Doctor Zhivago (Vintage Classic Russians Series)

I can't believe it is December! My life has been a bit of a mess lately, so I've been taking the holiday weekend to rest and read. I managed to complete my Goodreads challenge and am trying to read 20 hours for the #20in4 with the readalong book tagged and a #Roll100 book I'm in the middle of.
@Andrew65 @PuddleJumper

PuddleJumper Wahoo! Good luck! 3mo

Suet624 Congrats! 3mo

Andrew65 I can relate to this, things have been so intense this year. Sending positive thoughts. Best of luck with the Readathon, which looks as though it is going well. (edited) 3mo

33 likes3 comments

Susanita

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

I would say these books were all good to great. The movies, however, were magical.
1. Tagged book is in the collage so someone must agree with me…
2. Stardust (Neil Gaiman)
3. At Play in the Fields of the Lord (Peter Matthiessen)
#TLT

dabbe

dabbe #1: I agree with you! 🤩🤩🤩 Thanks for sharing. 💚🩷💚 11mo

TheBookHippie I agree about #1 although I do like the book, the movie so much better. 11mo

40 likes2 comments

TheBookgeekFrau

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

Started reading this over coffee this morning and immediately started feeling that internal reading conflict between reading a book because I should or because I want to {sigh}

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TheBookgeekFrau

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

#ItTakesAllKinds #LongDistanceLove

Aha💡
I'm going to do a re-read of this for February's #BookedInTime Russian revolution theme @Cuilin @dabbe

Eggs, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

RowReads1 Great choice! I have that edition. 11mo

TheBookgeekFrau @RowReads1 🙌🏼🙌🏼 11mo

dabbe On the spreadsheet! Can't wait to read what you think about it; it's been on my TBR forever! 🤩 11mo

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TheBookgeekFrau @dabbe I read it in college for a Russian lit class and was disappointed bc the love story didn't live up to the hype I'd been hearing all my life. And that's all remember of it! 😂 I'm curious to see if 30+ years and a newly awakened interest in history changes my feeling about it; especially since I'm going into it more interested in the revolution than Lara 😁 11mo

dabbe I tried once to read it in my early 20s, but I couldn't get past the Russian names. Now that I've gotten through WAR AND PEACE, maybe I should give it another try. 🤩 11mo

TheBookgeekFrau @dabbe I read it in the same class that we read War and Peace - I was an expert in Russian names by the end of that semester 😂😂 11mo

dabbe @TheBookgeekFrau You are my hero. 🤩🤩🤩 11mo

TheBookgeekFrau @dabbe 💚🩷💚 11mo

Eggs Wonderful choice👏🏻 11mo

46 likes9 comments

dabbe

Dr. Zhivago | Boris Leonidovich Pasternak

#LuckyInLove
#LongDistanceLove
@Eggs
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

“Somewhere my love,
There will be songs to sing...“ 😢

CBee Omar *SWOON* 12mo

dabbe @CBee Adored him in FUNNY GIRL, too! 🤩🤩🤩 12mo

Eggs Oh Omar-such a great smile and head of hair 12mo

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dabbe @Eggs Yes! Gorgeous hair! 🤩😍😃 12mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️❤️ 12mo

dabbe @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💚💙💚 12mo

35 likes6 comments

ChaoticMissAdventures

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

One of my many goals for 2024 is to get 12 challenging classics off my physical TBR

Some of these are modern classics, some older. All of which I have had for a while and which I am fairly intimidated by.

#2024ReadingGoals

GinaKButler Great list…loved Middlemarch! 14mo

BarbaraBB Some very good (and readable) ones among these! 14mo

dabbe ONCE AND FUTURE KING is in my top five fave books of ALL time! #greatlist 💙❄️💙 14mo

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ChaoticMissAdventures @GinaKButler is there a best time of year to read Middlemarch? Doctor Zhivago feels like it gives winter vibes so I want to start there but if any of these are summer books I want to keep them for my July/August reads! 14mo

ChaoticMissAdventures @dabbe so excited!! I don't know why it has languished on my bookcase, I hear great things about it. 14mo

GinaKButler @ChaoticMissAdventures I read it in April of 2020 while we were on lockdown. The season felt right…one of the plot lines is prepping the hospitals for a cholera outbreak, which was perfect because there was a definite sense of “this, too, shall pass.” 14mo

29 likes6 comments

nanuska_153

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

so-so

I wanted to love this book so much:I love Russian literature;I love stories that highlight social issues;I love books that are banned because of their criticism of the government;everyone says this is a great love story and, well, I love love...so,why didn't I love this book?The truth is I found it a bit boring,specially the chapters narrated from Zhivago's point of view,I know he is a poet but his lyricism was killing me VERY slowly. ⬇️⬇️

nanuska_153 I also missed that second philosophical layer behind the story that Russians are so good at providing, I know not everyone can be Dostoevsky and leave you pondering about existentialism, but all of those political dialogues were a great setting to give the reader so much more. ⬇️ 2y

nanuska_153 Overall I feel that the book might be a classic more because of its political importance at the time of publication than because of its literary value, but maybe my expectations were just too high. 2y

26 likes2 comments

Littlewolf1

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

pan

2.5⭐️ I get it, people love this book and that‘s great. My rating is not diminishing the authors work but rather reflecting my personal feelings. I didn‘t enjoy it, and it felt all over the place for me. I was lost, and when I wasn‘t lost I was frustrated with the storyline. However, this is a classic and I fell like it‘s an important piece of literature. While I didn‘t enjoy it I am still glad I read it.

marleed I read in this month as well. I too am in the well at least I finally read it column! 2y

25 likes1 comment

marleed

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

so-so

Well, with the help of a few cheat days last week, I finally read Dr Zhivago. It‘s been high on my TBR for a winter read since reading The Secrets We Kept in September‘19. It‘s almost a pick for me because the writing is beautiful, but mostly I just wanted to finish. Truth to tell, I liked the 1965 film better.

#DoubleSpin Category: Seasonal Read

TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y

Liatrek Love the film. Always wanted to read the book. 2y

marleed @Liatrek same here! I am glad I read it. Fun thing I did at about page 100 was to download the available audio from Libby. It‘s a different translation than my old book. Both translated beautifully, every sentence was accounted for but almost every sentence translated slightly different. Absolutely fascinating and I couldn‘t stop experiencing this any way but mixed up stereo. I almost gave it a pick just for that experience! 2y

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dabbe Kudos to you for finishing it; I never could. The Russian names and (sometimes) dryness got in the way. Plus, I had seen the movie, and the book didn't follow as majestically as the movie did. Must always read the book first! 🤣 2y

annettochka I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't read any of Pasternak's books... At school we didn't study the 20th century literature much, the main goal was to be well acquainted with the 19th century because of the exams.
So, when I see someone reading a Russian author's book, I admire that person))
Maybe the day will come and I'll read it too! 2y

marleed @dabbe @annettochka In 2022, I told myself if I met my reading goals by Christmas , I‘d use the last week to dip into some TBRs that maybe I‘d actually finish in 2023 given a head start. If not for that, I‘d likely still have it on my TBR in 2024! I wish I could say I liked it more than I did. 2y

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Littlewolf1

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

So I have decided to do the friends pick for me challenge again this year. I have included both my Units (my parents aka parental units) this year and got two very interesting choices. My dad‘s pick is first and I‘ve already been warned that this has a very “geez dad why did you make me read the stuff for” vibe to it.

wisherwishinguponastar Good luck! I tried this one year and my first person was my mother who picked “Gone With the Wind” and I just dropped it after that. I have no qualms with Margaret Mitchell, but that book is thick! 2y

Littlewolf1 @wisherwishinguponastar Thanks, I think I‘m really gonna need it. My plan is to section it off and take it day by day. probably will start it tomorrow. 2y

16 likes2 comments

GatheringBooks

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

#IndelibleMoments Day 27: Both novels speak poignantly about #FallingInLove. Recent book haul from Kinokuniya Dubai Clearance sale.

