Nancy’s Comments (group member since Dec 31, 2012)

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

Before I Fall
Date Read: 6/2/17
Pages: 490
BOM: No
Rating: 4 stars

I'm reading by Lauren Oliver. I want to read it before I see the movie.

Laura wrote: "


Yah, team we hit over 6000 in points! Keep up the great work. Happy reading!"

Great job team!

Karin wrote: "Finished yesterday in practically one sitting... next up "

I loved It Ends with Us.....actually, I've loved almost every Colleen Hoover book I've read! Happy reading!

Hi guys! I was away for the weekend and didn't get much reading in. I FINALLY finished !! Wasn't my fave but got through it! I'm giving up on . I started it this weekend but am not really into it. I'd rather read books that I want to instead of slowly trying to get through a book I don't like for the points. Just got home recently so not sure what book I'm going to pick up now. But will start reading another one tonight! Hope everyone had a great weekend, and if you're in the US, Happy Memorial Day.

A Gentleman in Moscow
Pages: 462
Read: May 28, 2017
BOM: Yes, discussion #55, 127, 180, 206, 207, 208
Rating: 3 stars

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?

Yes, time has passed different in different stages of life. I'm finding, like he did that it seems like my kids are getting older so quickly! Meanwhile, I feel like being a teenager and waiting to go off to college and be on my own felt like forever.

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 enjoyed seeing the book unfold over so many years and seeing how Rostov changed and the different people coming in and out of his life.

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 trusted Fate up until the end when he decided to leave. That was a big plan which he took on himself.

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 think Nina giving the Count the key was the present that stood out the most. And one that proved most handy!

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?

I didn't see much changes, but wasn't very focused on the politics as I was the characters.

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?

I think they were consistent of his being a gentleman. At the end with the Bishop I think it was out of desperation to escape. Otherwise, I think he handled himself well.

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'm not sure what the deciding factor was in planning Sofia's escape. Maybe opportunity, since she would be out of the country.

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?

I found it natural but a bit extreme. Every father gets protective of his daughter as they get to be of dating age.

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?

Yes, I think because they have more in common with each other.

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 think it's like when a single parent doesn't introduce a significant other to their children until they know it's serious. I wasn't sure that Anna and his relationship was very serious. It seemed more physical to me.

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?

Yes, I was very surprised. Didn't see that coming.

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 found his manuscript interesting. I think bread holds a special place in almost every culture.

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

Skipping this one because I know since I finished the book!

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 Rostov working as a waiter and befriending the chef and many dinner scenes taking place in the dining room all contribute to the many food and wine references in the book.

#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?

I'm not sure why his money wasn't impounded! I would think he'd have to pay for his room because why make the hotel lose out on money. But I also think of all his meals that he's eaten too. Does he pay for those? Or does working as a waiter give him room and board. I don't think the reader really knows.

#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?

I think she didn't have much other choice. She knew that her daughter would have a place to live and someone always around, since he couldn't leave.

#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?

She is very observant and very clever! The Count is easygoing enough to come up with the game and lose graciously!

#25. Do you think the count has after 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 ever had to look after anyone. He had to be prompted that Sofia had to use the bathroom. He's changing and thinking not only of himself anymore.

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

He has to change his whole schedule around, worry about childcare when working, make changes to his room and figure out how to raise this girl. I read the entire book so know the answer to the second part.

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

I already read the entire book so know the answers to these.

The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares
Read: 5/25/17
Pages: 304
BOM: no
Rating: 3 stars

I'm away and on my cell and couldn't link to the book.

It's been very slow reading for me. I'm only half-way through A Gentleman in Moscow and slowly making my way through my other current read The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares. I've just been feeling unmotivated to read.

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?

Sometimes it's easier to tell things to strangers, knowing that you won't see them again.

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 don't think that he would have stepped off. I think he changed his mind because the flavor of the honey brought back memories of home.

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'm not sure. I would think that being confined to a hotel can be stifling. Being exiled to another country, you are alone and have no sense of belonging or the culture.

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?

I'm hoping that they reunite and become closer again. I think she was cold towards him because he was her childhood friend and she's an adult now and has moved on??

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 was very surprised to hear how Anna's fortune changed. I don't think the two are serious and are just using each other because they are both available.

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 like the three of them together. They've formed an unlikely friendship. I too was confused why the bouillabaisse was a secret. But it was such a bonding moment for them.

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?

I think Glebnikov may be trouble, which is not good for the Count. I'm not sure hwy Glebnikov wants to learn English and French....possible political reasons?

Never Let You Go
Date Read: May 20
Pages: 406
BOM: No
Rating: 3 stars

Laura wrote: "Dima, I saw you read Dark Matter I am in queue for that one from my OverDrive. How was it?"

Laura, Dark Matter is on my to read list. Everyone I know who's read it has loved it!

It's been slow reading for me. I'm reading and participating in the discussion questions, though I'm a few days behind! And I'm also reading . I should be able to finish that one over the weekend!

Today was a hot one, with temps hitting the low 90's. Trying to stay cool!

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 read Anna Karenina years ago and didn't enjoy it very much! This novel seems more upbeat and less depressing.

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?

Although there were lots of colorful characters, the scenes that stick out are the ones in which Nina is in. She's grown up and become a very smart young woman. However, she doesn't seem to need the Count anymore which is sad.

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

I thought she was very forward and knows what she wants! The wardrobe incident shows she's quite stubborn though. I think she will reappear later in the 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?

I don't think it's Anna that's cast a spell on him. I think his lack of friends are due to the circumstances of the times.

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 it was higher officials that brought the change in the wine. I thought it was such a waste of the stuff though! Each bottle was unique and is now just one anonymous bottle among many!

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 don't think the narrative voice is the Count. I think the Count is getting lonely and starting to feel his imprisonment, so he is not as happy as the narrator.

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?

As I mentioned in the previous answer, I think he's starting to feel lonely and seeing the effects of his imprisonment. I like the Count. He seems like a good guy trying to look out for others.

I Found You
Read: May 15
Pages: 352
BOM: No
Rating: 4 Stars

Day 1 Discussion Questions
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 am not very familiar with Russian history and politics during this time period, so I was a bit lost when the book started. Still not really sure, history-wise what's going on!

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?

Reading and writing are important to him, so I can understand him wanting the desk. Some of the other possessions he took had personal meaning to him. If I was in a similar situation, I would have also taken all the books!

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 just don't understand why he gave himself that challenge to read all the essays. If a book bores me, I move on and don't force myself to finish.

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 think it means that he'll make the most of the situation. I admire that he seems to be taking his situation in stride. He hasn't gotten upset about being moved and is making the best of his situation.

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?

I would hope a Count is a gentleman, which he is. I think the title sounds better too using "gentleman" instead of A Count in Moscow. I do find him to be an appealing character.

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?

So far, Nina seems to have a maturity that is much older than her age. I think she has already been important so far in entertaining the Count and showing him to see things in a new way.

Ozana wrote: "Wow, we are on the first place!

Congratulations all and have a good books come your way!"

Awesome job everyone!!

So sorry Maria Helena to hear about your fall! I'm always having teeth problems! I hope you have a quick recovery. Sitting on the sofa and eating ice cream sounds like a nice relaxing weekend!

I have a busy day today, shuttling the kids around to various activities, but hope to get some good reading time in.

As for the June BOMs, I already read You and the sequel. I don't really have a desire to read The Gunslinger. But The Hate U Give was already on my to read list, so if I can get that one from the library I'll read it.