Loving these fireside-esq chats so so much. Are there really only 5? coin, dream count, perfection, gunk, and sleep? I want to read the exchange between you too on every book. 🥹
I read it and kept waiting for some big revelation about Neal to unfold or for her to read her mother to filth or at least for some great harm to come to Neal! Sigh. Excellent book though.
I feel the same. I thought there was going to be some huge confrontation or some storyline with Danny but I think the magic was in the subtlety because that is real life!
Really nice chat to read! Intrigued that both or at least one of you loved paper palace, which I vehemently did not enjoy - not the writing, more the place of sexual abuse in the narrative, which nothing about the cover or blurbing alerted me to, and so took me completely by surprise
I’m wary of trigger warnings on books. I think sometimes that gives away quite a lot that the author would rather you found out, through reading. It can feel a bit anti novelistic/ reductive to pluck out the themes in the blurb. But I *totally* understand that lots of people feel differently, especially if they have personal experience.
Oh, I actually didn’t mean to say a trigger warning was necessary - just that I wasn’t convinced by the content in the narrative (I am being vague on purpose, I hope this makes sense). An aspect of this was that it surprised me, and when reflecting on that, I realised that the painting on the cover had led me to develop very different expectations for the book itself.
I am now trying to figure out if Sleep is something I want to read, and your interesting discussion of it has piqued my interest!
I suppose the argument there is that buried trauma doesn’t always present itself, or feel expected? But look—you must protect your heart, as Ochuko says. Not ever book is for every heart!
I know what you mean here I think. when I first read that book I decided I hated it because I found it so incredibly painful in a way that at the time really affected me. now I have more of an appreciation for the entirety of the novel and realized in many ways I quite enjoyed it. but even though it was so similar to sleep, sleep was a lot more subtle and contained. less jarring for sure. but I guess that variation is reflective of real life
Ohhh that is indeed how I felt. Fascinating that you’ve come out the other side and decided you love it! The way you contrast it with Sleep has intrigued me sufficiently and I am going to check it out.
Ohhhh this was so good to read! I have started my day well, reading this. Really want the book now. Would probably have swerved it had I not read this chat.
I started reading this thinking (from your description) that this wouldn’t be a book I’d want to read but I enjoyed your discussion so much I’ve changed my mind, thank you.
Loving these fireside-esq chats so so much. Are there really only 5? coin, dream count, perfection, gunk, and sleep? I want to read the exchange between you too on every book. 🥹
Oh, thank you! We do a micro version on WhatsApp about most books we read but that would be hellish hectic for others to read
love this enthusiasm haha :) they're really fun to so glad you're enjoying them!
Loved this - have immediately requested Sleep from my library! Thank you for sharing
Love a library request :) have fun reading!
Adding this to my tbr immediately! I thoroughly enjoyed this discussion.
can almost guarantee you'll love it
I read it and kept waiting for some big revelation about Neal to unfold or for her to read her mother to filth or at least for some great harm to come to Neal! Sigh. Excellent book though.
I feel the same. I thought there was going to be some huge confrontation or some storyline with Danny but I think the magic was in the subtlety because that is real life!
Really nice chat to read! Intrigued that both or at least one of you loved paper palace, which I vehemently did not enjoy - not the writing, more the place of sexual abuse in the narrative, which nothing about the cover or blurbing alerted me to, and so took me completely by surprise
I’m wary of trigger warnings on books. I think sometimes that gives away quite a lot that the author would rather you found out, through reading. It can feel a bit anti novelistic/ reductive to pluck out the themes in the blurb. But I *totally* understand that lots of people feel differently, especially if they have personal experience.
Oh, I actually didn’t mean to say a trigger warning was necessary - just that I wasn’t convinced by the content in the narrative (I am being vague on purpose, I hope this makes sense). An aspect of this was that it surprised me, and when reflecting on that, I realised that the painting on the cover had led me to develop very different expectations for the book itself.
I am now trying to figure out if Sleep is something I want to read, and your interesting discussion of it has piqued my interest!
I suppose the argument there is that buried trauma doesn’t always present itself, or feel expected? But look—you must protect your heart, as Ochuko says. Not ever book is for every heart!
I know what you mean here I think. when I first read that book I decided I hated it because I found it so incredibly painful in a way that at the time really affected me. now I have more of an appreciation for the entirety of the novel and realized in many ways I quite enjoyed it. but even though it was so similar to sleep, sleep was a lot more subtle and contained. less jarring for sure. but I guess that variation is reflective of real life
Ohhh that is indeed how I felt. Fascinating that you’ve come out the other side and decided you love it! The way you contrast it with Sleep has intrigued me sufficiently and I am going to check it out.
Ohhhh this was so good to read! I have started my day well, reading this. Really want the book now. Would probably have swerved it had I not read this chat.
the our job is done ;)
I can’t wait to hear what you think, Sophisticat
This was such an enjoyable read! When life isn’t too heavy, I’ll gladly read Sleep. Thanks! ❤️
for sure read it when youre ready. heavy, but a good one!
I started reading this thinking (from your description) that this wouldn’t be a book I’d want to read but I enjoyed your discussion so much I’ve changed my mind, thank you.
This format is great - feels like I’m eavesdropping but in the best way. Looking forward to more!
I’m so glad you discussed this book. I just read and loved it. I couldn’t get my book club to sign on—their loss.
I loved Sleep! That ostensible initial idyllic life suddenly giving way to murky waters was v well done
Adding this to my very long list of books to read! appreciate you both and your insight <3