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

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

Moonlight Reader wrote: "Book: The Con Man
Author: Ed McBain
Date read: 6/2/17
Pages: 214

Several years ago Amazon put the 87th Precinct novels that have been released in kindle format on sale & I bought a ton of them. This is the second one I've read. Stylistically, these are very different from modern police procedurals, with very stripped down language and character/narrative arcs that don't extend beyond a single book. I'm interested to read a few more to see how McBain's style changes over the years that he was writing his series."

Oh, this is genius!
I have been on the lookout for the longest continual series there was ever written, and I always thought Terry Pratchett's Discworld and Nora Roberts' In Death series are right up there, but this is amazing. 55 books in almost 50 years is fantastic! :)

Discussion Questions #1
Section: June 5, 1922 - An Assembly
Pages: 1 - 76

1. Do you have much previous knowledge of Russian history and politics in the early 1900s? How does that affect how you feel at the start of the book? (Note: Wikipedia states there was a Russian civil war in 1917 followed immediately by a Revolution from 1917 to October 1922 - which is the year our book starts.)
I do have a little bit of background knowledge about the Russian revolution and the black period that the country faced during the World War I and the Revolution. I absolutely loved how that fact played brilliantly in the book. I did feel that there could have been a little more about the Count and how the poem came into being just to smoothen out the start, but I was fascinated by the subtle gentlemanly attitude of the words on the page from the get go.

2. I got a bit of a "Little Princess" vibe when the count was banished to the attic of the hotel. And there is a great section on saying goodbye to people vs. saying goodbye to possessions. "We carry them from place to place, often at considerable expense and inconvenience;...all the while allowing memories to invest them with greater and greater importance....But, of course, a thing is just a thing." What do you think of the possessions he elected to take with him to the attic? If you were in a similar situation, what is one thing you would for sure take with you?
That piece about biding adieu to people vs possessions was beautifully crafted. And it is so true. We get tangled with things and it becomes extremely difficult to part ways with them, which really is funny, because they are things afterall. But, such is the human nature. The Count came across as very nonchalant or cavalier through the trial and the judgement, but I liked how this gave us a small peak into the sentimental side of him. Yet, his practical side remained intact when he let go of his possessions given the size of his confinement chambers.

If I was ever put under house arrest similar to the Count, I would carry with me blank papers and many pens, and write down everything that comes through my mind during that stay.

3. What do you think about the Count and his reading habits? Specifically - how he is struggling with the Essays and how he likes to tilt back his chair. Can you relate to either or both of those?
I found that very relatable and funny at the same time. Just like how he had to re-read a few pages to understand what he was reading, I have had to do that many a times, simply because the mind drifts at times, or there are many thoughts crowding your head. Reading really needs the right frame of mind and right mood, or one needs to read the right books that can bring their straying mood back on the right track.

4. The Count has to decide how he will handle his confinement. He thinks of favorite literary characters, and finally decides he will commit to practicalities. What do you think that means, and is there anything he does in this early stage that you particularly admire?
I definitely admire how he took his confinement in its stride instead of sulking about it. He re-arranged and re-decorated his small space to suit his needs, and made sure the quarters were livable. I think that is a very positive sign as to how he looks at this unfortunate arrangement.

5. Why do you think it is called "A Gentleman in Moscow" instead of "A Count in Moscow"? Just because it sounds better, or do you think there is a reason? Do you find him an appealing character so far?
The Count is truly a gentleman. (To top that, I find the language and the narrative equally gentlemanly and posh, which accentuates the narrative quality.) I definitely think the Count is a very peculiar personality and he is much more than just his honorifics and title.

6. Nina (the little girl in yellow) seems to be an important distraction. What is your impression of her so far? Do you think she will be an important character?
I started off getting irritated with his attitude, but then she is grew up on me. She definitely seems to have a bigger role to play in the narrative and the Count's life.

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Discussion Questions #2
Section: Archeolgies – 1924: Anonymity,
Pages. 77-145

7. A Gentleman in Moscow references a lot of famous Russian literature (War and Peace, The Brothers Karamazov, Anna Karenina, etc.) and famous Russian authors (Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, etc.). Have you read any Russian literature/any of the books the author cites? How is this novel similar or different to these works?
I had read Fyodor Dostoyevsky's 'The Idiot', many moons ago, but I haven't read a whole lot of the Russian giants, purely because I do think that the literature is very rich and needs a certain amount of patience, time and commitment towards completion. I would want to give these books that, so hopefully I will turn back to these in the near future when I am able to fulfill my commitment towards them.

8. The Count met a large cast of colorful characters in this section. Which encounter, vignette, or flashback was your favorite? Which one struck you the most?
This indeed was interesting. I definitely liked Mishka, and am very curious to see how that relation unfolds, but what I really loved was when the Count got to go to the roof with the handyman and feel the world outside his confined space. I do believe that there is no greater joy than being free and I was glad that the Count got a chance to experience that.

