Reading Diary B [Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins]

I read from Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins.

Well, I was not expecting that ending! I knew it was going to be something unexpected this whole time and it certainly was. I did enjoy reading this story for the past few weeks, though. It was very interesting and different from the other things we have read.

I do not want to give anything away because I do encourage everyone to read this story for themselves. It is an easy read and keeps you interested and trying to guess the riddles for the different twenty-two times that the king goes after the goblin.

The readings have been incredibly interesting. I have learned a lot about different styles of telling the same story. Also, I feel that I have been challenged in my writing skills and creativity in telling my stories. I am going to miss this class!

A place full of culture

Reading Diary A [Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins]

I read Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins.

Wow. These past few weeks have really taught me a lot about what I think about this story. I thought it was so strange that the king keeps going back for the goblin. Now, I realize that he is just kind of really stubborn.

Time has gotten away from me these past few weeks. Which is what I have been saying all semester. I keep saying that I am going to stay on top of the class. Which I manage to do for a few weeks and then I right back to where I started. I never used to have this problem. I used to be the super studious person. Then again, I was not essentially working a full-time job and going to school full-time. Also, I was not taking Human Anatomy, which is a beast in of itself. Life gets in the way.

Anyways, it just made me think of the king. He was very stubborn. After all, he went after this goblin twenty-two times. I just feel like I am stubborn in my ways and do not like to change my routine. Although it inevitably results in a day of catch-up. I have not reached the end just yet (I am almost there!), but I am very interested to know how this all turns out.

TIME (is disappearing before finals week)

Reading Diary A + B [Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins]

I read Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins.

I kind of wonder what the author of this book was like in real life. The word play on every single part of the story is very detailed. It is a very clever story and I am enjoying reading the riddles.

It made me laugh when the goblin said the equivalent of "Dude, why are you still coming back to get me? I keep escaping!" I thought it was funny because I am sure all readers are wondering the same thing. This king is rather stubborn. He is up to fourteen attempts to capture the goblin by bringing him back to the castle. This only makes me wonder more about what is going to happen at the end of the story. It seems like it is pointing to a big conclusion with something interesting happening to the king.

The riddles are still pretty interesting and I enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out the answer. I am still enjoying this book very much and I cannot wait to read the end of it.

where the king finds the goblin

Reading Diary B [Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins]

I read from Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins.

I am starting to become very curious as to how dedicated the king is to capturing this goblin. Because the goblin has escaped his grasp eight times, but the king keeps going back for the goblin. You would think the king would become very frustrated with the fact that he has to keep going back for this creature. It makes me wonder if there is some important connection in this observation to the end of the story when we find out what finally happens to the king.

These riddles are very interesting. I still think that I am guessing the correct thing and then it turns out the answer was much different. It is okay. It is providing my daily mental exercise! I wish I could read the original translation because it would be interesting to see if there is a specific way that language was used to communicate more of the riddle.

Lord of the Rings: Bilbo and Gollum Guess Riddles

Reading Diary A [Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins]

I read Ryder's Twenty-Two Goblins.

This was hilarious! Also, it was very interesting to read kind of a different version of an Indian epic. It was very curious to read about goblins going to live in a corpse.

For those who have not read it, a goblin has gone to live in a corpse. A king comes along and is trying to take it back to his castle with him. While they ride, the goblin tells the king a story that ends in a riddle.

I have only read the first three stories, but I have not been able to guess any of the riddles before I read the king's response. He certainly has a quick mind with how he is able to guess all of the riddles. I am starting to feel like it is a challenge to guess the riddle before I get to the end of the story.

Example of a Goblin

Reading Diary B [Sita Sings the Blues]

I watched the last half of Nina Paley's Sita Sings the Blues.

This film surpassed any expectations that I had for it. It could have been really strange or dull. However, that was probably one of the most creative movies I have seen in a long time.

It did make me sad for Sita. She really had a rough life. She was kidnapped by Ravana. Later, when she should have felt safe at home, her purity was doubted. I wonder if she was angry that Rama did not trust her enough to believe that she was pure. Her life had started out so magical with her being able to marry the man she had fallen in love with instantly. Did her downward spiral start with Ravana being too greedy and wanting a woman who was not his for his wife? It would sure seem that way.