Eggs, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs Well done 👍🏼 2y

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Eggs

Dr. Zhivago | Boris Leonidovich Pasternak

#Doctor #ArtfulAugust @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 🙌🏻 2y

Eggs Thank you @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 2y

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eeclayton

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

#Alphabetgame #LetterD @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Doctor Zhivago was an extraordinary experience for me. I remember I had to take notes to be able to keep track of the characters, but it was definitely worth the effort.

Honourable mentions:
Dracula, by Bram Stoker
Deep Work and Digital Minimalism, both by Cal Newport

Graywacke A book I need to and want to read! 3y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing! 3y

eeclayton @Graywacke You won't regret it 🙂 3y

eeclayton @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️ 3y

24 likes4 comments

Susanita

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

A book that spends way too much time on a #train and the movie wisely doesn‘t. #savvysettings

Eggs, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs Well done 👍🏼 3y

41 likes1 comment

MatchlessMarie

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

sprainedbrain 😂 3y

ChaoticMissAdventures 😂😂😂 this is on my list for this year and watching everyone here and how much they didn't enjoy it has me scared. 3y

MatchlessMarie @ChaoticMissAdventures my recommendation would be to take your time with it and read a print or ebook copy not the audio like I did. I feel like this is a book that you need to study as you go because there are so many names and it‘s easy to get lost. 3y

ChaoticMissAdventures @MatchlessMarie thanks! Russian can be so difficult with all the names, good to know that audio is not the way to go. 3y

BkClubCare 😂👏 3y

54 likes5 comments

MatchlessMarie

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

so-so

Late posting but I did actually finish it. I listened to this one on audio which I now think wasn‘t a wise choice for someone coming into this story blind. I may attempt again on another medium. But reading this book did make me want to read more about Pasternak himself. #WinterGames #WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers #Adventathon #WrapItUpReadathon 506 words for #WGWordSearch #BookSpinBingo #DecemberChill

BookmarkTavern, Cinfhen, Clwojick, StayCurious, BarbaraBB, keys_on_fire, TheAromaofBooks

BarbaraBB Great review. And kudos for finishing after reading so little encouraging reviews on Litsy. 3y

Cinfhen I tried audio and it was wayyyyyy too difficult to keep track of everyone!! Super impressive that you were able to get through the whole audio….must have been 20+ hours!!! 3y

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y

BookmarkTavern Very impressive! 👍🏻 3y

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BarbaraBB

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

#DecemberChill

Question 5 of 5: Did the book teach you a lot about communism and its rise in Russia?

Cinfhen

BarbaraBB @thebookhippie @BookwormAHN @bookwormjilk @vlwelser @rubyslippersreads @Kdgordon88 @peaknit @Librarybelle @Debinhawaii @Hooked_on_books 3y

BarbaraBB @WanderingLynn @BethM @Leerharry @bookandcat @LeahBergen @i.be.Stef @erzascarletbookgasm @KarenUK @JaclynW @JenLovesJT47 @AnneCecilie @megabooks 3y

BarbaraBB @Kelly_the_bookish_sidekick @reviewsbylola @emilyhaldi @squirrelbrain @cupcake12 @centique @TrishB @Simona @cathythoughts @Mitch @batsy @crazeedi @TheKidUpstairs 3y

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BarbaraBB @JennyM @Leftcoastzen @sprainedbrain @BeckyWithTheGoodBooks @billypar @matchlessmarie @lapreader @lizpixie @mjdowens @Q84 @DGrachel @coffeewithbooks @AWildMandaPanda 3y

TrishB Didn‘t read enough to benefit from the story! 3y

BookwormAHN Yes, it did but I'm still a little confused by what exactly happened. Seems terrifying though. 3y

Billypar In a weird way, the same parts that make me fascinated about the history are the reason I'm not liking the novel as a whole more. The extended sequences with side characters reacting to the general upheaval really make you feel like you're in a time machine watching the aftermath of the revolution unfold. But they slow the main story down to a slow crawl. 3y

Librarybelle I think it gives a perspective of those who lived through this transition, one that those who did not live in Russia would not understand. It sounds terrifying, to say the least. 3y

BarbaraBB @Billypar I agree that the historical parts are partly what make the story so unique and partly slow it down indeed. 3y

BarbaraBB @Librarybelle I‘m sure you‘re right that there is a lot below the surface that non- Russians don‘t get completely. 3y

Simona Nothing I wouldn't know already 😘 3y

BarbaraBB @Simona You learned lot about it at school probably too. I know I did, Communism was an important subject during my high school years. 3y

TheBookHippie I studied Russian History and Literature in high school and college and still do to this day. I think that definitely helps my reading of this. I think it touches on it to show what is going on but to understand the whole story you would have to read some Russian back story and history I would think. Not sure. I am however glad it is in the story woven quite lyrically. 3y

BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie That is very interesting. Like I pointed out above, I learned a lot about Russia and communism too but not in college. Which novel do you think represents that phase of Russia best? 3y

TheBookHippie @BarbaraBB That and the duck and cover under your desk for when they bomb us!! 3y

TheBookHippie @BarbaraBB OH GOSH. Now I'll have to go to my Russian bookshelf and think on that!! I'll get back to you!! 3y

vlwelser It was interesting. I didn't realize there were 4 factions fighting and that 2 of them were Ukrainian. But that may have been from the translation notes in my edition and not the text itself. 3y

BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie I‘d love to hear your recommendation but don‘t feel obliged to research your Russian shelf again! 3y

BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie We didn‘t duck in school, but I was in Europe, things felt maybe a bit further away for us although the Cold War was always on our mind. 3y

TheBookHippie @BarbaraBB I do think THE GENTLEMEN OF MOSCOW was really done well. And funnily enough Danielle Steel Zoya the back story Russia is accurate. Learning about the Tzars is really helpful I think. Especially Nicholas and Alexandra and the Romanov and then of course Stalin. Oy. It is so very VAST. 3y

Cinfhen Totally agree @Billypar @BarbaraBB Mother Russia is a unique character all her own in this novel but I was definitely confused and unclear as to all the different factions @vlwelser Reds, Whites, peasants etc 3y

Simona @TheBookHippie I couldn‘t agree with you more! It pissed me off every time when I see that Ana Karenina is love story. It is much, much more than that … the same with Dr. Zhivago. 3y

TheBookHippie OOO This one is 'newer' and I thought a good read. YA book

Blood Red, Snow White

Cinfhen Agreed @BookwormAHN @Librarybelle the citizens really suffered and this novel describes the hardships so we‘ll much better than A Gentleman in Moscow ( which I loved!!!!) but did not sympathize with nearly the same way. My problem with this book was the ENDLESS DESCRIPTIONS and drudgery it was brutal 3y

BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie Yes, I loved that one too!

A Gentleman in Moscow

Simona @BarbaraBB Yes, but my learning was from different perspective than yours, I assume. We have to learn how to defend ourselves from western thinking 😘 3y

TheBookHippie @Simona OMG do not get me started on Anna is a love story!! No. just NO. I love it but NO THAT IS NOT THE STORY. UGH. 3y

TheBookHippie @Simona I get that some of the western thinking is actually awful. Ha. 3y

TheBookHippie https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2017/five-classics-russian-revolution.html

My plan for January this year. 3y

BarbaraBB Yes, your perspective was completely different. I‘m not sure how old you are but did you go the school in communist times?? 3y

BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie @Simona I completely agree on Anna Karenina. A book I loved but for many reasons. 3y

BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie I‘m surprised about the Steel! I don‘t think I‘ll read it but I WILL follow your thoughts on your January challenge. Sounds intriguing! 3y

Simona I‘m 50 @BarbaraBB and I‘m child of the communism, but in ex-Yugoslavia wasn‘t so hard as it was in some others countries. 3y

BarbaraBB @Simona Yugoslavia felt more like Europe to me than other satellites of the USSR but I was rather naïve since I never saw the war coming. You grew up in such a turbulent time! 3y

Cinfhen You are NOT 50 @Simona !!!!! No way!!! I swear, I thought you were in your 30 years!!! It MUST be THOSE face masks you use. I‘m completely blown away xxxxx 3y

Simona @BarbaraBB Yugoslavia was more open than others countries, that is true, and emphasis was more on the socialism than hardcore communism … yes, historically very interesting times. 3y

Simona Well thank you @Cinfhen I can send you some of those 😘😘😘 3y

AnneCecilie For me if personifies history and makes it easier to relate to than reading the numbers in a history book. I was reading this at the same time that I was reading The Whisperers so this hit me hard. 3y

Vansa Not a part of this but adding my 2 cents- I read this book after I had read multiple others that were a lot clearer about the Revolution,so I can't really say I learnt about it from this.We the living,all of Solzhenitsyn's books,Bulgakov's White Guard,Devils by Dostoyevksy (for the buildup to the revolution)were books I learnt about it from!Catherine Merridale's works on this are absolutely spectacular too,Red Fortress and Lenin on the train. 3y

BarbaraBB @Vansa Thanks so much, you have read a lot and your suggestions are very inspiring! 3y

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BarbaraBB

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

#DecemberChill

Question 4 of 5: How do you feel regarding Yuri‘s love for Lara? Would you call Doctor Zhivago the “greatest love story ever written”?