9. What do you think of Anna Urbanova? Do you think she will reappear in the story later?
Anna will definitely return, but I am not her biggest fan purely because she came across as a bit pretentious. Now, I understand that being an actor, that's the job. But she felt snotty and spoilt and it didnt create the greatest impressions on me.

10. The Count believes Anna has cast a sort of spell on him that is turning him more ghost-like. Is there evidence to support this? The Count vividly describes friendship in the last chapter of this section, Anonymity (on page 134). By his description, do you think the Count has any remaining friends?
This is a tricky one. I want to say that the Count does have some friends left, but its hard to say so for sure. Either way, I do think that he will make a lot of friends or acquaintances at the Metropole. Regarding Anna, I think he is just enamored by her. I don't think its quite love yet, but there isnt really any evidence yet to support any of what he thinks about her.

11. The wine cellar seems to be a turning point in the Count’s perspective on his imprisonment. What did you think of his description of the wines? What are your thoughts on the Bishop? Do you think that he really orchestrated this change out of spite, or was it higher officials that brought this to pass?
The Bishop is one cheeky little pain in the butt. He may not necessary have been responsible for the change and I do think this came up from higher up, but he is no Mr. Goody-two-shoes. I don't drink wine or any alcohol for that matter, but it is always fascinating to learn about different things and I absolutely loved the various descriptions of the wines.

12. The narrator has a couple of lively footnotes in these chapters. Do you think the narrative voice is the Count, or someone else? How are the narrator and the Count similar or different? Do you think the Count is as happy or vivacious as the narrator seems to be?
I love footnotes in general. So, I do think that this was a smart play by the author. Having said that though, I am disconnected when I look at this only through the narrators perspective. I dont think or feel that they are in sync together and that sort of throws me off. The narrator is way to happy for what the Count may feel (and given the description of the Count, I am almost certain of his personality) given the situation.

13. The chapters in this section foreshadow the Count attempting suicide. We were left on quite a cliffhanger! What do you think has driven him to this point? As we are getting more of a window into his past, do you have any theories as to why the Count returned to Moscow in the first place? How do you like the Count as a protagonist thus far?
I do like him as a protagonist. He seems to have a level-head on his shoulders and is aware of his surroundings and himself. I have a slight theory about why he would have returned to Moscow, but I am not certain yet. Something major will happen in the future for the Count to even consider suicide, or maybe confinement finally did get the best of him.

There you go. The spreadsheet should now account for all the books read.

Jenn wrote: "Last tower teams there was a spreadsheet and we could have 6 tasks at a time and every time one was completed it autoloaded a new task. I kind of liked that because it gave bonus points and it kind..."

Wasn't that Gladiator Games?
That was one of the best challenges I have played in, and I loved it exactly for that reason. It was a Spreadsheet magic (nightmare?), but the concept was fabulous!

AFAIR, TT3 had some Australia Day challenge and a Scavenger Hunt, and TT4 had a 25-day challenge and a couple of mini challenges. (I will have to wrack my brain or go check my old spreadsheet for the challenges in TT2), but I do think there are always these small little mini challenges spread throughout.

OR
I can be completely on a tangent and have no idea what I am talking about.

Its a 50-50 chance, guys! :P

I am sure (hoping?) there will be tasks added to the challenge in the next month, if not in May. Tower Teams traditionally has had challenges interspersed during its run, so hopefully this time is no exception.

Kait wrote: "... Horror isn't for me. Psychological horror definitely isn't for me. However, I live in Maine so Stephen King is everywhere so I picked it up anyway. I was slightly familiar with the history behind this book but having read it and reading more about it... O.o I bet it was cathartic to write! "

Haww! 1 star! :-(
I LOVED this book. Now given that I absolutely psychological thrillers, but I loved it specifically for how Stephen King created Annie Wilkes and her craziness. She was creeeeeeeeeepy!

Maddison wrote: "Is there a page minimum for this? I'll post this completion just in case, but this one's only 100 pages."

The page limit is 100 pages or 25,000 words. This seems to be right on the edge, so I guess it should be fine!

Donna wrote: "Everyone, I am really sorry. I can't promise to check in for at least a few days. My daughter found my husband out cold & not breathing in the back yard. Thank God, I made her take a CPR certificat..."

I am so glad to hear that he is stable, Donna. Please don't worry about anything, and thank you for informing us. I hope he recovers soon and is back at his best in a jiffy. All our positive prayers are with you. Stay strong! :)

Start - Page 1
Ends - "Before Mae could unpack any of what just happened, a new face was beside her."

