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

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

Team Helen - Discussion Questions
DQs Day 2

5. Have you heard of Theseus before? What do you think of his backstory, does it compare with other well-known Greek heroes like Hercules and Achilles? Do you think it fits his humble and collected demeanor in the previous chapter?
I had not heard of Theseus before, so I had to take his story at its face value and believe what was being told. Having said that, I haven't heard of any Greek God really being all virtues, so I knew something was afoot - and well that came to the fore very shortly.

6. I don’t know about you, but “insta-love” stories royally annoy me. Ariadne spends a significant part of these chapters reveling in her undying and world-changing love and devotion to someone she just met. Do you think this is realistic, or just a cheap plot ploy from the author?
Oh my goodness, insta-love stories is one of my biggest pet peeves - give me a slow burn anyday. These overnight overhauls to feelings just don't sit well with me. But, I presume that is what happened, or as is considered as the truth - so maybe it did track well.

7. Why do you think Theseus left Ariadne on the island with no heads up whatsoever? How do you feel about her thoughts and actions, as she processes this new reality?
Maybe because he is an assface man or maybe because he got what he wanted and she served her purpose in his books or maybe he wanted to go out on his own and prove his worth and mettle of having defeated the Minotaur to the world. Ariadne is being a pricey princess but then I did not expect much from her either. Atleast she has no one to disturb her on Naxos as she comes to term with this, so maybe she will be more rational and reasonable about this.

8. During the "great escape", Phaedra is left behind - do you think it was by accident, or purposefully (and if so, why)? Do you think it was wise of her to return to the Palace?
That was absolutely on purpose. Maybe he always wanted to leave Ariadne on Naxos, so having Phaedra in toe would have just been a thorn in his plan.

9. A common theme in Greek mythology is the linear progression of Fate - from Hubris (thinking and acting as if one is a God), to Atis (blindness of one’s puny nature, leading the mortal to commit an unforgivable or insulting act), to Nemesis (the anger and revenge of the Gods), and finally Tisis (the mortal’s punishment). Where have you noticed this process so far? Where do you think Nemesis will strike next?
Not very sure since I am still figuring out all these Godly details - but they are going to reap what they sowed in some capacity (or so I hope).

Team Helen - Discussion Questions
DQs Day 1

1. Excited about the book, or just here for the points? Were you familiar with the myths behind the story before starting this book?
Picked it up only for the points. I had no clue about who Ariadne was or of any of the characters introduced so far. I did a fairly thorough internet read through about what Ariadne's life is about and went into a internet wormhole clicking on associated relevant links, before I started the book, just so that I am not completely lost.

2. "Let me tell you a story..." I don't know about you, but I love opening lines like that. Do you have a favourite opening line? Have you ever bought a book on the strength of the opening line alone? (I have!)
I actually have never done that. I hear so many folks rave over the first lines of books, I feel so left out because, for some reason, that never seems to attract me much. I do appreciate a great start, but that rarely ever is a deciding factor for me when it comes to books.

3. Asterion: The early years. I bet no-one was fooled by the few paragraphs of almost sweet baby and toddler descriptions: This was always going to end with a monster in a maze of course.
But do you think it served well as a way to establish Ariadne's character?
Since I had zero background knowledge about this myth, I was actually more attracted towards how the Minotaur came about and its backstory and the absolute douchey nature of Minos and Poseidon, but I see what you mean as to how Ariadne's character comes through that.

4. What do you think of the writing so far? There's a lot of description and narration and very little dialogue, which tries in with the idea that Ariadne is telling the story to the reader. It allows for a lot more depth and detail than more dialogue-heavy storytelling does. Is that a style you enjoy, or do you prefer the faster pace of a book that is more about character interaction?
I am personally not a fan of this tell-not-show kind of storytelling, primarily because I perceive it as a cop out by authors who use the assist of flowery language to elaborate something that could be easily explained through scenes. It works only in certain genres and only in the hands of authors who have a command over their pen - here, it has been okay so far for me. I was a little detached from the proceedings in the beginning, but I am slowly getting sucked into the tale - so hopefully it will continue to work.

Okay! Re-read the rules, moved stuff around and now we should be good for Polyhymnia!

We have one complete square and two squares 3/4 complete.
So, we just need two books to close that out
- Starts with E, ends with E
- Starts with L, ends with E

Look into our July Mini tab in the tracking sheet for a visual representation. Holler if you think something doesn't make sense (so I can go bang my head against the wall... again! :P)

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Apoorv wrote: "Apoorv wrote: "Jhmingos wrote: "For the Polyhymnia task, we're supposed to use the first and last letters of the book title. If the title starts with an article such as "The" are we ..."

You know what, Diane! You are totally correct!
I did get a bit way too excited thinking I got all the pieces. :P

I put them all in the square I created in our tracking sheet under the mini challenge and realized I flipped one book.

https://ibb.co/mhG6Nst

So, ideally we need a book that starts with an E and ends in an L. (the one I selected was the other way!)

