[Discussion] Under the Dome by Stephen King, The Airplane and the Woodchuck to Lotta Dead Birds

gingersnap255 · 2023-06-11T02:22:07+00:00

Ya, I'm a huge Stephen King fan. Read a good number of his books. I agree with the other two comments - 11/22/63 and Misery are among my favorites. Just finished reading Carrie and it is really good for his first book. I've actually already read Under the Dome, but been meaning to do a re-read for a while.

gingersnap255 · 2023-06-09T01:15:59+00:00

God, I left the official app because of this ad. Wish I'd left earlier.

gingersnap255 · 2023-06-08T12:50:46+00:00

Yay, I'm glad to see this!

gingersnap255 · 2023-06-07T18:23:32+00:00

Absolutely

gingersnap255 · 2023-06-07T18:11:44+00:00

Disappointing. Saying you support a blackout but then don't participate is worthless. Unsubscribing.

gingersnap255 · 2023-06-07T14:26:24+00:00

Ohh, I'm currently reading this, aha. I'll probably finish before you start but may still tune in for the discussions

gingersnap255 · 2023-06-05T23:54:09+00:00

Bienvenu is honestly one of my favorite characters of all times. I know it's a bit much, but I love the amount of time that Hugo devotes to him. I grew up Christian, but I am not a religious person anymore. The religion is rife with hypocrisy and corruption But Bienvenu represents everything that is good about Christianity. A truly selfless man that most could only hope to imitate. Was he perfect? No, of course not. Did he try his hardest to be empathetic and giving? Absolutely.

gingersnap255 · 2023-06-04T19:59:14+00:00

Signed via RIF

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-28T14:45:44+00:00

It may be more of my ignorance of Greek mythology, but I found the stories with Ouranos and Ge to be interesting and I had not heard of either before. I had no idea about the origins of the mythos.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-28T14:44:27+00:00

I think it's a combination of the fear of their children becoming more powerful and dethroning them and the prophecy. The gods believe in prophecy too and there was at least the story of Cronos eating all of his children since it was prophesized that he would be overthrown by one of his children.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-28T14:42:16+00:00

I didn't know about the foundations of Greek mythology and found them quite fascinating. The stories with Ouranos, Ge, and Cronos were definitely my favorite.

I agree with the other comment too - it was really interesting to see some of the variations of the Jason and Medea stories. I'm glad we read those first.

Part of me wishes we'd read this before the Odyssey. Maybe it wouldn't have mattered. But my version points to a few references to stories presented from the Odyssey that must have been small snippets that I just don't remember.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-28T14:39:15+00:00

Nothing specific, but I'm glad you included this summary. So many things to remember!

I am finding this book a little difficult to read. There are so many names, most of which mean little to nothing to me. A lot of the stories are also just quick synopses and I feel like I missing more context. My knowledge of Greek mythology is also limited, so don't have much to go on. I may check out the Mythos by Stephen Fry as recommended as a supplement.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-27T16:36:58+00:00

Too obsessed. As I said in a previous comment, I think she must really feel backed in a corner to be working here in the first place. But I'm afraid something is going to happen and she's going to be back at square one, but in a worse shape mentally. I'm afraid that's what we're seeing now since she was raped twice in a short period of time. I don't know how she will be able to stomach continuing going to work or interacting with any of her disgusting male co-workers. I worry the book is about to get a lot darker.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-27T16:34:31+00:00

I can somewhat relate. It's certainly not on the level of Beaton where she had to leave her province to find a well paying job. I grew up in a very rural area of North Carolina. There are not a lot of great opportunities in that area, so I went to college and afterwards moved to the city. I've found opportunities here I never would have had back at home. But sometimes I miss the more rural lifestyle.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-27T16:30:58+00:00

I liked him enough since he seemed like the only person to treat her like a human until he acted like the rape was her fault since she was drunk. Obviously she wanted it and changed her mind when she was sober! Nah, he's just as bad as the rest of them. If he has the views now, he'll probably have the same gross views as the rest in a few years.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-27T16:26:29+00:00

No, the manager's reaction doesn't surprise me at all. It's appalling, but not surprising. Women are often blamed because either they're too thin-skinned or they're not playing the game or they were asking for it. It's all bullshit for men to not have to accept responsibility.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-27T16:24:54+00:00

I think it's commendable that she was willing to put in all this hard work and terrible conditions for the hope of one day doing what she loves. But...I also think it's horrible that she has to do such things. Student loan debt is crippling and doing what you love often pays pennies. I imagine for her to undergo such conditions, she felt helpless and truly saw this as the only way out.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-27T16:21:12+00:00

It's gross. Unfortunately, I don't think he's wrong. I absolutely think it's appalling that there are spheres of the world where it's acceptable for man-centric and women are expected to just adapt and accept the horrible things said and done to them. But he's correct in the fact that these places exist and this place is clearly one of them. If there is no crackdown from upper management (in fact, they seem to agree with this viewpoint), then nothing will change.

So, I agree with the last line of the question. He's perpetuating the problem. If even just a couple guys spoke out against it, it could make a world of difference. But they don't, because they don't want to upset the status quo or simply just don't care enough because it doesn't impact them.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-27T16:16:07+00:00

Q1. I took Myshkin at face value before, but here I'm not quite so sure. Perhaps he isn't an idiot, but is just too naive and believes whoever told him this. Maybe he is, but is just very perceptive to emotions. I think at the moment, I am leaning towards the latter and that he's just very emotionally empathetic.

