Realizing Fun Things Through Water was a pretty interesting read to me, and it also kind of hit home. Specifically, Hatsuoka’s longing for her sister, and she waited for her all those years. How she would do things for her that she herself wouldn’t understand, but would do anyways because it would make her sister happy. I understood Hatsuoka’s consideration for others over herself, but at the same time it made me wonder how many people were really like that.
Seahorse was confusing and disheartening at first, but a little hopeful at the end. It’s pretty awful to hear her talk about herself as an object passed around from husband to husband, and for her to actually be treated as such by each of her husbands. How she was restricted from going back home, treated as a spectacle, never to have her true name shared with anyone else.
Dissecting Misogyny was very unique and interesting to me. It’s described as a grotesque, foul-odored, tough, yet weak creature that shocks the audience of women into passing out. Depicting misogyny as a weak-boned yet tough mass of flesh was incredibly fascinating and understandable to me, as misogyny’s rooted in weak justifications towards the belittlement of women, yet is toughly rooted nonetheless.
Picnic was a read that I didn’t particularly enjoy or hate, rather it felt like the male perspective of other stories we’ve read about relationships. I dislike the main character, mainly because of how he dehumanizes Kyoko. He doesn't really try to fix the problems he complains about, rather he runs away from them. He clearly notices Kyoko’s lack of verbal reciprocation when it comes to things like sex, yet continues to indulge in it, without ever truly asking whether or not Kyoko actually wants it. One particular line stood out to me, where Kyoko “dutifully” accepts the main character’s kiss.
Tomo-chan’s happiness was a very optimistic read for me. Tomo, despite all the tragedies she’s suffered, remains hopeful, and finds beauty in the little things that others don’t.
Convenience Store Woman was a really fun read to me, but was kind of sad to me as well. It was pretty sad to see Furukara being treated as an abnormal throughout the entire book, even annoying when truly abnormal characters like Shiraha would say it as well. She is conditioned into being “normal”, and is made to feel ashamed of herself constantly. In the end, I’m glad she finds joy in convenience store work.
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