Cinfhen

BarbaraBB @JennyM @Leftcoastzen @sprainedbrain @BeckyWithTheGoodBooks @billypar @matchlessmarie @lapreader @lizpixie @mjdowens @Q84 @DGrachel @coffeewithbooks @AWildMandaPanda 3y

BarbaraBB @Kelly_the_bookish_sidekick @reviewsbylola @emilyhaldi @squirrelbrain @cupcake12 @centique @TrishB @Simona @cathythoughts @Mitch @batsy @crazeedi @TheKidUpstairs 3y

BarbaraBB @WanderingLynn @BethM @Leerharry @bookandcat @LeahBergen @i.be.Stef @erzascarletbookgasm @KarenUK @JaclynW @JenLovesJT47 @AnneCecilie @megabooks 3y

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BarbaraBB @thebookhippie @BookwormAHN @bookwormjilk @vlwelser @rubyslippersreads @Kdgordon88 @peaknit @Librarybelle @Debinhawaii @Hooked_on_books 3y

BarbaraBB I would definitely not call it that but the lovestory is what stuck with me since I read it decennia ago. 3y

BookwormAHN I enjoyed the fact that his love for her wasn't just physical but intellectual. I don't know if I'd call it the greatest love story. 3y

Librarybelle From what I have read so far, I wouldn‘t say it‘s the greatest love story of all time. But, it‘s a complicated love story filled with tragedy. 3y

Billypar I haven't read the last third, so a little tough for me to judge, but I've never been a big fan of romantic love affair storylines. The parts where he goes on about how much he loves his wife, even as he's pursuing Lar 3y

Billypar Lara made me roll my eyes a little. 3y

TheBookHippie I think the love story is what stuck with me for four decades -WOW- but in reality I think It's because it wasn't smoltzy or physical or romcom. Intellectual love is the right wording @BookwormAHN . When I was 17 I called it 'grownup love' BAHAHAHAHAHA. Oy. Vey. It is my kind of love story in a book for sure. 3y

vlwelser Maybe not the greatest. But there is something very natural about it. It makes sense that these 2 end up together however briefly. 3y

Cinfhen I think I was expecting an EPIC love story but when I bailed at around 450 pages I still had yet to see a “love story” I totally agree with @BookwormAHN what a Yuri & Lara shared was not physical but intellectual. Yes @Billypar Yuri was so inflated with himself 🙄I haven‘t seen the film @Librarybelle but I‘m told it‘s emphasis is more about Yuri & Lara & less about the revolution really creating a GREAT LOVE. Truth @TheBookHippie ??? 3y

Hooked_on_books @TheBookHippie 😂 Our teenage selves had such wisdom, eh? 3y

TheBookHippie @Cinfhen That is accurate. The movie is all “luv“. 3y

TheBookHippie @Hooked_on_books Yes we were- so very wise.........ha. I was so weird in my love of Shakespeare and Classical Literature while dancing in clubs across cities and even state lines (like footloose) what a character.......OY. Grateful I'm too old for social media and cell phones et all.... 3y

Cinfhen Hahaha @TheBookHippie anyone who references Footloose is my kind of people 3y

TheBookHippie @Cinfhen 🏆 3y

AnneCecilie For me this isn‘t a love story at all and definitely not the greatest ever. 3y

rubyslippersreads I‘ve only seen the movie (in which they share more than “intellectual” love), and I felt sorry for his wife. 3y

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BarbaraBB

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

#DecemberChill

Question 3 of 5: The book was refused publication in the former Soviet Union, can you see why?

Cinfhen

BarbaraBB @thebookhippie @BookwormAHN @bookwormjilk @vlwelser @rubyslippersreads @Kdgordon88 @peaknit @Librarybelle @Debinhawaii @Hooked_on_books 3y

BarbaraBB @WanderingLynn @BethM @Leerharry @bookandcat @LeahBergen @i.be.Stef @erzascarletbookgasm @KarenUK @JaclynW @JenLovesJT47 @AnneCecilie @megabooks 3y

BarbaraBB @Kelly_the_bookish_sidekick @reviewsbylola @emilyhaldi @squirrelbrain @cupcake12 @centique @TrishB @Simona @cathythoughts @Mitch @batsy @crazeedi @Thekidupstairs 3y

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vlwelser 100% yes! He's pretty brutal in his description of what it was like there at the time. And I'm not sure that's something I would want the world to know. If that was my country and I was in charge. 3y

BarbaraBB @JennyM @Leftcoastzen @sprainedbrain @BeckyWithTheGoodBooks @billypar @matchlessmarie @lapreader @lizpixie @mjdowens @Q84 @DGrachel @coffeewithbooks @AWildMandaPanda 3y

TrishB Indicative of the control of the government at the time. 3y

Librarybelle From what I have read so far, Pasternak‘s view of Russia/USSR would anger anyone in the government. Bad depictions of a country, even questioning things happening, would not be good. 3y

BookwormAHN Definitely, I bet they hated him. 3y

BarbaraBB I agree, @vlwelser @TrishB @Librarybelle @BookwormAHN Pasternak was very critical of his government. Much more so than many of his famous colleagues 3y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser I agree with all you said. For sure. 3y

Simona @BarbaraBB He was critical only in his books, but in real life he didn‘t do nothing to save Olga Ivinskaya (she was his longtime mistress and Lara is based on her) from gulag - twice! 3y

Susanita There‘s a book about it.

The Zhivago Affair: The Kremlin, the CIA, and the Battle Over a Forbidden Book

BarbaraBB @Simona Really? That‘s so harsh. You know why he didn‘t? Did you know that, @TheBookHippie ? 3y

BarbaraBB @Susanita Thanks! That sounds so interesting! 3y

Cinfhen Agreed @vlwelser @Librarybelle @TrishB @BookwormAHN @Simona He played it both ways. In a fictional book about the writing of Dr Z , it alludes that Pasternak was a national treasure. Well respected and admired by those in charge. It was my love for the fictional book that made me want to read DrZ

The Secrets We Kept

Simona @BarbaraBB He was afraid to divorce his wife, because of his moral reputation and the government did take revenge on her to punish him. That is very simplifying explanation, but well explained in

Lara: The Untold Love Story and the Inspiration for Doctor Zhivago

BarbaraBB @Simona I can‘t judge him. Maybe I should read Lara. 3y

BookwormAHN Now I need to read The Secrets We Keep and Lara. They both sound fascinating. 3y

Bookwormjillk I really enjoyed

The Secrets We Kept

AnneCecilie Yes, the situation at the time and the communists are not portrayed in a positive light. 3y

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BarbaraBB

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

#DecemberChill

Question 2 of 5: Why do you think this book is so universally applauded?

