Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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The Secret History
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The Secret History by Donna Tartt - Bonus Nov 24 BOM (starts 22 Nov)
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(last edited Nov 20, 2024 02:26AM)
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Date MPDQs Chapters
22 Nov Carrie (Overdue) Ch 1 &2 (pages 1 to 103)
23 Nov Preeti (Roof) Ch 3 & 4 (pages 104 to 172)
24 Nov Alisha (Endless) Ch 5 (pages 173 to 274)
25 Nov **** Break Day ****
26 Nov Tina (Car) Ch 6 (pages 275 to 376)
27 Nov Fiona (Noisy) Ch 7 to Ch 8 "...twisting blind and helpless on the rain dark sheets of slate." (pages #77 to pg 489)
28 Nov Sammy (Disaster) Ch 8 "In class on Tuesday, Julian..." to end (pg 489 to 559)
Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?
Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here
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(last edited Nov 20, 2024 02:22AM)
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nom: Carrie (Overdue)
Sammy (Disaster) last day
E (Disaster) backup
Mel (Painting)
Alisha (Endless)
Karen (Painting) backup
Judith (Jam)
Preeti (Roof)
Jenny (Tax)
Lexi (Jam) backup not day 1/2
Lexi (Jam) extra entry not day 1/2
Tina (Car)
Angie (Tax) backup
Catherine (Sorting)
Insiyah (Pet)
Sammy (Disaster) extra entry last day
Fiona (Noisy)
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(last edited Nov 20, 2024 02:27AM)
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There were 12 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
Sammy (Disaster) last day
Preeti (Roof)
Alisha (Endless)
Tina (Car)
Fiona (Noisy)
Judith (Jam)
Catherine (Sorting)
Insiyah (Pet)
Jenny (Tax)
Mel (Painting)
Lexi (Jam) extra entry not day 1/2
Sammy (Disaster) extra entry last day
Timestamp: 2024-11-20 10:22:27 UTC
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(last edited Jan 27, 2025 08:01AM)
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Judith https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Marie UK https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Preeti https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Angie https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I'll volunteer for DIY Disaster. Last day if possible please.
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Volunteering for Team Interior Painting
Volunteering for Team Endless Meal Prep (I love this book!)
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Back up for Mel on interior painting
If neither of us are sure, Karen, would that add up to 1x sure? :D
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Or maybe 0.8? Haha
We can go with that. ;)@Sammy - would you recommend the audiobook?
Yes, from what I can remember the audio was good.
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In for DQs (team Jam)
I'd like to volunteer for Roof Repairs.
Volunteering for Team tax.
Back up for Judith. Team traffic and an extra entry please. I cannot do either of the first two days as I will be on an 18 hour flight.
Volunteer for back up for Broken Down Car
Volunteering as backup for Team Tax.
Volunteer for Sorting Recycle if its not to late :)
Volunteering for Clean Pet Cage!
I think that once the other BOM participations are updated I have an extra entry? If so, could I use it here please?
Volunteering for Noisy Neighbours :)
Mod
I assume you all know the drill by now but:
- if you can't do your day, pass it to a listed backup
- if you have no backup, they can't do the day or you are late it passes to the next unique team
Enjoy!
Perfect for me, thank you!
Day works for me too, thanks
I am going to join in for Team roof repairs my caopy arrived at the library today
Mod
If the nominator doesn't post questions by the end of Wheels round 3, their day will be passed to the next team (Jam) as there are no backup for Team Overdue Bill.
Day 2 DQ set can be posted immediately after day 1 set is posted, or within 24 hours from now. and so forth....
Mod
Chapters 1 & 2
1.) Is this your first Donna Tartt book or have you read hot book of whatever year that was, The Goldfinch? If you've read The Goldfinch, has this been sitting on your to-be-read list since?
2.) This has definite secret-college-campus-society vibes. Do you like this setting for a story? Have you read any from this genre you'd recommend to others?
3.) Speaking of the setting, does the author provide a good description of the campus and the surrounding landscape to set a believable atmosphere for the novel?
4.) Initial thoughts on characters. It's early in the book, but any you like, don't like, or want to learn more about?
5.) Do you think the narrator is reliable? Do you like unreliable narrated books or are you not a fan?
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 & 2
1.) Is this your first Donna Tartt book or have you read hot book of whatever year that was, The Goldfinch? If you've read The Goldfinch, has this been sitting on your to-be-read list since?
