Bubblegum: Page 0: Links and Notations

[Michelle, Overrun By Pets]

This topic should have NO spoilers. Feel free to discuss your preconceptions/notions about the book here. Also, open discussion of:

* The cover:

* Title Page(s)
* Copyright page
* Dedication: for Bordas, Camille
*Epigraph:
As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods
They kill us for their sport
-Shakespeare, King Lear

Self-determination does not follow from complexity. Difficulty in calculating the orbit of the fly does not prove capriciousness, though it may make it impossible to prove anything else. The problems imposed by the complexity of a subject matter must be dealt with as they arise. Apparently, hopeless cases often become manageable in time.
-Skinner, Science and Human Behavior

The panther was all right.
-Kafka, "A hunger Artist"

I'll start making categories for chapter sets soon. The official start date for reading is June 1, 2020 but feel free to join us anytime.

Bubblegum e-book purchase links:

Kindle: amazon.com: Bubblegum

[Michelle, Overrun By Pets]

I have the first cover which is quite unsettling. The pastel pink color is feminine, the shape of the gumball is familiar and safe, even a bit nostalgic. Upon closer inspection there are razor sharp claws emerging from the interior - ouch. I'm not sure I want whatever that is scratching its way out. There are shadows of an intricate gear system. There is a reflection of soft light that reminds me of either part of a windmill or part of a hazmat symbol.

I like the alternate pop art cover. It feels 70's psychedelic, a bit trippy if you will. Watch out for LSD in your drink, is someone from the CIA in this room?

I haven't read any novels by Adam Levin, but my husband has raved for years about The Instructions. This is his selection and I'm slightly intimidated by the size of the novel and the fact that my husband likes to immerse himself in intricate novels that sometimes require Olympic level mental gymnastics. I hope I'm up for the challenge!

The epigraph has me feeling conflicted. Are we going to be crushed like flies by the gods, or is the prey stalker going to let us off the hook? Maybe we don't factor in as important enough to mention by anyone operating in a higher plane.

[Andrew, Wound Up]

I've pestered people for years to read The Instructions which I believe is a masterpiece. Will lightning strike twice for Levin? I hope so!

I have the bright pink gum cover, the gumball has some odd scratches in it. I think it pops (bad gum dad joke unintentional).

The contrast of the three quotes in the epigraph is interesting. My favorite is Kafka but I've reread the very dense scientific selection many times over.

Enough dallying, I'm off to start the book!

[George]

I thought the cover was just a bubblegum ball, because on my kindle it looked like a gray ball. I didn't notice the scratches or the claws, but Michelle is right... something is hatching. There is a shadow of a person watching it.

The second cover reminds me of the intermission screens from schoolhouse rock.

The King Lear quote is foreboding. I have read the Science and Human Behavior quote multiple times but the first half does not mesh with the second half for me.

As for Kafka... good kitty.