Questions About The People in the Trees

by Hanya Yanagihara (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (10)

Is it just me or the book description kinda spoiled the book before I READ IT ??!?! UGGHHHHHHH

Catster It's intentional - the first 2 pages of the book are explaining the entire plot. The purpose of this book is not to surprise you with the adventures o…moreIt's intentional - the first 2 pages of the book are explaining the entire plot. The purpose of this book is not to surprise you with the adventures of the main character, it's more about analyzing it as you see the story from first person perspective. (less)

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Kate Chloe, I had the same response (well not exactly as I don't know Gadjusek's work although Im aware of kuru), in that I found the novel egotistical. I …moreChloe, I had the same response (well not exactly as I don't know Gadjusek's work although Im aware of kuru), in that I found the novel egotistical. I don't enjoy books that set out to be 'transgressive', that is, writing really cruel, skin-crawling scenes in an effort to shock the reader. The 'allegory' about Western imperialism was so very heavy-handed...she could have given her protagonist even an iota of depth or a redeeming feature, instead he was cold, brutish, self-indulgent and cavalier about the people he studied. I kept waiting for the twist or the deeper character to emerge - no luck! I chose 'The People in the Trees' because a good friend had loved 'A little Life'. Very disappointed. (less)

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Is this book as good as 66 U.S. Dollars?

SherryRose No book is worth 66 dollars!

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Has anyone else read this as part of a book club?

John Eliade No, but as a lover of this book and an English teacher I can offer you some questions I've discussed about this book with friends. …moreNo, but as a lover of this book and an English teacher I can offer you some questions I've discussed about this book with friends. (less)

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I'm reading the 2017 paperback edition and I've been wondering forever–who is the guy on the cover? Is that supposed to be Norton? Or Tallent? Or someone else? I can't actually remember if this was explicitly said or not, but I think Norton is supposed to be White (or Americanized/whitewashed). His last name didn't sound very Anglo to me so I never assumed what his culture was, other than being American. Thoughts?

Xeneya Torres I'm not entirely sure. I think it's supposed to be Norton, but it might be Tallent. I don't think it could be anybody else.…moreI'm not entirely sure. I think it's supposed to be Norton, but it might be Tallent. I don't think it could be anybody else.(less)

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Unanswered Questions (4)

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is this book more than just shock value? Like, is it worth it to read about disturbing things for a bigger message?

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My cousin is 13 years old, my aunt bought this book but we have no idea if it is okay for her to read. What is the appropriate age for reading this book?

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