This was my first Donna Tartt when I read it for the first time a couple of years ago. It's a friend's favorite novel. I've also read The Little Friend. I really enjoyed both. The Goldfinch has been on my tbr forever lol.
2.) This has definite secret-college-campus-society vibes. Do you like this setting for a story? Have you read any from this genre you'd recommend to others?
Just read Babel by RF Kuang and absolutely loved it. It has similar vibes for sure. I also enjoyed Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo but didn't care for the sequel as much.
3.) Speaking of the setting, does the author provide a good description of the campus and the surrounding landscape to set a believable atmosphere for the novel?
I think so. Small rural New England college. I think she based it off of Bennington College.
4.) Initial thoughts on characters. It's early in the book, but any you like, don't like, or want to learn more about?
I've read this before but the description of the Greek students always reminds me of the introduction to the Cullens in Twilight. They just seem like they are cool and other-worldly.
5.) Do you think the narrator is reliable? Do you like unreliable narrated books or are you not a fan?
It's a first-person POV that also seems to be someone remembering an event that took place in the past for them (unsure how far in the past...10...15 years?) so it is bound to be at least somewhat unreliable. It also seems like the other students at the college don't have the same opinion of the Greek students as he does.
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 & 2
1.) Is this your first Donna Tartt book or have you read hot book of whatever year that was, The Goldfinch? If you've read The Goldfinch, has this been sitting on your to-be-read list since?
It was my first Tartt book when it came out in the 90's. I remember being captivated by the story back then. I also really liked The Goldfinch.
2.) This has definite secret-college-campus-society vibes. Do you like this setting for a story? Have you read any from this genre you'd recommend to others?
I have read quite a few in this genre, and some are really good. My all time favorite is
, with
and
coming in as close seconds. 3.) Speaking of the setting, does the author provide a good description of the campus and the surrounding landscape to set a believable atmosphere for the novel?
I think so. I was easily able to picture the setting, and the feel of some of the buildings we have encountered so far. It hasn't been overly descriptive though, so my imagination is likely filling in some blanks.
4.) Initial thoughts on characters. It's early in the book, but any you like, don't like, or want to learn more about?
The more I read, the more I remember from reading it years ago, but I do like the Greek group as a whole as we are introduced to them. Pretentious, but too much. Real, but not too real.
5.) Do you think the narrator is reliable? Do you like unreliable narrated books or are you not a fan?
Nope. He admits that lying is one of his better skills. When a narrator fesses up to something like that so early in the book, I grain of salt their narrative. Even lying about his parents and being part of "Hollywood" seem such a silly lie to begin any potential friendship with. Then he lies to the professor about car repairs, etc, etc.
I don't seek out unreliable narrator books as a rule, after so many authors tried to copy Gone Girl, but when they are well written, it can be a fun device. This one is well written.
DQs Day 2 - Chapters 3 & 4 (pages 104 to 172)6. What do you think of Julian’s unique position as a wealthy outsider and its influence on his interactions with both the college and the group?
7. The narrator and the group are greatly fascinated by the classics, in particular Greek tragedy. Do you think this influences their perception of the world and their relationships within the group and with other characters?
8. What do you think of the relationship between Richard and the other members of the group? Do you think it has evolved over these chapters? What, if any, are the elements most likely to strengthen or disrupt this bond?
9. How does the isolated setting of Hampden College contribute to the atmosphere and the characters' actions?
10. Did your thoughts about Henry’s relationship with Bunny change over the course of these chapters?
11. What do the Bacchic rituals symbolize to the group? Are they seeking a transcendent experience, or are they simply indulging in hedonistic pleasures? How do these rituals contribute to the group's downfall?
Bonus: I have always been fascinated by the various secret societies one reads about. If given a chance, would you want to be a member, and if so, which one would you want to belong to? (The secret society does not have to belong to a college/university, it can be one not linked to an educational institution.)
Day 3: Chapter 512. How do you feel about the pace of the novel? Do you prefer a slower character driven like this one or do you prefer something more quick and plot driven?
13. In this chapter we see Richard dealing with his first winter alone. Why do you think the author spends one hundred pages on this? What does it tell you about Richard as a character?
14. If you were in Richard’s situation what would you have done differently?
15. Donna Tartt was actually good friends with Bret Easton Ellis. I heard that the Greek students make a cameo in his novels as well as Janet Poovy. Have you read anything by him? Do you know any other author friendships that share characters or settings?
