Here are some discussion questions:

1. Do you like novels with unreliable narrators? Do you think Seon Yunjae counts as an unreliable narrator?
2. Yunjae’s grandmother calls him “adorable little monster.” Did you grow up with negative/teasing nicknames? Is that a norm in your culture/subculture? How do you feel about it?
3. As a total outsider to Korean culture, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of nunchi, loosely translated as emotional intelligence. (We have to use two four-syllable words of Latin origin to translate!) How does the importance of nunchi affect Yunjae in this novel?
4. Which k-dramas have you seen where the main character lacks nunchi? What were some of the narrative pretexts for this? Which of these dramas did you like?
5. Which characters in world literature or popular culture have trouble understanding other people’s emotions? Any favorites?
6. Many k-dramas seem to make an argument about what is good parenting. What does this book have to say about parenting?
7. Throughout the novel, Yunjae expresses his love of books. Why are books important to him? Did you have similar experiences to his with books and reading?
8. This book has some violent scenes. How did Yunjae’s lack of fear affect how you perceived the violence?
9. What does this book have to say about mending relationships and becoming a better person?
10. Can people show love when they don’t understand how another person feels? Is that what Yunjae is doing here? What’s your experience? Have you ever tried to “fake it until you make it” with an action that’s supposed to be motivated by a feeling? Did it work for you? @indyfan @mellowarmadillo @attiton @elinor @ahjummaaa @wonhwa @jls943 @cayong03 @babylilo @ruhi0101 @petrolia @acacia @dramaforever
@zindigo @linarrick @ndlessjoie @sonai @kdramajoy @minniegupta1

I suggest that people not read the questions below if they haven’t yet read the book.

Thanks! I thought it was a good book. I am not sure how the discussion will go either!