Generally speaking, women are more likely to have reading as a hobby than men. Why do you think that is? I know we've also (at least in the US) seen a flip where college graduates are more likely to be women. It definitely has something to do with how women and men are socialized, how early education is treated, etc. I don't think men and boys are out here getting shamed for having reading as a hobby- but maybe they are?

The little moments in each chapter where Aoyama looks fondly at Chi-chan (sees bright lights, gets dizzy, windy breezes, etc) can be seen as endearing and representative of sapphic love: the build up of emotions, the yearning, the slow burn, the unpacking one’s unfamiliar feelings.

On the surface many of their interactions and dynamic can be seen as: “wow! witty banter and shared meals between two sapphics yay!” — yet, there is an unmistakeable power imbalance. Though things may be more nuanced than just “colonizer vs colonized” or “employer vs employee” all of these identities are irrefutable and serve as the base of this relationship.

Chi-chan only lets her guard down with Aoyama in very specific instances, and I think this is rightfully so. I’m also not sure if Aoyama is realizing how many lines she has / may be crossing with her privilege and status in relation to Chi-chan.

Falling in love and/or creating an intimate relationship with your oppressor/employer is … I don’t have the proper words to complete that thought, but I hope it continues to be interrogated in the story.

The little moments in each chapter where Aoyama looks fondly at Chi-chan (sees bright lights, gets dizzy, windy breezes, etc) can be seen as endearing and representative of sapphic love: the build up of emotions, the yearning, the slow burn, the unpacking one’s unfamiliar feelings.

On the surface many of their interactions and dynamic can be seen as: “wow! witty banter and shared meals between two sapphics yay!” — yet, there is an unmistakeable power imbalance. Though things may be more nuanced than just “colonizer vs colonized” or “employer vs employee” all of these identities are irrefutable and serve as the base of this relationship.

Chi-chan only lets her guard down with Aoyama in very specific instances, and I think this is rightfully so. I’m also not sure if Aoyama is realizing how many lines she has / may be crossing with her privilege and status in relation to Chi-chan.

Falling in love and/or creating an intimate relationship with your oppressor/employer is … I don’t have the proper words to complete that thought, but I hope it continues to be interrogated in the story.

Oh no! Pagebound has had a glitch and all your My Taste books have been replaced with the exact opposite. What (up to 5) books would be displayed to show who you aren’t as a reader? These aren’t necessarily your least favorites, but books that are the opposite of who you are as a reader. Books you would not be found reading because it’s not to your taste.

My Anti-Taste

• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
• Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
• The Shining by Stephen King
• Haunting Adeline by HD Carlton

Anyone else's week a total crap shoot even though it's only Tuesday? I'm going to blame it on library patrons being extra sassy since it's so hot out. Stay cool everyone.