gdp's Comments

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Trickster's Choice': Chapter 7

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 20:54:39 +0000

This actually aligns pretty well with my feelings to this point in reading these books (I've read them already, but only once). I'll say no more because spoilers and expectation etc etc etc, but I'll be interested in discussing as we reach the end of the Aly books with you and everyone!

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Trickster's Choice': Chapter 5

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 15:13:35 +0000

What an interesting point! I never considered it, but wouldn't it be interesting if they counted with a different system.

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Untold': Chapter 11

Tue, 5 Nov 2013 18:32:58 +0000

That is a great point.

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Untold': Chapter 11

Tue, 5 Nov 2013 18:31:36 +0000

Never complain about glorious sunshine, Mark!! So lovely! I love the detail about how aged Kami’s father seems. I’ve seen it many times in my own life, where a truly tolling event can make someone age years. “All the trees were bare and lonely as abandoned bones.” I kind of love dormant winter trees. I have a bit of a book crush on Rusty. Haha. No shame. Awww, “and cried instead” --- poor Kami! Kami!! It is a worthwhile thing to know, and an admirable thing to be!! Aww, Rusty is so nice to Kami. I do love him. Also I love his tee shirt. Points for Rusty. Wait, attempted comfort hugs? More points for Rusty!! So nice and adorable. He seems a little miffed that she didn’t let him hug her. OOoooOO. Broad across the shoulders is one of my things. FallingforRustyandDoNotCare. The name Rusty is a little ridiculous though. Whatever. Also paroxysms of idleness is a great turn or phrase. Whoa wait a minute. Punches are flying! What?? I guess maybe he was miffed at the perceived cause of tears. Ugh fighting makes me nervous. The descriptions of the sounds are what get me. Ha, disappointed grandfather. Eww, teeth. “I was thinking that he made Kami cry.” Awwwwwww. Hahahahaha. “You have to use a firm hand.” Hahahahahahaha, the most gentlemanly grabbing ever is like ballroom dancing. Love it. “Are you overwhelmed by my rugged masculinity?” “No no, keep going on about that.” Hahahahahaha, Rusty I love you.

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Lady Knight': Epilogue / Prediction Wrap-Up

Fri, 1 Nov 2013 17:15:01 +0000

This is amazing work.

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'A Clash of Kings'

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 18:10:50 +0000

I agree, I'm actually interested in the way religion is depicted in these books, because to my reading, i'm seeing very pronounced allusions to major iterations of predominant religion in our own real world. I definitely agree that the Old Gods of the North are a pretty good analog to pagan religions. The Celtic and Britannic pagan religions are the ones I know the most about, so that would heavily inform my reading, but there's a lot reminiscent. Here's where I'm differing from the comments above,e, though. (In sweeping terms, I'm no historian)...Before Christianity arrived, those ancient religions were already dying out to be replaced by the pantheonic religions of conquering empires, namely the Roman empire. Some of the northmen call themselves "men of the old blood" or "descendents of the first men" and make references to theSoutherners (even those not living that far south) as being "newer" -- I'm reading this as heavily influenced by the way the Roman empire conquered most of Europe eventually, and how people of many descents settled and stayed and "bloodlines got mixed". I read the Seven, with distinct entities and gods, as being a Roman-esque religion with a pantheon of gods. (I can definitely also see the "fole-based" nature (ex. the mother, the maiden, the warrior) as being similar to Christianity. Makes me think of the way that Christianity believes in one god, but also gives him/it several personas (ex the Trinity of father, son, and holy ghost), and also acknowledges other sacred entities, like the virgin mary (the mother, anyone? or maybe maiden, who knows). Finally, I'm obviously agreeing with Melisandre's Lord of Light as a direct anaglog to Jesus and a Christian religion. I think this one is the most obvious, and I also think it fits the best. In the real world, Christianity is a religion that started in the East. In Rome, it was then a small, minority that was severely persecuted, but then gained a lot of power and spread pretty rapidly. I feel like in this analogous reading of mine, I'm seeing Melisandre's religion in that stage of Christianity - it's been a small faction in Westeros, but now seems to be growing in power. If Stannis takes the Iron Throne (as some later roman emperor's ended up adopting Christianity and making it the official religion) we might even see a further analog. Obviously I'm aware this review is ancient and no one is here, but I am currently readnig ASoIaF, and I came back to read Mark's reviews. Wanted to just put thoughts into words. I'm currently almost done with book 4.

