“Perhaps, I’d be better off in jail than spending every night groaning in a sleepless agony, terrified of human beings.”

Sorry to dude who has to live a façade to be likable, but nah. I saw this on display at the library, but it was a waste of time. Oba's supposed to be a mirror to society of how easily someone can fall into the outcast role despite money, good looks, and connections. But the way Oba is portrayed it's hard to feel sympathy for him. The grittiness and Oba could have been handled better.

This is one of those “I eat edge for breakfast, too dEeP for me, and there’s no hope in humanity” stories. They generally don’t appeal to me because they’re often flat emotionally, lack nuance, and rely on too much shock value. I don’t need to see no high schooler banging high school prostitutes/sex workers.

I understand that the only joy he experiences is a carnal release, but it’s uncomfortable. Also, not trying to infuse morality or whatever because I understand these grim stories have a place and can be cathartic and even relatable. But I just got no enjoyment from reading this.

Okay, actually concerning the story a manga artist is looking for inspiration for his next story and he comes across a diary that gives creepypasta energy. The author of the diary, Oba, feels like he has to play a role, be goofy and always polite, to interact with his peers. Eventually, he and his friend get caught up in a terrorist organization (0 to 100 real quick). After that goes left he falls in love with one of the women at the hostess club, and then the story takes an even more depressing turn. At every point he’s a hobosexual, women are always financing him, and he can’t find the will to live or kill himself. Oba spirals in a circle. One step forward, two hundred back.

I couldn’t roll my eyes enough at how Oba gets punished: his wife being raped in front of him. women do not pay for the crimes of men. It’s supposedly karma for him using women for their bodies and a place to stay. A temp worker does it as Oba had once slept with the terrorist/cult leader’s gf who he was condescending toward. it just really feels like a stereotypical man wrote this.

Overall, bleak! Oba hates other people, especially his wife, but not more than he hates himself. The book feels like fleas and roaches are crawling over you while reading the pages. Dirty and grimy. ( )