10 obsessive characters 🌹

[@jenniferlovesbooks]

Ghost Wall is great, I really want to reread it. One of my favourite book with obsession is Notes On A Scandal by Zoe Heller.

[@apocalypsereading7117]

there was definitely some stuff i really liked about Ghost wall, i feel like i would've got on with it more if i read it quicker... i had to look up Notes coz the name sounded so familiar, maybe i heard bout the film. would be interested to see how they tackle it!

[@SluggishReader]

The last book I finished was in fact Idol, Burning! I had similar impression as yours at the beginning but the book eventually grew on me and felt punchy. I love characters with obsession and I think obsession is often trivialized (as is the case with idol obsession in Idol, Burning). One favorite of mine is the English professor character in Vladimir by Julia May Jonas.

[@apocalypsereading7117]

oh i'm glad it grew on you too! i wouldn't have guessed it was your cup of tea, with all that teenageyness lol yeah honestly i feel really grateful to the book for making me sympathize with how smt like idol fandom could be a life-defining or even life-saving support for some ppl, without glorifying or sugar-coating it either. ~ i'll look up Vladimir now, cheers!

[@SluggishReader]

@@apocalypsereading7117 I learning to appreciate the voice of young narrators now! 🤣 I thought the book was able to carry a big idea even with simple language... Oof I guess I gotta record a video now

[@curioushmm9027]

i do like a character who is committed...like zorba the greek who cut off his finger because it interfered with making pots....

[@apocalypsereading7117]

i hadn't heard that story, but it's true we shouldn't let superfluities interfere with good craft! "committed" is a great word, maybe i should change the title =P

[@deadlizardreads1937]

I recently read Nipponia Nippon with an obsessive character. The main character is obsessed with the Japanese Crested Ibis as to way to handle his disappointment with his life/country/etc.

[@apocalypsereading7117]

what a nice-looking bird! it's great when characters are obsessed with a specific species instead of just like "birds" in general. would you recommend Nipponia Nippon?

[@deadlizardreads1937]

@@apocalypsereading7117 It also added to the obsession, because of the Nipponia Nippon being this symbol of Japan and the main characters anger at Japan… the downfall of the bird reflecting the downfall of the country… If you can get it at the library, I think it is a pretty good quick read. Not life changing but not bad.

[@apocalypsereading7117]

@@deadlizardreads1937 oh right, Nipponia Nipon is the scientific name of the bird! haha what a loaded name. hm maybe if the ibis is actually a symbol for Japan i wouldn't like it so much... i dunno i sometimes feel like i'm allergic to metaphors for nations. would def give it a shot tho. i'll keep it in my peripheral vision! 🐦