Cinfhen

BarbaraBB @JennyM @Leftcoastzen @sprainedbrain @BeckyWithTheGoodBooks @billypar @matchlessmarie @lapreader @lizpixie @mjdowens @Q84 @DGrachel @coffeewithbooks @AWildMandaPanda 3y

BarbaraBB @Kelly_the_bookish_sidekick @reviewsbylola @emilyhaldi @squirrelbrain @cupcake12 @centique @TrishB @Simona @cathythoughts @Mitch @batsy @crazeedi @Thekidupstairs 3y

BarbaraBB @WanderingLynn @BethM @Leerharry @bookandcat @LeahBergen @i.be.Stef @erzascarletbookgasm @KarenUK @JaclynW @JenLovesJT47 @AnneCecilie @megabooks 3y

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BarbaraBB @thebookhippie @BookwormAHN @bookwormjilk @vlwelser @rubyslippersreads @Kdgordon88 @peaknit @kimberlone @Librarybelle @Debinhawaii @jenniferw88 @Hooked_on_books 3y

vlwelser It is sort of beautifully written but I think a lot of the hype comes from the big stink the government made about publishing it. 3y

Librarybelle I think @vlwelser touches on a key aspect of its popularity - the government banned it, which made people want to read it. There is that sense of tragedy too in the narrative (I‘m not even halfway through, but I get the feeling of it), and almost too like a darker sense of love and romance, which I know I‘m not describing well, but I have felt similarly with other Russian novels (Anna Karenina, for example). 3y

TrishB Agree, when something gets banned it adds a mystery and a hype to it. 3y

BookwormAHN I agree about it became more because of the banning but I also think the movie played a bunch in its popularity. 3y

Simona Because of the big drama behind it. It‘s well written, with well captured big moments in history and small moments in the people‘s hearts … and of course, big drama behind this book doesn‘t hurt … 3y

TheBookHippie I think the banning and remember back then and even now, people really don't know that much about Russia other than to fear them, depending on when you grew up. To hear a love story-movie helps here-and a love for Russia as a character beautifully written in prose I think helped as well. The mystery of it all I think. The history is written into the storyline very well. 3y

Cinfhen I love your responses @vlwelser @Librarybelle @TrishB @BookwormAHN @Simona @TheBookHippie I think people came to see Pasternak as the hero / the symbol of a new era and yes, he really did blow the lid off the kettle that no one outside of the Soviet Union was ever exposed to. 3y

Cinfhen And his prose and descriptions are quite poetic. I did not read his poems - did you @TheBookHippie @BookwormAHN @vlwelser ?? 3y

vlwelser @Cinfhen I skipped the poems. My brain was just done with it at that point. 3y

Cinfhen I wonder if the poems add anything more to the story @vlwelser ?? But I hear ya!! 3y

BookwormAHN @Cinfhen I read them. They were good but some were extremely religious. 3y

Cinfhen Are they part of his manifesto @BookwormAHN ?? Why were they included in the book?? Do they add to the story?? 3y

Bookwormjillk I agree with many here that the banning added to the popularity. 3y

BookwormAHN @Cinfhen They are supposed to be a continuation of Yuri's writing, I guess kind of an afterward, but I didn't think that they added much. 3y

i.besteph I support the comments suggesting the banning leading to the book‘s popularity 3y

30 likes19 comments

BarbaraBB

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

We‘re starting out #DrZ discussion as the final part of our #DecemberChill weekend. Let‘s see how far we get with discussing this book, that turned out to be a tough one for many of us.

Question 1 of 5: Did you read the book? Did you enjoy it?

Cinfhen

BarbaraBB @thebookhippie @BookwormAHN @bookwormjilk @vlwelser @rubyslippersreads @Kdgordon88 @peaknit @kimberlone @Librarybelle @Debinhawaii @jenniferw88 @Hooked_on_books 3y

Leftcoastzen I didn‘t get to it.😔 3y

BarbaraBB @WanderingLynn @BethM @Leerharry @bookandcat @LeahBergen @i.be.Stef @erzascarletbookgasm @KarenUK @JaclynW @JenLovesJT47 @AnneCecilie @megabooks 3y

See All 39 Comments

BarbaraBB @Kelly_the_bookish_sidekick @reviewsbylola @emilyhaldi @squirrelbrain @cupcake12 @centique @TrishB @Simona @cathythoughts @Mitch @batsy @crazeedi @Thekidupstairs 3y

BarbaraBB @JennyM @Leftcoastzen @sprainedbrain @BeckyWithTheGoodBooks @billypar @matchlessmarie @lapreader @lizpixie @mjdowens @Q84 @DGrachel @coffeewithbooks @AWildMandaPanda 3y

jenniferw88 I got to chapter 3 and bailed! 3y

BarbaraBB @Leftcoastzen I preferred School for Love too 😉 3y

Kimberlone I made it about 30% 3y

MatchlessMarie I did finish it this morning. I found myself enjoying parts of it but it felt disjointed but that‘s probably my fault. I think this one is probably hard to follow without taking notes. (edited) 3y

vlwelser I finished. And I'm wavering back and forth about whether I actually liked it or not. 3y

Simona I didn‘t finished it, but I really did try. Twice in English with different translators … I thought that my huge non interest is consequence of translation, and for my third attempt I was reading Slovenian translation. I finally gave up around page 300. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 3y

TheKidUpstairs I'm still reading it. I find I enjoy it in small bits, so it will likely take me months. But I'd rather continue that way and enjoy it, rather than force myself to plow through and dislike it! 3y

Librarybelle I‘m still reading! It‘s stark, dark, and the abruptness of some of the language seems like the usual Russian literature translated into English prose. I‘m liking it so far, but I still have quite a bit to go! One thing - I forgot that it‘s best to read books like these with breaks. 3y

Deblovestoread I bailed early. I probably didn‘t give it a fair shot but it wasn‘t holding my attention. 3y

TrishB I‘m stuck at about 15%- not sure I will go back! 3y

BookwormAHN I finished it. I liked the parts with Yury and Lara but felt rather lost with the Revolution. 3y

BarbaraBB I read it a long time ago and really enjoyed it back then. Looking back I think I read it without knowing too much about its context, I mostly enjoyed the romance parts! 3y

Billypar I'm 2/3 of the way through it. I've appreciated the writing and historical detail, but there is too much description for my taste without the narrative advancing quickly enough as it went. 3y

TheBookHippie Yes. I still LOVE it. Me, Myself and I. ❤ 3y

Mirazzles I‘m about over half way through. So far I am enjoying it. It just took a while to get into it because I kept confusing the character names. 3y

peaKnit I bailed, too heavy for me as it starts getting so dark and cold in the Midwest. Light reads only for me it seems. 3y

Cinfhen Congrats to you for reading this one @MatchlessMarie @vlwelser @BookwormAHN I kind of wish I stuck with it but it was REALLY DIFFICULT to stay motivated & invested. 3y

Cinfhen Big kudos to you @TheBookHippie a re-read!!!! 3y

vlwelser @TheBookHippie 😂 You can have this one all to yourself. I liked it but it's not my fav. 3y

Cinfhen I‘m so happy to hear you‘re all still motivated to keep going @Librarybelle @AWildMandaPanda @Billypar @TheKidUpstairs 3y

Cinfhen I‘m in your camp @jenniferw88 @Kimberlone @Simona @Kdgordon88 @TrishB @peaknit I got to page 450 and I just said EFF it!! I couldn‘t go on any longer 🤪It was SO BLEAK 3y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser I‘m so dark 🖤 the book is soothing to me 😂 3y

LeahBergen I never started it as I was so turned off by everyone‘s initial impressions. 🤣 3y

BarbaraBB @LeahBergen I actual think YOU might have enjoyed it! 3y

vlwelser @TheBookHippie I get that. It's soothing because you realize your own life isn't so bad. I may be projecting there. I maybe was in a cheerful place and not ready for this. 3y

Hooked_on_books Nope! 😂 I think I would have tried it if my hold had come in midway through November when I expected it, but I finally got the book after seeing lots of bail posts, so I ended up not even trying. Maybe I‘ll try it someday now that the idea of reading it has been planted. 3y

