(not) a book club discussion

I'm 75% through the book, and I have to say... some of the bullying scenes are pretty graphic. I felt so bad for the protagonist that I could feel myself tearing up a bit (when do I not, though—)

Other than that, the scenes where he's with his only other friend are quite heartwarming. There's a pretty interesting chapter slightly past halfway through the book that provides a pessimistic/realistic(?) perspective on the cruelty of life and how sometimes there is no reasoning as to why people may act a certain way... they just do.

It's definitely one of those books that'll make you pause at certain moments to simply digest what just happened. It's at a 4/5 on my scale for now, but we'll see how depressing it can truly get at the end considering that Kawakami's known for her not-so-happy endings.

Judith wrote: "I'm 75% through the book, and I have to say... some of the bullying scenes are pretty graphic. I felt so bad for the protagonist that I could feel myself tearing up a bit (when do I not, though—)

..." Wow you read so fast! Honestly, that's the thing with Japanese literature.. A lot of them are great at depicting like but they can often get a bit too depressing. Can't wait to hear your final thoughts!

This book really knows how to play with one’s emotions. Each chapter takes you on a rollercoaster journey; I could be smiling at a heartwarming exchange one chapter, only to be absolutely disgusted the next.

I was expecting the absolute worst to happen and have that left as the ending, but was pleasantly surprised when I completed the book feeling like I do with most modern Japanese literature… with a bittersweet heartache and a tinge of angst. Honestly, the fact that this book could leave such an impact in a mere 167 pages deserves a 5/5 rating in my book, even if I felt highly uncomfortable at times.

I love this Judith! Thank you for your review, this makes me want to pick up one of Kawakami's books for sure.. She seems like a very talented writer to be able to play with our emotions like that. It is the best writers that are able to get us to feel so much.

Judith wrote: "I'm 75% through the book, and I have to say... some of the bullying scenes are pretty graphic. I felt so bad for the protagonist that I could feel myself tearing up a bit (when do I not, though—)

..."

Love your review! I read this last year and was shocked at the severity of the bullying, it seemed criminally prosecutable. My favorite aspect of the book was the philosophical themes on what it means to exist and live, if evil will always exist in the world and there will always be recipients of peoples' cruelty within society. The author gets a lot across in a short page count for sure.