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

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

Bobbi wrote: "I have one!

Completion Post

The Circle - Dave Eggers
Pgs: 492
7/5/22

Tasks
Read a book where the MC ignores important advice"

Super, Bobbi. Can you give me a little bit more information about how the book fits that task? Thanks!

Current Open Monster Mini Tasks

If any of your recently read books fit into any of these tasks, please drop in a word.

- Read a book with MPG Music.
- Read a book with a musical instrument on the cover.
- Read a book between 500 and 650 pages (inclusive).
- Read a book set in Russia.
- Read a book where the MC ignores important advice.
- Read a book that has an 8 in the series number (e.g., #8, #18, #0.8)

Team Helen
DQs Day Three - "There came a day in laste summer..." to "Angrboda agreed." 62%

11. I love how the myths surrounding Loki are casually mixed into this book. I'm a fan of Norse mythology, though I don't know a ton about it. Do you know or enjoy Norse mythology? Do you like how the author is incorporating it into her book?
I haven't read much about Norse mythology so while I have been Wikipedia-ing things as they come up in the book. I am a lot more versed in Greek and Hindu mythology, but this is a fairly new world for me, so can't be a 100% sure if the author is doing a good job with those inclusions or not. But I would hope so since these are famous characters with very famous tales.

12. "Was I wrong to not tell them the world may not accept the the way they are?"

This is Angrboda's question after not only Loki's other wife, but Loki himself, refers to their children as monsters. How would you answer her question? Was she right to try and protect and hide them from the Nine Worlds? Should she have gone about it in a different manner?
I think she was bang on the money to let them know the truth. Yes, the world is a cruel place and as much as you would want to protect your kids from all that muck, knowing what Angrboda knows, it is only fair to prepare them in some capacity for what is upon them in the near future. She was being a mother and saving her kids as much as she can was just a natural motherly instinct and more power to her for doing it.

13. What an ending to Part One! Did you see what was to come? Did you already know the myths before or were you completely surprised? If you already knew the myth, did you like the author's interpretation of events? Were you as angry at the world as I was reading all that happened to Angrboda and her children, cause I was ready to fight!
I did not know what the myths say, but I wasn't necessarily surprised at what transpired given how that was what was being hinted at from the get go and it was only a matter of time when the shoe would drop. So, while I was disheartened at what actually happened and how cruel the so-called "gods" could be - it was something that was anticipated.

14. It seems that Angrboda's dreams can now transport her into other's thoughts. Do you think this is a one-off event because of how much stress she was under? If not, how do you think she'll use this skill from now on?
I do not think it is a one time event - this was infact a manifestation of her deep seated powers and I have a feeling this will help her reach out to her kids now that they are taken away from her.

15. So Angrboda has a new voice in her head. Who do you think the voice belongs to? Do you think it's connected to Angrboda's seeming inability to die? Do you think it's a friend or a foe?
It is rather difficult to say with certainty but I would like to think that the voice is of Angrboda's conscience. It is her inner voice that is talking to her and that is one way the author is trying to tell the readers to listen to one's inner voice, because chances are it will always give us the right advice in times of need.

Team Helen
DQs Day 2 — "He stayed with her as the days ..." to "... given her daughter a new obsession" - 40%

6. After Angrboda performs seid for the first time again, she starts having dreams where she hears someone calling to and beckoning her. Angrboda doesn't believe it to be Odin at first, but her suspicion changes over time. Who do you think it could be?
Oh, it most likely is Odin himself. He has played a major role in her life, and will most likely play a big part in her future. This was just a premonition of what is to come and how he come back to disrupt her life again.

7. Skadi reappears in this section, having left her husband behind. Do you think he'll come back into the story later? Why do you think she chose a husband as recompense in the first place?
Skadi is a sharp business minded person - so marrying someone from Asgard was a great way for her to gain access into the upper echelons of the Gods. I doubt how much the husband will feature in the book, but Skadi definitely will make the most of this union.

