📚 September Book Club

Plus Zoom Info for Valley of the Dolls Meetup 💊

Hello everyone!

First and foremost, my apologies for being less active on Substack. I’ve recently launched a bunch of new live events in Mexico City and moved into a proper theater.

I’m super excited to be premiering our new dating show Sexico City as well as finally bringing Cuéntame onto a real stage, where our community of storytellers can truly evolve into the next level.

I’ve launched Instagram accounts for both projects, which you can follow by clicking the links above. Live clips from both shows will be available online starting this month! And if you want to get tickets for any of my live shows in Mexico City you now RSVP for Sexico City and for Cuéntame.

This has been a lot of work, and the newsletter has paid the price. Thank you for your patience as I navigate this period of big changes.

Now let’s talk books - starting with the September pick. (Valley of the Dolls Zoom info at the bottom of the post).

September Book Club Pick

Midjourney: “The Trial by Franz Kafka, but set in the modern United States.”

I always try to blend the classics with current events, and given that former president Donald Trump is now facing four criminal indictments for a total of 91 felonies, I think it’s a good time to revisit Franz Kafka’s classic book on justice - The Trial.

To be clear - I’m not picking this book because I think Donald Trump is innocent of the crimes he’s been accused of. While the precedent of prosecuting a former president is thorny, I think letting him off the hook is even more dangerous.

Nevertheless, with the topic of impartial justice dominating the headlines, I think The Trial will hone our critical thinking skills re: the subject of justice in the modern state.

I first read this book during the Bush Era, when the Patriot Act had activated America’s liberals. For the previous 50 years, the American Left had been critical of state overreach and fought to limit the powers of the government over the individual.

This period started with the unjust persecution of suspected communists during the McCarthy era, ran through the expansion of federal powers during the Cold War (specifically in the wake of the Pentagon Papers during Vietnam), and culminated in the resistance against the Patriot Act during the Bush Administration.

Now the political landscape is very different. Trump’s presidency created an existential threat amongst liberals, with many Democrats suddenly feeling very supportive of the FBI - something unthinkable during the previous 50 years.

Now it’s conservatives who oppose the FBI and are accusing the government of overreach. And many of them (correctly or not) see Trump as the victim of arbitrary persecution, not unlike the character of The Trial, Joseph K.

The action starts in the very first sentence, when Joseph K. wakes up to be arrested by anonymous state officials - without being told of what charges he is being accused.

Very Kafkaesque, indeed.

The book traces Joseph K.’s struggle to prove his innocence against a system that is stacked against him from the very first page of the story.

And as we navigate a complex era marked by shifting attitudes towards the American Federal justice system, The Trial provides a unique lens through which both liberals and conservatives can critically examine the impartial administration of justice.

In a society where the lines between guilt and innocence blur, and bureaucratic structures hold immense sway, The Trial prompts us to reflect on the implications of politicization in the justice system. The Trump Era, with its polarizing impact on perceptions of justice, has magnified the need for a balanced, independent judiciary that upholds the principles of fairness and equality. Kafka's allegorical narrative challenges us to question how power influences legal proceedings and how individuals can grapple with a system that appears to operate beyond their control.

In an era marked by rapid information dissemination and conflicting narratives, the importance of critical thinking in a democracy cannot be overstated. It is the cornerstone that empowers citizens to analyze, question, and discern amidst the complexities of modern life. Through critical thinking, we can navigate the intricate web of information, distinguish fact from fiction, and make informed decisions that shape our society's trajectory. It is through this intellectual rigor that we ensure our democracy remains vibrant, resilient, and truly representative of the diverse voices that comprise it.

Whether you approach this book as a liberal seeking accountability or a conservative advocating for a resilient legal framework, The Trial encourages us all to critically examine the mechanisms of justice and the role they play in shaping the modern state. As we engage in lively discussions, let's collectively explore the implications of a politicized justice system, its effects on society, and the role of literature in fostering a deeper understanding of these issues.

I hope you join me this month in reading The Trial and embark on an intellectual journey that transcends political divisions. Together, we'll delve into the complexities of justice, power, and the enduring relevance of Kafka's work in our evolving world.

As always, there will be a book club discussion in early October for paid subscribers. Which brings me to this week’s book club meeting for last month’s book.

💊The Valley of the Dolls 💊

Midjourney: “The characters of The Valley of the Dolls as social media influencers in modern America”

I hope you enjoyed the world of glitz, glamour, and societal pressures in last month’s book club pick, The Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann.

This Thursday, we will discuss this tale of three women navigating fame, success, and the darker side of stardom in this iconic novel. As we delve into their journeys, we'll also draw intriguing parallels between their experiences and the modern era of Instagram influencers. Get ready for a captivating discussion that transcends time and illuminates the complexities of fame and image in our ever-evolving world.

Discussion Questions for The Valley of the Dolls:

1. How does the novel portray the pursuit of fame and success? How does this portrayal compare to the aspirations of modern-day influencers?

2. In what ways do the characters in the book grapple with societal expectations and pressures related to their appearance and image? How does this resonate with the present-day culture of social media?

3. The Valley of the Dolls offers a glimpse into the darker side of stardom, including addiction and emotional struggles. How do these themes mirror contemporary challenges faced by celebrities and influencers?

4. The book delves into the complexities of friendships and rivalries among the characters. How do these dynamics relate to the relationships and alliances often seen among online today?

5. "Dolls" are a recurring symbol in the novel. What do they represent, and how does this symbolism extend to the concept of "dolls" in the context of modern media and beauty standards?

6. The entertainment industry in the book is depicted as both glamorous and cutthroat. How does this depiction compare to the narratives presented by influencers in the era of Instagram?

7. The book is set in a different era, yet the pressures faced by the characters have enduring relevance. How has the portrayal of fame and image evolved, and how does this connect to the present day?

8. The characters' paths often intertwine with love and relationships. How do their experiences in romance mirror the complexities of modern relationships

   ?

9. How do the characters' ambitions and dreams shape their decisions? Are there parallels between their pursuit of dreams and the aspirations of individuals building their personal brands on social media?

10. In what ways can The Valley of the Dolls prompt us to reflect on the balance between authenticity and performance in both the entertainment industry of the past and the influencer culture of today?

Upgrade to a paid subscription and join our upcoming book club discussion on Zoom. Engage with fellow readers, share your insights, and explore the resonances between the past and present as we unravel the threads of The Valley of the Dolls.

Happy reading - and see you on Zoom!

Best regards,

Marko

The Missive Book Club

Valley of the Dolls Book Discussion

Date: Thursday, September 7th

Time: 4PM PST // 5PM CDMX // 7PM NYC