Indian Readers discussion

Hello All ! Leena , Austin and I are going to read White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky , from next week . It's a novelette of 82 pages . Anyone interested in joining this buddy read is most welcome .

Thank you for creating this thread Savita. By the way, do we have a particular date to start this book?

Welcome, Austin !
Leena had suggested next week , so why don't we start on Monday ?

You mean on 29th May?

Oh no , I meant the 22nd of May . When would you prefer ?

I would prefer a later date as I want to order for the book from online.

No problem , Austin ! If you are ordering online , then go for an ebook because it is very, very reasonably priced as opposed to print books which are horribly expensive . An ebook can be read on the kindle app . The Kindle app can be downloaded on your smartphone from Google . Then , when you are purchasing an ebook from Amazon, they enquire your smartphone number ( which has your Kindle app ) , and, after the purchase , automatically deliver the ebook to your Kindle app library . The ebook has a cross at its lower end . You have to click on this to download the book . It's then ready for reading . There is a bookmark facility, and you can highlight words and sentences .
Of course , you may prefer a print book to avoid eye strain . But you can adjust the page lighting in ebooks to a comfortable level .

Please let Leena and me know when you are likely to start this book . Meanwhile , I will finish ATCF .

Savita, u are really good at explaining stuff. Yup, Austin, do let us know when ur ready. its just 90 pages. But it's supposed to be absolutely breathtaking.

Leena wrote: "Savita, u are really good at explaining stuff. Yup, Austin, do let us know when ur ready. its just 90 pages. But it's supposed to be absolutely breathtaking."

Haha , thanks , Leena - my pleasure !

Leena wrote: "Savita, u are really good at explaining stuff. Yup, Austin, do let us know when ur ready. its just 90 pages. But it's supposed to be absolutely breathtaking."

Would June 1st be ok? By that time I can finish ATCF. It also happens to be my birthday.

Savita wrote: "No problem , Austin ! If you are ordering online , then go for an ebook because it is very, very reasonably priced as opposed to print books which are horribly expensive . An ebook can be read on t..."

Thank you for the explanation Savita. I already have the kindle app and I use it to read samples of books. I see that White Nights is available on Flipkart for Rs. 100 and the e-book is available on Kindle for Rs 77. Since the price difference is not much, I may go for the print version.

Savita wrote: "No problem , Austin ! If you are ordering online , then go for an ebook because it is very, very reasonably priced as opposed to print books which are horribly expensive . An ebook can be read on t..."

Since the book is small I wouldn't have minded to read it as an e-book. But the print version is only Rs. 100 with free delivery on Flipkart.

Austin wrote: "Leena wrote: "Savita, u are really good at explaining stuff. Yup, Austin, do let us know when ur ready. its just 90 pages. But it's supposed to be absolutely breathtaking."

Would June 1st be ok? B..."

Wow , Happy Birthday in advance , Austin ! 🎉🎊🎂🎊🎉 Have lots of fun !
Waiting for confirmation from Leena to start White Nights on 1st of June .

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "No problem , Austin ! If you are ordering online , then go for an ebook because it is very, very reasonably priced as opposed to print books which are horribly expensive . An ebook c..."

Yes , print books are easier on the eyes . But , on an average , if an ebook costs Rs 2oo . The print version costs between Rs 700 to > 1000 .

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Leena wrote: "Savita, u are really good at explaining stuff. Yup, Austin, do let us know when ur ready. its just 90 pages. But it's supposed to be absolutely breathtaking."

Would Ju..."

Thank you Savita. I will celebrate the day by having a special lunch with my colleagues and later go to the library.

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "No problem , Austin ! If you are ordering online , then go for an ebook because it is very, very reasonably priced as opposed to print books which are horribly expensi..."

In that case, I don't mind buying a second hand book. But some books may not be available.

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "No problem , Austin ! If you are ordering online , then go for an ebook because it is very, very reasonably priced as opposed to print books which are horribly expensi..."