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS SET 1

1. ALTHOUGH THIS BOOK WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER 2013 I WAS AMAZED WITH THE OPENING PAGES DESCRIBING THE CIRCLE'S CAMPUS IN LIGHT OF NEWS REPORTS THIS WEEK OF THE OPENING OF APPLE'S AMAZING NEW HEADQUARTERS! WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN REGARDS TO THIS BOOK AND HOW MUCH OF WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE REAL LIFE TECH WORLD DO YOU THINK WILL INFLUENCE THE PLOT LINE OF THE STORY?
Firstly, I have to admit that the description of the Circle Campus in this book is really very descriptive and well-thought. Now it clearly is influenced by both Googleplex and the Apple Park/Spaceship Campus, more so by the former since the book was released much earlier than the new Apple campus, but its both amazing and eerie how technological advances are both astonishing and predictable.

I am almost sure that the influence of what happens in the real tech world will be prominently evident on the book's narrative progress, because the entire world is getting influenced in this influx, and I am assuming this is Dave Eggers' take on how good and bad that is.

2. INITIAL IMPRESSIONS OF THE MAJOR CHARACTERS MAE AND ANNIE? DO YOU GET THE FEELING THAT THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS NOT AN EQUITABLE ONE AND HOW DO YOU THINK IT MAY CHANGE AS THE STORY PROGRESSES?
I am already indifferent towards Mae, as to how unsure she is about herself and how easily she seems to be swept away with anything and everything that happens in her life. While I understand that starting in a job in what is probably the biggest company in this book-universe, she still has to be more grounded if she has to survive and keep her wits about herself.

Annie, on the other hand, is intriguing. She seems to have learned how to play the game well, but may not necessarily have been able to keep her innocence in check, in the bargain. Annie and Mae's relationship is definitely going to go through a sea-change of emotions in terms of competition, jealousy, envy etc. in the remaining book (or so I hope), purely because the environment in which they find themselves now is not necessarily as coy and nice as it is on the outside, purely because it demands a lot, and expects a lot of sacrifice, even at the expense of relationships.

3. DO YOU LIKE THE CONTINUING FORMAT OF THE NOVEL AND THE LACK OF DEFINED CHAPTERS? WHY TO YOU THINK DAVE EGGERS HAS WRITTEN THE BOOK THIS WAY?
I don't! I prefer my narrative's to have a natural start-and-stop nature, because things don't just roll off in regular life. There is an end of a day and a start of a new one. I would like to see that transition even in Mae's life, through this book.

The only reason I can think of as to why Dave Eggers' decided to opt for this style, was to show the reader how overwhelming it gets for Mae in her Circle life. Its a way for the readers to experience the deluge of activities Mae is subjected to in this life.

4. MAE AND FRANK? WHAT DO YOU THINK FRANK'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE STORY LINE WILL BE? DO YOU SEE ANY RELATIONSHIP EVOLVING BETWEEN THEM?
Now this is interesting! I haven't thought a lot about how this relationship would evolve, if at all. But, it started off very uncharacteristically. I do believe though, that this would somewhere be a one-sided thing, with Frank pining for Mae, and Mae aiming for the bigger fish as she climbs up the corporate ladder.

5. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR AND IF SOMETHING IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT PROBABLY IS ARE TWO SAYINGS THAT IMMEDIATELY SPRING TO MIND WHEN READING THIS BOOK. AT THIS EARLY STAGE WHERE ARE YOU IMAGINING THE STORY IS HEADING?
Just based on how Mae is getting sucked into this Circle universe, while being in awe of it, it is only a matter of time when the world turns upside down and she becomes a victim to its antics. The easy surveillance of the world is appreciated when you are the observer, but when you yourself start getting observed, and start feeling like your privacy is getting infringed, you realize how nasty technology can be. I am assuming that is where it all will be headed.

(Its sort of how Anne Hathaway's character, Andy, in The Devil Wears Prada gets sucked into this glam glorious world of fashion, only for her to realize that she is losing out on the personal front and herself in the bargain, and eventually gets out of it to pursue what she really wants without compromising on her self-worth.)

6. DOES THIS BOOK REMIND YOU OF ANY OTHERS YOU HAVE READ OR ARE YOU FINDING THE STORY FRESH AND ORIGINAL?
Not books per say, but this is not a very original theme in terms of how a character gets fascinated by something and then realizing how the outer facade is just that, and its all really rotten and toothy when you see it from the inside. While this angle of the story is used many a times before, the technology aspect might be woven afresh (although even shows like 'Big Brother' uses the concept of 24/7 surveillance).

Alright folks, I can smell the starting line for the challenge now!
Countdown to the Kick-off!

Whether we get a separate thread for posting the books read or not, please let us ensure that our completion posts have the following details in the minimum:

Book Read:
Completion Date:
Rating:
Total Pages:
Points:

We should have our Team Spreadsheet set up sometime today, so we may need to add in a few more details to this, but for starters, let's try and put in all the basic challenge-related information as possible.