I recommend watching Sita Sings the Blues if you have not yet. For one thing, the creator holds no copyrights over it. That is something unique. Second, you would definitely enjoy the way Paley spins the story into a fascinating visual effect that so effectively communicates the Ramayana.

Sita Sings the Blues

Reading Diary A [Sita Sings the Blues]

I watched the first part of Nina Paley's Sita Sings the Blues.

This was definitely not what I expected when I started this movie! At first I was a little weirded out by it and then it grew on me. The way she changes animation type is very interesting. If I had thought about animation changing during one film, I would have said that it would be impossible to pull off. However, Paley did it so well. The way that all of the pieces fit together to tell the story is fascinating.

It did make me wonder if the "Nina and Dave" story had happened to Paley for real. So, I started looking into Paley herself to find out more about her story. It was so interesting! The way that she fights against copyrights is different. It made me think a lot about it. I did notice the TEDtalk that she did and I plan on listening to it. I always thought that copyrights were there to protect the creator of the work. So, that makes me wonder what points she brings up.

Opening Scene of Sita Sings the Blues

Reading Diary B [Arni's The Missing Queen]

I finished reading Samhita Arni's The Missing Queen.

I am so sad that it is over. This has been one of the most fun books to read for a class that I have had so far in my three years of college. However, I do not want to say too much in case someone else decides to read the story. I hope someone else decides to read this story!

I am going to say that it never failed to surprise me. Also, the ending was stunning. I could hardly believe that turn of events.

When I think of retelling a story, I think of this style. It makes such a difference if the author can magically take the basic structure and flesh it out in a new direction.

I highly recommend this story and I definitely plan on looking for Samhita Arni's other books.

The Missing Queen

Reading Diary A [Arni's The Missing Queen]

I read from Samhita Arni's The Missing Queen.

Once again, this was an interesting read. It never stops moving and the plot is always changing. I think this makes what could be a boring story turn into something fascinating that is able to keep readers on the edge of their seat the entire time.

I had to laugh. When she thought she finally saw Sita, I eagerly clicked to the next page and my computer took forever to load. It was quite annoying.

I do not really want to say too much because I want to encourage everyone to read it for themselves. In fact, I might just buy the actual book and send it around to all of my friends so they can read it for themselves.

Random Picture of India

Reading Diary B [Arni's The Missing Queen]

I read from Samhita Arni's The Missing Queen.

I was still eagerly turning pages for this part of the reading. This is one of the best retellings of the story I have ever read.

The part where she is sent to the prison reminded me so much of The Count of Monte Cristo. He was wrongfully sent to prison. The prisoner in the cell next to him educates him on everything he knows while they prepare to break out. Although it is slightly different in this story, she is still imprisoned for just asking the wrong questions. 

I think adding The Washerman as the all-seeing overlord of the network was a great move. That reminds me of The Godfather. I am just really enjoying how the author tied all of these story lines together into this story. Also, I am constantly intrigued because the story moves so quickly and in ways that the reader would not expect. 

Can't wait for next week's readings!

The Godfather/ aka what I imagine the Washerman as ...

Reading Diary A [Arni's The Missing Queen]

I read from Samhita Arni's The Missing Queen.

Wow. This was so fascinating I just wanted to read it all day! It reminds me a lot of what I what trying to make my Storybook out to be.

The way that the story opens with the reporter interviewing the older Queen Kaikeyi. She brings up the disappearance of Sita, which apparently no one knows the story behind. It makes me wonder how I would feel if the I was one of their citizens. Would I notice if the country leader's wife had gone missing?

I think one of my favorite parts about what I have read so far is the way that the author re-imagines characters into modern times and imagines how the years might have affected them. Lakshmana was my favorite one of these, The way he was described as being stately but having the belly in his general uniform matched perfectly to what I had in my head.

I am so excited to read more of this book!

I highly recommend!

Reading Diary A + B {Nivedita's Krishna}

I read Sister Nivedita's Cradle Tales of Hinduism.

