Indian Readers discussion

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "I am reading chapter 11 . The Dracula has certainly appeared in ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed] ☆☆"

It's got to a part where it's all about Lucy, Dr. Seward and Dr. Van Helsing..."

Oh so you all have reached the part introducing Dr. Van Helsing?
Doesn't it strike you as somewhat odd (in 2022) that a supposed man of science went around hunting a Vampire in the name of upholding good ol' Christian values and redeeming Christian souls?
This vampire-hunting business seemed far more plausible to me in the Hugh Jackman-starrer 'Van Helsing', where the main character is just doing his part in the whole Good vs. Evil plot.

Shouldn't we have a separate thread for nomination, Austin , and then a poll link like we have for the BOTM ? We will have to request the mods .

@ Shriti : It's mentioned that Dr Helsing is also qualified in metaphysics. That takes things to the spiritual side , I think ...... you know , existence , the truth, and therefore , necessarily , also God . 🤔

Yes, I will request a separate thread from Gorab tomorrow morning. Let this thread be dedicated to Dracula discussions alone. I know I am guilty.

Austin wrote: "Shriti, Bookworm, Savita, Luffy, Anjali and anyone else who is interested, please list your final list of books that you want to nominate. Nominate as many as you want. Each person will be allowed ..."

In no particular order:
‣Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
‣1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
‣Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (1st in a trilogy)
‣Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
‣A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
‣The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
‣ Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
‣ Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

Savita wrote: "@ Shriti : It's mentioned that Dr Helsing is also qualified in metaphysics. That takes things to the spiritual side , I think ...... you know , existence , the truth, and therefore , necessarily , ..."

It's the Dr. prefix that sticks out like a sore thumb for me 😕 science and religion... all lumped together as a singular responsibility for 1 person feels out of place.

Wonderful list! I like 4 of those 8 books. But I will second only after seeing everyone's list. :-)

Shriti wrote: "In no particular order:
‣Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
‣1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
‣Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (1st in a trilogy)
‣Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
‣A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
‣The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
‣ Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
‣ Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell"

Yes! I have all of this list's e-books, except for Infinite Jest, which I had tried to read about 5 years ago. I gave PoTEarth 4 stars, but felt wrung out by the suffering in it.

I'm curious about what the other readers will come up with.

Austin wrote: "Wonderful list! I like 4 of those 8 books. But I will second only after seeing everyone's list. :-)"

Eagerly waiting for the poll 🤓

Luffy wrote: "Shriti wrote: "In no particular order:
‣Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
‣1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
‣Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (1st in a trilogy)
‣Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
‣A..."

Really? That's admirable! I myself have read very few chunksters(>600p) and that's only because I went in blind, without looking at the number of pages (ebooks).

Shriti wrote: "Bookworm wrote: "Austin wrote: "Bookworm wrote: "Austin wrote: "A Suitable Boy seems to appeal to many here. I hope Savita can do something in this regard. Not sure whether Bookworm will be interes..."

I understand, it's the same. And while many don't refer to the blurb for the fear of spoilers, I need to go through it because of my dnf problem and curiosity, of course. I can't not know what the book's about. :D

Austin wrote: "Yes, I will request a separate thread from Gorab tomorrow morning. Let this thread be dedicated to Dracula discussions alone. I know I am guilty."

I'll wait for that thread. :)

Shriti wrote: "Luffy wrote: "Shriti wrote: "In no particular order:
‣Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
‣1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
‣Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (1st in a trilogy)
‣Infinite Jest by David Fos..."

That is commendable of you. I keep fussing over page count. I enjoy knowing that the next change in % read will happen each 30 minutes for the chunkster I'm reading currently (Oathbringer).

I have messaged Gorab to create a new thread :-)

I always go through the blurb Bookworm. I don't think the blurb gives away too much, well, at least for me. I also go through many spoiler free reviews if the blurb sounds vague.

Is chunkster the right word for a big fat book? Google results show something else.

To whomsoever it matters, I don't use Google or any dictionary while playing synonym buns. It takes the fun out of the game :-)

Austin wrote: "I always go through the blurb Bookworm. I don't think the blurb gives away too much, well, at least for me. I also go through many spoiler free reviews if the blurb sounds vague."

Yeah, most of times it doesn't but I know that some readers like to go in mostly blind. It also depends on what book or if it's a series. I by mistake looked at #3 installment's blurb while I was about to read #2, and it was a big fat spoiler (fantasy series).
Still, I always read them. :)

Austin wrote: "Is chunkster the right word for a big fat book? Google results show something else."

