Kerri’s Comments (group member since Sep 29, 2015)

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

Congrats, Danielle!!

I'll watch pretty much anything with Idris Elba in it. Just sayin'.

A Conjuring of Light
Read: 21 May 2017
Pages: 624
Rating: ★★★★

✼Danielle✼ wrote: "Family from Australia have come home for a visit, been nice spending time with them."

Aww, that sounds nice :) It's fun seeing family who live far away, especially if you haven't seen them for awhile. My parents will be in town next week and I'm pretty excited.

I think I got to the tenth or eleventh Wheel of Time book before I bowed out. I actually have Crossroads of Twilight around here somewhere...

Teddie wrote: "I did get Eye of the World - was thinking of rereading that for this .. Hmm"

I've been thinking of giving that whole series another go, myself! I loved Eye of the World and most of the sequels. Then it just seemed like there would never be an end. Now that the series is done, I've been wondering if I should give it another try.

@Samantha - Aww, boo :( At least you still get a month to join in!

@Nancy - I'm thinking it'll be interesting! I always love reading everyone's answers because they will inevitable lead me to look at the book in a whole new light.

Just picked up Strange the Dreamer from my library! That place was on point for this month's BOMs. Not so much next month, heh.

Anybody else joining in on our last BOM of May?

@Samantha - I'm trying to stick to books I currently own, too. The fact that we don't live close to a bookstore helps (though I still have my Nook and Amazon is always there, haha). Now, it's easier to restrict book purchases to ones I really, really want!

That being said, I own so many books that I haven't read, yet... it's ridiculous! I'm thinking perhaps I might continue Anne Rice's vampire series or perhaps read Paula Hawkins newest book, Into the Water. I just got it in my BOTM box and I enjoyed her last book, so perhaps that one will win out.

Gemma wrote: "I'm back from sunny Portugal and have the holiday blues :(

I'm pleased to see 'You' is a June book of the month...its one of my favourite books!!

I'll hopefully join the Stephen King BOM"

You looks interesting, but my library doesn't carry it, unfortunately :( I might be tempted to actually buy this one. We'll see!

I'm finally deep into A Conjuring of Light and I realized something. I distinctly remember thinking Lila wasn't *that* bad when thinking about the previous book, A Gathering of Shadows. As soon as I started this book, though, I was immediately reminded that, yes, she *is* in fact that bad. I think time and distance made me forget. I'm halfway through the book and I kind of want to strangle her. Perhaps she'll improve with time.

After this book, though, I'm not sure what to read next (beyond the next BOM). I have so. many. books... o_O

I think, after all, I will be joining in on this BOM. I just finished another book by this author and really enjoyed it and the premise sounds interesting. And, hey, extra TT points ;)

A Gentleman in Moscow
Read: 18 May 2017
Pages: 462
BOM: My input
Rating: ★★★★

MAY 18: Question set 6
Arrivedreci - And Anon, p. 395 - 462


34. Time is a prevalent theme in A Gentleman in Moscow, the writing skillfully depicting the passage of years in the life of a man, as well as a country. How that time is experienced, be it through watching the stars travel across the sky, marking the day with the twice-tolling clock, anxiously watching the second hand of a watch - how time is experienced seems to vary greatly depending on what you are doing with your life and how you are spending your time. Do you agree with the quote "...life does not proceed by leaps and bounds. It unfolds."? Have you experienced time passing differently at different stages of your life?

I do agree with that quote. Life is definitely a journey and unfolds as such. Certain parts may seem to go a bit faster than others, but it's still a steady telling of a story. I think that time seems to have passed differently when viewed in a certain way. For example, I feel like my childhood was a mere blip, but I distinctly remember thinking it was taking forever to grow up when I actually *was* a child.

35. One thing I didn't expect from this book was the wry humor, especially from the narrator. Little lines like: "The Swiss diplomat, who spoke both Russian and Italian perfectly, exemplified his nation's reputation for neutrality by listening to both men with his mouth shut," reminded me, in tone, of the quiet smiles that underlie Jane Austen's social commentary. What aspects of the book surprised you as you read? What aspects will you take away with you most strongly?

I agree, I was not expecting the humor of this book, but I loved it! I think it was my favorite part of the book: all the little quips made by both the Count and the narrator. I was also surprised by how much I was invested in the day to day life of someone on house arrest in Soviet Russia. Someone else said that not much is happening, but it's still so engaging! I'm glad I took a chance on this BOM.

