Stacey’s Comments (group member since Oct 31, 2019)

Stacey’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

DQs Day 6, Book 3 Chapter 12 to end
26. In chapter 12, we go back full circle when Sunja returns to Osaka to visit her dying mother and sister in law. I especially noted how after 40 or so years, Sunja is still at fault for her stunt with Hansu, her mother still blaming her for how the older man used her and considering her lucky that Isak even married her. I found that passage extremely sad, especially how it relates to today's society and views on women. What did you think of it?
I feel so bad for Sunja. She blames herself so much anyway. It makes me so sad. I also love her for being faithful and loving her husband and for working to help her new family no matter how hard things got.

27. Having read about Hana and how she first took advantage of Solomon and then ended up in Tokyo working as a hostess, I instantly felt bad for her. Do you think she went so far because of her family shame or do you think there was anything else that drove her to that point? And what did you think of Phoebe's reaction to Solomon trying to help Hana?
Hana was a tough character. Yes, she endured a lot and I'm sure it influenced her but at the same time she didn't have to make those decisions. She had choices. Pheobe is an angel. I can't believe how tolerant she was.

28. What did you make of the ending? How do you think the family fared on, what happened with Solomon? I would have loved to glimpse into the lives of Noa's children as well. If you could have changed anything about the ending, what would you change?
I wanted to slap Solomon. I wanted things to be different but I am not sure that the ending wasn't more realistic. I hate that Solomon didn't leave with Pheobe but his family is also such a huge part of his life. Funny how all the men seem to end up dealing with Pachinko.

29. Why do you think the author chose the title for the book as such? The odds are always stacked against you. There is some hope if you try but you can lose everything trying to go for a 'win'.

30. Considering how long the book was, do you think its pace was good? Overall, did you like/enjoy it? Would you have cut out anything since it's so long? How did you rate it?
I loved this book. It surprised me as I wasn't sure I wanted to read it and I did struggle with it in the beginning but I am so glad I read it. By the end I would have loved to read more about the family.

Amanda wrote: "Stacey wrote: "Completion Post

Book: Where the Crawdads Sing
Was this good? I’ve really been wanting to get a copy...."

I really liked it. It took me a bit to get into it but the main character is so interesting that I ended up loving it.

Completion Post

Book: Where the Crawdads Sing
Date: 8/8
Pages: 384

Letters:
T: (c) Tate
O: (a) Delia Owens
R: (c) Robert Foster
S: (c) Mrs. Singletery
M: (c) Mabel

Task: 131 MPG Historical Fiction

DQ - Day 5

21. We start this section with a tragedy of Yumi’s death, which brings about the reentry of Hansu into the family’s life again. This is the first time that we see Hansu physically violent with one of the female characters when he hits the woman who was in the car with him from the bar. We later see that he changes her life for the worse. Have your thoughts about Hansu changed throughout the story? And did this scene change any of your feelings towards him?
Hansu is so complicated. You kind of hate him from the beginning then you see some good sides. This reminds you of his status and the fact that he only looks out for himself.

22. Noa continues to be a character that really compels me, I really loved when he said he noticed Risa’s handwriting before he noticed her, “he could detect that there was a kind of dancing spirit in the hand that wrote such elegant letters”. This is whimsy that I haven’t seen from him, and Noa indicates throughout the story that he can’t be his true self. Who do you think his true self is?
I think that is his problem. He doesn't know. He feels that where he comes from is so much of who he is and can't get past Hansu as his father. He also somewhat understandably doesn't want to acknowledge that he is Korean as it affects how he is treated and his ability to get a job in Japan.

23. Mozasu seems to be getting the support he needs as a single dad, and even his old friend Haruki is back and has a wife, Ayame. In this section, we see a sexual awakening in Ayame and a chapter is dedicated to this new character and her feelings about sex. How do you think this section connects with the rest of the story?
This was a little different of a feel. But I do think it comes down to folks figuring out who they are and dealing with how people see them, especially when it is looked down on.

24. Hansu finds Noa and I was very surprised that he and Sunja went to see Noa. During Sunja’s discussion with Noa, he says that being Korean is terrible to him. We then find out he committed suicide after his interaction with Sunja. Why do you think he choose that time to take his life, what were the precipitating factors, did you see it coming?
This shocked me but maybe shouldn't have. He struggled so much. His poor wife who had to deal with 2 suicides close to her. I think that he but so much pressure on himself that he couldn't see past that. I don't know, Suicide is such a hard topic to discuss. It isn't logical and it will never make sense to those outside.

