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Why does the author include such an uncomfortable scene were Nao is so vulnerable? How does this contribute to the overall theme and narrative of the novel?

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Do you think that Nao's nonchalant reaction to her father's increasingly depressive mood and habits show that she has given up on him recovering completely? Or, do you think she still harbors a hope that he will become like the dad he used to be?

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Sometimes, people will try to make things seem less impactful or serious to cope with trauma. In the case of Nao's assault, it is possible that she is trying to rationalize it to herself as not a big deal. However, it is also possible that the more secretive, appearance-based culture Nao seems to live in minimizes this, and she is just used to people acting like it doesn't matter or it isn't a big deal.

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After more experiences and thinking, is suicide more of an option for Nao?

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I think a part of why Nao has such a deep admiration for Haruki #1 is because he chose to visit her, along with Jiko telling Nao Haruki #1 would have liked her. Since she is incredibly insecure and overlooked by those she loves, for someone who is so important and profound to take an interest in her is incredibly meaningful. This has caused her to look up to him and compare his success with her dad's failure.

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Do you think Nao's father is trying to kill himself because he thinks he has failed or he thinks that his daughter thinks he has failed?

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Nao makes the decision to shave her head like Jiko. Is this hinting at Nao becoming a nun in the future?

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I agree with Ashley on the idea of perspective when it comes to how one sees their own conditions. However, I would like to take it a step further and say that someone who has never experienced a horrific hardship may view a lesser hardship in the grand scheme of things to be more horrific. However, it doesn't come down to what happened in a mental space, but how it makes people feel. That is what leads to illness, and, in extreme cases, suicide.

For example: during covid, many people became depressed or suicidal due to the conditions they were in--separated from life. However, it was an experience that transcended socioeconomic class. Some people couldn't afford to eat and wanted to die while others were in a healthy environment but wanted to die. In the end, while it may be more understandable in one case versus another, the primary issue is that they both want to die.

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How does Nao's perception of Haruki as a brave hero contrast with the reality of his life and choices, and how does this influence her relationship with her own father?

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How do you interpret the sentence "I should only make myself ridiculous in my own eyes if I clung to life and hugged it when it has no more to offer" at the bottom of page 283?

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At the bottom of page 269 when Nao is fantasizing about her suicide she mentions crows eating her after jumping from a cliff. Does this hypothetical crow and the japanese crow on Ruth's island foreshadow Nao's death?

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What does the book want to convey about the complexity of grief and trauma?

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Do you think Nao learning more about Haruki #1 was good for her at all? Does his legacy do more to inspire her to improve her life or drive her spiraling mindset?

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There is an interesting tone shift between the past few sections and this one. While it seemed as though we were seeing growth, this section demonstrated how road blocks and events can strip people of their motivation and growth--especially a young child.