Japanese Literature Challenge II Wrap-up

I've completed the wonderful Japanese Literature Challenge 2 hosted by Bellezza and I had so much fun that I can't wait for Challenge 3 to begin!

I chose to read and review:

Out by Natsuo Kirino

Asleep by Banana Yoshimoto

Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

I must say that my favorite was Kafka on the Shore, but then I'm a Murakami fan and love the way the author makes me suspend disbelief and sometimes "feel" my way through the story requiring me to exercise parts of my brain that don't often get exercised!

Out was a very Noir experience that kept me reading late into the night.

Asleep is probably best described as quietly beautiful. Some of Yoshimoto's passages were worth several readings.

I encourage you to visit the Japanese Literature Challenge 2 blog to read the great reviews submitted by participants of the challenge.

A big THANK YOU to Bellezza for hosting this Challenge!

BOOK REVIEW: Asleep by Banana Yoshimoto

Asleep is a collection of three short novellas, all of which focus on some aspect of death and also a sleeping, either literal or psychic, born of trauma.

Night and Night's Travelers
"Night and Night's Travelers" is a tale of the literal death of one and the resulting temporary emotional death of another. The narrator is Shibami and she tells the story of her "vibrantly charismatic" brother Yoshihiro and her dreamy cousin Mari. Yoshihiro and Mari are not only cousins, but lovers. After Yoshihiro's death, Mari withdraws and enters a year of dreamlike fog and sleepwalking.

Love Songs
"Love Songs" tells of the haunting of one woman by another. Fumi has found herself at the end of an affair and drinking to excess. She often hears a "soothing voice singing." This voice belongs to Haru, a dead woman with whom Fumi once shared her ex-lover. Fumi is drawn to this voice from the beyond and, through consultation with a midget psychic, is able to meet with Haru. In life, the two women were in a relationship of bitter resentment and jealousy, yet in this meeting of life and afterlife they find peace and friendship.

Asleep
"Asleep" is the story of Terako who shares the deep sleep of her lover's comatose wife. Mr. Iwanaga has an unusual effect on women ... he puts them to sleep. His wife is in a coma and his lover, Terako, becomes increasingly sleepy. As Terako separates herself from Mr. Iwanaga and creates her own life, she finds a new energy.

Supernatural occurrences seem natural throughout the stories in Asleep. The language is sparse, creating silences and the stories lack any attempt to draw the reader in emotionally. Yoshimoto's writing style reminded me of minimalist Japanese decor. The setting is sparse, but what is there is beautiful. The writing often seems like a prose version of haiku:

Late at night the trees in my garden seemed to shine.
Awash in light from the street, the quiet glittering green of the
leaves and the deep brown of the trunk seemed startlingly vivid.

Those looking for an exciting read will not find it in Asleep. What the reader will find is a quiet and beautiful collection of stories that take the vicissitudes of life in stride.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This title was read as part of the Japanese Literature Challenge II hosted by Bellezza.

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Note to other reviewers: If you've written a review for this book, please let me know by posting the permanent URL for your review in the comments. I'll be happy to add a link to your review with my post.

Also reviewed by:
nymeth at things mean a lot

It's Tuesday, Where Are You?

Today I've just left the burn ward and must learn to take care of myself. I do have the help of Marianne Engel. She may be schizophrenic or manic/depressive or maybe even both. I think of this possibility because she believes our relationship goes back centuries into the past. Did I mention that she also sculpts gargoyles, or grotesques, and tells me stories of strong and enduring love? (The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson)

Join raidergirl3 at An Adventure in Reading and let her know where your reading is taking you this Tuesday.

BOOK REVIEW: Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

Everything is metaphor. Nothing is metaphor. Metaphor is reality. Murakami takes the reader on a surreal trip that will leave you breathless while also leaving you to wonder what you missed.

Kafka on the Shore is, in part, a quest. Fifteen year old Kafka Tamura runs from home in order to pursue his past, to find his mother and sister who haven't been seen since he was a little boy, and to find out who he is apart from his father. His quest begins as he seeks for answers to his past, but at some point in the journey he realizes the futility of this and turns to pursue his future instead. The story alternates between Kafka and an elderly gentleman by the name of Mr. Nakata. Nakata wants to find the half of himself that was lost when he was a young boy during World War II. A mysterious event left Nakata unable to read, and in his own words, "not very bright." As he journeys, Nakata is not sure where he is going or what he is looking for, but intuits that he will know it when he sees it.

