MichelleCH’s Comments (group member since Aug 28, 2016)

MichelleCH’s comments from the Reading the Chunksters group.

Dianne wrote: "Roman Clodia wrote: "Dianne wrote: "Is anyone listening to this on audiobook? I'm curious if that (or the movie) does the sermon justice."

I am, alongside the book, but the reader's not particular..."
Yes, I have been. Each paragraph is just so rich.

Today I listened to the Librovox's audiobook version going back a few chapters and it was really helpful. The reading of "The Prophet" and the next few chapters is excellent. I may go back and listen to the sermon too.

Amanda wrote: "Oh my gosh Michelle that is fantastic. Thanks for sharing that link."
You are very welcome. It looks like a fun few days of activities. Maybe next year!

Christopher wrote: "Sorry, we need a better picture of Queequeg:

"

Yes, thank you! New Bedford is so close to where I live. I just found out there is an annual Moby Dick reading marathon at the Whaling Museum. This year it will start tomorrow. I imagine with our snow storm still raging, it may have to be postponed. You can also watch a live webcast: https://www.whalingmuseum.org/program...

I second A Suitable Boy- on my TBR for a while now.

Tracey wrote: "I have just voted on this poll and voted no. My reasoning being that we all have issues going on that at times mean we don't always post or get to read a particular book but that doesn't mean we ar..."

Tracey, I agree. I love this group but there are times of year when it is harder for me to participate due to work or family schedules. I also would rather have a smaller group of active members versus a large group with only a few people commenting.

There are also some of us who read all the comments but don't always feel the need to respond.

The writing was beautiful and tragic. The story of Petya was so intense, I admit I skimmed. Too much for me. And then Tanya. Lara and Dr. Z could have perhaps been good parents in another place? Just such a sad novel.

Dr. Z I believe was insane by the end of the novel. How could he not be. Imagine how many things he saw and experienced. He did drive me crazy by not going with Lara and I didn't get that decision at all.

So much sadness.

He is so frustrating. I have started to not like Dr. Z very much at all. It's probably a combination of guilt and relief.

Such hard chapters to read! Pamphil's story for me is a symbol of what must of have happened hundreds of times. I can't imagine being in such fear that you would rather your family die than see them suffer. War is brutal and the writing about Pamphil illustrates that well.

I think that Dr. Z is torn; he loves Lara but longs for his family at the same time. I think he is weak both physically and mentally. War is an extreme that we thankfully have not had to live through for some time here in the US. So tragic to think how everyone's lives would have been so different had it not been for the war and destruction of the Whites and Reds.

The rats were incredibly bold and disgusting. Perhaps they knew that the humans were weak from the war and that they could have their way in everyone's homes.

I agree. Great questions. I found this section a bit trying. I'm not a big fan of the fighting and different factions. I find it a bit confusing and I keep checking back to review the Whites and the Reds history.

I feel like a lot has happened to Dr. Z in such a short life. Lots of coincidences as well. The reappearance of Lara was refreshing and I was surprised but not surprised by their affair. She was a familiar in such a long period of unfamiliar (war, travel, a new home).

Jen wrote: "I agree that Yuri seems to be a bit removed, he's the observer of things. And maybe that is his training as a doctor, that's what they do right - observe and then put the pieces together in a diagn..."
I agree Jen. I think it is his training. He can triage and doesn't get ruffled in an emergency. Tonya is very practical packing items to trade and getting ready to start a vegetable garden once they arrive.

I do like Dr. Z and so far find him a sympathetic character.

In terms of maintaining individualism in wartime, at a basic level I think this would be incredibly difficult to sustain because favors and exchanges between strangers and friends can be the key to survival.

The family benefits from the important official that Dr. Z helps who can potentially provide the family assistance. They also rely on Dr. Z's half brother to provide food for Dr. Z when he falls ill with typhus.

On a societal level, it would have been impossible to maintain individualism as wealth is redistributed and the collective movement forward is more important than how each family is surviving.

This section really brought the struggle of living in a country experiencing war vividly to life. I could feel the cold and just finding wood to burn and food to eat could not have been easy during the revolution.

I really like Lara; she has been a victim of Komarovsky in such a terrible way. Her telling of the story of when her family first moves into their apartment and the gift of the watermelon from Komarovsky shows the awe she had for him and the beginning of how he used his power to intimidate and use her. She doesn't even want the watermelon but still feels obligated to choke it down. I think she is complicated but incredibly strong and intelligent.

Her attempt at his life luckily fails but it is a completely understandable desire and action.

Her relationship with Pasha is described more of motherly role versus one of a lover and a partner, this may be why Pasha feels he has to go off to fight. His escape is a way for him to assert his own place. He comes to realize that the idea of taking care of him is more appealing to Lara than her actual love for him.

I loved the description of his feeling like he was a different man after Lara's sharing of her past with him so much so that he was surprised to awaken the next day and realize he still had the same name.

So much in these two chapters!

Greg wrote: "I found that a line toward the end of "Girl from a Different World" tells us a lot about what's to come: "If Komarovsky's intrusion into Lara's life had merely filled her with disgust, she would ha..."
Greg, that is what I thought. Such a harsh environment and such little happiness for everyone.

My library has the P&V translation. I'm going to start it this evening. Looking forward to the discussion!

Dianne wrote: "Hi there! We are just about to start our read of Dr. Zhivago, and I wanted to share with you some non spoiler info about the book.

Excerpts from wikipedia:

" It sounds timely and perfect for a group read. Hoping that the discussion threads will help me keep the names straight. Glad to be joining in, this has been on my TBR for some time now.

More because he feels more likeable and 'real' to me. He is also able to show his vulnerability through his relationship with Molly. Pinkerton's wife and daughters are so distant and he is so single-minded that I didn't care what ended up happening to him at all.

Good point Zulfiya - I would guess that being Foole is easier than Shade. Shade is smart, well-dressed and able to handle any situation. Foole is his younger self and feels less sure of his place in the world.

William is the brute and the one imprisoned by the strongest walls. He spends his life seeking the truth and chasing Edward Shade all the while forsaking time with his family and wife. He has no other real purpose than to hunt down Shade. He seems so black and white to me.

Foole on the other hand is part of the flash family and lives by his wits and crimes. I see a young boy who has never had a chance to experience the traditional family structure, yet he is more open to possibilities and hope.

I don't know about the author either. Perhaps someone else will have a suggestion.

I too was surprised about the plans for a new heist. It also seems like we have traveled quite far from the original "Charlotte crime". Her story has become a minor side note to Pinkerton and Foole's on-going dance with the past.

And I have come to like Foole quite a bit more than Pinkerton.

It's great that you mentioned it Pip, I noticed the absence too and eventually got used to it. I too had to do a re-read a few times. I think it did help with the flow once I got used to it.