Apoorv ’s Comments (group member since Mar 26, 2014)

Apoorv ’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

This was a fabulous challenge, kudos to the Mods again for coming up with a well thought out challenge. And special kudos to Angie and Jenny for being true champions. They had the answers ready even before the question was asked. Apologies for being a rotten co-captain this time - real life really took the mickey out of me, but the few moments in the day when I got to come here was very refreshing.

And this was the most dedicated team I have ever been part of. Everyone wanted the team to do the best and it showed throughout. I am sure I will be running into all of you in these GoodReads aisles - till then happy memories from here! :=)

Team Empire State Building
Discussion Questions - Day 3 Chapters 20-30

10. "Art is coincidence. Love is Chaos."
"Art is a small break from human despair."

Do you agree? Discuss these quotes in relation to the book and real life in general.
I do believe that art has the power to soothe. It may mean differently to different people - but art heals! Similarly love has the power to make or break you - sometimes it is can be the despair, but often times it is the respite.

11. We still don't know the artist's real name and now we find out he isn't even in the picture! What do you think is the author's intention in regards to the Artist's role throughout the novel? And how about the significance of the title of the picture, " The One of the Sea instead of the Artist's thoughts it should have been called, The Boys and Her?
The elusive name truly baffled me at this point because we were told the story from the artist's perspective, but never truly knew who he was. I do believe that this was an intentional choice made by the author. Speaking of choices though, the name of the painting definitely did not work for me prima facie. I loved your suggestion about it being titled The Boys and Her, but then on further thought The Sea started making more sense - he was well and truly the sea who somehow always remained in the background, unassuming but assuring.

12. Louise asks Ted, "Were you two a couple?" In light of how the relationship is written were you surprised by his answer?
I was but that was because I was shipping the two of them together - it was a selfish wish. In reality, it was a triangle of sorts, Ted felt for the artist, but the artist's muse was always Joar (and Joar had the eyes for Ali). This dynamic is what was formative for their friendship, so any tweak in it would have possibly ruined it all.

13. This novel is full of big emotions, real life hardships, death and tragedy but connected and possibly redeemed by the beauty in meaningful and fragile human relationships. The Artist and his friends, Christian and the Artist, Ted and the Artist, Ali and Joar, Ted and Louisa, Fish and Louisa... Which relationship has made the most impression on you? Which one do you think is pivotal to the storyline?
It is to the author's credit that he has managed to individualize each of these relationships. Obviously Ted and Louisa is the primary duo and the story gets told through their lenses, but I am particularly fascinated by the tiny glimpse of the equation between Ted and the Artist AFTER they grew up. I would happily read their story of those years because there is a yearning there that somehow is very impactful.

14. Chapter 30 - Louisa leaves the picture then gets off the train when Ted is asleep. Did you see that happening, what do you think will happen next? Ted and Louisa reconnecting or big tragedy? (More tissues needed!)
I did not want that to happen, but there was always a point where the penny dropped or something drastic would have happened. Louisa was always at flight risk, but she kept getting weaved into this story and somehow that may have scared her at this point because she is in pain and her natural reaction is to avoid any onset of one.

Team Empire State Building
Discussion Questions - Day 2, Chapter 12-19 18-37%

#5. Joar mentions that his mom thinks the best invention in the world are pockets. I have seen a Meme that says a woman, when complimented on her dress will reply “It has pockets.” I love a good pocket. How do you feel about pockets?
LOVE pockets. Obviously, as a man who typically wears clothes designed for men, it is rather easy for me to say pockets are the best - because they are such an obvious part of the clothing. But, they surely are a gamechanger.

#6. I must admit I am confused and intrigued about the artist. Who do you think the artist is? What is his or her significance in the story?
I think I kind of figured out who the artist was given the initial interaction - but I liked how that interaction in fact was. Their significance to the story is definitely key because Louisa is going to get roped into the actual behind the scenes of the story and the artist is part of it all.

#7. I am loving the banter between Louisa and Ted. Louise is so precocious. What do you think of their relationship? Any ideas of what is to come between the two?
This is what Fredrik Bachman does wonderfully well - his dialogues are always crackling. I think they have a weird older brother-younger sister dynamic, which is playful, teasing, but almost paternal. I hope that they stay in each others lives - both of them need each other.

#8. In Chapter #19 we find more about the mentioned Ali. What is your impression of her? Any guesses on what happens next?
That was certainly an interesting addition. I kinda liked the 3 characters and wasn't looking for a 4th member, but the introduction of Ali surely changes the setup. And it is for the best, might I add. She brings in a much required center of gravity that was needed for the three guys who would have floated away as time passed.

#9. Fredrick Backman has a way of pulling at your heartstrings. In Chapter 19 I both cried and laughed. The children's stories are both heartbreaking and heartwarming. How are you feeling about the book so far? Are you enjoying it?
I am liking it - I haven't wept as I normally do in all Bachman books, so this one is hitting me a little less than usual. So far, not his best work - but I still love everything he has to say.

