Nirupama P.R.V.'s Blog: Catty Opinions of a Book Loving Couch Potato, page 6

Monday Motivation

Invisibility

What does being invisible mean? Who can’t be seen? Or who is inconspicuous?

Today’s post delves into this very aspect as part of the Hercule Poirot challenge. The theme is invisibility.

The Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie uses the technique of ‘Invisibility’ in many of her books. Below are a few examples.Hiding in plain sight is employed in the story the Case of the Missing WillBeing inconspicuous is referenced in the Broken Bird, the Harley Quinn mystery.The Nemean Lion is a fine example of Invisibility with two Pekes, instead of one.It is also similarly used in the Unbreakable Alibi, in the Tommy and Tuppence storyAunt Jane Marple is a character who practically symbolizes Invisibility- she is frail, stereotypically Victorian and hardly synonymous with anything more heinous than gossiping. Yet, from the first story of Tuesday Club Murders where she first murmurs, ‘you have forgotten me’ , one is spell bound at her deft unmasking of a plethora of crimes.

My fan girl monologue and gushing done with, we come to the actual book I want to talk about.

For today’s Hercules challenge, I want to reference the book ‘Romancing Mr. Bridgerton‘ by Julia Quinn.

(Spoilers alert)

Colin’s discovery of Penelope Bridgerton as Lady Whistledown is excellent. Because along with Colin, the reader can positively recall so many examples where clearly the “author” of the famed gossip sheet could have been none other than Miss Featherington.

Assembling the various snippets in the three books that come before pieces by piece, one realizes that with all the hints taken together, we really ought to have known by then and yet didn’t. We are all as naive as the Regency members! Sigh!

And amazingly, all those little hints and snatches of prose help to savor the previous books more the second time we dive in. I refuse to believe that no one went back to recheck the relevant passages of only to scratch their heads and think – how did I miss that? I sure did. Not to mention, it heightened my appreciation when I did that.

Which brings me to the other aspect of Invisibility that Penelope had. She was inconspicuous but yet not. She was a wallflower, shy and thus, overlooked. That gave the mantle of Invisibility and allowed her easy access to so many bits of gossip and intrigue. But she was also the one who was most picked on, a favorite of bullies and snobs. A fascinating study in ‘now you see me and now you don’t‘ and definitely a treat for readers and students of literature.

What is your opinion of my assessment? Agree or not? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Also, what story have you read that follows the ‘Invisibility’ theme? Let me know.

Disclaimer/ Rant:

I have to state here that I have not watched Bridgerton – the TV series. I was excited when it was announced in the author’s blog (with Julie Andrews possibly voicing Lady Whistledown). But frankly the reviews have only underlined my belief that ‘the book is better than the movie version’ . Can we please leave the books alone in future? Stop ruining it! Agree or not?

Social Distanced Walk in the Woods

Last weekend, we went for a walk in the trails in Delaware. On the occasion of meeting close family (also following austere lockdown measures)- this was a lovely way to get some exercise and soak in some sun.

Plus, it felt amazing to truly be out in the open like we used. (Even with the masks and sanitizers and social distancing).

A few pictures of our walk in the woods.

The weather was glorious!

It was our toddler’s first (gasp!) nature trail walk!

The pier was simply a stunning shimmering blue!

The sun too was the right amount of heat and radiance!

I truly did not whether to gaze at the cool water, the trees around or the sapphire skies!

What can I say? Can’t wait to do more!

What do you miss about travel and outdoors with lockdowns? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Monday Motivation

Savoring Books- Hercule Poirot Style

Have you read the book Labors of Hercules by Agatha Christie?

Staged as 12 cases of Poirot that closely follow his Greek namesake, the novel is a remarkable study in crime, intrigue and human psychology. Written by Queen of Crime, Dame Agatha Christie, the book inspired me to use the concept to kickstart my own writing challenge.

This self imposed challenge is called Poirot Book Review after the famed Belgian (fictional) detective but is inspired by the wonderful blogger over at Great New Reads. The rules are simple- to write about my favorite books and stories as long as they closely follow the same theme or principle as the stories in the book.

For this challenge, here are the associated themes I am using:

 Nemean lion– invisibility Lernaean Hydra – rumorsCeryneian Hind – magic Erymanthian Boar – mighty adversaryAugean stables- force of many Stymphalian birds – deceptionCretan Bull– madness Mares of Diomedes– addictionHippolyta– ArtGeryon – Flock or FollowersHesperides– treasure Cerberus– Hell or Underworld

I am so excited to start the challenge and review a book on each theme.

If you find it interesting, join the fun along with me!

Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation

#ChooseToChallenge

Keep your head, heels and standards high!

– Coco Chanel

Happy International Women’s Day!!

Reading Challenge Updates- February

Hey there everyone! How is March shaping along?

For me it has been marching off at a frantic pace. March always speeds by for me-

we barely start before International Women’s Day arrives and I ponder over this year has reassured me that when my daughters will go to college and work, it will be a far less biased and more encouraging place for them!While still in that contemplating mood, Daylight Savings commences here in North America, and my schedules go out of f whack!Before I even surface from that change, news of Spring break arrivesAnd bam! All Fools Day is here!

Anyone else feel that way?

That’s why I like reviewing my reading in the month that passed. No matter what happens, that small win helps me anchor myself to the fact that small consistent steps work! They help build momentum and a sense of accomplishment and that pave the way for success!

February was a good month for reading for me. Despite being the shortest of the year, I stuck to my goals and finished three books.

Here’s what I devoured in the month of Love:

I was highly recommended The War of Art several times in the last year. Since I did not get around to the even ordering the book, I decided to give the summary a try. (Free and offered via my local library in ebook format). I have never read a summary style book before, so this was another learning for me. These are good!

I had started Nir Eyal’s bestseller a few years ago and unfortunately other priorities prevented me from finishing it. Well, I did it! I managed my attention and cranial blazes long enough to read the whole thing. It is awesome and now I truly want to read the author’s other splendid work “Hooked” as well.

The next one is a collection of HBR articles – needless to say; it was amazing!! Each article was a gem and I can’t wait to read more of this series.

What have you been reading? How’s your reading coming along?

Monday Motivation

“Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets planning.”

Monday Motivation

Start Healthy, Start Now!