8. Hel was born with "dead" legs (or dead flesh on fully functioning legs? I'm honestly a little confused by it) and when she over exerts herself she starts turning blue. Angrboda attributes this to when she tried to save her daughter — but I'm not so sure. Do you have any theories on what the cause could be? Is it as simple as Angrboda believes, or do you think it's something bigger to be revealed later on?
Well, there is most certainly more to Hel's story. Maybe she was supposed to be born something else, like her brothers, but turned out to be human. Or she has Loki's shape-shifting abilities. There are a lot of theories and some of them might very well be highlighted or negated as the book progresses.

9. There have been several mentions of a witch who birthed a race of wolves who chase the sun and moon so far in the story — and now Angrboda has given birth to a wolf. Do you think she is the Old one the stories reference? Or, if not, do you think we will meet that character later on?
There are many reasons to believe she is the Old one, but there hasn't been much discussed about her history here and I personally do not know much about Norse Mythology to make an educated guess - but the story and Angrboda's current reality seem very similar to be overlooked.

10. Angrboda decides not to tell Loki about his and his family's involvement in her vision of the beginning of the end. What do you think of her decision? Do you think she made the right choice in not telling him?
I think she was justified in not telling this to Loki, primarily because he is a leaking pot and she would want to know more about her children's futures before divulging any details to him. But, I don't think she is going to be able to hold that in for too long. How else will there be a conflict in the second half of the book? Haha!

Team Helen
DQs Day 1 - Beginning to "... a promise she knew that she couldn't keep."

1.) What attracted you to this book? BOM points? That COVER? Because of the Norse Retelling angle to the story? Any expectations you'd like to share?
I haven't read a whole lot of Norse mythology. So while BOM points indeed had a role to play in me choosing the book, I always wanted to read something that I hadn't explored much before. And since I had no background information, I went into it with minimal to no expectations.

2.) What did you think of Angrboda's first meeting with Loki? I mean he brought her heart back in his knapsack basically because he was bored. But he was so charming, I'm not sure I'd care either. Though it didn't hurt I kept picturing him as Tom Hiddleston. LOL
I was categorically imagining him as Tom Hiddleston, because by golly is he gorgeous and perfect as Loki, Having said that, I did think the Loki portrayed here is a little bit more childish, which did not align with my imagination of Loki. That first meeting was sort of like that - it did not generate any sparks in my head, neither was it exciting - but the circumstances of him returning Angrboda's heart was definitely unlike any other.

3.) Thoughts on Skadi? Why do you think she helped Angrboda in the first place? And to such an extent? If Skadi was male, how different do you think that interaction would of been?
It did raise a question in my head as to why, but I am going with the thought that there are good people in the world who like to help others in need. But, in a heteronormative society, had this been a man, there would have been a lot more underlying connotations to their interactions.

4.) The quote from Skadi, "Time doesn't matter unless you are keeping track of it." Resonated with me. What do you think of this? Do you agree with the statement?
It definitely makes sense, but it also seems a little blasé to not be aware of how you spend your limited time in the world.

5.) Loki's reaction to the pregnancy was, let's go with interesting. What type of father are you expecting him to be? Do you think he will be a functioning part of the child's life?
Eh, I doubt if he would really be involved much, He himself shows up once in a few moons to meet Angrboda, chances of that changing with the kids is rather slim. Having said that, he would be very fun with them - probably even spoil them.

Current Open Monster Mini Tasks

If any of your recently read books fit into any of these tasks, please drop in a word.

- Read a book with MPG Music. (x2)
- Read a book with a musical instrument on the cover. (x2)
- Read a book between 500 and 650 pages (inclusive).
- Read a book set in Russia.
- Read a book with a bird on the cover.
- Read a book that has an 8 in the series number (e.g., #8, #18, #0.8)

Team Helen
DQs Day 3: Chap 20-29

10. Beth's house has seemed important from the beginning of the story and there have been a lot of descriptions of the "Frankenstein ugly" house. During one of Shea's interviews Beth told her to go upstairs and see her childhood bedroom and then she said, "Not all of the answers you want so desperately are going to come from me. Some of them are going to come from this house." What do you think Shea learned from the house when she perused Beth's room?
I think the main takeaway for Shea would be to understand what kind of child Beth was and the childhood she lived. Many times our surroundings act as a great reflection of our personality and since nothing really was changed for 40 years, it might give Shea a great insight into how this whole saga started,

