"Among the Sticks and Bones" by Seanan McGuire

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"Among the Sticks and Bones" by Seanan McGuire

Post by gali »

Read-A-Long of Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire.
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Post by Gravy »

Started it!
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Post by gali »

Gravy wrote: 23 Oct 2018, 21:46Started it!
I did too and read a couple of chapters.
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Post by Gravy »

I love the structure of the first few chapters in this one. The "once upon a time" style of it. ❤❤❤
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Post by gali »

I do too!

I am now on ch 4. I reached the part where they found the door.

Spoilers up to ch 4:
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The kids' parents irritate me. They remind me of the saying: "The gods send nuts to those who have no teeth". They do NOT fit to be parents. I don't like that they each tried to mold the girls in their images. Jack was always dressed as a princess and hated it, Jill was dresses as a boy and didn't like it either. The author managed to convened the idea of gender role very well. One can make a girl wear a dress or wear jeans and cut her hair, but that doesn't change their gender identity. Jack is the princess and Jill, the tomboy, but each is the opposite of that rule.

I also didn't like how they took use of the grandma and then kick her out when they didn't need her no longer.
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Post by Heidi M Simone »

Gravy wrote: 23 Oct 2018, 21:46Started it!
Me too! :mrgreen:
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Post by Heidi M Simone »

gali wrote: 24 Oct 2018, 05:19 Spoilers up to ch 4:
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_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_

The kids' parents irritate me. They remind me of the saying: "The gods send nuts to those who have no teeth". They do NOT fit to be parents. I don't like that they each tried to mold the girls in their images. Jack was always dressed as a princess and hated it, Jill was dresses as a boy and didn't like it either. The author managed to convened the idea of gender role very well. One can make a girl wear a dress or wear jeans and cut her hair, but that doesn't change their gender identity. Jack is the princess and Jill, the tomboy, but each is the opposite of that rule.

I also didn't like how they took use of the grandma and then kick her out when they didn't need her no longer.
I also just finished chapter 4!

I like the quote, "The gods send nuts to those who have no teeth", and it seems to fit very well.

Oh boy, these parents. They are so irritating and ridiculous. To think that people want kids as accessories and a way to be the center of attention is crazy and annoying. Tossing out their grandmother was also something that bothered me. The least they could have done was talk to the grandmother and maybe just have her take care of the kids part-time, if she wanted to and not just push her out so quickly. She was probably the only adult that the kids had who had some common sense.

Also, I don't like how the parents tried to mold their children. Talk about damaging children and their sense of identity! However, I do agree that the author captures the idea of gender roles well.

To be honest, I am loving the beginning of this book more than the first book. I love the background building of Jack and Jill and the way it's being told. It has a bit of A Series of Unfortunate Events feel to the writing style. What I also love is understanding a bit of the Moors. I'm betting the man they meet in the Moors is their future "Master".
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Post by Heidi M Simone »

Gravy wrote: 24 Oct 2018, 03:19 I love the structure of the first few chapters in this one. The "once upon a time" style of it. ❤❤❤
I love it, too! :D
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Post by gali »

I finished chapter 6. You are right in your guess.

I love the writing as well. :)
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Post by Gravy »

I also just finished chapter 6!


It's interesting to see how Jack tries to protect Jill.
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Post by Heidi M Simone »

Okay, I just finished up to chapter 6, too!

It is interesting how much Jack tries to protect Jill. I also liked seeing the backstory we got from the first book play out here. I'm referring to where Dr. Bleak said to the Master that it's good to keep Jack around as a way to draw blood and guarantee the survival of Jill. It's so sad, but seemed like this is what convinces the Master to keep Jack safe. Also, when the Master shared that Jack is always welcomed back, it gave me a bad feeling. It might be okay, but it just sounded a bit creepy.

I love seeing how the molds that their parents tried to force upon the twins starting to break down and now I think we're going to see how they became who they were in book one.

Jill's connection to the Master was also interesting to see. Jill always felt second best and that was the impression she received from the Master as well. He felt second best when Jack chose Dr. Bleak instead of the Master. I wonder if this part of the Master and Jill's relationship was a big factor as to why she wanted so desperately to return to the Moors in the first book.
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Post by gali »

Well said!

It is interesting how their rules changed and the tomboy became a princess and the princess became a tomboy, though she still had cleanliness issues. Neither were taught to love or care for others by the adults of their lives.

I finished the book and loved it. My rating is 4 our of 4 stars. The ending connected to the first book and complete the circle. I think this book would serve better as the first book. I will wait for you to finish the book, though, before commenting any further.
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Post by Heidi M Simone »

gali wrote: 27 Oct 2018, 05:29 Well said!

It is interesting how their rules changed and the tomboy became a princess and the princess became a tomboy, though she still had cleanliness issues. Neither were taught to love or care for others by the adults of their lives.

I finished the book and loved it. My rating is 4 our of 4 stars. The ending connected to the first book and complete the circle. I think this book would serve better as the first book. I will wait for you to finish the book, though, before commenting any further.
Thank you! :tiphat:

Nice! I have a feeling that my thoughts will be similar to yours when I finish. :D I'm not quite there, but will comment when I do.
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Post by Heidi M Simone »

I just finished, too!

That's a good observation - neither was taught to love or care.

It was such a good book and I thought this would be a better first book, too. I didn't feel confused, like I did in Every Heart a Doorway. Also, I was completely captivated the entire time and looked forward in picking up the book and continuing to read. It does end nicely and definitely deserves a 4 out of 4 stars!

I'll also wait to comment further until we're all done. :)
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Post by Gravy »

Finished as well!

I'm so glad you both enjoyed it so much. :D

I'm thinking we may get another book with Jack and Jill, maybe taking place after the events in Every Heart a Doorway...

I would love to see what happens when they go back.
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