First of all, when two massive tests this week in another class, I found myself studying for those but looking at my copy of the Mahabharata and wishing I was writing up a new post or working on my Storybook. Oh well, I am back here now.

I really liked this retelling of Krishna's story. The writing was clear and to the point but kept the story interesting the whole way through. I do not think of that as an easy task when dealing with stories like the old Indian epics.

I like how Krishna's story kind of provides the backbone for the entire story. It seemed like I was seeing the Mahabharata from someone else's point of view. This let the reader think about it in a different way and see things they might not have seen before. For instance, I now better understand why Dritarashta's wife kept a blindfold on for her life. She was supporting her husband.

Krishna

Reading Diary B [Narayan's Mahabharata]

I read from R.K. Narayan's The Mahabharata.

Wow. This last section of the Mahabharata was rather intense. The battle was rather gruesome and the descriptions were kind of crazy. For instance, the part where Dhrishtadyumna cuts off his head after believing his son is dead and the part where Bhima kills Duhshasana. Bhima drinks the blood of Duhshasana! This sounds like something from a vampire movie.

Also, the way that they tricked Dhrishtadyumna into believing his son was dead was so horrible. It almost could have been funny if it did not end the way that it did. They killed an elephant with the same name as his son. After they killed it, Yudhishthira told that Ashwatthaman was dead but muttered that it was the elephant. That was when Dhrishtadyumna cuts off his head.

I think both of the epics are interesting. I would have to say I like the Ramayana so far, but the Mahabharata is growing on me. I do find it to be more dark, though. It seemed like the Ramayana had a lighter note to it even though it was still serious.

However, the way this one ends is with so much death. Even Yudhishthira mentions that he is not happy about winning the battle and needs time to grieve over the deaths.

Krishna and Arjuna

Reading Diary A [Narayan's Mahabharata]

I read from R.K. Narayan's The Mahabharata.

I would have to say a favorite part of mine was when Duryodhana was planning on humiliating the Pandavas. Except it ended up being so turned around that Duryodhana was shamed. I could not imagine how he must have felt when he was captured and then released. That was a definite humbling experience.

Also, what is the significance of deer in these epics? I would not imagine India to be overrun by deer but this is at least the second reference to deer. First, there was when Sita sent Rama to catch the golden deer for her, which we all know was a trap allowing Ravana to come kidnap Sita. Now, there is a story told about a giant deer that stole the Brahmin's staff. This leads to the Pandavas going after the deer and eventually find a lake that has a voice. Only one brother passes the test that was actually being presented by their father. So, do the deer have a connection to traps and trickery? Or are they so rare, Indian people associate them with something devious?

Another deer reference in the Mahabharata

Reading Diary B [Narayan's Mahabharata]

I read from R. K. Narayan's The Mahabharata.

So, I realized I mentioned a story in the last reading diary that I was technically supposed to read for this reading diary. Oh well. Sometimes getting ahead in your schedule can create a little bit of confusion.

I still think Draupadi learning that she was the stakes in a game of dice was one of the craziest stories from this part of the epic. I would be so upset and would feel terribly betrayed if I was in her place. However, she demonstrated great courage and quick thinking. When they went to break the news to her that she had been essentially gambled away, she asked if her husband had staked himself first. So, she had already started looking for a way out of her predicament. Also, when they were going to so horribly rip off her clothing in front of them, she pleaded with Krishna and he came through for her. Draupadi demonstrated that she was always thinking even when in pretty horrible situations.

I think that the women of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana are some interesting characters. Even though they are almost overlooked by the other characters, they all have strong personalities and are not afraid to act independently of the men. That is why they are going to be the focus of my Storybook Project.

another powerful portrayal of Draupadi requesting Krishna's help

Reading Diary A [Narayan's Mahabharata]

I read from R. K. Narayan's The Mahabharata.

This was very interesting. It was similar but also very different from the Ramayana in my opinion. I do not know if the language was updated somehow, but it was a little easier to read than the Ramayana.