For a quick refresher before the start, please head over to the
Point System and Rules.

THIS IS EXCITING! :D
CAN'T WAIT! CAN'T WAIT! CAN'T WAIT! o_0

Maddison wrote: "So what do we actually have to do for this challenge? Just read a book a week? I'm slightly confused."

To keep it simple, all we really need to do is read!
As much as we can, more books better it is. (We don't have to be limited at a book a week).
Every book counts!
-------------------------------------

Now for the slightly longer answer,
Each book that we read has certain points associated with it based on the number of pages that book has:

Books between 100 and 160 pages (100 pages or 25,000 words is the minimum) = 5 points
Books between 161 pages and 350 pages = 20 points
Books between 351 and 500 pages = 40 points
Books between 501 and 650 pages = 60 points
Books between 651 and 800 pages = 80 points
Books between 801 and 900 pages = 100 points
Books over 901 pages = 130 points

Also, there are additional points to be earned for reading the Book of the Month and participating in the discussion of that book.
Writing a day's worth of discussion questions = 40 points
Participating in a current BOM (participating in discussion) = 20 points

So, every book that we read will give the team points, and by the end of it, the team with the most points, wins!

OMG, guys! :D
Thank you sooooo much for the suggestions! These are all new books and new authors for me, and I am definitely going to try and read them through TT5. What's awesome is all of you have suggested different genres, without probably wanting to do so! Love it! :)
Plus, I haven't delved a lot in Fantasy/High Fantasy off-late, this might be my cue! :)

- Balanced on the Blade's Edge | Lindsay Buroker
- Trouble Is a Friend of Mine | Stephanie Tromly
- Crocodile on the Sandbank | Elizabeth Peters
- The King of Attolia | Megan Whalen Turner
- The Monstrumologist | Rick Yancey

Jenn wrote: "I am really like the narrator for the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. She does such a good job with the different characters. "

Jenn, I agree! But the narrators changed atleast thrice for the series, which one do you like? C.J. Critt narrated the first 4 books, Debi Mazar narrated 5, Tanya Eby did the 6th one, and its been Lorelei King since.

IMO, CJ Critt was the best. She created distinct personalities for each character and enlivened them. I havent been fond of the others, not because they did a bad job, but because it wasn't a step above Ms. Critt.

I love this phase when we have everyone trickling in into a new challenge and the excitement is all so very palpable. Welcome everyone! We are sure in for a fun few months with this challenge... it really is just simply "read, read, read", with this challenge.

So, to that point, I am going to ask all of you a question!
Give me ONE book (just one, mind you!), that you would recommend for me to read through the course of this challenge.
Don't worry about the genres (I tend to read everything, some fewer than the others, but I am always willing to expand my horizons to any and every direction), suggest me that ONE book that stole your heart away! :)

*busy voraciously writing down the names of the books mentioned above*
*looks up*

Oh, hey! Hi everybody!
I am super stoked to start another Tower Teams challenge. This will be my third Tower Teams after TT3 and TT4, so it shouldn't come across as a surprise that I was glued to NBRC's page to sign-up as soon the challenge went up. Yeah well, I have issues! :P

But hey, blame the Mods (psst Sonia! :P), not me!
NBRC's team challenges are so much fun! I started way back when with the first Wheel-a-thon, followed by Tower Teams 3, Wheel-a-thon 2, Gladiator Games, and then Tower Teams 4. These are addicting challenges, people! So, beware, you will be sucked into this magical world and you'd not even know! ;=)

But, this is such a wonderful team. I have played on other challenges with Vicky (and she is one of the finest captains I have played along with (her attention to detail is aah-mazing)), Kim, Moonlight and am currently playing with Kait in AMMP Bingo (which she will concur that I am struggling to keep abreast with, ugh!). All different challenges in different groups, but all such fun! And its even more exciting to meet all the new teammates who I haven't played with before (don't worry, you'd get tired of seeing me everywhere very soon :P :P).

This is so exciting. Can't wait to start! Yaaaay! :D

Sonia wrote: "Seriously, don't make me turn to the dark side of the force and chase you!."

Pshaw! That is your FUN side, Sonia! :P :P

It's here! It's here!
OMG!

I am here and I finished the book on 2/25.
I profusely apologize for being MIA for so long. I hate doing this but I have been relocating and work and school both are getting very tough to manage the last two weeks. I literally have read just 4 books this whole month.. its probably my all-time low!

I have updated the spreadsheet and will be continuing with the challenge. I apologize again for being such a slacker and I hope to get my grooves back starting next week.

P.S. I would probably stick to reading non-detour specific books for the next couple of weeks till I get settled here so that I dont hold up the team any longer.

I am so sorry, I have been a real slacker this week.
Work and school has been bad. I will try and finish the book as early as I can. Apologies !