Jul 30, 2009

Japanese Literature Challenge 3


Wish I had more time to read contemporary Japanese writers. Now is my chance. Join me in the third challenge to read books of Japanese origin. You will have from July 30, 2009 to Jan. 30, 2010. The rules are from Dolce Bellezza, who sponsors the challenge.
"All you have to do is read one work of Japanese origin. It can be literature of course, but don’t feel confined to that. You may choose to read poetry, biographies, short stories or even manga. If you are willing to read one such piece, you’ve met the challenge. If you read more, all the better."
Please check her website, Japanese Literature Challenge 3 for the details, and the list of very nice prizes!

Here is a review of The Housekeeper and the Professor by Ogawa and a review of After Dark, a favorite of mine by Haruki Murakami.

I plan to read:
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle: A Novel by Haruki Murakami, literary fiction
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami, literary fiction
The Devil's Whisper by Miyuki Miyabe, a mystery
Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto, literary fiction

(Challenge photo is by Tanabata from In Spring It is the Dawn)

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16 comments:

  1. I really hope you enjoy Norwegian Wood. It's a favorite of mine. Happy reading Harvee! :)

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  2. David: I read a part of a Goodreads comment on the book! Wow! What am I getting into? :)

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  3. I'm glad you're taking part, it's one of my favourite challenges. I've read all but The Devil's Whisper from your list but I have read a different Miyabe title. Hope you enjoy these. Happy reading! :)

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  4. I'm wanting to read Norwegian Wood for this challenge as well. I've heard nothing but good things about this Murakami novel and am merely waiting for the weather to turn a bit cooler to get started.

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  5. I plan to read lots of Murakami, too, especially the ones you mentioned. Carl said Norwegian Wood is especially good for an autumnal read, which is perfect timing! I'm so glad you're participating this year!

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  6. Wow I wish we had autumn here in the Philippines... I'd agree that it's perfect for autumn, after all some of the scenes in the book were set sometime around fall. And also it's because of the slow-paced, melancholic atmosphere of story. I found it very absorbing.

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  7. Carl, Dolce Bellezza, David: I'm going to have to wait till fall to begin reading the book, to be in the right season and mood. Thanks for the comments!

    Tanabata: Looking forward to your reviews. I hope I like this selection by Miyabe. I've never read her before.

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  8. Hi! I'm reading The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and Kitchen for this challenge, too! Might add Norwegian Wood also, because of the comments in Carl's post, and the comments here. I'll be reading seasonal sometime soon, so it would be perfect.

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  9. Great, Claire. We can compare our reactions to the books! I might start with The Wind Up Bird Chronicle. It'll be nice to read all the interviews once they're posted!

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  10. I'm thinking about adding this challenge to my reading world!!! Great list!

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  11. I really enjoyed the Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and hope you do to. The Devil's Whisper sounds very interesting and I look forward to your review. I'm reading Miyuki Miyabe's All She Was Worth.

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  12. Hi Harvee! Most people would tell you that Murakami was in his finest form in The Wind Up Bird Chronicle and I would have to agree with them. The books works on so many levels -- as a work of sci-fi, an exploration of Japanese pop culture, and a discussion of missed connections. I love it!

    You should also try Natsuo Kirino if you're looking to try out Japanese noir fiction. It's a damn good read.

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  13. Staci: Do join! It'll be fun reading each others reviews!

    Moo and Peter S. I'm looking forward to reading the Wind Up Bird Chronicle. It seems to be a favorite! Thanks for the suggestions and comments!

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  14. Thanks, Harvee, for turning me on to the Challenge. I'm going to start with a mystery (for variety), but I'm sure I'll get in to contemporary lit sooner or later.

    Thanks again.

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  15. Hi Harvee, I'm joining the challenge as well, and I'll be reading "Brave Story" by Miyuki Miyabe.

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  16. I think I may read Norwegian Wood too! In fact I have a TBR pile now for my Japanese Literature Challenge! This is fun though! Thanks for posting about this so I could be intrigued to join in! :D

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I appreciate your comments and thoughts...

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