Apoorv wrote: "Jhmingos wrote: "For the Polyhymnia task, we're supposed to use the first and last letters of the book title. If the title starts with an article such as "The" are we allowed to use the next word o..."

Yaay! Was able to shuffle things around and get our first Polyhymnia square done. Quite fun, I must say! :D

Jhmingos wrote: "For the Polyhymnia task, we're supposed to use the first and last letters of the book title. If the title starts with an article such as "The" are we allowed to use the next word or does it have to..."

The articles are optional.
It is tricky - because a lot of the books end with S or E.

Current open books:
T / P -> S
A / C -> R
A -> O

@Diane, you could very well be right.

I was just interpreting it as a literal "and" for each book - the way it is worded, for example "fish and chips (with vinegar)" makes me think we need both components in one go. Dropped in a question with the Mods - let's see what they say!

EDIT: We are all good! We just need a mix of food and drinks across all 12 books in Terpsichore. :)

Judy wrote: "I've had some surprising news at work today that mean regardless of what happens tomorrow I'll be busy until Friday at least... it's a good thing in many ways but not for my reading 🙈"

Glad to hear that it is a professional good news! Congratulations, Judy! :) Way to go!
Don't worry about the challenge - we got you covered!

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Completion Post

finished: 7/15/22 (around 10ish US CT)
pgs: 326

mini: Terpsichore
food in text, loc 77
"I handed platters of chocolate-chip-peanut-butter bar..."

Hey Diane, Terpsichore asks for food AND drink items.
Can you list a drink item here from the book if any?

There should be a "July Mini" tab in the tracking sheet.

Urania:
If you are reading a series book, make a mention of it.

Calliope:
There should also be a space for all of us to list the best books we have read during the course of this challenge - so feel free to list them there which may make it easier for other folks to choose from.

And you thought you could take a breath after slaying all the monsters?
Naww!! We need to have one final big bash!!

THE NEXT MINI CHALLENGE HAS ALREADY BEGUN! :)

Head on over here for more details

This is going to be soooo much fun!
Will get our tracking sheet set up later tonight - I'm excited! :)

M wrote: "Hell. I am finally home and comfortable settled on my couch. Breathing is doing better but I get the use a portable oxygen tank. The cats have decided I am a mattress. Here is the recent reading I ..."

YAAAAY!!
Welcome back home, M! So good to hear you are recovering well - I hope everyday is miles better than the previous one and you are ready to enjoy the days very soon. Take rest and enjoy the cat cuddles! :)

Jhmingos wrote: "Darren wrote: "Completion Post

Before the Golden Age 1
Read: 7/2
Pages: 223"

Will this work for the "ship" task since it has a spaceship ..."

Great eye, Jhmingos!
Spaceships totally work!

Current Open Monster Mini Tasks
Countdown to the End of the Monster Mini
https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown...

If any of your recently read books that have not been used for other tasks, fit into any of these tasks, please drop in a word.

OPEN TASKS!

- Read a book with a rope on the cover.
- Read a book that has an 8 in the series number
- Read a book with a forest on the cover.
- Read a book where a character is an archer.

CURRENT READ FOR TASKS!

- Read a book with a musical instrument on the cover. - Jhmingos
- Read a book with a ship on the cover . - Diana
- Read a book where the MC bakes. - Diane

We have less than 24 hours to go!!

Do you folks think the host of trees in the background are forest-like enough?

Current Open Monster Mini Tasks
Countdown to the End of the Monster Mini
https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown...

If any of your recently read books that have not been used for other tasks, fit into any of these tasks, please drop in a word.

- Read a book with a musical instrument on the cover.
- Read a book that takes place on a boat or ship.
- Read a book with a character who is deaf (any degree acceptable)
- Read a book with a rope on the cover.
- Read a book with a ship on the cover (spaceship allowed because Mods can be benevolent too).
- Read a book that has an 8 in the series number (e.g., #8, #18, #0.8)

LaurLa wrote: "LaurLa wrote: "Completion Post


Book: A Shadow of Guilt

Updated msg 521 with current tasks that book fits"

Haha! What are the odds! We both came to this book at the same time. Thanks for adding the details, LaurLa. :)

LaurLa wrote: "If we agree this one has a body of water, it works for both water and 500+ pp




I can commit to having it done by 7/15"

That certainly looks like water to me!

Current Open Monster Mini Tasks

If any of your recently read books that have not been used for other tasks, fit into any of these tasks, please drop in a word.

- Read a book between 500 and 650 pages (inclusive).
- Read a book between 500 and 650 pages (inclusive).
- Read a book between 500 and 650 pages (inclusive).
- Read a book with a musical instrument on the cover.
- Read a book with a body of water on the cover.
- Read a book whose title contains the word "FIRE".

Dawn wrote: "when does this mini end ? the 15th ?"

July 15th, 9pm GMT +1
But if you are thinking to take a breather, hold up!! The pesky monsters maybe leaving but the craziness has just begun. :P