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Untold': Chapter 6

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 19:24:45 +0000

Can I just say, Mark and all, that while I have not been free enough to comment, I am listening along to the videos!! I ordered a copy from the library, but there's a wait list of holds. So Mark, I'm using you as the most delightfully unprepared audiobook narrator (videobook? Your facial expressions are an amazing contribution) ever. Thanks for doing this, and thanks to those who commissioned to make it possible. I'm one who really appreciates it!

http://markspoils.blogspot.com/ : Geeky Weekly Funtimez

Sun, 27 Oct 2013 14:04:22 +0000

Oh my gosh, YES (actually NO I feel your pain). This happened to me a few weeks ago. It was horrible. The internet explained to me that I should try washing with things like alcohol or milk, which I did, but it didn't help except in the moment. I had painful burning hands for about 16 hours. I admittedly have really sensitive skin, so I hope you recuperated faster! Your recipe sounds great, I was making a chicken chili :)

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Lady Knight': Chapter 13

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 13:44:07 +0000

I've never seen "the old internet joke" -- that's great!

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Lady Knight': Chapter 12

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 20:23:54 +0000

Love this comment - that ultimately it wasn't the Chamber's instructions specifically, but Kel's very nature and her love for her people. (Maybe it was all fate all along, who knows.) This is a powerful, important distinction that I've never thought about explicitly before - thanks for pointing it out!

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Lady Knight': Chapter 12

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 20:21:37 +0000

I have considered it, just musing to myself. A LOT of people!! 25 or so, I believe (A squad of the King's Own is 10, right?!! just up and disappeared in the night (or daybreak, whatever). I think Wyldon will just kind of roll his eyes - because it would be his job to be the commander of the fort and be upset or exasperated, but I don't think he actually would be...in fact, it might assuage some of his guilt that his bigger orders and priorities, and distracted mind led him to act in a way that (to his mind) caused Kel to put herself in a reckless path. Raoul I htink will be quietly amused and pleased. I LOVE his jolly self. But I think he's too worried to be properly jolly. I think he'll be happy that his squad didn't end up being the only ones to head out to help her. Basically I want to see this fic too.

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Lady Knight': Chapter 12

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:27:15 +0000

"Our bro days are over" Love it. Because I actually like to think of Raoul and Wyldon as friends...not best friends, certainly, but maybe the kind of co-worker friends you really respect and tend to get along with well. LOVE Dom and his squad. Good on you, boyos.

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Lady Knight': Chapter 11

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Wow, thank you for sharing your experience and some insight into you husband's experience. How heartbreaking. I'm rather affected by what you've written, so I don't know that I have anything eloquent to say, but I'm currently thinking of you and your family, and sending good wishes to you and your husband, for what it's worth. I hope each day is just a tiny bit easier, better, more "normal," just an iota, and that they someday add up to positive change.

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Lady Knight': Chapter 11

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 16:34:17 +0000

Thanks for sharing! What an asset this must make you where you work. I'm glad to hear you've had recognition from your coworkers and managers!!

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Lady Knight': Chapter 10

Wed, 9 Oct 2013 17:27:42 +0000

You still hear spelt, and less frequently see it in writing, in the New England area. (Although I'd agree it's not standard American English these days - sometimes I think the "old New England Yankees" like to stick to their roots just because.) One generation up from me in my family, any word that's - - - ll gets the "t" instead of the "ed" in the past tenses. Like, "Don't cry over spilt milk!"

Mark Reads : Mark Reads 'Lady Knight': Chapter 10

Wed, 9 Oct 2013 17:11:45 +0000

Ah, I know both of these stories!! I think I've usually seen them called "The Swan Princess" and "The Seven Swans"

http://markspoils.blogspot.com/ : Geeky Weekly Funtimez

Tue, 8 Oct 2013 02:42:51 +0000

Me too. I can't believe how long it too me to notice!!

http://markspoils.blogspot.com/ : Geeky Weekly Funtimez

Tue, 8 Oct 2013 02:39:51 +0000

Hi there!!! Sorry to have fallen off the bandwagon (came back to find this post, hope you see it!) The truth is, I got busy and fell behind. THEN I had a terrible week and ended up spending a whole weekend day finishing this book. Which overall I liked very much (a little bit to my own surprise), and which improved the week for sure. So now I'm done. And still busy. I didn't write reviews as I was going, and life's still a little chaotic. But if you're still writing reviews, I'll hunt them down. It was a good recommendation I probably would never have picked up on my own, so THANK YOU!!

http://markspoils.blogspot.com/ : Geeky Weekly Funtimez

Tue, 8 Oct 2013 02:25:33 +0000

The Knightley guy is veeerrryyy lovely, I agree :)

http://markspoils.blogspot.com/ : Geeky Weekly Funtimez

Tue, 8 Oct 2013 02:24:23 +0000

I haven't read Emma in ages and ages and ages!! Maybe it's time for a reread.