Bookwormjillk I was trying to read the audiobook, but the voice was so soothing I kept falling asleep 🤦‍♀️ I want to try again in print. 3y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser I've been dark my whole life. Probably the most peaceful dark person, people sing hello darkness my old friend to me -a lot. BAHAHAHA. 3y

LeahBergen @BarbaraBB I‘ve had it on my shelves for years! 3y

wanderinglynn No, I wasn‘t in the mindset for it. I may try again after the new year. 3y

rubyslippersreads I have to confess, I didn‘t read it. Maybe someday … 😏 3y

erzascarletbookgasm I knew I wouldn‘t be able to finish it on time, if I started it. I can‘t do thick classics at this time if the year. 🤷‍♀️ 3y

i.besteph Nope! I bailed after reaching 25% 😅 3y

batsy Sorry for the lack of participation this time around. Didn't read the book but I hope that those who did it found it worthwhile 🙂 3y

35 likes39 comments

BookwormAHN

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

pick

This is a difficult book. It's continuously hard to get into and the names are difficult to keep straight. But I still enjoyed the relationship between Yury & Lara. And I'm glad I finally read it. Although in this case the movie may be better 🤦🏼‍♀️
#DecemberChill #DrZ @Cinfhen @BarbaraBB
#BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

BarbaraBB You did finish it! And give it a pick! That‘s awesome!! 3y

BookwormAHN #LittenListen #AClassic @aperfectmjk 3y

BookwormAHN #AVeryMerryBingo #WhiteChristmas @Jadams1776 3y

See All 6 Comments

Cinfhen Yay!!!!! Congrats for completing the novel!!!!! And I‘m so glad you liked the book 😃 3y

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! From what I gather, this can be a tough one to get through, so fabulous work!! 3y

Jadams89 🎅🏻🎄🎉🎁👍🏻 3y

75 likes1 stack add6 comments

TheKidUpstairs

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

#DecemberChill I edited down my "Sunday Night" playlist for some chilled out faves: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4sBcEs9WEofectG6zU9aXr?si=4frPPO1ORXaTQwJ6HZTK...

If I have time, I may make a second one with holiday faves, because I'm all about the Christmas music this time of year!

@Cinfhen @BarbaraBB

Librarybelle I see Missy Higgins! One of my favorite songs is “Scar” 3y

TheKidUpstairs @Librarybelle yes! Such a good song, it was just released when I was traveling in Australia (oh my lord, that was so long ago!), love it. 3y

Cinfhen I love seeing people‘s playlists!! I need to listen as I don‘t think I know a lot of these songs ❤️ 3y

See All 6 Comments

MaureenMc Patsy Cline 🥰 3y

Billypar Nice list! Fiona Apple, Jenny Lewis, and Frightened Rabbit are all favorites of mine. 3y

MatchlessMarie Came across the song Welcome by Hey Rosetta when I turned 33 last month 😜 3y

53 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

Because 10pm seems like the perfect time to begin Russian literature…🙄 😂

I‘m usually in the minority when it comes to my love for Russian literature, so we‘ll see what I think compared to others participating in #DecemberChill

Cinfhen, BarbaraBB

Cinfhen Good luck 😘 3y

Reggie 10pm is perfect because it means there‘s 8 whole free hours until 6am. Lol 3y

KristiAhlers This is one of my all time favorite classics. First one is Les Miserables. 3y

See All 12 Comments

Hooked_on_books I haven‘t even cracked it! Not sure I‘ll bother at this point, but it‘s still sitting next to my chair, so we‘ll see. 3y

Librarybelle Thanks, @Cinfhen ! 3y

Librarybelle That is so true, @Reggie ! 😂 3y

Librarybelle @KristiAhlers I‘m surprised I have yet to read Les Miserables. It‘s one of the classics I plan to read, hopefully soon! 3y

Librarybelle @Hooked_on_books I had in the back of my mind that the discussion is this weekend and yet I forgot to pull it off my shelf to read until yesterday! 3y

tokorowilliamwallace Oh the deep, dark, night definitely is for Russian literature. There's certain books I can only read at night because they get associated as 'night books' in my subconscious. Like I couldn't read William Gibson when it was perfect for a reading mood! But sometimes my reading mood can override the wiring of atmosphere mood. Dostoevskiy's The Idiot is something I want to read soon, been wanting to read it since college (probably 14 years). (edited) 3y

Librarybelle @tokorowilliamwallace You‘re right…Russian literature has that dark night vibe! 3y

tokorowilliamwallace @Librarybelle, although Doctor Zhivago itself has a obligatory-annual-government-office-queue sort of vibe to it, too (along with books about Kant; it's generally a whole separate reading mood to match the interminable environment). It's my favorite film, though! I actually have Gogol short stories to finish, 2 pamphlets by Tolstoi, and recently preordered an edited/synthesized edition of a Kropotkin anarchist manifesto pamphlet, and 1/2 Karenin! (edited) 3y

Librarybelle @tokorowilliamwallace Wow! I started War and Peace a few years ago but had to drop it because of well, life. But, I do want to read it - one of those books I have to/want to read. 3y

83 likes12 comments

Kimberlone

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

Ugh I just realized it is the 29th and #DecemberChill is only 5 days away. Is it feasible I can listen to 19 more hours of Doctor Zhivago before then? Eek! 😬

@Cinfhen @BarbaraBB

Cinfhen Hahaha!! It‘s painful 😖 I‘m impressed you‘re still holding on!! I called it quits on page 411. I‘m gonna read the Spark notes 😘 3y

Kimberlone @Cinfhen I already had to quit the physical book, which I only made to about 30% and most of that was last year! I really do want to try to do it! 3y

Cinfhen Good luck 🍀 💚 3y

Billypar I'm nearing the halfway point, so it's unlikely I'll finish in time either, but I'm giving it a shot. @Cinfhen your last post gave me hope that it would get better, but it sounds like that was short-lived! 3y

Cinfhen It was!!!! @Billypar but maybe you and @Kimberlone will have better luck 🤞🏼 3y

58 likes5 comments

vlwelser

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

so-so

Done. I have no idea how to rate this. I'm going with neutral.

#DecemberChill with @Cinfhen and @BarbaraBB

#BookSpinBingo square 4 (down to 1!)
@TheAromaofBooks

Cinfhen Woohoo 🙌🏻 you actually finished it?!??!? I‘m on page 407 and feeling stuck !!!! Congrats 🍾🎈🎉 3y

vlwelser @Cinfhen I mathed it out and just read about 20 pages a day. I'm done now because I'm so over it and not bothering with the poems. 3y

Cinfhen Oh yeah…I noticed those #NoThanks 3y

See All 9 Comments

merelybookish As a casual observer of this read along, you might be the only one who finishes. You might deserve a 🏆 3y

vlwelser @merelybookish I'm early. They still have a week left. I bet they all slide into home at the last second. 3y

Cathythoughts Neutral ! That‘s an interesting one 😄😂 Well done on finishing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻( I was an early bail 😬) 3y

Hooked_on_books Hey, you finished! Nice job! 🥳 3y

TheAromaofBooks Great working sticking this one out!!! 3y

MatchlessMarie @merelybookish 😂💯 3y

49 likes9 comments

Cinfhen

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

Today it‘s me, Yuri & Lara!! On page 350 and I‘m FINALLY seeing the seeds of a story!! It‘s been a LONG, DIFFICULT harvest😉🙄#DecemberChill is one week away!!! I will admit to a little joy when Lara & Yuri reconnect in a library ( that‘s definitely my idea of a romantic encounter)🥰

Cinfhen @BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie 3y

TrishB Go you 👍🏻 3y

Cathythoughts P 350 !!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 3y

See All 19 Comments

rockpools Good luck! 3y

erzascarletbookgasm Great job! You can do this! 💪 3y

BarbaraBB You rock!! 3y

TheBookHippie Yay!!!!!!!! 3y

Cinfhen I think I got ahead of myself @TheBookHippie @BarbaraBB @erzascarletbookgasm @TrishB @Cathythoughts @rockpools by page 400 I put down the book and started the Wally Lamb, which I‘m LOVING