Um..I just googled...it does show something else. Maybe it's just a bookish slang word that many of us have picked up. :)

Austin wrote: "I have messaged Gorab to create a new thread :-)"

Thanks , Austin ! 😊

Shriti wrote: "Austin wrote: "Shriti, Bookworm, Savita, Luffy, Anjali and anyone else who is interested, please list your final list of books that you want to nominate. Nominate as many as you want. Each person w..."

@ Shriti : I am not familiar with any of the books on your list , so I cannot comment. But I am open to trying books and authors I am not familiar with . 😊

Can someone else please inform Gorab or Em? I messaged Gorab in the morning and Em in the evening. Got no response. There seems to be some issue with the message option. I clearly sent the message and the same was confirmed but when I look now it doesn't even show the messages I sent to Gorab and Em!

I just tried reaching Em after seeing your comment. Some GR glitch. Looks like we'll have to wait till tomorrow and resend.

Austin wrote: "Is chunkster the right word for a big fat book? Google results show something else."

I am pretty certain that I have seen shelves named as such in Goodreads.. may have possibly picked the word from there.

And for what it's worth, I'm sure no one is googling synonyms 😄

£Bk, So it's not just me who is facing this problem. I am impatient to see others' nomination lists. XP

Oh, ok Shriti. Chunkster it is then!

Glad to know you are not googling synonyms. Haha. Who knows, some may be doing it :-(

I received your messages today morning Austin. Have responded there.

For smaller groups reading together, you can create a thread here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

For a particular book, you can create a thread here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

Hope this helps.
I will be interested to join in for 1Q84 whenever that happens.

Also might just hop in into anything else that you folks are reading :)

I read this book last year - The Historian

If you love Dracula, I think you will love this.

Gorab wrote: "I read this book last year - The Historian

If you love Dracula, I think you will love this."

It has been some time since I have read good Dracula/Vampire lore... Will definitely try this one.

It's on my TBR list Gorab.

How far have you made Savita. I slowed down a bit over the past few days. Finished chapter 13 today. I think I will be completing this book only on Halloween.

I am reading chapter 12 . How nice about ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Hawkins ' will - he is leaving everything to Jonathan and Mina!
But I felt sad about Lucy's mother . Poor lady , she died of fright ! (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

Austin , the links that Gorab has kindly given are for Buddy Reads for a particular book selected . We will have to nominate the books and conduct the polls in this thread itself.Then we can use the above links to set up a Buddy Read / small group thread for the final book selected . Am I right ?

Savita wrote: "Austin , the links that Gorab has kindly given are for Buddy Reads for a particular book selected . We will have to nominate the books and conduct the polls in this thread itself.Then we can use th..."

We can do either, but I prefer keeping that thread for discussing the tomes. But I know little of the cogs and wheels of this group.

Savita wrote: "Austin , the links that Gorab has kindly given are for Buddy Reads for a particular book selected . We will have to nominate the books and conduct the polls in this thread itself.Then we can use th..."

I shared two links.

1st - For your scenario (which Em created a thread already - Tackling those tomes)

2nd - For a particular book BR.

Thank you all for bringing up this idea of Tackling the Tomes :)
I've not started many of the recommended books by friends... ONLY because they are tomes. Em recommended 1 to me last decade I guess :P A Boy's Life!

I hope to attempt at least 1 tome with you guys.

Just saw the tome thread. Thank you Em and Gorab , and most welcome to join in !

Savita wrote: "I am reading chapter 12 . How nice about ☆☆Beware Spoilers Hawkins ' will - he is leaving everything to Jonathan and Mina!
But I felt sad about Lucy's mother . Poor lady , she died of fright ! ☆☆"

Read it only after completing chapter 12.

(view spoiler)[ I was kind of expecting her imminent death. But Lucy? I expected her to live. After all four blood transfusions were done for her. I was hoping that the garlic flowers and the night vigil would keep her alive. (hide spoiler)]

Savita wrote: "Austin , the links that Gorab has kindly given are for Buddy Reads for a particular book selected . We will have to nominate the books and conduct the polls in this thread itself.Then we can use th..."

I hope Gorab cleared things for you. I think the polls would be conducted via an announcement through the newsletter? I think that's what someone suggested here before. BK I think. Anyway it's up to the mods how they conduct the polls.

Austin wrote: "Read it only after completing chapter 12.

The 'mishaps' of the book are verily cruel, and the latter deserves its reputation as a horror book. (view spoiler)[The unsanitary blood transfusions, not to mention the point over blood types, are uncanny (hide spoiler)]

Gorab wrote: "Thank you all for bringing up this idea of Tackling the Tomes :)
I've not started many of the recommended books by friends... ONLY because they are tomes. Em recommended 1 to me last decade I guess..."

