based on what the kids desired/where they felt they belonged but can see how that would relate to their cultures. Very interesting! (hide spoiler)]

Thru Part 3/Chpt 10 -

(view spoiler)[I am so loving Cora, Christopher & Kade! Cora's a little fighter, loved that she didn't cower when she confronted the Queen & that she just wanted to save the day :) Her & Christopher seem to have a nice bond.

Had no clue the bone flute was actually made from Christopher's bone. Thought he had gotten it from Mariposa but it makes sense that he's so attached to it. (hide spoiler)]

I was in the minority liking book 2 more than 1, but I have to agree that this is probably the best in the series for me so far! Each has a different feel to them with this one being the most whimsical IMO.

✿ Claire ✿ ~ Foxgard wrote: "Up to chapter 3

I really like how diverse the characters are..."

I know, right?? I love how inclusive Seanan McGuire /'s writing is, I'm really starting to wish I could meet her and give her the tightest hug ever!! she makes me feel so much better about humankind!

when I started reading the "prologue" I immediately felt this pain in my chest. I got reminded of the first book of the series; especially of (view spoiler)[Loriel, and how her door has always been there, her "adoptive mum" waiting for her, and she just never spotted the door because it was so tiny. I didn't realize exactly how deeply Every Heart a Doorway affected me, but I'm still heartbroken for Loriel. (and for Kade 3) (hide spoiler)]

so, onto this book... PART I

I like (view spoiler)[Cora already. she seems like such a lovely girl. it pains me to know that she got teased about her size in her old school, but I'm glad to know that her peers at Wayward don't see her that way. the scene between her and Christopher literally running into each other must be my favourite so far!

also, Rini falling from the sky out of nowhere and her dress melting in the turtle pond was kind of hilarious :D (mostly Cora's and Nadya's reactions to her /not minding being naked in front of the two girls and then even in front of the boys)

"You are not a cake, you're a human being, and I can see your vagina!" - *shrugs* "It's a nice one. I'm not ashamed of it." (hide spoiler)]

Finished yesterday. Thought it wrapped up very nicely.

(view spoiler)[The whole timeline thing still sort of baffled me...very Back to the Future-esque. Sumi being back at the school, this time knowing she would eventually go back to Confection, would've made her a lot more bearable :)

Was not expecting to see a conclusion to Nadya's story but glad that she got her happy ending. Was REALLY hoping for more for Christopher or Cora so hopefully we'll get those resolutions in future installments! (hide spoiler)]

Annalisa wrote: "Part IV

..."

That was probably the funniest line in the book!

✿ Claire ✿ ~ Foxgard wrote: "Annalisa wrote: "Part V the ending. This is my favorite of the books.

Chapter 13 [spoilers removed]

Chapter 14 .."

..."

(view spoiler)[That's where I thought they would go after getting Sumi's spirit back. But thinking back now, Jack could only reanimate if not much time has passed so wasn't likely. (hide spoiler)]

Christina wrote: "when I started reading the "prologue" I immediately felt this pain in my chest. I got reminded of the first book of the series; especially of [spoilers removed]

so, onto this book... PART I"

I loved that line, it made me laugh so hard :D