#jyn.reads

#1 Read - The Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai translated by Donald Keene and published by New Directions.

I did read part of the book in 2023, but I finished the majority in 2024 so I count it as a 2024 read. If you are unfamiliar with Dazai's writing it covers deep and tough subjects that would require several Content Warnings which I won't list here. If you are curious feel free to reach out and I will give you the warnings.

Analysis: I do not plan to go into much depth about this book, as I do not want to have to content warn this post, so I will be vague in my analysis. This read covers some very deep topics but overall I feel is relevant to current society. The book covers the fall of an Aristocrat family in Post-War Japan and the trials the difficulties they had with their new life. I think especially some of the trials they went through resonate with families like the one I grew up in who were middle class (prior to '08) but as the economy crashed my parents lost their business and haven't been able to recover. I have since moved on to have a relatively middle class job and make a decent income.

Like Naoji, I feel like I don't fully belong with the 'higher class' (I network with high income or high net wealth individuals) or with the "people". I struggle to fit in wherever I go too. The 'higher class' see me as a tool to get what they need but it feels like they do not see me as a person. Naoji was disliked, at least partially, by the "people" he desperately wanted to belong with because he could never understand everything they dealt with growing up... I have felt similar but as I type this I realize that I have been accepted by my "people" and I do not need to feel like an outsider anymore. It's a me thing - I guess

#4 Read - No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai translated by Donald Keene and published by New Directions.

Rating - 8/10

Analysis -

Without going into spoilers this book is similar to Read #1 for 2024 (which was The Setting Sun by Dazai). Both books are rather depressing reads and I would not recommend if you are not in a mental headspace able to handle a depressing read. If you would like some Trigger Warnings before deciding to read please feel free to message me and ask.

This book is the story of Oba Yozo and his life and struggles relating to his humanity and understanding humanity. As I read, I couldn't help but feel that Yozo felt like he was on the Autism Spectrum somewhere. The bulk of the story takes place in 1930's Japan and as such there was not a lot really even known about Autism (from my memory I belive it wasn't even a known thing then at least not widely known). I felt as I read this that had I not received the support I did that I could have just as easily walked the same roads as Yozo.

Fair warning, my statement that Yozo feels somewhere on the Autism Spectrum is not an actual diagnosis. I am not qualified to diagnose anyone, let alone a fictional character, with anything. It may be a more correct statement to say Yozo is at least Neurodivergent.

#3 Read - ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT RECOVERY: Go From Being Clingy to CONFIDENT & SECURE In Your Relationships by Linda Hill

Rating - 7/10

This one I struggle to really rate as I read it back in February (I didn't really have the mental energy to write this post back then). I did find the information helpful but it really wasn't a read for fun but rather information.

Analysis - I read this book when I was together with my ex and largely I was reading it because I know that I have struggled with my attachment in relationships with others. As I stated this book really did give me some helpful information and I do think it helped a little the relationship but it was a little too late for that one. That relationship ended for many reasons more than just attachment incompatibility but working on my attachment has really helped. The biggest help I found was in just taking time to reflect on what I was reading and analyze how certain patterns kept popping up.

#2 Read - Chainsaw Man: Buddy Stories novel by Sakaku Hishikawa and translated by Kevin Steinbach (concept by Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto)

Rating - 10/10

I was shocked to see this CSM: Buddy Stories in my local store, I initially thought it was a manga like the rest of CSM but was pleased to see it was some additional stories in novel format. I read all 180 pages in a few hours (usually it takes me two weeks to read this amount of pages) but CSM is a Hyperfocus so what can I say?

Analysis: Honestly not much to analyze, I just loved this to help relax today as I've been feeling a little under the weather. I loved getting to learn more about some characters that haven't had as much of a spotlight (Kishibe), but I especially loved the interactions between the Hayakawa family (Aki, Denji, and Power). This was the first time reading dialog that I didn't get confused with who was speaking. All the characters were easy to know who was speaking. Definitely recommend for CSM fans!

In honor of the new year I wanted to share a few of my New Years Resolutions with you all I will try to keep Tumblr updated with the jyn.resolutions tag and corresponding jyn.reads and jyn.writes tags

Finish comming out to immediate family (only three remaining - Jyn you got this!)

Move out of my family home (might need roommates to do this)

Read 25 Novels/Novellas/Light Novels