Do join if something catches your eye. If you have any tome ideas, please nominate. Who knows, you might end 2022 while finishing a tome and break your decade long record.
:D

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "I am reading chapter 12 . How nice about ☆☆Beware Spoilers Hawkins ' will - he is leaving everything to Jonathan and Mina!
But I felt sad about Lucy's mother . Poor lady , she died..."

Yes , I, too , was shocked at ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Lucy 's death . She was such a central character . Moreover , she turns into a vampire, a fact only Dr Helsing seems to realize . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin , the links that Gorab has kindly given are for Buddy Reads for a particular book selected . We will have to nominate the books and conduct the polls in this thread itself.The..."

Yes , thanks, I looked at the thread put up by Em . I can think of only 2 tomes at present, and I will be nominating them there.

Luffy wrote: "Austin wrote: "Read it only after completing chapter 12.

The 'mishaps' of the book are verily cruel, and the latter deserves its reputation as a horror book. [spoilers removed]"

Luffy , I looked up on Google : This book was published in 1897 . The major blood groups, ABO ! , were discovered in 1901 .

Savita wrote: "Luffy , I looked up on Google : This book was published in 1897 . The major blood groups, ABO ! , were discovered in 1901 .
"

Good detective work! This, of course, implies that blood transfusions were being done without due knowledge in those times.

I am reading chapter 13 . I love the small observations the author makes now and then regarding human nature . ☆☆(view spoiler)[ I saw one of the maids .... go into the room where Lucy lay . The sight touched me . Devotion is so rare , and we are so grateful to those who show it unasked to those we love . Here was a poor girl putting aside the terrors which she naturally had of death , to go and watch alone by the bier of the mistress whom she loved , so that the poor clay might not be lonely till laid to eternal rest .... (hide spoiler)] ☆☆ I remember S Maugham remarking : Goodness is so rare. But, yet again , there's the redeeming fact that human beings are very inspirable 🤔 .
Of course , here I suspect that ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ this maid stole the golden cross that Dr Helsing had placed over Lucy 's mouth . 🤔 (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

Luffy wrote: "Savita wrote: "Luffy , I looked up on Google : This book was published in 1897 . The major blood groups, ABO ! , were discovered in 1901 .
"

Good detective work! This, of course, implies that bloo..."

Yes , how dreadful !

Savita wrote: "I am reading chapter 13 . I love the small observations the author makes now and then regarding human nature . ☆☆[spoilers removed] ☆☆ I remember S Maugham remarking : Goodness is so rare. But, y..."

(view spoiler)[ Did he place a golden cross over her lips? I don't remember reading that. I do remember a mention of theft though. (hide spoiler)]

Savita wrote: "Luffy wrote: "Austin wrote: "Read it only after completing chapter 12.

The 'mishaps' of the book are verily cruel, and the latter deserves its reputation as a horror book. [spoilers removed]"

Lu..."

(view spoiler)[ I did wonder when I was reading the blood transfusion part that how come every Tom, Dick and Harry's blood could be used by Lucy just like that, without ascertaining the blood group. Amazing to know that there was no knowledge of blood groups back in 1897 when the book was published. Well done, Savita, for enlightening us. (hide spoiler)]

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "I am reading chapter 13 . I love the small observations the author makes now and then regarding human nature . ☆☆[spoilers removed] ☆☆ I remember S Maugham remarking : Goodness is so..."

Yes , it's mentioned at the beginning of chapter 13 , when ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Lucy 's corpse is awaiting burial . Dr Helsing has , I think , realized that Lucy has become a vampire ( judging from her elongated sharp canine teeth ) , and he can
prevent her blood sucking activity by placing a crucifix over her mouth . The crucifix, however , gets stolen and later found again by Dr Helsing . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Luffy wrote: "Austin wrote: "Read it only after completing chapter 12.

The 'mishaps' of the book are verily cruel, and the latter deserves its reputation as a horror book. [spoilers..."

Thank you , Austin ! Actually , I had also been amazed when Lucy was given blood transfusions without checking and matching blood groups. But , when Luffy pointed this out , I decided to check on Google. Good authors generally do a lot of background research before writing a book. Bram Stoker was not likely to write something absurd .
Did you know that in the olden days they used to do surgery without anesthesia ? It was the cruelty of the procedure that contributed to the making of the infamous Jack the Ripper of London . ( Though it's not certain that the man who was ultimately caught was indeed the real Jack the Ripper ) .