I Know This Much Is True

TheBookHippie @Cinfhen oh that is a good one I read it when it came out! Loooong time ago 🤯 3y

Cinfhen Published in 1998 @TheBookHippie it‘s SO GOOD - funny and sad - really spectacular storytelling and writing. I‘m in awe 3y

TrishB At least I have a good one coming up then! 3y

Cinfhen I‘m worried it may affect you differently @TrishB 😔 💕💕 3y

TheBookHippie @Cinfhen I‘ve read through his books -all good. I remember this one though very well- I had it with me on night shift (nursing) and I spent my breaks with it for a few months in 1998. 3y

Cinfhen It‘s almost 900 pages @TheBookHippie @TrishB and I think I see where certain storylines are heading 💔it was made into a miniseries, right??!?!! 3y

TrishB Oh, bad way? 😞 3y

TheBookHippie @Cinfhen Yup. I love a good chunkster! Also why months was needed 😅 3y

Cinfhen I‘m not sure @TrishB no animal cruelty but there are other triggers that I‘m not sure about. I just remember how Angela‘s Ashes affected you 😢so I‘m not sure about this one. I could be totally wrong. 3y

TrishB I will maybe not start whilst here then! Thank you 😘 3y

Cinfhen Xxxx @TrishB enjoy the rest of your weekend 3y

73 likes19 comments

Cinfhen

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

Our #DecemberChill #buddyread is nearing and while #DrZ turns out to be a bit of a challenge, let‘s take a cue from our theme & chill 😉

Dec 3: 🎧what music do you relax to during these chilly days? Is it jazz, acoustic or blues? Holiday music? Let‘s hear it 🎶

Dec 4: 📸 Share some chill photos! A beach stroll with your dog, having coffee with a friend, building a snowman?? Anything goes!

Dec 5: 📚 A very basic bookish discussion of DrZ 🤓

BarbaraBB

Cinfhen Feel free to participate in any or all of the weekend festivities!! 3y

merelybookish I have been enjoying this chill buddy read where everyone is avoiding the book. 😂 3y

Cinfhen Hahaha 🤣 it‘s hilarious @merelybookish !!! First question for our discussion Did you read the book??? 3y

See All 6 Comments

TrishB Ermmm, not quite yet 😁 3y

Billypar I'm struggling but trying to keep going with the hope that there's an interesting novella hidden somewhere inside the larger book 🙂 Either way, looking forward to the festivities! 3y

Cinfhen Im FINALLY at a place (page 355) where I feel a story beginning to blossom @Billypar but there‘s lots to weed through!!!!! 3y

60 likes6 comments

Hooked_on_books

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

My hold FINALLY came in for the #DrZ buddy read and my library system thinks this book is…YA?!? 😯 Uh, ok. 😂 Based on the reactions I‘m seeing, I‘m not sure how far I‘m going to get in this one, but I‘m going to try!

Cinfhen, BarbaraBB

sblbooks Is it an abridged version? 3y

vlwelser YA? Maybe they got it confused with something else. You can do it! 3y

Hooked_on_books @sblbooks No. I never read abridged books. I think they‘re a waste of time. 3y

See All 9 Comments

BarbaraBB I liked it when I read it as a young adult. I don‘t feel like rereading though 😇 3y

LeahBergen Ummm. 🤣 3y

Cinfhen Interesting 🤔 I don‘t know any YA except @TheBookHippie and @BarbaraBB who would voluntarily choose to read this book 🤓 3y

LibrarianRyan Libraries will do that with classics that students may need to read in school. Have a copy in adult and a copy in YA. it helps ensure that there are copies for school kids when they deed them. Often the crazier covers of the classics are put in YA. Speaking from experience, and We did this with our library. 3y

Hooked_on_books @LibrarianRyan That makes sense! Thanks for the insider library info! 🤗 3y

leah152 It's been ages since I read Dr Z but my most lasting memory of it is wondering where the romance was lol! 😊📚😂 3y

62 likes9 comments

LitsyEvents

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

Join @Cinfhen and @BarbaraBB for a #DecemberChill #buddyread

Dec 3: 🎧what music do you relax to during these chilly days? Is it jazz, acoustic or blues? Holiday music? Let‘s hear it 🎶

Dec 4: 📸 Share some chill photos! A beach stroll with your dog, having coffee with a friend, sitting on your couch?! Anything goes!

Dec 5: 📚 A very basic bookish discussion of DrZ 🤓

Cinfhen Thank you for sharing xxx 3y

BarbaraBB Thank you !!!! 3y

48 likes2 comments

jenniferw88

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

bailed

Having just read the Wikipedia entry on this book, I've definitely done the right thing in deciding to bail on it!

#chillsandthrills @BarbaraBB @Cinfhen

#bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

BarbaraBB You probably did. It‘s a tough read though interesting in its political context. I‘m just not in the mood for that right now either. 3y

Cinfhen Smart move!! 3y

TrishB I haven‘t said the words yet, but probably will do. 3y

TheAromaofBooks Sometimes a book just isn't the right fit!! 3y

58 likes4 comments

MatchlessMarie

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

Been a little quieter today because I‘ve been bouncing between books and am almost at my 33rd hour! Also I haven‘t given up on #DecemberChill yet. I actually am 25% in and I don‘t feel as lost now. Also I was surprised to see a hold come behind me so I‘m wondering if there‘s another San Antonio litten in our group 🙃 #33by33

Cinfhen, BarbaraBB

Cinfhen Hehehe 😜 I‘m about 1/3 in and it‘s starting to make sense for me too!! It‘s just im not compelled to pick up the book once I put it down. 3y

BarbaraBB You should almost think so! A wait list…! 😉 3y

MatchlessMarie @Cinfhen Same. It‘s a good audio for focusing like on cleaning 😅 @BarbaraBB Maybe someone is really trying to think cold thoughts. Our highs are still in the 80s here 🥵 (edited) 3y

38 likes3 comments

TheKidUpstairs

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

"Rome was a flea market of borrowed gods and conquered peoples, a bargain basement on two tiers - earth and heaven - slaves on one, gods on the other."

#DecemberChill

BarbaraBB Great illustration 🤍 3y

Cathythoughts And great quote 👍🏻❤️ 3y

Leftcoastzen If the time machine dropped me in there my head would explode!🤯 3y

59 likes3 comments

Simona

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

Sorry @Cinfhen @BarbaraBB but I can‘t … too much struggle with #DrZ😔
#decemberchill #buddyread

TrishB Currently up to 10% but struggling….. 3y

Cinfhen Thanks for trying 😘😘 3y

Simona @TrishB This book was a rock around my neck … 3y

See All 7 Comments

Simona @Cinfhen I did try … really hard, but it was like a very unpleasant chore 🤷🏻‍♀️ 3y

Cinfhen Let it go!!! A book should never be a chore 3y

MatchlessMarie I‘m at 9% and I‘m just like yep I am definitely reading a book. I‘m hoping the more I read the more it will make sense 🤣 3y

BarbaraBB Now I read this! You are so right. We‘ll have a weekend partying without Russian heaviness 💃💃 @Cinfhen 3y

45 likes7 comments

Cinfhen

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

#DecemberChill I‘ve made it to page 97!! I have NO CLUE wtf is going on??? I‘ve been using Spark Notes to help guide me & im still pretty confused 🤪Hope others are faring better 😘

Simona, TheKidUpstairs, TrishB, Deblovestoread, BarbaraBB

vlwelser TBH I'm not sure there is anything going on. It seems to mostly be a commentary on Russia during the revolution. I may be missing something though. 3y

Cinfhen Thanks @vlwelser that makes me feel better 😉😄 3y

Bookwormjillk I haven't started yet. Must get moving! 3y

See All 19 Comments

BarbaraBB I can‘t believe I read it (and enjoyed it!) when I was 22! 3y

Cinfhen THAT really is super impressive @BarbaraBB I was probably reading Jackie Collins 3y

Cinfhen It‘s a tough book, @Bookwormjillk not one u want to pick back up once you put it down 🙄 3y

