spoko’s Comments (group member since Mar 05, 2021)

spoko’s comments from the EVERYONE Has Read This but Me - The Catch-Up Book Club group.

This begins our group discussion of our Classics book selection, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, nominated by Bella (Rhysand’s Version) (School Semi-Hiatus).

This discussion will be full of SPOILERS.

Did you enjoy the play? What stood out to you? How did Shakespeare’s magical, fantastical setting influence your reading experience? Did it make the story feel more vibrant and alive, or did it distract from the human conflicts? Have you seen the play performed, and if so, do you find that that affects your reading of it? What questions were you left with?

Sense and Sensibility has been selected as the Catch-Up title for September 2025. Please feel free to continue with points from previous discussion, or bring up something new!

Do remember that this is the SPOILER thread, in case you would prefer to finish reading before proceeding here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Catch-Up read by casting your vote here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Classic read by casting your vote here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Modern read by casting your vote here.

This may not be the best candidate for your first audiobook. The narrative is radically non-linear, and the second-person narration probably doesn't help. The best advice I would have is to not worry about what actually happens. It’s not a plot-driven book. What I got from it was much more the characters themselves, and especially their relationships. There are really powerful, pivotal events, but I think you’ll get them without figuring out where they fit in the overall plot.

As one example, I was really struck by the scene when they try to go buy oxtail, and simply cannot communicate it with the butchers. I just felt the utter humiliation in that moment, and then his resolve:

That night I promised myself I’d never be wordless when you needed me to speak for you. So began my career as our family’s official interpreter. From then on, I would fill in our blanks, our silences, stutters, whenever I could. I code switched. I took off our language and wore my English, like a mask, so that others would see my face, and therefore yours.

By this point we know how physically abusive she has been, and we’ve seen her misguided attempt to toughen him up to confront his bullies. But you also see the vulnerability. I was so touched by his urge to protect her in that moment, and so many moments going forward. It’s so much about them & their relationship, though, rather than about what’s specifically happening.

I second Frankenstein.

Megan wrote: “I tried to read this book, but after the very graphic description of animal abuse early on, I could not continue. I know that “trigger warnings” can be a bit overdone, but in this case, it would be...”

That scene was really tough to get through, I agree.

I nominate The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (213 p., pub. 2019). Last read January 2021.

I second The Bluest Eye and nominate This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (338 p., pub. 2017).

Wow, great nominations so far. I second The Yellow Wall-Paper, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Things Fall Apart, and Night.

This begins our group discussion of our Modern book selection, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, nominated by spoko.

This discussion will be full of SPOILERS.

Did you enjoy the book? What stood out to you? Vuong’s writing style is quite distinctive—did you find it impactful, or distracting? Were there particular lines or passages that stayed with you? What questions were you left with?

This begins our group discussion of our Classics book selection, James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, nominated by Renata.

This discussion will be full of SPOILERS.

Did you enjoy the book? What stood out to you? Dahl’s writing style is known for its mixture of darkness and whimsy—how well do you think that worked in this book? What questions were you left with?

The Alchemist has been selected as the Catch-Up title for August 2025. Please feel free to continue with points from previous discussion, or bring up something new!

Do remember that this is the SPOILER thread, in case you would prefer to finish reading before proceeding here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Catch-Up read by casting your vote here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Classic read by casting your vote here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Modern read by casting your vote here.

I second Dangerous Liaisons.

I second My Brilliant Friend.

I second Project Hail Mary.