25. We close this section with Etsuko, who seems to have been struggling with self worth and who she is now in relation to her family and her life with Mozasu and Salomon. She indicated that being a mother was what defined her more than everything else and even if she hadn’t done it well, it was who she was. Motherhood is strong theme throughout the story, what key things have you learned from this cultural and historic perspective on motherhood during this generational span?
How hard to be a mother here. The women are almost expected to be perfect. All of these women made mistakes and ended up paying so harshly and being judged by their children. Its almost like motherhood is thankless but that isn't really the message. It is also interesting that motherhood changes you but it doesn't keep you from making selfish mistakes.

DQ - Day 4

16. This section focuses on the next generation of the family, namely Noa and Mozasu. Personally, I thought it was interesting how the previous generation focused on the women (Sunja and Kyunghee) who were submissive in nature compared to their male counterparts. Whereas, the new generation, Noa and Mozasu, felt like the submissive characters compared to the female counterparts. What are some of the similarties and differences you noticed between the two generations? Why do you think the author decided to shift the gender roles of focus?
I didn't really notice this. I think the point of view changes often in order to help you see things from different perspectives.

17. Noa finally learns the truth about who his father is. Did you think it was normal for him to take his anger out on Sunja, rather than confronting Hansu? Do you feel Hansu would track down Noa and coerce him to go back to his studies? Or would Sunja finally get the courage to stop Hansu from meddling in her son's affairs?
I think his initial response was understandable. His mother is the one he is close to and who kept the information from him. His whole idea of who his is has changed. I think it is a complicated situation and I can't imagine Hansu not trying.

18. Akiko is a free spirit and is not shy to speak her mind. In one scene, she references to George Eliot's take on Jewish people persecuted unfairly. This was one of my favorite scenes because of its reference to classic literature. There is a quite a lot of symbolism to her argument. What were some of the other passages from the story you stood out for you till now?
I actually finished a few days ago so I can't remember all the lines. For me the feelings stood out but now I may have to reread.

19. John is an interesting character introduced to the story. What are your thoughts of him? Do you think he would play a more active role in Yumi and Mozasu's life?

20. The section ends in a bitter sweet manner for Noa, where he finds himself working in Pachinko, just like his un-educated brother. Why do you suppose the author took this route to bring Noa down and put him in the same level as Mozasu? I think it comes down to the idea that random events happen and you can end up anywhere. I don't think Noa had to end up there but that he chose that almost as punishment to himself. Noa seems a bit melodramatic. He definitely had a lot to deal with but so do so many others.

Completion Post

The Institute
Date: 8/5
Pages: 561

Letters:
E/L: (c) Luke Eliis
I: title
N: (c) Nick Willholm
G: (c) Wendy Gullickson

Task: 162, single person on cover

Eldarwen wrote: "Well, we need at least 3 days of DQ to receive BOM points so it would be good if you could answer more questions."

So many little rules I seem to miss. Sorry! I answered the third days this morning and updated my post so we should be good. It was a really good book and I'd hate to miss the BOM points.

Day 3 DQs

11. In the beginning of this section, we find out that Noa not only looks like a middle class Japanese boy, he also wants to be one. What are you opinions on this and why do you think he wants this? What do you think would happen if he shared this with his parents?
Of course he wants this now. He was born there and is constantly bullied for being Korean. I think his parents would be very disappointed but I am guessing they would understand on some level, or maybe that is just a hope.

12. Isak is back from jail finally after two years. I found this to be a bit of a surprise because I was expecting him to die in jail. I wasn't expecting him to be let out. What were your thoughts on him being let out of jail to die in his home. He was obviously let out to die at home, but did you find this mercy surprising? Did you expect this?
I did expect this and find it terrible. They mention earlier that they often do this so that it won't look as bad as if they died there. Somehow that makes it better/not there fault. This actually happened recently although not Japan.

13. A run in with Hansu. I thought it was super creepy that Hansu has been keeping tabs on Sunja (even though one of the kids is his). What are your opinions on this? And then he drops the whole "we're about to get bombed" curveball. Do you like him more because he warned Sunja or do you still think he's being selfish and trying to keep his only son alive?
I think it is mostly about his son but on some level I think he is interested in Sunja because she is the one who rejected him. I am guessing that she is the only one. He clearly has some interesting contacts and keeps up to date on the war and other things.