TheBookHippie @BarbaraBB 😂😂😂I was 17 …what the world 🤷🏻‍♀️ 3y

SheReadsAndWrites I was named after the character, Lara. 😊 3y

DivineDiana And to think I almost jumped on this read along! 😅 3y

BarbaraBB I read Jackie Collins too. And Sidney Sheldon and Harold Robbins 🤣 3y

BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie What were we thinking? Who were we back then? 3y

TheBookHippie @BarbaraBB I can scarcely remember 😂🤪 3y

Cinfhen 💯Robbins & Sheldon @BarbaraBB and HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂🎊🎈🎉 ♥️😘 3y

Cinfhen That‘s cool @SheReadsAndWrites your mom must have been a romantic or lover of Russian literature 😉😁 3y

Cinfhen It‘s getting better @DivineDiana but it‘s not an easy book to tackle 3y

Simona I‘m on page 157 … after a week of reading it … 🐌🐌🐌 3y

Cinfhen I‘m making progress @Simona but I‘m not really enjoying it 3y

SheReadsAndWrites 😂 My mom is a romantic but more a lover of the movie than the book, I think. 3y

Cinfhen I‘m gonna try to watch the film after I read the book @SheReadsAndWrites 🍿 3y

82 likes19 comments

Mirazzles

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

My father loved this one… I‘ve never read it, but I am behind on my 2021 reading challenge, and I thought I would give this a go. Wish me luck. 📖📚

Cathythoughts Good luck 👍🏻💫 3y

Smrloomis Hope it works for you! 3y

BarbaraBB Do you know there is a #DrZ buddy read on its way? A lot of us will read it and discuss the book on Sunday 5 December. Let me know if you want to join @Cinfhen and me, we are hosting the #DecemberChill event (follow the hashtag for more information). 3y

See All 8 Comments

Cinfhen Good luck!! I‘ve been working up my courage to tackle the beast, but so far I‘ve only gotten through the introduction 🙈 3y

Mirazzles @Smrloomis thank you, we shall see! 3y

Mirazzles @Cathythoughts thank you! 3y

Mirazzles @BarbaraBB I didn‘t know that! I would love to join if possible! :) 3y

BarbaraBB You are very welcome! I‘ll tag you in the post with all information! 3y

48 likes8 comments

BarbaraBB

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

Look at this oldie. I got this old edition from my grandfather and read it in 1990. For 31 years it has been sitting on my shelves and now I‘m picking it up again for #DecemberChill. Let‘s see….

Cinfhen

Cinfhen that‘s so cool 🥰good luck 💚 3y

Cathythoughts From your grandfather ❤️ 3y

batsy That is so nice 💜 A treasured copy. 3y

See All 8 Comments

Simona I‘m reading it for the first time and don‘t enjoy …. and nothing could convince me to reread it! I bow down to you 😘 3y

Megabooks How special! You read a lot of classic novels, and I love reading your reviews of them. 💜 3y

TrishB Wonderful copy ❤️ reading it again is brave. Struggling…. 3y

BarbaraBB @Simona @TrishB I am struggling too. Hard! 3y

BarbaraBB @Megabooks Thanks Meg! I do read them a lot. A little less since I know you 😉but many of them are classics for a reason I think 🤍 (edited) 3y

87 likes8 comments

TheKidUpstairs

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

I love a thorough character list. This is why I'm reading Zhivago in hard copy instead of digital!

Cinfhen I just started too!! I think I need Cliff Notes 😜 3y

Deblovestoread I started it on audio and had to stop. Couldn‘t keep track of who was who. Starting in print this weekend with an old book club copy I picked up years ago. It doesn‘t have this list so a huge thanks for sharing! 🙌🏼 3y

vlwelser I wish this was in my edition. 3y

See All 11 Comments

TheKidUpstairs @Kdgordon88 having all the different names, including diminutives, for each character is going to be so helpful! 3y

TheKidUpstairs @Cinfhen it's been a long time since I've read any Russian Lit. My brain is so out of practice! 3y

TheKidUpstairs @vlwelser do you want me to email you a better quality pic of it? 3y

vlwelser Yes. Actually. My email is vlwelser @ gmail. Thank you! 3y

Cinfhen Can u email me that list too? Please!!! It‘s cindyh666 at Apple dot com Thanks 😘 3y

TheKidUpstairs @vlwelser @Cinfhen done! Hope it helps! 3y

Cinfhen Oh Gd!!! That list is TERRIFYING!!!! 3y

vlwelser Thank you! You're the best! 3y

72 likes11 comments

jenniferw88

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

A couple of days late but here's my list for November @TheAromaofBooks #bookspinbingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y

42 likes1 comment

AnneCecilie

Doctor Zhivago (Vintage Classic Russians Series) | Boris Pasternak

pick

This is seen as a big epic love story, but sadly I don‘t see that.

For me this is a story about survival and how to make the best of a bad situation or several bad situations.

The setting is before, during and after the Russian revolution

The first third of this book was my #BookSpin in June
@TheAromaofBooks

Vansa Very true. Even the movie actually focuses on survival , in a time of upheaval and the lovestory is incidental. 3y

AnneCecilie @Vansa I don‘t even feel that there is a love story. Zhivago never makes any choices regarding the women, they are just there and it feels convenient to be a couple and to what‘s expected. 3y

Vansa Fair enough. You're right about that too. 3y

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Vansa Was just reading out your comment to my husband, and he was saying he fully agrees, he only remembers all the suffering and the snow and the hunger! 3y

TheAromaofBooks What a pretty edition!!! 3y

Cathythoughts Right !! I‘m going to start it soon … 🤞🏻 3y

68 likes2 stack adds6 comments

Ast_Arslan

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
@Eggs
#FallTreasures

Day 23 - #BannedBook

And it's still on my TBR 😅

Eggs 📚👏🏻📖 3y

13 likes1 comment

Cinfhen

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Leonidovich Pasternak, Max Hayward, Manya Harari

Woohoo!! We have a winner for our #DecemberChill #BuddyRead #DrZ
All are welcome to join @BarbaraBB and me for our #MusicAndMemories #BookDiscussion the weekend of December 3-5
More details to follow😊♥️💥
If you are interested in joining just tag below to be added to our list ⬇️

TrishB Exciting, I‘m in 👍🏻 4y

Cathythoughts I‘m in 👍🏻 4y

Simona 🙌 After reading … I was very tempted to finally read Dr.Zhivago this summer, but I guess that now I will have to wait until winter 😘

Lara: The Untold Love Story and the Inspiration for Doctor Zhivago

See All 21 Comments

LeahBergen In, in, in! 4y

Cinfhen After reading this one I became hooked on finally reading #DrZ @LeahBergen @Simona @Cathythoughts @TrishB I‘m really excited you‘re joining @BarbaraBB and I

The Secrets We Kept

CarolynM I'm in, of course🙂 Thanks Cindy and Barbara @BarbaraBB 4y

Cinfhen Yay @CarolynM 💚 4y

Hooked_on_books I‘m in 4y

Cathythoughts I don‘t know which DrZ book to order … I d like one that‘s easy to read , as in print that isn‘t too tiny & pages that open fully …. Any suggestions Littens ?? Thankyou X 4y

Librarybelle I‘m definitely in! 4y

Cinfhen I‘m with @Cathythoughts !! I might need to find a bookshop to see which book is easy on the eyes 4y

Cinfhen So excited that you‘re all joining us @Librarybelle @Hooked_on_books 4y

Billypar I'm in! I saw the film a long time ago and remember loving it. Seems like a perfect cold weather book. 4y

erzascarletbookgasm 👌💙❄️ 4y

Cinfhen Yay 😁 more party guests @BarbaraBB !!! Welcome to #DrZ @erzascarletbookgasm @Billypar 🥶 4y

Freespirit Oh I love the book and the movie..I wanted to go to Russia after reading it! 4y

Cinfhen So join us @Freespirit 💜 4y

Bookwormjillk I was convinced I had signed up for a Dr. Zhivago buddy read in November but I think it was actually this buddy read in December and I didn‘t actually sign up 🤦‍♀️Count me in please. 3y

Cinfhen You got it @Bookwormjillk and thanks for reminding me….it‘ll be December before we know it!! 3y

Q84 Sounds good 3y

Cinfhen I‘ll add you to the list @Q84 tagging my cohost @BarbaraBB 😊 3y

74 likes21 comments

BarbaraBB

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

We have a winner for our #DecemberChill #buddyread! Everyone is welcome to join @Cinfhen and me in the weekend of 3-5 December. We‘ll have two days of memories and music and will discuss #DrZ on Sunday. Let me know if you‘re interested and want to be tagged in future posts!

