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Friday, January 26, 2018

My Friday Five...

1.  Haruki Murakami.  I am jonesing for the new Murakami, Killing Commendatore, which does not come out here in the US until later this year. Everyone around the world seems to be reading it and making me have book envy.  I just hope when its released here that both volumes are included in the US version.  To tide me over until the book comes out, I'm going to read some of his nonfiction work and new-to-me Japanese literature. In fact, I just finished reading a novella by an author that Murakami has declared to be his "favorite young novelist" - Ms Ice Sandwich by Mieko Kawakami.

2. 

A little boy in fourth grade becomes enamored with the woman who sells sandwiches at the supermarket.  He nicknames her, Ms Ice Sandwich.  Over the summer, he finds himself going to the supermarket every day to buy a sandwich or two from her.  He is obsessed with her huge eyes and blue eyelids.  And he loves how she doesn't talk or smile with her customers - she just takes their order, puts the sandwich in a bag and takes their money.  He is smitten.  Of course, his life can't just be about Ms Ice Sandwich.  There's his mom, who works from home telling fortunes - or in his eyes, talking and crying with women all day long.  She's always busy or on the phone, so they don't really talk anymore.  His grandmother, who's house they live in, is slowly dying in her bed.  He visits her daily and talks to her about Ms Ice Sandwich.  He draws pictures of Ms Ice Sandwich.  He wants to paint a picture one day.  Oh, and there is Tutti, his friend from school who watches movies with her father all the time, and whom he confides in about Ms Ice Sandwich.  As the story unfolds, you learn about this little boy's life, his family, his friends, and the ways in which he views the world.  Its sweet, heartwarming, sad, and such a treat to read. I absolutely LOVED Ms Ice Sandwich.

3. Japanese Literature.  Now that I've read Ms Ice Sandwich, I've discovered that its part of a series of Japanese novellas released by Pushkin Press.  How exciting! Of course, now, I have to read them all.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32171719-slow-boat?ac=1&from_search=true#https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32931335-record-of-a-night-too-brief?ac=1&from_search=true#

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34397277-spring-garden?ac=1&from_search=true#

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36358269-the-bear-and-the-paving-stone?ac=1&from_search=true#https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36874959-the-end-of-the-moment-we-had?ac=1&from_search=true

4.  TV shows.  The X-Files is just brill this season. I am loving all the Mulder/Scully moments - so many feels watching them together.  Plus, this last episode with 8yo Mulder - OMG! That was everything.  Oh, and when he yelled, "I'm Fox Freaking Mulder, you punks!" - that was just the BEST.  I'm also watching the new American Crime Story by Ryan Murphy about Gianni Versace. Talk about a captivating show! It is seriously good and I can't stop watching. The actors are amazing and can I just say that I loved the music in this week's episode - love, love, loved it!  I did also watch the new ep of RHOBH and it was ridiculous.  Dorit refuses to admit that she was nearly an hour late to meet up with Teddi for drinks, so now its become this huge elephant in the group. Oh, and Dorit also called Camille a C-word and can't believe that Camille is upset over it. Seriously?!  Like I said, ridiculous.

5.  Music.  The Grammys are on TV this weekend and I plan on watching. I love to see the performances. Plus, I love the fashion.  And I do like James Corden, so it should be a fun show to watch.

Happy reading and have a great weekend!!

8 comments:

bermudaonion said...

Ms. Ice Sandwich sounds wonderful!

I didn't even know The X-Files is still on TV.

Nadia said...

Kathy, it really is. I have to admit that I teared up at the end. Such a great story. Yes, The X-Files is still on - they did a mini-season last year and now they are in the middle of a the new mini-season. Its fun to watch them now that they are older and how their relationship has grown so much. One of my favorite shows ever :)

Bellezza said...

My, oh my, oh my! I am absolutely salivating at your suggestions! How did I not even know that Murakami has a new title? It registered briefly and just as quickly flew out again some time ago...in the meantime, I wilm follow you in reading Ms. Ice Sandwich and looking up those Pushkin titles. Thanks so much, friend!

p.s. Every time I try to buy a box from Signature Selections (? Japanese stationary) they're sold out. I need to get on top of that, too! xo

Nadia said...

M, I thought you would be :) Yes, he does. It came out last year, but of course we have to wait in the US until this year to finally read it. I can't wait!! Definitely read Ms Ice Sandwich - such a great story :) yes, you should - they have such wonderful stationery items. xo

Brandie said...

I usually don't stay up long enough to watch The Grammy's, but I'd love to see them this year. I'm sure the performances will be awesome. Hope you're having a great weekend!

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

Ms Ice Sandwish sounds interesting and a fun cover :)

Nadia said...

Brandie, I know what you mean. These awards shows are always on so late or they take forever, so I wind up watching half of the show :) This year it starts at 7:30, so I figured why not - LOL! Hope you are enjoying your weekend, too!



Sheila, it really is interesting and the cover is great :)

Ti said...

Look at these covers!! I love them all. I HAVE to find a copy of Ms. Ice Sandwich. I love the sparseness of Japanese literature. We haven't even seen the cover for Murakami's new one have we?