Hello to all the Books with Luv friends of r/bangtan! In the blink of an eye, we’re at the end of August. Can you already feel the autumn breeze? Is anyone looking forward to sweater weather? That little beach live and Hobi’s photo dump has been such a treat! We hope you’ve been enjoying all the little snippets of OT7 as much as you have reading our August pick.
If you missed getting in on July’s book discussion on ‘And Then There Were None’ and you want to share your thoughts, you can do so here!
On to our book for August, ‘The Book of Form and Emptiness’ by Ruth Ozeki!
We’re starting August’s discussion, ‘Still With Us’?
Below is a discussion guide. Some book-specific questions and some sharing suggestions!
You can scroll down this thread to see the question and reply to them in the comments!
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What role does the voice of objects play in shaping the perception of reality? How did this blur the line between the physical and the emotional world of the characters?
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The book intertwines grief, mental health and art as recurring motifs. How do these themes interact to drive the story forward and what do they reveal about the characters’ coping mechanisms?
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The library in the book functions like a sanctuary or safe haven, reminiscent of the Magic Shop. Do you have somewhere you go to physically or mentally when you need refuge? Did the library in the book feel comforting or disorienting for you?
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Emptiness is a recurring theme in the story. It’s sometimes painful, sometimes peaceful. What does emptiness mean to you and how do you think the book wants its reader to relate to the idea of letting go or making space?
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If Kookie read this book, which characters or themes do you think he’ll relate to the most? What do you think will speak to him?
B-Side Questions/Discussion Suggestions
- Fan Chant: Hype/overall reviews
- Ments: favorite quotes
- ARMY Time: playlist/recommendations of songs you associate with the book/chapters/characters
- Do The Wave: sentiments, feels, realizations based on the book
- Encore/Post Club-read Depression Prevention: something the book club can do afterwards (on your own leisure time) to help feel less sad after reading.
The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
The Book of Form and Emptiness follows a young boy named Benny who begins to hear voices from inanimate objects after the loss of his father. Blending magical realism with emotional depth, this novel explores grief, mental health and the meaning that we assign to the things-and people-around us.
It’s Your Time Now 💜
If you have come across any books you think would be perfect for any of the BTS members, or maybe the book just makes you think of any of them, do tell us below so we can add them to our TBR list.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the book or the thread, feel free to tag me like so u/munisme or any of the mods or BWL Volunteers.
…and the r/bangtan Mod Team
250822 r/bangtan Books with Luv: August Book Discussion – ‘The Book of Form and Emptiness’ by Ruth Ozeki
byu/munisme inbangtan
by munisme
6 Comments
## Any suggestions for future book club discussions?
***
*Drop them below by replying to this comment!*
## If Kookie read this book, which characters or themes do you think he’ll relate to the most? What do you think will speak to him?
***
*Reply to this comment to answer this question!*
## Emptiness is a recurring theme in the story. It’s sometimes painful, sometimes peaceful. What does emptiness mean to you and how do you think the book wants its reader to relate to the idea of letting go or making space?
***
*Reply to this comment to answer this question!*
## The library in the book functions like a sanctuary or safe haven, reminiscent of the Magic Shop. Do you have somewhere you go to physically or mentally when you need refuge? Did the library in the book feel comforting or disorienting for you?
***
*Reply to this comment to answer this question!*
## The book intertwines grief, mental health and art as recurring motifs. How do these themes interact to drive the story forward and what do they reveal about the characters’ coping mechanisms?
***
*Reply to this comment to answer this question!*
## What role does the voice of objects play in shaping the perception of reality? How did this blur the line between the physical and the emotional world of the characters?
***
*Reply to this comment to answer this question!*