36. Alexander is always analyzing chains of events, and how one decision or action led to another, then to another, i.e. what events led to him not being there for Helena's death, what events led to him meeting Nina, etc. What do you think Alexander was referring to when he said: "...in the end, it has been the inconveniences that have mattered to me the most." Do you think, throughout his life, he trusted to Fate more often, or grabbed his own destiny in his hands? Or is there one era of his life where he was more one way, and then changed?

I think he meant that the "inconveniences" in his life (being put on house arrest, having a small child unceremoniously shoved upon him) were what changed him and helped him grow the most. I think that he spent most of his life truly believing in Fate, but, during the course of his house arrest, he started trusting more making his own destiny. He started working, he stepped up to the plate when it came to Sofia, and, eventually, he successfully planned his escape. Alexander changed a lot over the course of this novel.

37. There were gifts of significance throughout the novel: the Count giving Nina the opera glasses to observe the world from afar, Nina giving the Count the skeleton key to the hotel, wrapped in a Matryoshka package. What were some other gifts that stood out to you as you finished the book, material or spiritual?

I liked that Sophia used Helena's scissors that the Count had made sure to take with him to cut her hair and help in her escape. It was a nice little tie in. I can't think of any other particular ones, though.

38. He may have had his mustaches snipped, but it seems to me that Alexander remained a Gentleman throughout the story. I loved that he used a dueling pistol to waylay his nemesis, the Bishop, (does that make Alexander the Knight? Or perhaps the Castle?) but wouldn't shoot him because the Bishop wasn't an aristocrat (or, perhaps more importantly to the Count, a gentleman of honor.) What do you see as some of the biggest changes between the Old World Order society (Tsars, noble class, etc.) and New World Order society (apparatchiks, uniformity, etc.) as reflected in the book? What stays the same?

Human nature stays the same. Alexander even remarked about how the meetings in the ballroom were different but the attitudes of the assembled people were very similar to when duchesses' held court in the same ballroom. I suppose the biggest changes are the regulations, the overabundance of rules, and how everything can be seen as a sin.

39. The change to the country of Russia during the twentieth century: two World Wars, the shift to communism, etc. the idea that one person can have any effect on these epic events seems laughable. Yet, the novel ends with a striking moment of illumination: "But is setting upright the cocktail glass in the aftermath of the commotion, didn't he also exhibit an essential faith that by the smallest of one's actions one can restore some sense of order to the world?" And to bring another cooking metaphor into this, "...the events of an average day are as likely to transform who we are as a pinch of pepper is to transform a stew." What is your take on how single people or seemingly small events caused a chain reaction (there it is again) in the lives of other characters in the book? Do you think any of Alexander's choices were surprising, or were they completely consistent with his definition of a Gentleman?

A single person can definitely have a drastic effect on events. I mean, look at how Sophia changed Alexander's life. I don't think he would have ever thought of leaving the Metropol if she hadn't entered into the picture. I was a little shocked that he resorted to brandishing a weapon at the Bishop (even though he *totally* deserved it...) but I could see the reasoning behind it. He was desperate and he wasn't going to let that weasel ruin his plans. And he did it in a rather gentlemanly fashion. So, all in all, I think he retained his gentleman status throughout the novel.

40. What do you think caused Alexander to plan Sofia's escape? Knowing that he may never see Sofia again, why do you think he stayed in Russia with Anna - is he just a bee who has found his honey? And finally, do you agree with the statement: "One can revisit the past quite pleasantly, as long as one does so expecting nearly every aspect of it to be changed."

I think he saw what the new regime did to Nina and he didn't want Sophia to be taken in by it. He saw her trip as the perfect opportunity for her to escape and live a better life. I am surprised that he stayed in Russia instead of joining Sophia in Paris! That's what I was expecting, but I suppose, for his character, it makes sense. He willingly returned to Russia at the worst possible time for an aristocrat so why abandon it now? I do agree with that quote. If you don't have expectations, you can't really be disappointed.

Sounds wonderful! Hope you have fun at the resort, Ivy :)

May 17 1950/Adagio.. - Achilles Agonoistes 321 - 394
Discussion Questions

28: Sofia is now seventeen on the edge of adulthood, did you find the Counts reaction when he found Sofia alone with Victor Stepanovich an older man unexpected or natural?

As a mother, I totally saw where he was coming from, lol. I can say all day that he shouldn't have jumped to conclusions and he should have approached it with a calmer head, but, honestly, I probably would have done the same thing. Although, at seventeen, she is pretty much at the age where she can make her own decisions about with whom she spends her time.

29: Over the years the Count and Richard Vanderwhile develop a friendship do you agree with the narrator of the book that people of similar social standing and upbringing will gravitate towards each other?