14. Wow. Hansu lying to Yoseb about his parents being dead. That is beyond harsh. Why do you think Hansu did this? He obviously wants his child, Noa, but do you think he is also planning on getting Sunja back?
It is both cruel and probably not. They are in North Korea where people go back and aren't heard from again. Getting info on them would be tough and it is a possibility. He is just such a complicated character that I think it is hard to say. Sunja is the only person to give him a son and to reject him. I think he will try but question his true motives.

15. Hansu later tells Kim that Yoseb is dying and to scoop up Kyunghee before she gets old. Talk about a jerk. What do you think of Hansu after this? What about Kim? Do you think Kim will eventually try?
Well, Yoseb is dying. How long it will take no one knows but he is an invalid. I think Hansu doesn't appreciate real relationships. It just solidified my thoughts about him. Kim definitely likes Kyughee but I don't know if he would like her as much if she left her husband. He also wants to go back to North Korea, so I hope he doesn't convince her.

Don't forget to add my Pachinko to the BOM. I finished the book and have participated answering 2 sets of questions.

DQ - Day 2

6. I might be too judgmental, but her pining for Hansu is constantly making me frown. She promised to care for and honor her husband, never to betray him. Yet she keeps marveling about her lost "love", how she misses him, how she wants to see him, how she has already been in the city with him in her mind, etc. Are such thought not a kind of betrayal? She is so rational and reasonable about what happened and knows full well how he lured her in and used her, but cannot stop the pining and reminiscing about it. Why do you think she can't let it go and focus on her future?
She is young and thought she was in love. She is having his child. I hate it too, but it seems like a real reaction.


7. After all Isak said about his successful brother and all his dreams about the better life in the city, he arrived to some harsh revelations. I am starting to think they might have been better staying on the island. Isak's brother's revelations about his house, his neighbors, the judgement in the city, the discrimination at work and spying everywhere are very disappointing and brutal. Do you think it a natural disillusion of impossible dreams? Or Yoseb's hope that it might be better for his brother here, where he can watch over him?
I think it was hopeful, and who wants to tell their family that they are struggling. In reality they are doing well compared to many others. It wasn't what they were expecting. I don't know if it would have been better or not. Hard to say given the war and everything going on but I'm sure it crossed their minds.


8. That scene in the church with the brother and sister. The pastor discussing what it actually means when a wealthy man wants to be a young girl's "friend". The duplicity of the pastor - being nice and not judgmental to the siblings, yet judging them harshly when they have left was not surprising but annoying still. The sweet talk to their face, but harsh berating behind their back would have been exactly what happened to Sunja and her family. Do you think this scene was included to reveal to Isak more truths about his wife's condition and impossible choices to help him understand her?
Maybe. It also was a revelation to Isak himself. It was impressive to see the pastor act in a constructive way even if he had harsh feelings.


9. The pastor's reason for hiring Isak was revealed as well - to get money from his family and avoid paying him wages - and I must admit it didn't endear the pastor to me at all. And the pawnbroker and his greed, the loan sharks and their scare tactics. We get introduced to many characters that are not really likable and portray humanity at its worst. Do you think it is a decision by the author to reveal the true nature of people in all kinds of positions in general or is it included to especially note how people get in times of oppression and hard times? I am starting to think Isak coming to Japan was a huge mistake with every little revelation. Do you think it will work out? Or do you agree it was a mistake?
I've finished the book so I will refrain from making comments about what I think will happen. What I like are that the characters are so real. You can find both good and bad in almost all of them. The minister needed help; I think Isak wasn't worried about the money at all until he got there as well.


10. The debacle with the watch was very educational. We get to see a merchant's attitude towards women, husband's attitude towards a wife in stark contrast to how men are treated. Yoseb is enraged with his wife and sister-in-law, he can't forgive them or appreciate the help, yet he can forgive and accept when his brother asks him to. Do you think he would have gotten over it in time if his brother hadn't asked him? Or would he be always resentful towards women? The whole "head of the house" part further gets the point home that women will always be under the command of a man, even in regards to baby names. The prison scene also drives home how women are still supposed to be home and stay away from men's troubles, too weak to do something about it. And women who work are still frowned upon, even in their own family. Do you think it will change further in the story? Will oppression and war open their minds towards changing a woman's role in the family and world?
There really is an issue with many men, although not always so severe. Having Sunja basically fix problems that he made and couldn't get out of stung. I think he would have eventually but not easily. I really loved Sunja in this part.