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 & 2
1.) Is this your first Donna Tartt book or have you read hot book of whatever year that was, The Goldfinch? If you've read The Goldfinch, has this been sitting on your to-be-read list since?
This is my first Donna Tartt book and I've been wanting to read this since forever!
2.) This has definite secret-college-campus-society vibes. Do you like this setting for a story? Have you read any from this genre you'd recommend to others?
I definitely like this setting and am very intrigued by what the story has to offer.
I've recently read In My Dreams I Hold a Knife which had secret-college-campus-society vibes.
3.) Speaking of the setting, does the author provide a good description of the campus and the surrounding landscape to set a believable atmosphere for the novel?
I'm definitely a fan of all the descriptions. The atmosphere is believable and I like that everything is so detailed, for example the description of life in Plano in the beginning.
4.) Initial thoughts on characters. It's early in the book, but any you like, don't like, or want to learn more about?
To be honest, currently I don't like any of them but I also feel like that's the goal of the book. I might be wrong though, and maybe my feelings will change.
5.) Do you think the narrator is reliable? Do you like unreliable narrated books or are you not a fan?
Well, the narrator definitely isn't reliable. I don't read many books with unreliable narrators but I usually like them.
DQs Day 2 - Chapters 3 & 4 (pages 104 to 172)6. What do you think of Julian’s unique position as a wealthy outsider and its influence on his interactions with both the college and the group?
I'm not sure yet what I think about him. He's a bit weird but currently, that's all I really know.
7. The narrator and the group are greatly fascinated by the classics, in particular Greek tragedy. Do you think this influences their perception of the world and their relationships within the group and with other characters?
Definitely. I think that goes for everyone and their specific interests. How you see the world, how it shapes your conversations, etc.
8. What do you think of the relationship between Richard and the other members of the group? Do you think it has evolved over these chapters? What, if any, are the elements most likely to strengthen or disrupt this bond?
I definitely think it has evolved, but I do see some kind of dependency from Richard on the others. Also feels like they're kind of taking advantage of him sometimes.
I think what could disrupt the bond is maybe money? I don't know about strengthen.
9. How does the isolated setting of Hampden College contribute to the atmosphere and the characters' actions?
To me, it seems like they're in a state of "We can do whatever we want because no one is watching"
10. Did your thoughts about Henry’s relationship with Bunny change over the course of these chapters?
Yes, it seemed toxic and Bunny seemed a bit dangerous to me.
11. What do the Bacchic rituals symbolize to the group? Are they seeking a transcendent experience, or are they simply indulging in hedonistic pleasures? How do these rituals contribute to the group's downfall?
I don't know, not really sure I understood anything about the rituals lol
Bonus: I have always been fascinated by the various secret societies one reads about. If given a chance, would you want to be a member, and if so, which one would you want to belong to? (The secret society does not have to belong to a college/university, it can be one not linked to an educational institution.)
I would love to be a member but of which society, I'm unsure.
Day 3: Chapter 512. How do you feel about the pace of the novel? Do you prefer a slower character driven like this one or do you prefer something more quick and plot driven?
At this point of the novel, I wish it was a bit faster-paced. It was great to get a clear view of the characters but now I'd like a little more action. Hopefully that will happen in book 2.
13. In this chapter we see Richard dealing with his first winter alone. Why do you think the author spends one hundred pages on this? What does it tell you about Richard as a character?
In my opinion, it is to show what differences there are in Richard's character when he's alone vs. when he is with the others. Why spend 100 pages on it? Only the lord knows.
14. If you were in Richard’s situation what would you have done differently?
Well, I'd say not become friends with the group in the first place, as that was probably not the best idea. But since he's already involved with them, I don't know if I'd do anything differently myself.
15. Donna Tartt was actually good friends with Bret Easton Ellis. I heard that the Greek students make a cameo in his novels as well as Janet Poovy. Have you read anything by him? Do you know any other author friendships that share characters or settings?
I have not read anything by this author yet and currently, I can't think of any of these author friendships. I do really like the thought of it though.
DQ Day 4 - Ch 6 (pages 275 to 376)12. At a party, Richard has an epiphany... "The gesture was, to me, tremendously touching and all of a sudden I realized I had been wrong about these people. These were good people, common people; the salt of the earth; people whom I should count myself fortunate to know."
