Play Book Tag discussion

The narrator of this book (perhaps Dazai himself) doesn't like me and the feeling is mutual. To be fair, I don't think he likes anyone. As our narrator shows in his dark, insular life he is on the outside of society looking in, confused and alienated by a world he can't understand and taunted by a happiness that is ever elusive. Is he a narcissist? Clinically depressed? Autistic, as one friend suggested? All of the above!? I couldn't say with any surety, but this well-to-do young man who fancies himself an artist and suffers an existential crisis of unknown origin (I guess all existential crises are "unknown"?) is the specific type of character I hate. Most people who know me probably consider me a cynic, but maybe that's not true. Maybe I am a glass-half-full type. Maybe I see more beauty in the world than people give me credit. I can't be caught in the vortex of life's miseries for too long and maybe that is why I can't enjoy Dazai's endless spiraling. Then again, maybe it's not something to enjoy?

If you are an emo kid who thinks life is a total drag, give this a read!

Your opinion was quite inspirational and now I am strongly convinced that I must read this book at any cost as soon as possible. I put it off for what seemed like ages. You're the third person this week to tell me that this book is, briefly, waste of time. In my language that means, and I strongly believe, that this book is going to be a great read. I can't wait.

Excuse me if I sound a bit strange, but that's how I've found the best books. When people say that a book is a waste of time, in my language means that this book is really good. Thank you once again. You were my "trigger" tо get and read this book. :)

That makes total sense to me! I think the best reviews communicate if the book is right for you, whether the review is positive or negative.

To clarify, I didn't think, or state in my review, that this book was a waste of time. I just didn't enjoy reading it, and I don't enjoy this narrator. Despite my level of enjoyment of a book I can still find its value... and I think this book has value, maybe just not for me. ;) I don't regret the time spent to read it. Also, it's only 177 pages so minimal time loss at the end of it all.

I was supposed to discuss this book in a book club, but I didn't make it unfortunately. I think the discussion about this book, and the narrator could've been very fruitful.

Can't wait to hear what you think!

Meli wrote: "Can't wait to hear what you think!"

If you have enough time we can mutually comment on the serious points of the book. I am sure I will like the book, but I could still be wrong. Even so, if it does turn out to be interesting, I would be extremely curious to share what I like and for you to tell me what you don't like. I'll try today to finish my annual rereading of Alice in Wonderland and probably tomorrow I will jump into "No Longer Human".

By the way, is there any other book that you don't like? :)

Kristian wrote: "If you have enough time we can mutually comment on the serious points of the book. I am sure I will like the book, but I could still be wrong. Even so, if it does turn out to be interesting, I would be extremely curious to share what I like and for you to tell me what you don't like. "

Sure! If you start a thread with your review I will comment there.

Kristian wrote: "By the way, is there any other book that you don't like? :)"

Of course, tons 😈
You can add A Little Life, The Mars Room, Luckiest Girl Alive to your list for now 🤣
To be fair, there was a lot I loved about A Little Life, but I can't reveal my biggest gripe without it being a kinda spoiler.

Meli wrote: "Kristian wrote: "You can add A Little Life, The Mars Room, Luckiest Girl Alive to your list for now"

Fascinating! :) Would you mind if I ask you, why do you read books you don't like? I know my question may sound absurd to you, but I am terribly intrigued. It was а normal thing for me when I was a young reader, but now my taste is so refined that I seldom choose a book I don't like. I'd like to ascertain why people so frequently read books they don't like. I don't want to irate you. It is just my curiosity. I shall go now. See you soon. :)

Farewell,

Kris :)

Haha, no worries, not irritating at all. I love to talk books in any capacity ;)

How would I know I don't like it until I read it? 🤔
Sometimes I can guess a book is not for me, but usually I don't know too much about a book when I start reading it.
I also read a lot of books for book club, so that dictates my reading plan and even when I don't enjoy it I still enjoying talking about it with other readers.

Meli wrote: "Can't wait to hear what you think"

Good evening Meli,

Sorry I am a little late with my opinion, but I finally finished it and guess what? :) :) :) It was a marvelous literary piece. I adore this book. But as you know already, I was sure from the word go that I would like this masterpiece. By the way, I decided to read it in English, despite the fact that it has been translated into my native language, and despite the fact that the literal translation of the title is "Disqualified as a human", but after reading it, I utterly appreciate "No Longer Human", because somehow much more goes to the message in the book.

Now... Why do I like this book? For many reasons. Everyone of us has gone through some difficult moments in our life. I guess not everyone gets through these moments by using morphine or sleeping pills, but that's life. The book was so plausible, so real, so touching. I didn't cry. There is nothing to cry about. 'Tis touching, because even you and I are surrounded by this kind of people without even realizing it. For me, it was inspirational book. It is my view that if any harbour darkness in his heart, this book will reflect this darkness and this is the reason, my personal opinion, why some people see it as a dark and depressive book. On the other hand, I see the main character inspirational.

Let me explain. :) Here is the difficult part. I never drink alcohol, not even a drop. I've never smoked. I've never used pills for anything, but I also had and still have some bad habits, but I am perfectionist and I fight this habits everyday. When I see a smoker, a drunkard or something in the same vein, it is a red lamp in my brain and I will say to me : "These people are doomed, watch and despair. Behave yourself and feed your head."

Without darkness, there is no light. These people are darkness, but they make us to shine. For them, life is a road without a way out. But they are our guides. If you have light in your heart and soul, you will be able to find light in this book. But if you have darkness, the book will reflect this darkness.

As for the topic of suicide in the book... This is a hard one. I've always thought that people who want to commit suicide are brave and cowardly. Brave, because one has to be brave enough to override the defense mechanisms in his brain and push his body to the unknown, and conversely, one must be a big coward to choose this simple way. I am a spiritual, but not religious. However, I do not approve the idea of suicide.

I am extremely grateful that you were inspiration for me to read this book.

I am thrilled that you read and enjoyed the book, and equally thrilled that I was the catalyst for you to get to it :)

I enjoyed hearing your perspective.
I too believe that "without darkness, there is no light."

Kristian wrote: "Meli wrote: "Can't wait to hear what you think"

Good evening Meli,

Sorry I am a little late with my opinion, but I finally finished it and guess what? :) :) :) It was a marvelous literary piece. ..."
Kristian I would like to caution you about the way you express your opinions on the subject of suicide. I am guessing that you have no personal experience with dealing with the death of a loved one by suicide. Suicide is in NO WAY the cowards way or easy way out. People who die by their own hand see no other way out and have dealt with the unimaginable pain they have been living with as long as they are able. Being judged in this way makes it hard for those suffering to seek treatment (medication does not always work) and often leaves loved ones feeling they have to hide what happened. I pray you never have to experience the pain and devastation of the death of a loved one due to suicide.