I am asking our Bookshelf Banter Ladies, and you, a few questions to pique your interest in our Book of the Month, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi!
Here are the questions… And, Tahereh Mafi’s answers!
1. How long could you make it in an insane asylum… all on your own… in a padded room?
I actually took part in the Sephora Sensorium exhibit while I was in Manhattan, because it’s supposed to show you what it’s like to lose your sense of smell; I thought it might be an interesting experience — and great research. One thing I wasn’t expecting, however, was something called the ‘Deprivation Chamber’ (image here: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6341954501_a70b33c01c.jpg), which is literally a tiny (approx 4′ x 4′), padded room that you’re supposed to stay in for some period of time to fully appreciate the effect of losing your olfactory senses.
And it was terrifying.
It took everything I had not to just bolt out the door and out of the store just to feel like I could breathe. Being confined for even a short period of time very quickly began breaking me down mentally; it really made me empathize with Juliette and her fragile state of mind. Suffice it to say that I wouldn’t last long in a situation like that. I’d definitely go crazy. Become paranoid. Maybe develop some kind of obsession (in Juliette’s case, it’s numbers) to keep myself occupied and focused on anything that isn’t the reality I’m rooted in. I really didn’t handle it well. It shocked me, actually, how badly I handled it.
2. If you could only touch one person, for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Haha! This is a great question, but I’d have to say my husband, definitely.
3. If you could have any power, mutant or super, what would it be?
I’d want the power to have any power I wanted. Cheating, I know, but I don’t think I could choose just one! There are so many incredible abilities out there and I’d want to be able to try them all.
Please stay tuned for Krystal, Kelly, and Stefenie’s answers… And make sure to leave your answers below!