Completion Post

Pachinko
Completed: 8/2
Pages: 548; official page count listed under BOM thread.
Rating: 4.5/5 - started slow but I really got invested in the characters.

Letters:
E: (c) Etsuko Nagatomi
P: (c) Pheobe
O: (c) Ono
R: (c) Risa Iwamura
I: (c) Baek Isak
N: (c) Noa Baek
G: (c) Goro

Task: 3: Set in Japan
Tag: Spring (2 times)
BOM: 41, 64, 74

I may answer more questions, but I may not since I finished early and am on to the next.

1. This novel starts with the sentence: "History has failed us, but no matter." Did you like this opening line? What do you think it means, and why do you think the author chose it?

I hadn't thought about the beginning line. It is interesting. I think that starting prewar as one Korea knowing that it won't last is important here.

2. I am half-Korean, and my mom has shared a lot of the history of her own family and how it's interwoven with Korean history in general. What, if anything, did you know of the Japanese colonization of Korea -- or the history of Korea, Japan, and China in the 20th scentury in general -- before beginning to read this book?

I really didn't know much at all. I found it fascinating. I think most countries have complicated histories and how interesting to learn about another in the context of complex characters.

3. Hansu seems like a complicated character. What were your thoughts on him? Did you hate him?

He seems selfish, but able to control himself to get what he wants. Hate is a strong word but I don't like how he uses Sunja.

4. What did you think of Sunja's decision to not accept being Hansu's mistress? Why do you think she chose to reject him? Do you think she made the right decision?

I love this. She is a girl who was naive but knows that she wants more than to be a mistress, even with all of the negative consequences for her.

5. In this first section of the novel, we see two couples wed -- Hoonie and Yangjin, and then Isak and Sunja. What were some of the similarities between these marriages, and what were the differences?

Hoonie and Sunja never expected to get married due to Hoonies disabilities and Sunja's possibility of being a carrier for them. Both started marriages without really knowing each other. In a way Hoonie saved Yangjin from poverty and Isak saved Sunja from being a complete outcast. But their reasons for marrying were very different as were what they brought to the marriages. I loved the complex, imperfect characters.

Completion Post
The Boy from the Woods
Read: 7/31
Pages: 371

Letters:
E/R: (c) Rusty Eggers
P/N: (c) Naomi Pine
L: (c) Laila Crimstein
O: (c): Oren Carmichael

Task: 57: 5 word title

Megan wrote: "I've been reading a lot more paperbacks this challenge. What do you all prefer? Paperback or a digital format?
If digital how many just read on the kindle?

I'm a KU subscriber so I read mainly on ..."

I love actual books. That is my favorite although I've been reading more electronic due to COVID. Most of my books tend to be audiobooks so that I can listen while doing other things.

Completion Post

The City We Became
Date: 7/29
Pages: 437
Rating: 4, strange but I couldn't put it down.

Letters:
R: (c) R'lyeh
N: (a) N.K. Jemisin
G: series: Great Cities #1

Task: 26 Cityscape on Cover

Completion Post
X
Date: 7/25
Pages: 403

Letters:
E: (c) Edna Shallenbarker
X: title
P: (c) Pete Wollinsky
L: (c) Ned Lowe
R: (c) Ruth Wollinsky
G: (a) Sue Grafton

Task: 148: #24 in series (21-30 for task)

Completion Post

The Outsider
4.5 stars
7/23
Pages: 561

Letters:
A: (c) Ralf Anderson
K: (a) Stephen King
G: (c) Holly Gibney

Task: 100, 2018 Goodreads Choice Winner

I am definitely going to have to reread this one at some point. Thank you for recommending. The characters were so well done I almost forgot that it was fiction.

Jammin Jenny wrote: "Stacey wrote: "Completion Post
The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra
..
Did you like the story? I keep meaning to read it."

I did. It was really interesting. A pretty easy read but enjoyable. How can you not love a story with a baby elephant as a character?

Completion Post
The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra
Date: 7/22
Pages: 297

Letters:
K: (a) Vaseem Khan
A: (c) Ashwin Chopra
S: (c) Mrs. Subramanium
N: (c) Kala Nayak
* G There is also Ganesha the elephant who is a character in my mind but may not count.

Task: 76: Read a book set in India, takes place in Mumbai