I thought the opening story was an interesting way to start this story off. Santanu must have thought that Ganga was extremely beautiful to basically ignore her strange request. He let her drown seven babies before he finally realized he should probably stop this odd behavior. The situation kind of begs the question of was Santanu ever afraid of Ganga? Surely he felt like he was walking on eggshells at times when he knew his wife was murdering their children.

I would have to say the part of the story that describes Draupadi being given to five men is very strange. It was brought up that her being the wife of five men makes her look like the wrong kind of woman. However, in that same speech, it was discussed that it was okay for a man to have five wives. This shows the change in thinking for cultures.

Krishna comes to Draupadi's rescue

Reading Diary B {Devee Sita and Promila}

I read from Devee's Sita and Promila.

After reading this version, I realized just how helpful those reading guides are to understand what is going on fully. When I read Promila's story, I had to keep going over passages I already read to try to completely realize what happened. I even tried googling for a reading guide but could not find anything.

I really enjoyed the courage of Promila and how she is not afraid to take action for what she wants.  She was not even afraid to take an army of her maidens to go after her husband and see him. I like how Rama recognized her devotion and realized that he was not going to be able to stand in the way of her.

The ending of her story was so sad, though. They were so happy together and then of all things, her husband is killed! When he was killed, it was a little heartwrenching when his first thought was of his promise to Promila that he would come back. He was so upset about having to break his promise that it did not seem important to him that he was dying.

Indrajit in battle

Reading Diary A {Devee Sita and Promila}

I chose to read Sita and Promila by Sunity Devee.

I think what I enjoyed most about this was the way it went more in depth with Sita's side of the story. This is similar to what I want to do in my Storybook Project, so I was loving the details in this story. I think women more often than not want to know more about how characters felt throughout the different scenes.

My favorite part was where Sita was watching Rama with the bow. The way it was written demonstrated her desperation for Rama to win the privilege of marrying her.

This retelling of the Ramayana is a great example of short and sweet writing. It is done very well but it gets the point across and all the necessary information without being too wordy. I would consider it to be the type of story that more women in today's world would select from the shelf.

what Sita saw from her window

Reading Diary B [Narayan's Ramayana]

I read from R. K. Narayan's The Ramayana.

It seems really strange to be finally finishing the story. Good battled evil and good won. I would have to say that my favorite part of these pages comes from Narayan's epilogue. I like where he explained that Hanuman had been advised to dedicate his like to serve Vishnu. He did this without even thinking about it when he realized who Rama really was. This demonstrates some awesome loyalty. It even was stated that if Rama's name was whispered, Hanuman was there. Even if the story of Rama was told, he would be present. Narayan states that Hanuman is one of the most important characters in the Ramayana and the narrator will often pay a tribute to him when the story is told.

If this book was a movie, the battle of Ravana and Rama would be the part where audience members were perched on the edge of their seat, holding their breath, and wondering how Rama was going to be able to take down the evil Ravana. It would definitely turn into one of the most talked about movie scenes of the season. I wonder if Rama would have been able to take down his enemy if he had not dedicated so much time to really think about his next moves.

Ravana and Rama in Battle

Reading Diary A [Narayan's Ramayana]

I read from R. K. Narayan's The Ramayana.

These were some very interesting pages of the Ramayana. There were battles and deaths. There were abductions and disguises. This part of the story felt like a truly epic Indian Epic. I am a visual learner, so I adored the multiple descriptions of different scenes. The moments where Rama is contemplating his future course of action is a great example of this. The way the clouds are described make it easy to picture.

Ravana kidnapping Sita

Also, the part where Sita threw down her jewelry so they could have a way to find her was rather brilliant. Even when they found Sita among all the ladies, she had thought ahead to keep a small piece of jewelry so they knew that it was really her. These actions demonstrate that Sita kept a level head through everything. It really is no wonder why the god Vishnu incarnate would love this woman. 

Rama demonstrates that he loves Sita so much. When they doubt they will be able to find her, Rama assures them they will know and describes Sita's feet in such loving detail. He has paid attention to her. I feel like there is probably a good marriage lesson in here somewhere. However, that is something for a different class and a different conversation.