11. We now have a better insight into the note that was left at the murder scene that said, in part, Am I bitter or am I sweet? In this section we got a lot of details about how this "bitter/sweet" was played out in the house with Mariana and the two girls. Lily also told Beth that everything was her fault and she could have stopped it. What do you think the note will reveal about the murderer and how do you think Beth could've stopped it or could she have?
The note really is a testimony as to how cold-hearted and nonplussed Lily is. Lily was charged by greed and the want to have more, which is rightfully thought was hers and was willing to cross any borders if needed. Beth just wanted to enjoy the sisterhood that she and Lily could have built up on. Beth could have made an attempt to stop it, but I don't think Lily really cared much about anyone but herself to be bothered by it.

12. Julian's treatment of Lily is rather atrocious, especially considering how young she is when she first visits them. Why do you think he hates her so much and who do you suspect Lily's father is? (I have only read through chapter 29 for my questions, so I don't even know if that is revealed. Just curious what others are thinking about the situation.)
Part of it is his fragile male ego to see his wife's child from another man - and part of it is how Lily's presence breaks his image of his family of three. Lily's father may not even be a man of significance and maybe that would also trigger Julian's frail ego.

13. Lily told Beth she wanted a lot of things, including the house. Beth told Lily she hated the house to which Lily said, "That's because you don't understand it...It's an abomination that shouldn't exist...It's exactly like me." What do you think she meant by this?
That was the one moment where we see the humane side of Lily. Through the foster system as she travelled through those houses, it extremely likely that she was ill-treated. And maybe hearing all those unsavory things about herself from childhood would have made her into that bitter person who really hates everyone, including herself.

14. Lily appears to have more power in the relationship between her and Beth, but based on Beth's current day ability to manipulate others, do you think Lily really is the more powerful one in their relationship? Why or why not?
Beth's manipulation is more of a survival instinct - Lily's was more innate and self-satisfying. And I wouldn't be surprised if Beth learned all of that from watching Lily manipulate everyone and everything around her to get her way and thought that that might be the best way to survive and sustain after being in jail and being villainized all her life.

Team Helen
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-19

5. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
I would have tried to find a logic to that - but that is primarily because I am not necessarily big into believing in ghosts.

6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
I absolutely think they will end up together, primarily because the author has setup this whole backstory of Shea's relationships and Michael would essentially be the perfect reason for her to steer her ship in a more steadier fashion. Also, I really do not see a whole lot of active participation in the case from his side - it seems like she is doing all the heavy-lifting and he is her bouncing board - so this would be the main purpose this character would serve eventually.

7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
I do not want to bucket Mrs. Greer into that crazy slot - because historically women have very easily been subjected to that for just being a little different or out of the norm. I am sure there are theories as to why she is the way she is, but I doubt how much we will get to learn about her.

8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
I did not find it scary, but I do think animals have an heightened sense of things in general (which is also necessary to essentially survive for them), so not surprised that Winston got spooked at that. And, I may be saying this because I am writing this nonchalantly sitting on a couch with no prospect of seeing a ghost anytime soon, but I would actually love to go back to that house, because I would have tons of questions. I would be more mindful and aware of my surroundings though!

9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
I have had none so far. Ugh!

Meghna wrote: "Hi Everyone.
I am Meghna previously i was in Teams Gods & now I am shifted to this Team..
Please if i can get access to the spreadsheets.
Thanks"

Hello Meghna, glad to have you join in.
Would you mind requesting access to this tracking spreadsheet, so I can add you to it.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

I will get you set up in the spreadsheet in a couple of hours.

TL; DR.
- Add in your current reads to this spreadsheet. The "Books" tab is essentially where you'd be playing around the most.
- The Monster's Mini is the on-going mini, as you would be aware. So, that tab will tell you which monsters are currently active and what tasks are open to be read for.
- Everything else on sheet should auto update itself if you start putting information in the "Books" tab - so don't worry about the formatting and stuff.

Drop in a word if you have any questions at all.

Speaking of cute ones - these are not!
Time to play some music.