Team Empire State Building
Discussion Questions - Day 1, Chapters 1-11 (1-18%)

1. Warm-up question: have you read any other books by Fredrik Backman before? If yes, what do you like/dislike about his themes/style, etc.?
This is is my 7th Fredrik Bachman book, so it is safe to say that I am a fan of the man's work. I relate to his sense of humor and there is a certain level of wry commentary in his books that appeal to my sensibilities.

2. In the first chapter we are introduced to quite a memorable auction scene with super-rich people who all want to possess THE PAINTING, though their intentions are questionable. Did this make you think of some similar events happening in the world right now?
Absolutely. As much as you try and keep art away from reality - with everything happening around the world right now, it surely is difficult to distance them. And I won't be surprised if Fredrik was slightly influenced by them while writing this as well.

3. "Artists vs Normal People" - another aspect of these first chapters is the great divide between true artists and normal people. Backman seems to suggest that most people don't/cannot get true art and artists are so much more different (possibly better people?). Do you agree with this? Or is it a generalization?
Different? Yes! Better? That is subjective. But I absolutely believe that any artist (could be any form of art) has a better appreciation towards the finer things in life that non-artists do. There is an ability to appreciate the mundane and find beauty in it, which most people lack. I don't think the author was suggesting that artists are better than non-artist people, but they most certainly have an evolved sense of everyday things.

4. In a sequence of weird events, Louisa ends up in possession of The Painting.
Any guesses what may happen to her and to it?
The way she got the painting was most certainly hilarious. And I really hope that she gets to keep it and appreciate everything that the artist experienced to paint it.

Bonus Q: do you have a favorite artist or a favorite piece of painting/sculpture?
Apart from the obvious Van Gogh's and Monet's - I appreciate Raja Ravi Verma's work. There is certain sensuality to it while embracing the subtle beauty of the muse or the subject.

Hey team, I am about a quarter way through the Egyptian author book, will likely be done tomorrow (ish) - but anyone has an Egyptian author book, please feel free to do a switcheroo and take the spot.

I might be able to get to a Greek author book, but it will be a couple of days till I get it from the library. So, if someone jumps on one before that, please go ahead.

Team Empire State Building
Discussion Questions Day 3

10. As we reach the halfway point I am seeing more and more similarities to the Amelia Peabody series. Is anyone else finding this. Does this affect your impression of the book?
Haven't read the Amelia Peabody series, unfortunately. But now I am curious what the similarities are.

11. We have been introduced to a number of Characters is there anyone that particularly stands out?
Honestly, no real standouts so far! But, I am curious to learn more about the parents story - what happened to her father? What did her parents get into? That piece of the story is interesting to me. the ongoing narrative is okay at best.

12. We have been introduced to Isadora and her Father. Why do you think he doesn’t let her out of his sight?
He seems like an overbearing father, but I guess for the time period this is is set in, especially for the girls, it was hardly any freedom to venture out on their own. But, Isadora seems like someone who will play an important role in solving this mystery - so hopefully we will see other dimensions to her story as well.

13. Inez seems to be attuned to Cleopatra and sees some of her memories. If you could choose to see one memory of a historical figure whose memory would it be?
It would be Shivaji Maharaj who was a great warrior in India.

Team Empire State Building
Discussion Questions - Day 2
Part One, Chapter 6 - Part One, Chapter 12

6. In this part Inez spends some time with Mr. Hayes. What did you think of their afternoon in Cairo? Did you enjoy their banter?
It surely was sweet. There were a lot of funny moments and I think it worked. There chemistry hasn't been established very well yet, but I love a slow burn and a hate-to-love trope, so hopefully the rest of this relationship is done well and has a lot of banter.

7. After sensing familiar magic from an old trinket, Inez buys it and later has a vision of Cleopatra. What do you think this vision means? Do you believe Cleopatra’s burial site can only be found with Inez’s help?
I am a little hazy on the magic system yet - but yes together with the trinket, the box, the ring Inez can be the link to get to Cleopatra's tomb. There was a reason that her parents categorically refused for her to come to Cairo and maybe it was the fact that Inez has some deeper connection here that could land her in trouble with people hunting for the tomb.

8. Every now and then, the point of view shifts briefly to Mr. Hayes. Do you enjoy these moments from his perspective, or would you prefer the story to stay entirely with Inez?
It is perfectly fine and give us a different point of view towards the narrative, something that Inez may not be privy too, but they are a little too short for his perspective to be established.

9. Inez finds a letter from her mother, in which she suspects that Tío Ricardo is involved in illegal activities. Does this letter, along with the boat conversation Inez overhears, make you suspicious of Tío Ricardo? Or do you think he’s not responsible for Inez’s parents’ murder?
While whether they are dead or not is questionable, I do think that he is involved in some capacity towards their disappearance. He may not be the antagonist here, but he isn't clean as a whistle either.

Team Empire State Building
Discussion Questions - Day 1
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?
It was not necessarily a showstopper of an opening line for me, but it was surely different than how most books would start. Plus, it propelled the reader right into the story, so I guess it did its job while being a little eye-grabbing.