The mysterious event of World War II, which took a part of Mr. Nakata, remains a blurry element of the novel. It is never looked at directly, but is something that is seen in the "peripheral vision" and is similar to those things that, in the darkness, are better seen when looked at indirectly. Mr. Nakata can not remember what happened and suffers an amnesia that might be metaphor for a national amnesia surrounding the events of World War II. I am aware of the concept of national amnesia, but am hardly an expert in this area and so will leave this thought to be pursued by those better qualified.

Murakami is known for his use of magical realism, and Kafka on the Shore has plenty of opportunity for the reader to suspend his or her disbelief. Talking cats, fish raining from the sky, and appearances by Johnny Walker and Colonel Sanders should not surprise Murakami's readers. If this isn't enough to confuse many of us, Murakami also takes occasional jaunts into the metaphysical realm.

The novel is often confusing and requires the reader to simply follow where Murakami leads. The ending is ambiguous, but somehow the book makes sense without a coherent resolution. Murakami has written a novel that is hopeful and speaks of the human capacity to go forward and reach for that "brand-new world" that is constantly before us.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

This title was read as part of the Japanese Literature Challenge II hosted by Bellezza.

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Note to other reviewers: If you've written a review for this book, please let me know by posting the permanent URL for your review in the comments. I'll be happy to add a link to your review with my post.

Also reviewed at:
Trish at Trish's Reading Nook
nymeth at things mean a lot
Bellezza at Dolce Bellezza
Tanabata at In Spring it is the Dawn

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Another Lolcats from icanhascheezburger.com

BOOK REVIEW: Pride and Prescience by Carrie Bebris

The story opens with Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy having just married in a double wedding with Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley. Those familiar with Pride and Prejudice will realize that this is where the Austen novel ends. The Bingley sisters play a prominent role in Pride and Prescience and they continue in their previous roles as social snobs and rivals of the Bennet sisters.

The author did a good job capturing the essence of Jane Austen's writing. There is a nice smattering of Austenian verbal repartee that should satisfy Austen fans. Bebris then wove some Gothic elements throughout her mystery. I thought this was particularly clever since Austen often made reference to Gothic novels, particularly those of Ann Radcliffe.

Pride and Prescience is a fun and fairly quick read recommended for Austen aficionados who also like mysteries.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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Note to other reviewers: If you've written a review for this book, please let me know by posting the permanent URL for your review in the comments. I'll be happy to add a link to your review with my post.

It's Tuesday, Where Are You?

I just left Sedona, Arizona where I was involved in solving yet another murder. My online activities got me into a dangerous situation by revealing too much of my identity. (Cruel Intent by J.A. Jance)

I'm now in Regency England and have just married my Mr. Darcy. I'm not sure what is in store for me yet, but I'm sure it will involve much verbal repartee. (Pride & Prescience by Carrie Bebris)

Join raidergirl3 at An Adventure in Reading and let her know where your reading is taking you this Tuesday.

The Premios Dardo Award

I received the Premios Dardo Award recently from two lovely ladies. Rose City Reader sent the award along to me last Sunday and Dolce Bellezza included me as an awardee just yesterday. I'm feeling pretty special this week! Thank you!

The award "acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his or her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values every day."

The rules are to:

• Accept the award (I accept, I accept!) by writing a post with the name of and a link to the blogger(s) who awarded you the Premios.


• Award the Premios to 15 other worthy bloggers.

I've been staring at my blog reader for about 20 minutes now and, honestly, I can't name just 15 people. I'm grateful for the wonderful blogging community that I belong to, whether it be for book blogging or other types of commentary. I would like to award this to all who regularly visit and comment here (even though I haven't been terribly regular at blogging lately) and to those I visit. You've all kept me thinking, laughing, and a few have even brought a tear when you've shared more poignant thoughts. I appreciate you all.

It's Tuesday, Where Are You?

Today I'm in Sarajevo and I try to stay away from sniper fire and go about my daily business. A cellist has been playing the same piece of music every day at four o'clock in the afternoon. His playing brings us all hope and transports us to a Sarajevo that is not at war. (The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway)

I continue to follow Tony Hillerman around as he reveals his life. (Seldom Disappointed by Tony Hillerman)

Join raidergirl3 at An Adventure in Reading and let her know where your reading is taking you this Tuesday.

Book Review? What Book Review?