I agree in the sense that they'll probably have more things in common and, therefore (at least initially), more things with which to strike up a conversation and possibly develop a friendship. I don't think similar social standing (alliteration!) will necessary make people like each other or even gravitate towards each other, though.

30: The Count became very upset when he discovered Sofia and Anna had become acquainted without his knowledge. Why do you think he wished to keep his relationship with Anna and his life as Sofia's father separate?

I get the basis of his trepidation, but I don't really understand why he reacted so negatively when he first discovered they had become acquainted. When I was a single parent, I waited months before introducing any significant others to my daughter. I wanted to make sure the relationship (and the person) was stable before bringing my kid into the mix. That being said, Alexander may not have wanted his barely-there lover to get involved in Sofia's life, for Sofia to become attached, and then for Anna to disappear. Still, I thought he completely overreacted!

31: Were you surprised when Richard asked the Count to spy? Do you think this request and the Count turning him down will effect their friendship?

I was surprised! It just seemed so... underhanded and beneath Richard to do something like that. I think the fact that Richard backed off as soon as the Count said no will help maintain their friendship, but I'm not sure if Alexander will be at ease with him as much anymore. Having asked and been rejected, Richard might even avoid the Count. I hope not, though.

32: What did you make of Mishka's Manuscript on bread? Do you think bread holds a special place in the Russian consciousness after reading the quotes Mishka used?

I thought it was hilarious and just like Mishka. I really want to shove that book in that editor's face. Making him cut out a passage about bread... ugh... Anyways, I believe someone (the narrator or the Count) mentioned that it was traditional to serve bread and salt when welcoming someone to your home. Other than that, I'm not sure of the total significance of bread in Russian culture.

33: As we come to the final part of book what do you imagine will become of the Count, Sofia and Anna?

The Count is plotting something, that much is clear. Part of me is hoping he's plotting an escape so that he can travel with Sofia! As for Sofia, I think she'll enjoy her travels and, hopefully, she continues in her pursuit of a musical career. And Anna will continue being the adaptable chameleon that she has proven herself to be. Mayhaps, if the Count does run off to Paris, she will join him.

May 16 QUESTIONS
SECTION 1938/An Arrival - Addendum pages 229 - 317

#21. Up to this point in the book we have seen many references to smell and taste and ingredients of both wine and food, what significance do you think this has on the book? Who do you think the mystery ingredient provider may be?

I think it lends a little something extra to the book. I love how descriptive this author is with sights and sounds and tastes! It really draws me into the book and makes it that much more enjoyable for me. As for who provided the saffron (is that the ingredient we're talking about?) I believe it was Anna. It came in an envelope with her handwriting on it, if I remember correctly.

#22. The Count may be exiled, but he has no shortage of funds and it doesn't seem to come solely from his coin stash, why do you think that his money was not impounded by the court when he was placed into exile? What impact would that have had on the story? Do you think he is paying for the room he stays in?

That's a really good question, actually. I do wonder why his money wasn't confiscated. Unless he has his money in different, hidden accounts that can't be traced to him. I'm sure if he didn't have money, he wouldn't be able to enjoy his house arrest as much, though I think he would have found a way to make it livable. Maybe he would have started working at the Boyarsky earlier than he did. I do think he's paying for his stay. He mentioned something in an earlier part about settling his accounts, I think right before he was about to attempt suicide.

#23. What are your thoughts on Nina leaving Sofia with the Count? Would this be the way you would deal with the situation if faced with the same? If you were in a similar position, given the story thus far, would you feel as if you knew Sasha enough to do the same?

At first, I thought "Why the Count?" Why didn't she leave Sofia with her family? Though the fact that so much time has passed could mean that she has no family left. I suppose she was a lot closer to Alexander than I first thought. Honestly, I'm not sure if I could leave my child to follow my husband while he is forced labor. I would wait for him, but I couldn't imagine the guilt of not being there for my kids. But, if I had no other choice, I would leave them with someone I trusted wholeheartedly. Apparently, the Count is that someone for Nina. From what we've read so far, I don't see it as too much of a stretch (barring her parents still being alive... still wondering why not her parents?)

#24. What are your thoughts on the "thimble" game? What do you think is says about Sofia, and what does it show us about the Count?

I thought that was cute and very true in regards to entertaining children. You really can make a game out of anything when they're that small. My son, who is three, would rather play with rocks he found outside and random bits of paper than his roomful of toys. I think the game showed how thoughtful, careful, yet crafty Sophia can be. She's a serious little girl, but there's a bit of a spark in there, as well. It also shows that the Count needs to stop trying to out-think everyone all the time, haha.

