Since Rice Paper is (supposed to be) a column based on my subjective views about Asian books and writing (or “literature” as I’ve heard it called) in general, I took it upon myself to address some questions that may be lingering in the minds of you, the constant reader*. In all honesty, someone has yet to ask me any of these questions, but my inflated sense of self worth insists that I answer them on the off chance that these answers will ever be needed.

1) Where do you get off?

Most days, I usually get off at Yonge-Eglinton subway station and walk to my apartment that’s just off Yonge Street.

2) That wasn’t what I meant.

And that wasn’t a question.

3) What kind of books do you read?

A lot of books that I spend my time reading are dystopian or post-apocalyptic novels. Bleak and dreary, I know, but I think we have a lot to learn about how we can avoid screwing ourselves over as a species from these kinds of books. Also, I think dystopian novels like 1984 and Brave New World are reflections of the current state of the society that we live in. This topic encompasses a whole other article, but my favourite example of this is the information control that’s exercised over the media for various reasons, not the least of which is distraction. The world has seen weapons of mass destruction, but the media is evolving (if it hasn’t already) as a weapon of mass distraction.

So that said, here’s my short list of novels from this genre that I think everyone can enjoy if they’re exploring post-apocalyptic or dystopian narratives:

  • The Dark Tower series, by Stephen King
  • The Dark Tower graphic novel prequel series, plotted by Robin Furth and scripted by Peter David
  • The Giver, by Lois Lowry
  • 1984, by George Orwell
  • Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
  • Blindness, by Jose Saramago (maybe this is more of an allegory than post-apocalyptic. Thoughts anyone?)
  • Slaughterhouse Five, by Kurt Vonnegut (more Science Fiction, but I think it can qualify as personal dystopia?)

4) You’ve got something different in this column all the time. What’s up with that?

I guess the reason for the variety of content is that I’m such a big fan of variety. Really though, when Rice Paper started after BananaLoft’s re-launch, I king of just said, “I’ll make it about writing and stuff.” For the better part, we’ve see far more “stuff” and a lot less “writing”, but it’s safe to say that this column is still evolving. If you do come back to check out Rice Paper every so often, then thanks! I’m glad you’re sticking around while I figure things about. Also, if watching people fumble around is your past time, then you’ve come to the right place.

5) What Asian authors can you recommend?

I originally set out to highlight Asian literature set in a North American context, but I have this tendency to jump around to other areas. While I do have a habit of meandering into other areas, here’s my list of Asian writers and their novels that have proven influential, interesting and which have identified them as generally likeable people:

  • America is in the Heart, by Carlos Bulosan
  • The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan
  • Runaway, by Evelyn Lau
  • All That Matters, by Wayson Choy
  • Kafka on the Shore, by Haruki Murakami
  • Confessions of a Mask, by Yukio Mishima
  • Such a Long Journey, by Rohinton Mistry

6) What do you do when you’re not doing BananaLoft related stuff?

I usually spend my time aspiring to something greater. Really, for all the snottiness that that statement emits, I do try. Usually my attempts end in me sitting in front of my computer reading comics, but I’ll be damned if I have to say I didn’t try.

So there it is BananaLoft readers: an unwanted and overdue introduction to Rice Paper. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my thoughts that are, more often than not, the ramblings of an idealist who is slowly coming to grips with the life of an adult and the realization that the real world cares not for the thoughts of yet-another-soon-to-be-25-year-old who borders on the edge of a quarter-life crisis. Many a 24-year old has tottered on this point, and many have gone over, but rest assured that there’s always a year that follows after 25. That year is 26.

Until next week, keep reading!

*that asterisk was there for no particular reason. I kinda just wanted to see if anyone would follow it to the bottom of this article. If you have, let me know in the comments. Great fortunes await!

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