I meant the price of an online copy of the print book when I was comparing it to an ebook . I am not familiar with the costs of print books in physical stores - first hand or second hand . Second hand , if in good condition , sounds like a very good idea .

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Leena wrote: "Savita, u are really good at explaining stuff. Yup, Austin, do let us know when ur ready. its just 90 pages. But it's supposed to be absolutely breathtak..."

Sounds a good way to celebrate your birthday !

Savita wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "No problem , Austin ! If you are ordering online , then go for an ebook because it is very, very reasonably priced as opposed to print books which are h..."

One can get cheap good quality second hand books from Bookchor, Savita.

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Leena wrote: "Savita, u are really good at explaining stuff. Yup, Austin, do let us know when ur ready. its just 90 pages. But it's supposed to be absol..."

Yes, I am purposely going to the library on my birthday to have a good time!

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "No problem , Austin ! If you are ordering online , then go for an ebook because it is very, very reasonably priced as opposed to print bo..."

Is Bookchor a physical store or an online one ?

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Leena wrote: "Savita, u are really good at explaining stuff. Yup, Austin, do let us know when ur ready. its just 90 pages. But it's suppo..."

I agree it's an excellent way to spend the time !

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "No problem , Austin ! If you are ordering online , then go for an ebook because it is very, very reasonably priced as oppo..."

It is an online one. I once bought 4 books in good condition from them for around 500 rupees.

Austin, wow, you're already making Bday plans!! Awesome.
1st works great for me as well.

I've bought books from Bookchor too. I use it as another source to compare the prices of books , but it's a gamble on the condition of the book.
physical books I buy only for my daughters and its generally Amazon. I personally don't prefer Flipkart for books since I've had a really bad experience with them. I git a really bad duplicate of the book. Since,I've stuck with Amazon.

Leena wrote: "Austin, wow, you're already making Bday plans!! Awesome.
1st works great for me as well."

Okay , so 1st of June is set for White Nights 👍

Leena wrote: "I've bought books from Bookchor too. I use it as another source to compare the prices of books , but it's a gamble on the condition of the book.
physical books I buy only for my daughters and its ..."

I haven't had any issues with flipkart so far. I prefer to buy books from Flipkart and Bookchor whenever possible as they are Indian and smaller companies. Only if the price is lowest on Amazon I go for it. Amazon is already very popular. So I help out these small players like Flipkart and Bookchor.

Leena wrote: "Austin, wow, you're already making Bday plans!! Awesome.
1st works great for me as well."

June 1st it shall be! It will be my first Fyodor book.

yayyy

Bookchor doesn't have all the books out on the market.This is because they are actually recycling second-hand books, and their source to first hand is very unreliable. I've been disappointed by them, too. But they are definitely much much better than Flipkart. I was appalled at the book I received.

Bookchor doesn't have all the books out on the market.This is because they are actually recycling second-hand books, and their source to first hand is very unreliable. I've been disappointed by them, too. But they are definitely much much better than Flipkart. I was appalled at the book I received.

Austin wrote: "Leena wrote: "Austin, wow, you're already making Bday plans!! Awesome.
1st works great for me as well."

June 1st it shall be! It will be my first Fyodor book."

Later , someday , I hope you will read Crime and Punishment by this author . Something or the other keeps happening , so the story is flowing and holds the reader's interest . There is so much Fyodor Dostoevsky has to teach about life and its complexities . The end of the book is superb . ... ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ The power of real love ( of a beloved / a devoted mother / a lovely , selfless sister / a true friend ) to set an unbelieving man on the road to Salvation . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆ It's not for nothing that world preserves so carefully the works of great authors ... the path lighters in an oft confusing world .

That was another book I ditched u on):
I think complex books scare me. Maybe this one will start a new trend for me.

Leena wrote: "That was another book I ditched u on):
I think complex books scare me. Maybe this one will start a new trend for me."