BarbaraBB @thebookhippie @BookwormAHN @bookwormjilk @vlwelser @rubyslippersreads @Kdgordon88 @peaknit @kimberlone @Librarybelle @Debinhawaii @jenniferw88 @CarolynM @Hooked_on_books @WanderingLynn @BethM @Leerharry @bookandcat 4y

BarbaraBB @LeahBergen @i.be.Stef @erzascarletbookgasm @KarenUK @JaclynW @Suet624 @JenLovesJT47 @AnneCecilie @megabooks @britt_brooke @Kelly_the_bookish_sidekick @reviewsbylola @emilyhaldi @squirrelbrain @cupcake12 @centique @TrishB @Simona @cathythoughts @Mitch @batsy @crazeedi @Thekidupstairs @kalalalatja 4y

peaKnit Can‘t wait!! 4y

See All 50 Comments

Librarybelle Hooray!! 4y

Suet624 Yippee! 4y

TheBookHippie Yay!!!!!!! 4y

Bookwormjillk Cool! Could you tag me please? 4y

britt_brooke Count me in! 4y

vlwelser Yay!!! I'm putting this in my calendar now. 😊 4y

TheKidUpstairs Yay! I've got this one on my shelf (somewhere), can't wait! 4y

Megabooks Definitely tag me!! 😁😘 4y

BookwormAHN Great 😸 4y

KarenUK I‘m in! Never read it…. Hoping it‘s not a huge tome! #pagecountphobia 😂 4y

bookandcat Tag me! 4y

JennyM Thanks Barbara and Cindy - pls tag me 👍 4y

DebinHawaii Please tag me. 🤗 4y

Leftcoastzen Tag me , it‘s glaring at me from the shelf .🙄🤨 4y

Hooked_on_books I‘ve never read it, so I‘m definitely interested in joining in. Thanks for keeping me on the list! 4y

sprainedbrain 🙋🏻‍♀️ This is a #1001books selection I have yet to read, so please tag me! 4y

Deblovestoread Please tag me. I've been wanting to read this for years. 4y

rubyslippersreads Please tag me. Based on what I remember of the movie, this will be a perfect winter read. 4y

Kimberlone I read about 1/3 of it last year, great incentive for me to push through and finish! 4y

BeckyWithTheGoodBooks Please tag me! I‘ve been wanting to read this forever, and had a very real crush on Omar Sharif as a child (thanks to watching Funny Girl with my mom). 😂 Would love to get this off my TBR! 4y

Cinfhen Woohoo!!! Love all the enthusiasm and participants ☃️🧣🧤im more worried about all the Russian names🥶🥶🥶 4y

LeahBergen Count me in! 😘😘 4y

BarbaraBB @sprainedbrain @KarenUK It‘s a #1001books #chunkster, can you believe that @Cinfhen herself nominated it😂😉? Glad that doesn‘t scare you off! 4y

BarbaraBB @JennyM @Leftcoastzen @BeckyWithTheGoodBooks Glad you‘re joining, we‘ll keep you tagged! 4y

Simona Can‘t wait, finally I will read it! 💃🏻 4y

Cathythoughts Very exciting 🥳 I‘m in 👍🏻❤️ I‘ve never read this 4y

TrishB I‘m in 👍🏻 4y

Cathythoughts @Cinfhen The Russian names will be fine … we can take notes 🧐😍 excellent choice 💫 4y

i.besteph Thanks for the tag! Please keep tagging me in future posts. I‘ve never read it. And I‘m happy to finally read a book in the perfect setting for the season 😂💯 (edited) 4y

jenniferw88 I think you know to tag me, considering that I have started the playlist already! 🤣🤣🤣 4y

Centique I will try and join in - ive got a copy on my shelves but I reckon the audio will probably help me get into it! 4y

CarolynM I'm in💖 4y

BarbaraBB @jenniferw88 I had no doubt about you 😂😉 4y

batsy I've not read it and I'm keen to join in 💕 4y

wanderinglynn I‘m in! Thanks! 4y

erzascarletbookgasm 👌 I‘m in 💙❄️ 4y

emilyhaldi @Cinfhen nominated this one?! I can‘t believe it!! 🤯 I‘ll do my best to join in 😅 4y

BarbaraBB @emilyhaldi When are you due 😂😉?! 4y

emilyhaldi @BarbaraBB I‘m due 8/27… will I have it together by Dec to join in on this chunkster?! 😅 4y

BarbaraBB @emilyhaldi It‘s optimistic 😀 but nothing wrong with that. Maybe you‘ll have this super sweet boy that sleeps for hours each day 😇 4y

BethM @emilyhaldi I gave birth 11/2, I‘d say you‘ll be back to regular sized books then 😂 4y

emilyhaldi I‘m trying to go in with zero expectations… and just a little hoping that maybe I get that angel boy 🙏🏻 @BarbaraBB @BethM (edited) 4y

Cinfhen Can you believe this chunkster was my idea @emilyhaldi !??! It‘s shocking😱 and I can‘t believe how close your due date is!!! Soooo exciting 💙 4y

JaclynW I'm going to give this one a try. Excited! 4y

Crazeedi I'll have to try to remember for December!! 4y

BarbaraBB @Crazeedi We‘ll keep you posted 😉 4y

BarbaraBB @EvieBee In case your interested here is more information about the December buddyread! 4y

76 likes50 comments

vlwelser

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

1. my mum actually discourages this. Sort of.
2. Not at the same level but they all read mostly every day
3. Doctor Zhivago is currently on this list. Tagged.

#WondrousWednesday @Eggs

You probably all played so I apologize if you're getting an extra tag...
@Riveted_Reader_Melissa @KVanRead @MallenNC @tenar @Sargar114 @DebinHawaii @Cathythoughts

Riveted_Reader_Melissa Actually, this is my first tag! So thank you 😉 4y

Eggs Thanks for joining in 🌸🌺 4y

KVanRead My first tag too, thanks!😊 4y

DebinHawaii My first tag too—thank you! 🤗 4y

31 likes4 comments

Leftcoastzen

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

On this date in 1890 , Boris Pasternak was born in Moscow . Feb.10
I have seen the movie, need to read the book.
#MountainTBR

LeahBergen I haven‘t read this yet, either. 😬 4y

ValerieAndBooks I have this very same edition plus a newer one/translation ... and still haven‘t read yet !! 4y

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Penny_LiteraryHoarders

Doctor Zhivago | Boris Pasternak

I'm thinking of finally getting around to this one, but now trying to remember where I read what order to read these in? Doctor Zhivago first then to Prescott's book? Does it matter? Will reading Prescott's first colour my view of the other?

Cortg Reading The Secrets We Kept made me want to read Dr Zhivago. I haven‘t gotten around to it yet, but it would be a good “winter themed” book to read! 4y

ValerieAndBooks I have this edition and an older translation of Doctor Zhivago, and have read neither 😂. I wonder if the cover design of Secrets was meant to reflect the new cover of Dr Z. 4y

Penny_LiteraryHoarders @Cortg thanks! I was wanting to read Secrets maybe first, so knowing it's good to go with it first is great news! 4y

Penny_LiteraryHoarders @ValerieAndBooks they go together nicely don't they? 4y

Cortg Secrets is a book that highly references Doctor Zhivago and the author. There is no need to have read Doctor Zhivago, it just makes you curious to know more about the book. @Penny_LiteraryHoarders Absolutely is was done on purpose! Good eye 👀 4y

37 likes5 comments

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