Howl's Moving Book Club discussion

What are you thinking of the book so far?

I am enjoying it now. a bit slow in the beginning and focused more on the romance element rather than the fantasy side of things.
Was a bit cringey at first, due to the conspicuous flirtation.

Yeah I agree. I think that Miyoung is a little annoying :/ But I like the fantasy aspect of things and the general idea is really intriguing. Shame it's been over-looked by the constant flirting.

I am relatively neutral on my opinions of Miyoung. She's okay as a character in certain situations but the way she presents herself to society as a distraught individual (kind of closing herself up from the world) seems relatively normal but also sometimes, I've thought 'just be your true self' at times.

Both Jihoon and Miyoung have been emotionally scarred and I think the portrayal of their handling of emotions is shown relatively differently than the other, which I think can bring many conflicts between the two.

although it is evident how difficult it is for Miyoung to act how she wants to when she's been through what she has

Wow that's some deep analysis :D
I agree that both have been traumatised by their past experiences (although I still think Jihoon's a little tooooo eager with Miyoung and trying to get her to agree to a date haha)

I am an English Lit student so....

yes. Jihoon is way too eager but also attaches himself to her then hurts once she leaves. I find it odd why he gets himself wound up in such a state as she didn't feel the same towards him until very recently, yet although it was recent, he seems to have emotionally connected and thought it's 'forever'.

although after his childhood, he's bound to have some kind of trust/attachment concerns.

In the most recent section, I completely understand by Jihoon and Miyoung are angry with each other but also I’m like? Jihoon you’ve been pining for Miyoung for 300 pages and now she wants you you’re like nah? I mean she is a flesh eating fox but still 😂😂

my thoughts exactly. sometimes reading situations like that make me feel as though the author only writes it for a bridge between the two characters for them to encounter and resolve.
but in the end, most disagreements are resolved.

i definitely do feel it's dropped again though, after this major section (4), the level of action in the book is almost just as it was before without the flirting

Hopefully sections 6 and 7 will pick up!

So I’ve finished! Let me know what you thought of the ending when you’re done :)

I mean the last chapter was basically 'let's pretend it's all going to be happily ever after' which was probably fine if this was a standalone but the epilogue just added more to it.

i found the book overall was easy to comprehend, it didn't really start getting better until like Ch. 30ish then it went downhill again for a bit, then the last 2 sections added more to it.
I felt some of the plot twists were kind of typical and others were ok.

The last two sections were definitely the best bits of the book. I did get a little tired of Miyoung and Jihoon not being able to decide if they were angry with each other or not - they went backwards and forwards between anger and forgiveness it was like a yoyo!
It was an easy read for sure. My favourites were Junu and Changwan (although Somin was winning me over by the end).
The plot twists were ok - one was ridiculous, the other predictable but not a bad one.
Overall, a solid 3 stars for me. Would like to read the sequel if you're up for it!