What are your thoughts on Judy and those people? Do you think Richard would have been better friends with them? Would he have had better grades and a better experience at college? Would he have been better off being with them and different subjects and not studying Greek with the Greek club?
13. In this chapter, the search for Bunny continues. What are your thoughts on everyone's reactions to Bunny's search party? Are they what you expected? Are they accurate? Do you care?
14. In murder mysteries, I always scrutinise how the police are portrayed if any evidence could lead back to the killer/s, and if the author thought of everything. What do you do when you read a murder mystery? Do you just go along with the plot, try to guess what will happen, or skip to the end of the book to find out what happened?
15. As I read this book, I forgot that they didn't have mobile phones back then and wondered why they weren't calling each other instead of using home phones and pay phones to get a hold of one another. Then I remembered the book was written in 1992 and mobile phones weren't a thing. Was it easy for you to slip into the 1990's setting and remember what technology was and wasn't around? What are some good memories or highlights that you have in the 1990's (mine was being born haha)
DQs Day 2 - Chapters 3 & 4 (pages 104 to 172)6. What do you think of Julian’s unique position as a wealthy outsider and its influence on his interactions with both the college and the group?
I find Julian creepy. He is knowledgeable in his subject, but I think he just likes the exclusivity of his "class" over anything else.
7. The narrator and the group are greatly fascinated by the classics, in particular Greek tragedy. Do you think this influences their perception of the world and their relationships within the group and with other characters?
Very much so. They worship the old ways a bit too much.
8. What do you think of the relationship between Richard and the other members of the group? Do you think it has evolved over these chapters? What, if any, are the elements most likely to strengthen or disrupt this bond?
He is still an outsider, but the more he knows about what they group has done, the more he will be pulled in.
9. How does the isolated setting of Hampden College contribute to the atmosphere and the characters' actions?
The isolation of the campus is definitely a factor. It is probably easy to ignore the rest of the world when you are in that kind of fish bowl. Was it Bunny who didn't even know that there was a moon landing? Isolation.
10. Did your thoughts about Henry’s relationship with Bunny change over the course of these chapters?
I still don't quite understand how they have been friends for so long. Bunny seems like a lot of work. I think at this point, they are together out of necessity.
11. What do the Bacchic rituals symbolize to the group? Are they seeking a transcendent experience, or are they simply indulging in hedonistic pleasures? How do these rituals contribute to the group's downfall?
Probably a bit of both. College is the place for hedonism, but the ritual part is important to them as well. Clearly, things went south in a big way. It will be interesting to see how it unfolds. It has been soooo long since I read this, I really don't remember much of it, so I am enjoying trying to figure it out all over again.
Bonus: I have always been fascinated by the various secret societies one reads about. If given a chance, would you want to be a member, and if so, which one would you want to belong to? (The secret society does not have to belong to a college/university, it can be one not linked to an educational institution.)
I have been in a small theater group that was way too cliquish, and a medieval recreation group that was the same. So, at this point, no.
What I wish I could do though, is to be able to quote the classics the way these guys do.
DQ Day 4 - Ch 6 (pages 275 to 376)12. At a party, Richard has an epiphany... "The gesture was, to me, tremendously touching and all of a sudden I realized I had been wrong about these people. These were good people, common people; the salt of the earth; people whom I should count myself fortunate to know."
What are your thoughts on Judy and those people? Do you think Richard would have been better friends with them? Would he have had better grades and a better experience at college? Would he have been better off being with them and different subjects and not studying Greek with the Greek club?
Oh for sure, he'd have a normal college experience like every normal person with his very normal friend group. He'd definitely be in less danger.
13. In this chapter, the search for Bunny continues. What are your thoughts on everyone's reactions to Bunny's search party? Are they what you expected? Are they accurate? Do you care?
I'd say I care. I'm not sure about normal or accurate since I never went through this myself. I do find them a little suspiscious behaving though.
14. In murder mysteries, I always scrutinise how the police are portrayed if any evidence could lead back to the killer/s, and if the author thought of everything. What do you do when you read a murder mystery? Do you just go along with the plot, try to guess what will happen, or skip to the end of the book to find out what happened?
I definitely try to guess along with the story. I'm rarely successful with it though.