Stymphalian Birds



Stymphalian Birds have been seen filling your orchards and causing delays in harvesting. They are hard to defeat because of their numbers. Music can soothe the savage beasts, may want to try metal bands.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 350 and 450 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book that is #6 in a series.
3.) Read a book with a musical instrument mentioned in the text.
4.) Read a book with something metal on the cover.
5.) Read a book that features a bird (bird shifter accepted).

Megan wrote: "Apoorv wrote: "We have a new guest!

Echidna

Anyone else think of one of these little cuties when they see "Echidna"?.."

I mean if this little cute one is the Mother of Monsters - I'd celebrate Mother's Day every week. Look at how adorable it is! o_o

... and one more! AGAIN!

Harpies



Groups of Harpies have been spotted on your lands, ruining outdoor feasts at every opportunity. Easy to defeat with the motivation to chase them far enough away, enjoy the cardio.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 100 and 125 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book that features a feast or banquet.
3.) Read a book that contains a chase (car chase, foot chase, etc).
4.) Read a book with a character who is royalty.
5.) Read a book that features a thief.

Moderators of NBRC wrote: "Team Helen, please welcome your new team member

• Meghna Sunny"

Welcome, Meghna!
Glad you could join the party.
Do take a moment to go through the initial posts, to get acquainted with the challenge. And feel absolutely free to ask any questions you may have along the way. :)

We have a new guest!

Echidna



Echidna aka the Mother of Monsters has been spotted on your lands. Hard to kill and looking for some quality "me time".

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 350 and 450 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book with CAVE in text.
3.) Read a book where a character uses a sword.
4.) Author name (first and last) contain all the letters in HERA
5.) Read a book where a MC is a mother

Team Helen
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-11

1. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I have read The Sun Down Motel and given that we have another book by the same author where I suspect the home plays a critical role definitely has gotten me excited. My issue with the former book was how the last third felt a bit rushed - so I hope this time around there is a more uniform narrative progression. But the dual narrative, the past-present jumps are all commonly used tropes - it works most times, hopefully this is one of those.

2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
Great observation! And it is very true. Especially this female-female dual narrative is a very popular stylistic choice. I see two reasons for that, one the middle-aged divorced woman, thanks for her experiences and outlooks, can provide a very interesting perspective. It is not as rosy as a teenager nor is it bleak and morose as someone who has given up hope on life - there is the baggage of history and the anticipation of a future. All that somehow keeps the character's perspectives balanced. The second reason I see is primarily the target audience to which thrillers/mysteries like these are promoted to, which is majoritively middle aged women. So, them seeing someone like them at the helm, can be a reason for great sales.

3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I see Shea getting smitten by the whole idea already, and that is going to land her into a pickle. Beth has been exactly as I expected her to be - cool and calculated, It makes for an interesting second fiddle to Shea's excitement.

4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
They definitely intrigue me, if anything. The minor reference to Beth sensing her mother's ghost the night before was interesting - but this is where the fun will begin for Shea, as she gets sucked into this vortex of the Greer family.

Look who we have here!

Sphinx



The Greek Sphinx has been spotted on your lands and befuddling your citizens left and right. Requires some planning and moderate effort to defeat, send your smartest warriors and for the love of all the gods, don't confuse her with her good-for-nothing Egyptian cousin.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 200 and 299 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book where the characters go on a journey.
3.) Read a book where the MC must solve a riddle.
4.) Read a book with a mountain on cover.
5.) Read a book with a brown cover (at least 50%).

Jhmingos wrote: "Does this look like the woman is wearing sandals or is it too hard to see? I'm wondering if it can work for the task."

Visually speaking, I'm slightly on the fence on this one - but since it is clear that they are not wearing shoes and are not barefoot - so by process of elimination, I guess it can work!

If this looks like night sky enough, we can totally use this for the first two tasks atleast. Read by Jackie on the 15th.

Judy wrote: "Bobbi wrote: "Apoorv wrote: "Oh, for crying out loud!
Is that monster wheel stuck or did we offend any monster lords? Bah! (◔_◔)"

I think it's one head/defeat lol"

That's what it feels like hahaha!"

LOL! And it seems it is unconcerned about losing those damn heads, so chances are it'll keep sprouting. Just wonderful!
phbbbbt!!

Oh, for crying out loud!
Is that monster wheel stuck or did we offend any monster lords? Bah! (◔_◔)