That time I realized I was reading books all wrong for 20 years

I was in my book club last Wednesday at Brenda's house, arguing about the symbolism in the red dress in chapter 3, when someone casually mentioned that the author did a podcast where she said the dress was just a hand-me-down from her sister with zero deeper meaning. My jaw hit the floor. Turns out I've been overthinking every single book since high school English class, looking for hidden messages that aren't even there. Has anyone else had that moment where you find out the author just wrote something because it sounded good and not for some profound reason?

3 comments

3 Comments

victorh811mo ago

Man, that would drive me crazy too.

-1

avery2191mo ago

Honestly, I kinda feel the opposite. I get why it bugs people, but sometimes a little chaos is just part of the fun. Different strokes, I guess, but I wouldn't let it get to me that much.

karenh561mo ago

Oh man, I totally get that. I actually just read an article about how some people are wired to need order and others thrive in the middle of mess. It said that folks who get bothered by chaos usually have a harder time focusing when things are off kilter. I remember one study found that even a cluttered desk can spike anxiety in people who crave structure. That's why Victor's comment hits so hard I think. So yeah, Victor, I'm right there with you. Have you ever tried to explain that feeling to someone who just doesn't get it?