I know I told a few of you that I would be posting my review of Kafka on the Shore, by Haruki Murakami, this last weekend. Alas, I spent the entire weekend with my husband going places and doing things that didn't include blogging. It was a wonderful and relaxing weekend travelling around the area and eating yummy food. I figured I would be forgiven for not writing my book review yet. Smile.


You may be wondering why there is a picture of a market basket sitting in the middle of my blog post. Well ... it is there because it is one of the Best. Things. Ever. This carry-all is collapsible, attractive (at least I think so), well made and sturdy. We're talking up to 50 lbs. ... that I will not be carrying around ... but I could ... if I wanted to. Just think of all the jars of honey that you could carry home from the outdoor market. Or books, people! Think of all the books you could fit in this baby! Anyway, this Best. Thing. Ever. was a gift from my SIL, the lovely M., who is always watching out for me. Thanks M.!

If you're interested in the market basket, click the photo or go to the website here.

It's Tuesday, Where are You?

My recent adventures have taken me from Wyoming to Philadelphia as I try to solve crimes. It's been either cold and snowy or cold and rainy so far. (The Sheriff Walt Longmire mysteries Cold Dish, Death Without Company, and Kindness Goes Unpunished by Craig Johnson)

I've just entered the world of Tony Hillerman as I follow him from childhood to authorhood. (Seldom Disappointed: A Memoir by Tony Hillerman)

Join raidergirl3 at An Adventure in Reading and let her know where your reading is taking you this Tuesday.

Books Read in 2008

See the quick link on the sidebar to return to this post.

January 2008
1. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
2. The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne
3. Postmortem (Kay Scarpetta) by Patricia Cornwell
4. Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris
5. The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett

February 2008
6. Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell
7. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
8. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
9. Desert Noir (Lena Jones) by Betty Webb
10. Desert Wives (Lena Jones) by Betty Webb
11. Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
12. Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips
13. Empire by Orson Scott Card

March 2008
14. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
15. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
16. Sacred Cows by Karen E. Olson
17. Club Dead by Charlaine Harris
18. The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
19. Still Life (Three Pines Mysteries) by Louise Penny
20. How Not to Be Popular by Jennifer Ziegler

April 2008
21. Atonement by Ian McEwan
22. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig
23. The Arthurian Omen by G.G. Vandagriff
24. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
25. Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins
26. Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins
27. Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins

May 2008
28. Gregor and the Code of Claw by Suzanne Collins
29. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
30. Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding
31. The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie
32. After Dark by Haruki Murakami
33. Rusalka by C.J. Cherryh

June 2008
34. California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker
35. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
36. The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz
37. Desert Shadows (Lena Jones) by Betty Webb
38. Magic Street by Orson Scott Card
39. The Candle of Distant Earth by Alan Dean Foster

July 2008
40. Sky Burial by Xinran
41. Beginner's Greek by James Collins
42. Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum) by Janet Evanovich
43. Down to a Sunless Sea by Mathias B. Freese
44. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

August 2008
45. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
46. Until Proven Guilty (J.P. Beaumont) by J.A. Jance
47. Cat on the Edge (Joe Grey) by Shirley Rousseau
48. White Nights (Shetland Island) by Ann Cleeves
49. Out by Natsuo Kirino
50. The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl

September 2008
51. A Jolly Good Fellow by Stephen V. Masse
52. Tamsin by Peter S. Beagle
53. Murder on the Eiffel Tower by Claude Izner
54. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

October 2008
55. To the Dust Returned by Ray Bradbury
56. Asleep by Banana Yoshimoto
57. Night Shift by Stephen King
58. Gallows View by Peter Robinson

November 2008
59. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
60. Stone Butterfly (Charlie Moon) by James D. Doss
61. Three Sisters (Charlie Moon) by James D. Doss
62. Hard Truth (Anna Pigeon) by Nevada Barr
63. Culture Warrior by Bill O'Reilly
64. Winter Study (Anna Pigeon) by Nevada Barr
65. Sisterchicks in Sombreros by Robin Gunn
66. Nothing But Trouble (Kevin Kerney) by Michael McGarrity
67. A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel

December 2008
68. Hand of Evil (Ali Reynolds) by J.A. Jance
69. Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
70. Cold Dish (Walt Longmire) by Craig Johnson
71. Death Without Company (Walt Longmire) by Craig Johnson
72. Kindness Goes Unpunished (Walt Longmire) by Craig Johnson