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#37
1st October 2023, 10:42
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Re: Book club
Hi everyone.
I messaged Sprouty, but haven’t heard back. I hope she’s okay. Would anyone like to continue with this? Rather than breaking out into a Zoom or Discord, we could just discuss the books on here behind spoiler tags. [spoil] type in the middle then it will hide the text behind a spoiler icon [^\spoil] (without the ^). That way people can dip in and out of the thread and read at their own pace. It also means anyone can join in when they fancy the book. Also it keeps the thread moderated in case we have heated debates (not anticipating this haha). Anyone interested? We can start a fresh with a new title or continue? 
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#40
2nd October 2023, 20:34
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Re: Book club
Let's go with a new title that we haven't read and then everyone is in the same position of having not read it.
Any suggestions for the first book, Mike... anyone? If not my cat will choose.
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#44
3rd October 2023, 18:28
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Re: Book club
Quote:
touching a book is an achievement for me. Reading one is like my own personal Everest climb. Library books freak me out. I think, "Did someone read this when they did a poo?" I almost want to wear gloves. Reading gloves.
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#46
4th October 2023, 10:04
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Re: Book club
^
 I get what you’re saying about library books, but in the last 8 years I’ve taken out 574 physical books (according to my account) and I’ve never suffered any ill effects. You know what they say - if you swabbed the average door handle you’d get traces of all sorts... 
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#49
17th October 2023, 12:51
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Re: Book club
^ That's part of why I suggested it, it is indeed short and snappy.
^^ I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'm trying to think of some possible discussion points, hmmm. What do you think of the main character? Do you think the book portrays her sympathetically? What do you think the book has to say about expectations on Japanese women in society?
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#50
17th October 2023, 17:46
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Re: Book club
It's cleverly written so that it doesn't make the reader feel sorry her. It describes how she navigates the social world, her thoughts, and how she masks quite well. It feels like an accurate monologue of what it's like to find the social world a confusing place with many unwritten rules that we are expected to know. As someone who is quite similar, I found it easy to relate to and I'd be interested to know what someone who doesn't experience the world in a similar way would think.
Forgive my ignorance, but I don't think I could comment on Japanese culture or gender expectations because I don't know enough about it. The pressures on women generally and expectations: to get married and have children seem present in many cultures. Not having children in this country is seen as deviance, although I think this is changing slightly and child-free women are popping up on social media. Although, the abuse they can receive is disgusting.
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#51
18th October 2023, 00:31
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Re: Book club
^ Good answer biscuits!
I like how the story follows a first person narrative throughout, so all the situations are interpreted from her perspective. The other characters often think Keiko’s strange for not caring about the usual things. But we share Keiko’s perspective, and if anything find their conformity strange!
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#53
20th October 2023, 17:34
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Re: Book club
Check you out, Mike with all your great questions. The question master!
I'm too duh to understand the first question haha hopefully someone more literary and articulate can chime in! The second one: Does it represent all of the things you need in life. Everything she needs under one roof. To me, it seems like Keiko has learnt all of her scripts, body language and routines from the repetitive nature of the job and the interactions. It's safe and predictable and she knows her role and place - it's convenience. I definitely want to read more of Sayata Murata's work, so I have ordered Earthlings. 
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#54
20th October 2023, 23:20
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Re: Book club
^
The Question Master  I am, I should host Mastermind.Hmm yes, I found Keiko liking the store because it’s predictable, ordered and safe relatable. That’s much of why I liked retail too. There are interactions with people, but they’re limited and easy to predict. And like Keiko I enjoyed making things neat and tidy for a job! And yeah, that’s true, I think Keiko likes the orderliness of a place where everything for convenience. I like the lovely language used to describe the shop and the store displays – it shows the meaning Keiko finds in something most might dismiss as banal. And good on you Biscuits, even doing further reading! You’ll have to share what you think of Earthlings
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#55
21st October 2023, 17:01
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Re: Book club
^ haha your questions are ace!
Yes, everything make sense in the convenience store. All the rules create a safe space for Keiko to feel successful. When I worked in retail, I actually hated the repetitive nature of it. Which is strange because I like to know what's going to happen otherwise I get all dizzy with thoughts and worries. I think it was the repetition of nothing much happening and not really needing to problem solve that was unappealing. The one thing I did love was being on customer services and dealing with angry customers. Thanks! well, let's be honest... purchasing a book and reading a book are two very different things Shall we pick a new book to read? When I say we, I mean anyone else but me because I wouldn't even know what to recommend!
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#56
23rd October 2023, 21:43
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Re: Book club
^
Yeah that’s true. Even though you have to talk to people quite a lot, the extent of it is usually “where do I find the light bulbs”, or “do you recycle batteries”. Sadly people in the wild are less predictable. Hmm, maybe you worked in the wrong kind of store! I worked in a shop like Keiko’s - lots of useful things for the house and home, plus deliveries to unpack and displays to set up. Happy days Sure, another title sounds good. Anyone please do suggest away :-)
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: how could you! 