#25. Do you think the count has ever had to look after anyone else in his life or has he only ever been looked after? Do you think that the Count is changing more now than ever before in his life? What might be some indications that make you think the way you do?

I don't think he's every had someone so fully dependent on him, no. And I definitely agree that Sofia has had a huge effect on him. He's got more of a fatherly/caretaker mindset, now, which is clearly evident when Sofia gets hurt.

#26. What do you think are the ramifications of Sofia's presence? Do you think that we will see Nina again?

I think that she'll help him get through the rest of his house arrest, though, as attached as he is to her, I'm not sure how he's going to handle it when she eventually leaves. I'm not sure if we'll see Nina again. I would like to hold out hope, but I think we may have seen the last of her...

#27. Do you think anything will happen to the count for going to the hospital? Why do you think that Osip helped him?

I really hope not! I was so worried through that entire scene! First, I was worried about Sofia and then I was worried the man in the black suit was going to arrest the Count. I'm glad Osip helped him, though, at first, I thought he was there to take him in. I think Osip helped him for the reasons that he said he did. Alexander has been teaching him to be a gentleman for the past fifteen years and I think that's how a gentleman would react to the situation. I also think Osip has genuinely come to think of Alexander as a friend. Who knows how well that will hold out if he gets pressure from above, though.

Emily wrote: "The Gunslinger is one of my all time favorite book stories. I was scorekeeping for a volleyball tournament in high school. It was an all day event and I forgot to bring a book to keep me company be..."

I've always heard good things! I kind of wanted to start the book series before the TV series came out, as well.

Teddie wrote: "Hi everyone! They've posted June BOMs: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

Take a look and sign up for DQs if you want!

I'm passing on The Gunslinger this time around - glad to see..."

The Gunslinger has been on my TBR for forever and I love Stephen King, so I was all over that one :)

The other two look interesting, but I don't know if my little library will have them. I'll have to take a look.

And I need to see this movie!

Day 3 Discussion Questions
May 14 1926/Adieu - Addendum

14. The Count meets an Englishman in the bar and tells him what happened to his sister. What did you think of the story and were you surprised he told it to a stranger in a bar? Do you think he's right to feel responsible and do you think it is influencing his actions and behaviour?

I thought that story was sad, but I think Alexander is being far too hard on himself. Sure, he shouldn't have shot the Hussar (though he totally deserved it...) but it's not his fault the guy insisted on going back to the front with an useless shoulder and got himself killed. And it's not his fault that his sister contracted scarlet fever. I understand why he's so heartbroken, but he really needs to give himself a break. I'm not terribly surprised he told his story to the Englishmen because he was three sheets to the wind by the time the story came up. Some people get chatty when they're drunk.

15. On the night he decides to end things he involves himself in the discussion in the bar then hesitates at the edge of the roof. Do you think he would really have stepped off if he hadn't been interrupted? Why do you think he changed his mind after tasting the honey?

I would like to think that he wouldn't have gone through with it, but I think the fact that he had just had a discussion about some of the great things that have come from his country and the fact that he had been able to air his pain/guilt over his sister's death may have helped to stop him. I think the fact that bees when all the way back to his home and then came back to that particular hive to make the honey made was too much of a coincidence for the Count to not see some sort of sign in it.

Incidentally, the descriptions of food in this book are always so incredible. His description of that bite of honey gave me a craving for it and I *hate* honey!

16. "...when you exile a man into his own country, there is no beginning anew" Do you agree that for a man like the Count his confinement to the hotel is a greater punishment than if he'd been exiled to another country? Would this be the case for everyone as the book suggests? It seemed like the Prince didn't suffer so much being subject to the Minus Six.

I think it is true because, as he pointed out, in a new country, a man has a chance to start fresh and still build himself a respectable life. When you're forced to stay where you are, everyone presumably knows what you did or has heard some tale, so they may tend to stay away from you. Also, you get a constant reminder of what has been taken away from you, especially for the Count who can still see life marching on in Moscow. I don't know if it would be the case for everyone. Some people might find it easier than others to start fresh in the same place, even with the stigma. But I think it would still be much more difficult than being in a different country entirely.

17. I really like Nina as a character and loved the relationship between her and the Count so was surprised when she met him as an adult and was so cold towards him. Why do you think this was? Do you think they'll be reunited and become close again or are they heading in different directions?

Nina is a product of her times. She is growing up under the Bolsheviks and she has become indoctrinated. She wholeheartedly believes in the cause, it seems, which would mean that some like the Count, who is a Person of Interest, would not be considered good friend material. It made me really sad, to be honest. I'm hoping that they can still be friends and that her attitude towards him will defrost. It seems, at the moment, that they are doomed to drift apart.

