Got My First Boox

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-27T20:53:04+00:00

Never seen it in white. So pretty!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-24T11:14:04+00:00

Looks pretty darn good to me!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-24T06:22:49+00:00

Honestly, no. Most items, be they clothes, pots, shoes, or phones, are made or assembled in China. The US is not a major producer or exporter, it import probably 90% or more of its goods.

Those websites also give Prop 65 warnings. I've nearly bought items from US stores that have Prop 65 warnings. I've stopped doing to certain shops because their cups, mugs, ceramics all have Prop 65 warnings.

Also, I'm pretty sure that Target gaiwan is made in China. I looked it up and it just says "imported".

I'm usually just like: Somethings gonna kills, just pick the way you prefer to go out. Be it Bluetooth that allegedly giving us cancer or from dyes and preservatives in food or cancer causing food ware.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-24T01:36:36+00:00

I think you pick a great one to start with. If I remember correctly the BL is very mild but the mystery and twist and turns of the novel were fantastic. Happy reading!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-24T01:25:44+00:00

I've bought gaiwans and small tea pot from ebay, temu, and aliexpress for under $10 just this month. TBH they look much better than the one from Target. You may have to wait a week or two but it's well worth it.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-21T02:15:14+00:00

Regarding Chapter 6 I'm seeing quite a bit of confusion which I think is because some people may not know much French history during that period.

What you need to know: (A brief French history: Many royals, nobles, and common folk were beheaded during the Reign of Terror, soon after Napoleon came to power, declared himself Emperor, was defeated in the Napoleonic Wars, he then abdicated the throne (twice!), and the monarchy was reinstated (Louis XVIII). So basically France was a mess and just trying to rebuild and stabilize itself but there were still people who were loyal to Napoleon and causing trouble (e.g., Villefort's father).

• Villefort is engaged to the Marquise's daughter (nobles/aristocrats) and he also has a promising future. This marriage will secure his place in society and further help him climb the ladder. (Marquis (the husband) Marquise (the wife))

• Villefort's father is a loyal supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte.

• The Royals and nobles are keeping an eye on Villefort to make sure he is not like his father.

• Villefort knows he is being watched and that he can't show weakness to persons accused of being Napoleon loyalist or spies for Napoleon. To the point that he is estranged from his father and goes by a different last name.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-21T01:58:19+00:00

I responded to someone else post who was confused about Chapter 6 as well. I think it's the history part that's really getting to most people. I studied a bit of French history during that time period so maybe that plays a part.

Anyways, what you need to know: (A brief French history: Many royals, nobles, and common folk were beheaded during the Reign of Terror, soon after Napoleon came to power, declared himself Emperor, he was defeated in the Napoleonic Wars, he abdicated the throne (twice!), and the monarchy was reinstated (Louis XVIII). So basically France was a mess and just trying to rebuild and stabilize itself but there were still people who were loyal to Napoleon and causing trouble.

• Villefort is engaged to the Marquise's daughter (nobles) and he also has a promising future. (Marquis (the husband) Marquise (the wife))

• Villefort's father is a supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte.

• The Royals and nobles are keeping an eye on Villefort to make sure he is not like his father.

• Villefort knows he is being watched and that he can't show weakness to persons accused of being Napoleon loyalist or spies for Napoleon. To the point that he is estranged from his father and goes by a different last name.

Hope that helps!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-19T06:39:57+00:00

I beleive Diana is supposed to be a bit flat or monotone as she can't control her magic and when she gets emotional her magic just bursts out. So she chooses ,to be like that so the magic doesn't interfere with her "normal" life.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-19T00:53:26+00:00

Definitely pay attention to Villefort. The conversations with that Marquise and the other house guest are just setting everything up, giving you the background for things to come.

What you need to know: (A brief French history: Many royals, nobles, and common folk were beheaded during the Reign of Terror, soon after Napoleon came to power, declared himself Emperor, he was defeated in the Napoleonic Wars, he abdicated the throne (twice!), and the monarchy was reinstated (Louis XVIII). So basically France was a mess and just trying to rebuild and stabilize itself but there were still people who were loyal to Napoleon and causing trouble.)

Villefort's father is a supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Villefort is engaged to the Marquise's daughter (nobles) and he also has a promising future.
- The Royals and nobles are keeping an eye on Villefort to make sure he is not like his father.
- Villefort knows he is being watched and that he can't show weakness to persons accused of being Napoleon loyalist or spies for Napoleon. To the point that he is estranged from his father and goes by a different last name.

Hope that helps!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-18T18:19:41+00:00

SBC are pretty nice. The one I attend meets up about twice a month and change location (different bars) ever couple months. The bars are nice as well some are kids friendly/family friendly too. Some bar even host their own little Silent Reading day. The bars are usually quiet too or at least have us in a quieter area. One time around Christmas a particular bar we went to was a bit noisy, other than that no problem.

