Hello readers of r/bangtan!

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the month of September! We wanted to remind you that this month’s discussion about Ted Chiang’s ‘Stories of Your Life and Others’ is happening this Friday, September 20th! We’ll send some friendly reminders to those that said they would be joining in on the discussion but of course everyone is invited to join!

📖 📣Discussion on ‘Stories of Your Life and Others’ starts on September 20th

You know that we neva play…with these discussion questions

Below is a discussion guide. Since this is a short story collection, we’ll be adding additional talking points for each story in our discussion thread on the 20th but here’s a preview of what to expect.

General

• Did you have a favorite and least favorite story in the collection? Why?
• Do you think there were any interconnecting themes between the stories in this collection?

Story Specific

• Story of Your Life

  • If your life was predetermined and you knew how it was going to play out, do you think that would have an effect on your actions?

• Tower of Babylon

  • What did you think of the main character’s reaction and the conclusions that he came to at the end of the story?
    • Seventy-Two Letters
  • Have you read a book or story that has had a similar theme to this one?
    • Understand
  • Did you like the use of first person perspective? Did it help you connect to the story/character more?

Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

Stories of Your Life and Others delivers dual delights of the very, very strange and the heartbreakingly familiar, often presenting characters who must confront sudden change-the inevitable rise of automatons or the appearance of aliens-with some sense of normalcy. With sharp intelligence and humor, Chiang examines what it means to be alive in a world marked by uncertainty, but also by beauty and wonder. An award-winning collection from one of today’s most lauded writers.

Ah, what’s up, book club 😏…here’s where you can find this month’s pick

Let ‘em know we on the way…

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the book or the thread, feel free to tag me or any of the mods or BWL Volunteers.

• u/EveryCliche
• u/munisme
• u/mucho_thankyou5802
• u/Next_Grapefruit_3206

…and the r/bangtan Mod Team