14 Comments
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Gianni Simone's avatar

Interesting concept. It would be interesting to know why the author is so popular in Japan.

Kathleen Clare Waller's avatar

People say it’s because he bridges the manga culture and horror story concepts. But I wouldn’t quite call this horror; expected it to be scarier. I wonder if it’s YouTube that makes him popular or the suspense he builds in the books themselves. Let me know if you hear more or try yourself!

Plain Jane's avatar

Love this - and love the way your travels inform your life and writing, and we all benefit from the inspiration and enhanced perspective you're experiencing. So exciting. And, wow I can't wait to hear your thoughts on The Unbearable Lightness of Being. (Which brings back a fun memory - In my 90s college crazy-house we were so into the book that I reluctantly admit that when we adopted two homeless kittens we named them Tereza and Thomas.😂😊 ) Thanks for sharing Kate's article on The Held - looking forward to checking that out!

Kathleen Clare Waller's avatar

Epic kittens! This is great. They are loving Kundera and getting into the deep topics really well. I think a few might even read Foucault 🙈

Thank you for the lovely comment. Means so much especially because I’m in the midst of plotting this offshoot project that will try to bring this stuff together in a potentially more tangible way.

Alexander Ipfelkofer's avatar

"We just know there’s something wrong and the perception of such creates a drive toward discovery." Strange Houses seems like my kind of book!

Kathleen Clare Waller's avatar

Yeah, I think you’d like it!

Nathan Slake's avatar

This book (and others) has been on my list since sometime last year when I read some hype about Uketsu. Great to hear more about it and that you enjoyed it and sitting with the ambiguity!

Kathleen Clare Waller's avatar

I think you’d have fun with it!

Nathan Slake's avatar

I’m sure you’re right!

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

You write terrific reviews. BTW, Kundera, all his work, my favorites! Do stay in touch. Love, Mary

Kathleen Clare Waller's avatar

Thanks Mary! Isn’t he amazing?

Kate Jones's avatar

Interesting reading! I like how you investigate your own thoughts about the book and how you feel about it's loose ends.

I have never read the Kundera book so might have to pick that up if you're finding it similar to Held! Thanks for the mention 😊

Kathleen Clare Waller's avatar

Thanks Kate!

It’s not really similar but there are some themes that cross between. Anyway, Unbearable Lightness of Being is an amazing book, so yes, please on the TBR. :)

LSD's avatar

Hi Kathleen, i read both strange houses and pictures. The combination of maps/ visuals and kind of escape room tricks made it a non stop reading. Just cool.. escape from business.

What i did which was cool, is duplicating some of his ideas for my kids, creating puzzeles for them and by that made them think and read more, i found my whole family searching for clues.

Last, the books covers are unique..