18. Anna's fortunes changed dramatically. What did you think about how she dealt with it? Do you believe she has changed? What about her relationship with the Count? Were you surprised? Do you think it is serious and will last or are they just using each other?

I thought she dealt with her change in circumstances fairly well. She was a bit desperate at the beginning, but she took a deep breath and handled herself very well after that. I think she has changed a bit. I think she's been humbled. As for their relationship, I'm not sure if it's really sustainable. I think they'll enjoy each other, for now, but I don't think it's anything permanent.

19. The Count is working as head waiter in the restaurant and seems to have formed a real friendship with Andrey and Emile. What are your thoughts on Andrey and Emile and why do you think they get on so well? I absolutely loved the scene with Triumvirate and the bouillabaisse but was a bit confused as to why it was such a secret. Why was it so important to them and why did it cause such a strong emotional reaction?

I absolutely love this turn of events! I think it totally makes sense for him. He has a purpose, now, whereas before he was just... existing. I really enjoy the friendship he has developed with Andrey and Emilie. I thought they're secret meeting with the bouillabaisse was touching. I think it was a secret because the ingredients were hard to come by so a) it might have set off red flags in the Party and b) they probably couldn't make enough for everyone. And I think it was kind of a bonding thing for them. A treat to share among friends who worked really hard to make it happen.

As an aside, I love that Emilie chased the Bishop out of the kitchen with a celery stalk XD I hope that doesn't come back to bite him, though... the Bishop obviously holds grudges.

20. What were your feelings on the meeting between the Count and Osip Ivanovich Glebnikov? He wants the Count to meet with him regularly to help him learn about the English and the French languages and cultures. Why do you think this is and why the Count? Do you think the Count will gain anything from this or is he heading for trouble?

Osip was looking for a learned, well-traveled gentleman in Moscow, which might have been hard to come by with the Bolsheviks in power. He probably knew of the Count's house arrest, so he had someone that met his criteria and wasn't really in a position to say no. I don't get why it has to be so secretive, though... the points he made about why he needed to learn French and English were pretty valid. I feel like this collusion will not end well.

@Camilla - That sounds like a really relaxing Mother's Day :)

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms on our team!

Day 2 Discussion Questions
Section: Archeolgies – 1924: Anonymity, pgs. 77-145
(TW: question 13 addresses attempted suicide)

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 haven't actually read an Russian literature, though not because of lack of interest. I have a couple of those on my TBR list. I've just always been distracted by other books, haha. I couldn't say how this book may be similar or dissimilar.

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?

The actress was interesting, though I think I found that encounter to be my favorite because of her dogs. I also liked the fact that the Count got under her skin. She seems like a woman who isn't used to not having the upperhand. I also enjoyed meeting Mishka, Alexander's eccentric friend who paces all the time.

9. What do you think of Anna Urbanova? Do you think she will reappear in the story later?

I talked of her a bit in the previous answer. She's certainly intriguing, if a little haughty. I think she'll have more of a role to play in this story.

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?

It does seem like the Count's presence is fading. He mentions how people are beginning to not notice when he enters a room or aren't as chatty as they once were. And it seems obvious that Nina isn't as friendly as she once was. I'm not sure if Alexander has many, if any, true friends left, but I hope I'm wrong.

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?

I think the description of the wines was elegant. That was a beautifully written passage, in my opinion. I also think it's completely ridiculous that they removed all the labels!!! There are so many differences in wine beyond "white" and "red"!!! Ugh. I don't think the Bishop orchestrated the new rule, but I feel he had a hand in it. Probably whispered something to the right person who had enough influence/power. The little snake...

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 think the narrator and the Count are two different characters, as it were, though the both have a similar tone. I loved the footnotes! I loved the extra information and the liveliness of the tone. I think the Count start with the same vivaciousness as the narrator, but I feel like it's slowly draining from him due to his circumstances.

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 think the last bit before he went back to grab that particular bottle of wine, when he was musing on the fact that the aspects of the Russia he loves are quickly disappearing, tells us why he might be considering suicide. For a man who is so used to being "with the times" and "in the thick of things", it must be quite a shock to be so on the periphery. And all these drastic changes I think are a bit too much for him. Now that, as he says, he's becoming ghost-like, I feel like he's becoming increasingly hopeless.

I thought he returned to Moscow to help his Grandmother escape? That was the vibe I got. And I feel like he stayed because he wouldn't give the Bolsheviks the satisfaction of running away. I'm liking the Count so far and I'm really hoping he doesn't actually go through with his plan...