15. As I read this book, I forgot that they didn't have mobile phones back then and wondered why they weren't calling each other instead of using home phones and pay phones to get a hold of one another. Then I remembered the book was written in 1992 and mobile phones weren't a thing. Was it easy for you to slip into the 1990's setting and remember what technology was and wasn't around? What are some good memories or highlights that you have in the 1990's (mine was being born haha)
I was born in the mid 1990s as well, so there aren't all that many memories that I have of that decade haha
1.) Is this your first Donna Tartt book or have you read hot book of whatever year that was, The Goldfinch? If you've read The Goldfinch, has this been sitting on your to-be-read list since?This is a re-rerad for me. And I re-read The Goldfinch last month for another challenge. I've also read The Little Friend.
2.) This has definite secret-college-campus-society vibes. Do you like this setting for a story? Have you read any from this genre you'd recommend to others?
I really like it when it's done well, like here.
3.) Speaking of the setting, does the author provide a good description of the campus and the surrounding landscape to set a believable atmosphere for the novel?
I think so. There's not too much that you don't get to use your imagination, but enough to create an atmosphere.
4.) Initial thoughts on characters. It's early in the book, but any you like, don't like, or want to learn more about?
5.) Do you think the narrator is reliable? Do you like unreliable narrated books or are you not a fan?
I enjoy it when it's done well, but hate it when it's an excuse for lazy writing.
Day 3: Chapter 512. How do you feel about the pace of the novel? Do you prefer a slower character driven like this one or do you prefer something more quick and plot driven?
I like both, when well written. The quiet moments in this book are still interesting I think.
13. In this chapter we see Richard dealing with his first winter alone. Why do you think the author spends one hundred pages on this? What does it tell you about Richard as a character?
It does emphasize the whole being alone thing very well. Like everything else in this book, it is probably an allusion to another ancient work, but I can't think of which one it is. Maybe Dante? I was reminded of the marching bit in War and Peace which was several hundred pages, I think. Not in context, but in pacing.
We do get a window into what he is like when he is not trying to fit in or impress anyone.
14. If you were in Richard’s situation what would you have done differently?
Im not sure. I hope I would do the right thing. But, when the right thing is clouded by other right things, then????
Friendship and loyalty are important, but there is a point where one has to take account of one's own morality, or soul, if you will.
I would probably help my sister hide a body, or the like, but I don't think I have ever been in thrall to a group of people, friends or not that I would put my freedom and conscience at risk for.
15. Donna Tartt was actually good friends with Bret Easton Ellis. I heard that the Greek students make a cameo in his novels as well as Janet Poovy. Have you read anything by him? Do you know any other author friendships that share characters or settings?
I read his Psycho book and really didn't like it, so I do not remember the greek student reference.
I can think of a few authors in the past that "borrowed" from one another like Shakespeare and Marlowe, and I can think of scenes in books that refer to other author's characters or settings, but I cannot remember specifics right this moment.
DQs Day 1Chapters 1 & 2
1.) Is this your first Donna Tartt book or have you read hot book of whatever year that was, The Goldfinch? If you've read The Goldfinch, has this been sitting on your to-be-read list since?
The Goldfinch is on my tbr shelf. This is my first book by her
2.) This has definite secret-college-campus-society vibes. Do you like this setting for a story? Have you read any from this genre you'd recommend to others?
Books with the American university are a struggle for me. I'm from Australia and know our system, I'm only learning through Goodreads groups how the American system works.
3.) Speaking of the setting, does the author provide a good description of the campus and the surrounding landscape to set a believable atmosphere for the novel?
I often skim descriptive details like this as I never remember them. Some bits I've remembered
4.) Initial thoughts on characters. It's early in the book, but any you like, don't like, or want to learn more about?
At this point, I did not care for the,
5.) Do you think the narrator is reliable? Do you like unreliable narrated books or are you not a fan?
No, I don't think he is, and no I don't
DQs Day 2 - Chapters 3 & 4 (pages 104 to 172)6. What do you think of Julian’s unique position as a wealthy outsider and its influence on his interactions with both the college and the group?
Julian is an interesting character. We basically hear that he is high and mighty yet I don't see it coming through really. I'm not impressed with people who think they're better than everyone
7. The narrator and the group are greatly fascinated by the classics, in particular Greek tragedy. Do you think this influences their perception of the world and their relationships within the group and with other characters?
I think Julian influences most of the characters to think in a certain way and act a certain way. We see it with Richard.
8. What do you think of the relationship between Richard and the other members of the group? Do you think it has evolved over these chapters? What, if any, are the elements most likely to strengthen or disrupt this bond?
I thought it had evolved slightly over the chapters. They were slowly letting him in.
