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Infinite Country by Patricia Engel | Thoughts

   Published : 2021   ||    Format : print   ||    Location : Colombia ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆   What was it about the country that kept everyone hostage to its fantasy? The previous month, on its own soil, an American man went to his job at a plant and gunned down fourteen coworkers, and last spring alone there were four different school shootings. A nation at war with itself, yet people still spoke of it as some kind of paradise.. Thoughts : Infinite Country follows two characters - young Talia, who at the beginning of this book, escapes a girl’s reform school in North Colombia so that she can make her previously booked flight to the US. Before she can do that, she needs to travel many miles to reach her father and get her ticket to the rest of her family. As we follow Talia’s treacherous journey south, we learn about how she ended up in the reform school in the first place and why half her family resides in the US. Infinite Country tells the story of her family through the other protagonist, El

LOTR Read-Along: Continuing the Middle-Earth adventures

I had forgotten about posting this up, so here it goes.

This month, Teresa @ Shelf Love is hosting the Readalong for the second book of the LOTR trilogy. I am yet to open the second book, but I am pining more that ever for some Middle-Earth love! What is it about Tolkien's books that make me want more every time I read it?

As with The Fellowship of the Ring, I have already read The Two Towers thrice. I like how the camera shifts among the different groups (after having been split). By the time I am done re-reading this one, it's going to be hard choosing my favorite character of this book. I loved all the characters every time I read this, and found their myriad adventures thrilling.

Here's the cover of my book. Not one of my favorite covers, this one shows the new steed of the Ringwraiths, the fearsome creatures that emit a shrilling noise, which puts terror into every person who hears it.

Anyways,Shelf Love  has asked a set of interesting questions, for this month's read.

Where are you in the trilogy right now? What do you think of the books so far?
I'm just beginning with the second book of the trilogy, and can't wait to continue with this awesome journey! As always, these books are majestic! The journey has been well-captured, the excitement and fear during the adventures well-written, and the characters well-etched! I haven't yet watched the movie of The Fellowship of the Ring, but plan to do so this weekend, hopefully.

What’s your past experience with The Two Towers? If you’re rereading, how does it stack up against the other two books?
The Two Towers has been one of my favorites, because it lets me bond greater with some of my favorite characters - Pippin and Merry, the Elks. In addition, I quite enjoyed the focus on the people and life of Rohan. All in all, I think this is a great book, both in the plot lines as well as the connection of the readers with the several characters that have pivotal role in this book.

If you’re a first-time reader, what big questions do you have at this point? What are you hoping to see Tolkien deal with in The Two Towers? If you’re a rereader, what are you most looking forward to?
I know I'm looking forward to every bit of the book, so this is a very hard nut to crack! :) If I had to choose, I would point out the scenes with the Elks, that was quite fun to read! I especially loved the long drone of the Elks, wishing each other Good morning/Hello!

What about the movie? If you’ve seen it, what did you think of it, and how much do you think it will color your experience with the book?
I literally saw the movies first, so ever since I started reading this series (for the first time), every character resembled their on-screen actors. There was no other way I ever portrayed the various events that happen. But then again, where the book and the movie deviates, my mind has been pretty agile in conjuring up the images without any trouble. The movies probably influenced my imagination, but never obstructed my interpretations. On the other hand, I recollect very little of the movies to remember exactly where the two depart. Probably I should re-watch and then comment!

Comments

Tales of Whimsy said…
I seriously need to read this some day.
Athira said…
Juju, You should give it a try! :)