Point Blank discussion

One of the most equal societies in the world - apparently.

Wait, did we say that?
It’s one of the worst in the world as far as gender equality goes.

No, you didn't, but in terms of economic equality it is one of the best. Read this, if you ever get the chance. It's old but it's a classic:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spirit-Level...

Trying to get caught up....been on the road and reading non-fiction. -I read Out by Natsuo Kirinp last summer and I really liked it....in fact now that I've had a few months to let the read soak in, I think it was great and may be my #1 for the year. The book was packed tight and though 400pgs long it read like 800...all characters were fully fleshed out, especially the four main women. The main plot really pulled you in and all the sub-plots kept the read active. Did any one notice that the work-place parking lot and the walk to the front door of the food packing plant was somehow a character of it's own -? -Out was kind of a tough read, especially compared to My Sister, but well worth it. I highly recommend...Out! (he-he)

Thanks Joe. I've got to admit that I am so beat up by teaching and tutoring and young family stuff that I haven't read this... not sure I will tbh. It sounds like one I would enjoy, the cast sounds great and I'm really interested in Japan... so... we'll see.

Yes, i'm making headway in catching up on the podcasts. It just so happens that I am reading this as part of another group read. Your review in the first podcast is on the money. My only comment is that I appreciate the description of daily life. While murder is most important in this genre, I think it's important to get a glimpse of other societies and other cultures daily life when we go international with our reading.

I finally finished this and enjoyed it. Only four stars for me. The descriptive nature of Japanese life of these lower to middle class women was fascinating to me. The way the author got us in to the heads of the characters (the women especially) was done very well. There was little guesswork for each woman's and most of the men's motivation as they moved along with their heinous endeavors. Justin and Kurt, I enjoyed your reviews though I may not have agreed with you at times.

Japan produces some of the most disturbing crime thriller movies of any first world country - see the oeuvre of Seijun Suzuki or Takashi Miike for examples - so I am curious to see what their hard boiled crime fiction is.

Simon wrote: "Japan produces some of the most disturbing crime thriller movies of any first world country - see the oeuvre of Seijun Suzuki or Takashi Miike for examples - so I am curious to see what their hard ..."
i really like Korean noir films, there's been some good ones the last 20 years...i'll check-out the "oeuvre of Seijun Suzuki or Takashi Miike" thanks for the tip...

"i really like Korean noir films, there's been some good ones the last 20 years" In particular Park Chan-wook's Vengeance Trilogy.