9. How does the isolated setting of Hampden College contribute to the atmosphere and the characters' actions?
It is an isolating atmosphere that does impact their knowledge of the world. I guess a lot of people in the world are isolated and don't know about global things and they get by.
10. Did your thoughts about Henry’s relationship with Bunny change over the course of these chapters?
Yes it did. I could see tension from the start and expected it with all characters really
11. What do the Bacchic rituals symbolize to the group? Are they seeking a transcendent experience, or are they simply indulging in hedonistic pleasures? How do these rituals contribute to the group's downfall?
I won't answer this as I've finished the book
Bonus: I have always been fascinated by the various secret societies one reads about. If given a chance, would you want to be a member, and if so, which one would you want to belong to? (The secret society does not have to belong to a college/university, it can be one not linked to an educational institution.)
I was never really into secret societies so no
Day 3: Chapter 512. How do you feel about the pace of the novel? Do you prefer a slower character driven like this one or do you prefer something more quick and plot driven?
I think the pace is quite slow. There's a lot of monologues, long story telling and descriptions of things. It paints a scene the plot could have been condense if that was wanted. I think I prefer quicker plots
13. In this chapter we see Richard dealing with his first winter alone. Why do you think the author spends one hundred pages on this? What does it tell you about Richard as a character?
Maybe she did it to show how long he was alone for and what led to his health getting worse. Also to show he's still figuring out what to do with his life
14. If you were in Richard’s situation what would you have done differently?
So many things. I would have not done ancient greek and stuck with Julian as my teacher only. I would find good people to be around. How I am now is different to how I was in uni and I wasn't at uni in the 1990's so I don't know how it would have been
15. Donna Tartt was actually good friends with Bret Easton Ellis. I heard that the Greek students make a cameo in his novels as well as Janet Poovy. Have you read anything by him? Do you know any other author friendships that share characters or settings?
No I haven't. I don't know anyone else. This was news to me
12. How do you feel about the pace of the novel? Do you prefer a slower character driven like this one or do you prefer something more quick and plot driven?Both. I like to mix it up as much as possible when I read in every way, otherwise I'd get bored!
13. In this chapter we see Richard dealing with his first winter alone. Why do you think the author spends one hundred pages on this? What does it tell you about Richard as a character?
It's not unusual to have this level of introspection in a character driven novel. A lof of the rest of it was Richard in terms of how he interacted with the others. This was more Richard as a character in his own right.
14. If you were in Richard’s situation what would you have done differently?
I doubt I ever would find myself in such a situation! I also don't really tend to fall prey to peer pressure and avoid unpleasant people, so my experience would have been quite different from his! 😆
15. Donna Tartt was actually good friends with Bret Easton Ellis. I heard that the Greek students make a cameo in his novels as well as Janet Poovy. Have you read anything by him? Do you know any other author friendships that share characters or settings?
I've only read American Psycho, which bored me to tears, and I don't recall them from there.
Not sure about friends, but I'm sure I remember Joe Hill leaving a few references to his dad's works in there...
DQs Day 5: Chapter 7 to Chapter 8 "... dark sheets of slate." (pages 377 to 489)16. "Everyone, suddenly, had known him; everyone was deranged with grief; everyone was just going to have to try and get on as well as they could without him." This is what Richard thinks about the other students at Hampden college after Bunny was found. What are your thoughts on that? Did you ever experience something like that in real life?
17. Bunny's parents invited all of his friends (close or not so close) to stay at their house before the funeral. If you had been in Richard's place, would you have gone? Why (not)?
18. How would you describe Henry's behavior at the funeral?
19. Charles kissed Camilla, and it turns out that this might not have been the first time this has happened. Were you shocked to learn about this or did you see it coming?
20. "Had Henry intended to make me the patsy if his plan had fallen through?" Richard suspects that Henry has used him and would've gone even further if things had been differently. Do you agree?
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Bunny (other topics)If We Were Villains (other topics)
The Goldfinch (other topics)
The Little Friend (other topics)
Boy Swallows Universe (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Steven Erikson (other topics)Ian C. Esslemont (other topics)
Joe Hill (other topics)
Under the influence of their charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at an elite New England college discover a way of thinking and living that is a world away from the humdrum existence of their contemporaries. But when they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality they slip gradually from obsession to corruption and betrayal, and at last—inexorably—into evil.
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nominator: Carrie
official page count: 629 pages