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?
It sure did not seem like it was purely out of concern and care for her. If it was, he would have at least bothered to come receive her after what I can imagine was not the easiest of journey from Buenos Aires to Cairo back in the 1800s. He surely has something fishy going on, but he might also be embroiled in something nefarious, but may not necessarily be a bad person (or at least I hope so!)

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?
Oh the ring definitely will make an entrance again - as will Thomas Sterling. Maybe it is wishful thinking, but I almost think this can turn into a three-way situation with Inez and Hayes. Hehe!

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?
The writing definitely flows smoothly and I like the pacing of the story as well. There is a good amount of details provided before the story moves along to the next situation. It certainly is not noteworthy or outstanding in any way, but haven't had any issue with the writing so far.

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?
It will enhance the experience for me if it is in fact done well. The story can be elevated if the author stays away from stereotypical tropes and weaves the magic with the politics in a way that advances the story. But things could very easily become unrealistic if not done well. So far, the book is perfectly serviceable and I like what is happening.

Ugh, just had finished a Japanese book by a Japanese-born author 2 days ago. :(

Angie ☯ wrote: "Question for everyone

Do any of your books that were completed on 6/1 or after, have a river on the cover?"

The BOTM potentially has two rivers (if we can call them that) - I was planning on reading that later this week - but can jump on it, so we can complete Nigeria. But, if some of the faster readers get to it before me, please switch it up.

Vicki wrote: "My cap shows 30 and my books read for this round so far shows 6, but I've only read 5. Maybe I got someone else's book count/points added to mine somehow? The only other thing I can think of is tha..."

Vicki it does seem like you have finished these 6 books.

- Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter | 17May2025
- Houseboy | 17May2025
- Written in Red | 17May2025
- The Golden Doves | 18May2025
- The Turn of the Screw | 18May2025
- The Revenge Pact | 20May2025

Your challenge shelf also has these 6 books marked as read.
Let us know if any book got marked complete by mistake.

Jenny wrote: "Less than a day left until we start!!

Sharon and Apoorv, I cannot find your TT shelves. Can you link them here for me please?"

My shelf is already on our spreadsheets! :)
Challenge-NBRC-TTXI

Volunteering for DQs - Team Empire State Building :)

Carrie wrote: "Apoorv - I think we did Cutthroat together maybe??"

Yes, indeed! Team Longclaw!
That was one wild challenge with all the fines and sabotages. Hahaha!

Angie ☯ wrote: "Apoorv! I thought it was you and Jenny that would be answering all the difficult questions!! Lol!

I think that I've been in challenges with everyone on the team at one time or other, except you. F..."

I KNOOOOW! We keep being on opposing teams across all these challenges across the groups - but now the GoodReads Gods will finally see the supernova of fun that erupts when they put us together on one team, Angie.

Also, it just seems like Jenny has to do all the hardwork after all - which works out just as well, if you ask my lazy ass! LOL! :P

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you singular powerhouses out there.
Thank you for making the world infinitely better with your grit, compassion, and unadulterated love.

Vicki wrote: "Apoorv, I have been waiting for your post so I could just laugh and enjoy your presence. You always bring such fun to challenges with your quick wit and fun nature. Thanks for making me laugh on Mother's Day first thing in the morning!"

VICKIIIIII!! :D
I was so thrilled to see that we are on the same team. You are a hoot and I love sharing challenges with you. The stories of your grandkids and the doggos always make me happy. Excited to hear more about them.

This is going to be a fun fun challenge - I can feel it in my bones (or it could just be that I slept weirdly, but anyhooo)! :=)

Angie ☯ wrote: "

Do we want to try to win this thing, or concentrate on having fun. Of course, there is no reason that both can not be true!!!!."

As someone who is part of the reigning champion team, I would like to continue the streak! *not so humble brag* :D

Now, would you look at that! All the cool kids from GoodReads have assembled here like the Avengers! :P This is going to be one heck of a fun time because I know/have been on teams with pretty much everyone here at some point and know for a fact that all of you are AWESOME!!

I am Apoorv, live in Boston (MA), originally from India, and a GoodReads team challenge addict (yes, yes, I know! But so are all of you, so this addicts assembly is really just a party :P). This is my 8th Tower Teams (refer to the addict statement above) and I have had a blast every year all the way back to 2014.

I read pretty much everything (except maybe Self Help, because I mean look at me - do you think this fabulousness needs any help?! :P) and I am particularly a fan of reading books from different countries. Have a personal on-going globetrotting challenge and have visited 87/195 countries through literature so far. So, I am definitely going to be digging into those "hard" countries a bit through this challenge. Know any authors from Vanuatu, anyone?

In real life, I managed to travel to Qatar and Vietnam last year, and it was an enchanting experience. Geographically distinct countries, yet, both have a beautiful culture and some of the most gorgeous nature, Absolutely delightful.

As for this challenge, as we have established, Angie and Jenny have it all under control and will do all the answering of the difficult questions and I will sit here and look pretty! :D

THIS. IS. GOING. TO. BE. THE. BEST. CHALLENGE. EVER!
Brace yourself!