Book Club: Memory and Identity

In which Gaëlle goes all cray over VEDA and life in general, before moving to tell you about books and other pieces of writing.

Things I mentioned:
Before I Go to Sleep, S. J. Watson

[EmilySuzanneYoung]

Another interesting idea is that memory is what makes us up as identifiable human being on a intellectual/psychological level. So your two topics go really well together! I really like this video, Gaelle! WOO! :D

[ggirlabroad]

That makes sense - I think it's pretty much the same for me. There are moments when I'm reading YA novels (by some authors, not all are like this, obviously!) when I'm really aware that the writing is not aimed at my age, but the story and the characters carry it through.

[thefrogsbif]

Hahaha thanks! :) Memory is a topic I've always loved to discuss because I do believe it's a big part of what makes us who we are, despite all the "living the moment" pseudo-philosophers of today. I'd love for us to talk more about that :D

[SweeneySays]

I love this video. I will probably say this again in my video, but I actually have a ton of reading on this kind of thing if you're interested. We're in fairly similar programs, so it should not be surprising, but I've taken classes on a lot of this. Last semester I was in a course on memory, this semester I'm taking one on identity, and I've taken a couple classes that deal with both in the context of the internet, and so YEAH! if you want any suggestions, let me know. Great topic!

[thefrogsbif]

It depends how good the story is behind it. I really loved the Cherub series by Muchamore, but the first time I opened the first book I read about 10p before saying "oh God no this is so bad." In the end, I got into the story and I really loved it! It sort of goes under, but I need distractions in the form of good story or awesome characters, otherwise bad writing makes me puke.

[ggirlabroad]

That's really really interesting - I for one vote for that to be the topic next week! I actually have a question about something very offhand which you mentioned - you said the first book you were reading was badly written - how much does that affect the reading experience for you?

[thefrogsbif]

Can't wait to see your video then, and yeah if you have readings that you found particularly interesting on identity I'd love to have some suggestions! :)

[EmilySuzanneYoung]

I'm totally going to read that - I'm curious as to how I'd describe myself and how I'd fit into her categories. In my theory classes I've talked about identity, particularly gender identity, and the way that it's in part performative, and not prescribed. I can completely see that on the internet, because I don't always talk and act exactly as I do in youtube videos as I do in real life, and yet I feel I can be more myself, but what is it that constitutes me? I think I'll do a vid at some point!