Sometimes real life commitments take over , it is understandable . No worries !
Actually , C & P 's language is very simple , enjoyable and appealing . The names are difficult , but that can be overcome by making a list alongside , and perhaps even giving them short forms .
Now , I found The Brothers Karamazov by the same author too difficult .... multiple names for the same person . I had given up . Anna Karenina , by Leo Tolstoy , is another good one .... only the part about the relation with the farmers, and their ( the farmers ' ) troubles was a bit difficult to read , but illuminating as far as human relations and interactions are concerned . Some people skip this part .

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Leena wrote: "Austin, wow, you're already making Bday plans!! Awesome.
1st works great for me as well."

June 1st it shall be! It will be my first Fyodor book."

Later , someday , ..."

Ah, let me see how this author's writing style is first. Certain authors I found their styles unpalatable like Stephen King, Salman Rushdie, Neal Stephenson etc. Read at least 2 books by them.

I am somewhat familiar with Russian names, Savita, as I watch tennis sometimes and there are many Russian players. When I read We the Living by Ayn Rand last year, which is set in Russia, I didn't really find the names difficult. One thing I noticed is that their surnames vary according to the gender. For example, Pavlyuchenkov for male, Pavlyuchenkova for female. On the other hand, I found Swedish names in books more difficult to pronounce.

Savita wrote: "Leena wrote: "That was another book I ditched u on):
I think complex books scare me. Maybe this one will start a new trend for me."

Sometimes real life commitments take over , it is understandab..."

I hope you take up Brothers Karamazov some day Savita. I haven't read the book but I could gather that it's a theological and philosophical novel. I am usually attracted to novels with a theological theme, be it any religion.

I would like to recommend Djinn Patrol on The Purple Line to both. its written by Deepa Annapara. Its a very interesting book. And I would love your thoughts on it.

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Leena wrote: "That was another book I ditched u on):
I think complex books scare me. Maybe this one will start a new trend for me."

Sometimes real life commitments take over , it ..."

Weelll , Austin , The Brothers Karamazov is 800 + pages long , with some of the characters having multiple names. Whether I will attempt to read it again is doubtful . It'll require some courage 😄 . There are Goodreads ' members who have given it 5 stars to my astonishment and admiration !

Leena wrote: "I would like to recommend Djinn Patrol on The Purple Line to both. its written by Deepa Annapara. Its a very interesting book. And I would love your thoughts on it."

Thanks for the recommendation , Leena ! I'll check the blurb and get back to you .

Is Crime and Punishment a book with theological themes too?

Austin wrote: "Is Crime and Punishment a book with theological themes too?"

Hmm ... I think so . It is based on whether or not we should believe that that there is a superior force above us that holds us responsible for our actions .... whether or not we can / should take justice into our own hands , rather than allow law ( human or Divine ) to take its course in due time .
The mental agony that the protagonist , Raskolnikov , goes through sends shivers down the spine. The author's language is so powerful and poignant , Authors like Dostoevsky are Heaven 's gifts to humanity .

Wow. I think I will enjoy it. Those are big words, the last line. I hope I get to the book some day.

I have placed an order for White Nights on Flipkart for 100 rupees and free delivery. I should be able to start this book on my birthday. Maybe it's heaven's gift for me on my birthday. (⁠•⁠‿⁠•⁠)

Austin wrote: "Wow. I think I will enjoy it. Those are big words, the last line. I hope I get to the book some day."

Try to get someone to buddy read it with you , Austin . It's more fun that way .

Austin wrote: "I have placed an order for White Nights on Flipkart for 100 rupees and free delivery. I should be able to start this book on my birthday. Maybe it's heaven's gift for me on my birthday. (⁠•⁠‿⁠•⁠)"

Yes , it could be!!!!! 🤗

we need cake too, Austin

Hahaha

Austin wrote: "Hahaha"

Well , Austin , you could send a cake symbol 🎂 to this thread if you want our good wishes 😄 !

Sorry , symbol , not icon .

I actually don't know how to send on Goodreads. I have always wondered how you did it on Goodreads.