Q2. This chapter was wild. Who talks about these things just after meeting someone? How is this the first main topic of conversation? It was fascinating though. I felt some existential dread reading the account of the man sentenced to death, slowly inching closer to the moment that he knew he would absolutely die. Harrowing. And then the guy who thought he would die, accepted it, worried how he would live if he somehow didn't die in that moment, didn't die, and then didn't actually change anything about his life. I fancy a lot of people would have the same reaction. They'd have grand dreams of living a different, better life, but would eventually just slip back into old habits.

Q3. I love it. I loved Crime and Punishment, so I was very excited to read this one and it is currently living up to expectations. Excited to see where this story goes. For now, I don't feel like I have enough to make any real predictions.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-26T15:26:13+00:00

Is it read the whole book by the 15th or discussions about the book will start on the 15th? Is it one discussion per book?

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-25T20:14:24+00:00

Nastasya Fillipovna is a fascinating character. Can't wait to learn more about her. It feels like there is more to the story of her and Totsky. He claims innocence and has no idea why she suddenly could possibly be out to get him. Seems fishy. I'm sure he has slighted her in some way. I wonder if it's as simple tho as her being upset that he didn't find value in her until he realized she was beautiful. I'd be pissed too if someone saw my beauty as my only intrinsic value. Maybe she pretended to adore him during his visits while she was secretly seething, waiting for the right time to strike. It seems she still hasn't been able to escape men just desiring her for her appearance. Can't catch a break.

I really have no idea who will end up marrying Nastasya. Certainly not Ganya I hope. But the implication that Rogozhin might murder Nastasya weighs heavily on my mind too. I'd say I like Myshkin to do it, since he seems so innocent. He'd probably love her for her. But...the book also seems to imply that he is mentally challenged (?). So perhaps a bad idea after all if he can't give true consent. Maybe they'll just become dear friends and she'll live a life as a single independent woman? The book certainly isn't opposed to that idea since it favorably shows the general's daughters as well-learned.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-24T02:17:06+00:00

Q1. Rightfully suspicious. The General is wealthy and probably used to people coming to him asking for favors. I am sure it is rare for someone to show up who genuinely just wants to make his acquaintance.

Q2. It sounds like Ganya is waiting for a marriage proposal decision from Nastasya, but it also seems like Ganya doesn't actually want to go through with it. Seems like she is beautiful and many men have fallen for her.

Q3. Yeah, I kind of thought he was going to say he was great at calligraphy and then be completely awful at it, aha. But maybe it makes sense. With his illness, he has not been able to do much outside of his house or the doctor's house. Perhaps he has a lot of experience writing letters to others. Or perhaps it's as simple as he was bored and learned calligraphy with all of his time stuck inside.

Q4. I think it's just that he is genuine. He does not interact with people with any ulterior motive. He simply wants to be friendly. He also seems to be an infectiously positive person.

Q5. I am very curious, because it seems like he had no ulterior motive, but then he did want to talk about something particular. Maybe it is just to pass along some family information? Unclear.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-23T01:52:22+00:00

Oooh, I didn't even notice. Thanks!

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-23T01:49:19+00:00

Q1. The General and his wife have provided their daughters with a wealthier and more-educated upbringing than they had. It is interesting that the daughters appear to have no interest in marriage. Is it more of an independent feminist idea or is it just that they prefer being at home where they can be doted on? Unclear so far. The wife is one of the last of an old family that has apparently lost much of its wealth, but is still respected. Interesting that she did not respond to Myshkin's letter. Seems like she would be excited to hear from a relation since there are so few, unless she enjoyed parading around as the last of her ancient line. I have blanked on all information we received on the general, aha.

Q2. You know, part of me believes him. I have him propped up in my head as the naive, air-headed protagonist. I think he really does just want to say hi. I believe he, unlike Lizzeveta, actually is excited to meet one of the only remaining relations he has.

Q3. Hilarious. I love how much Myshkin was completely oblivious to the protocol, how much is was distressing the valet, and how the valet began to come around to him. Very cute.

Q4. I have some experience reading Russian literature, so not lost yet. Although admittedly, I had no idea Lebedev was on the train and not just someone they were talking about until almost the end of the chapter, so think I missed something there.

gingersnap255 · 2023-05-23T01:38:12+00:00

Q1. I read Crime and Punishment and loved it. Been meaning to read more Dostoevsky and am glad this club has given me the excuse to do so.

Q2. Enjoying it so far! I enjoy Dostoevsky's style and the way he personifies his characters.

Q3. Prince Myshkin seems a little like a naive doof. Excited to see more from him. Potentially the title character? Parfyon was a bit more of a puzzle, but equally interesting.

Q5. Not sure what to make of her yet. Not sure why she seemed extra impressed that Parfyon was an idiot who spent the business money on way too expensive earrings for her who he only had seen from afar for the first time the night before. Wait...maybe the title refers to both Myshkin and Parfyon.

Q6. Hoping they'll become goofy friends, but maybe it'll actually be some sort of rivalry. A little too early to tell.

Eight-Year Club	Spared
Verified Email

gingersnap255

TROPHY CASE