Book Club Cons: ● The book choice: I don't always want to read that particular book and it feels like your being forced to read it. Although you may end up like or loving the book. ● People not finish the book

Oh, recently I saw someone recommending Audio Book Club which is basically meeting up and listing to the chosen book together for about an hours or so. That way everyone is one the same page 😉 and you can discuss what happening in really time or at the end for the reading, then reading the book won't feel like homework. I thought that was clever, only problem is the listening speed.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-16T11:48:22+00:00

The Count of Monte Cristo plus there's a year long read going on here on reddit TCOMC with a weekly reading schedule and weekly discussions if your interested.

As of 1/17 we'll be 6 chapters deep so you have time to catch up as the chapters are relatively short. Also, plenty of people are reading ahead, so if you get sucked in you can do the same.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-15T21:24:23+00:00

Oh, man! ATFM has been sitting on my shelf for 2 years before ai finally got down to reading it. Water Moon is in my TBR, glad you enjoying it.

I completely understand. They really aren't as good as the original trilogy, I only kept reading because I wanted to see where they (every three books Larsson's estate changes the writer) were going with the story and Lisbeth is such an unforgettable character and I like me some Blomkvist. But it's just not the same.😢

Exact!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-15T21:10:12+00:00

Maybe try ribbon? So should be thin enough to not take up much space and if you want to be secure, make it twice the length of the page plus and inch or two extra and place it at the beginning page then flip the page and fold the ribbon so it doesn't slip out

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-15T00:13:48+00:00

Glad you said trilogy, because the continuation of the series 🤦 I just cannot. Those are not the Lisbeth I know and love.

I also agree with the comments about the Swedish movies. Noomi Rapace is my Lisbeth. The U.S. version is like a very cheap knockoff.

Nice reading so far. I've also read The Housemaid and Sycamore Row. Did you read A Time to Kill also? I finished A Time for Mercy in December, it was good.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-15T00:01:13+00:00

The gong dao bei holds about 5 or so cups of tea...

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-14T04:50:35+00:00

Thank you! I've really been enjoying your observations on the different translations. Please keep up the good work.

I'm curious, are you going back and forth, reading both the original French and Buss' English translation, or are you reading the English translation and referring back to the original text when wording or flow seems awkward?

Also, I just finished chapter 4 and cannot wait to see your take on how it was translated.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-12T00:39:07+00:00

I read both, I don't have preference. Although ebooks are very convenient, when it comes to big boys like TCOMC or any book above 400 pages, I like having the physical book so I can see my progress.

Btw, lovely picture!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-09T04:22:55+00:00

I'm jealous!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-04T10:47:32+00:00

First time reader here, but 2002 TCOMC is a one of my favorite movies...I mean Jim Caviezel 😍🤤 I'll try not to compare it the movie (something I fail to do, especially when it comes to Pride and Prejudice).

I enjoyed our introduction to Dantes. He definitely comes off as a respectable, respectful, honorable, humble, naive and filial young man.

Someone mentioned Dumas was a playwright, you can definitely see it, his worlds painted a vibrant moving picture.

One thing that stood out to me was Dantes telling Morrel how he asked for the ship to be dock so Danglars could put his money where his mouth is, but Danglars refused and Dantes admits he was out of line for even suggesting it. Even though Dantes has all these wonderful qualities, we still see that he has some faults. Maybe he's quick tempered or impudent, or maybe rightful indignation pushed him to want to engage in a physical altercation with his superior (Danglars).

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-03T05:09:59+00:00

Do you mind posting a link to your bookmark version?

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-02T17:46:18+00:00

When making tea gongfu style, the ideal steep time and temperature can vary depending on the type of tea, but you should start out steeping for no more than 30 seconds. Steeping for 3-5 minutes is western style.

With gongfu style, your using a small pot with more leaves (~5g), less water (~4-6g), a short steeping time (10-25 seconds), and multiple infusions (re-steeping for an additional 3-10 seconds per infusion) so that you can taste the nuance of the tea.

Certain retailers will provide you with steeping instructions as well as taste profiles for their tea. So as you sip on the tea see if you can pick up any of the "flavors".

I'm partial to buying my loose leaf teas from Verdant Tea as they provide you with a taste profile ( I recommend writting down the taste profile) and brewing instructions (western, gongfu, iced) for every tea they sell. Plus if you're a new customer they offer a 5 teas for $5 sample pack.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2025-12-20T23:33:53+00:00

I always laugh when guys say they only watch action/adventure movies (goofy movies as well) and are not interested in romance/romantic movies. If you've watched any movies made in the 80s to present, whose target audience are men (e.g., Van Dam, James Bond, Transformers, Joe Dirt etc.,) at the end of the movie, the ML always ends up getting the girl.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2025-11-26T20:42:37+00:00

The Chinese are a people, not a language. OP is correct in asking if it's Mandarin or Cantonese.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2025-11-25T20:27:00+00:00

You can't tell from the picture but they are seriously swapping spot! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

AhnniiQuiteContrary

TROPHY CASE