A new year means new reading challenges. To kick off 2019, I am participating in the JLC12 - Japanese Literature Challenge 12. Yep, its the 12th year that my dear friend, Meredith, has hosted this wonderful challenge and I am so excited. From January to March, all you have to do is read one (1) book of Japanese Literature. That's all. How easy is that? And, how fun? If you want any more information, or want to find out who else is participating then head on over to Meredith's book blog,
Dolce Bellezza.
Now I need to figure out which books I want to read. Ever since I re-read Murakami's novel,
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimmage, I've been itching to read (and re-read) more of his work, along with some other Japanese writers. I was thinking Yoshimoto - I have several of her books waiting to be read. I do wish the new Yoko Ogawa book was already out - that would be at the top of my list. Hmm...I need to find more new-to-me Japanese authors. Until then, these are the books I was thinking about reading for the JLC12:
What do you think of my choices? Not bad, eh? Or, do you have any recommendations for me? Let me know, I would definitely appreciate it.
And now, I'm off to start reading for the JLC12. Happy reading to you, too!!
12 comments:
This challenge comes around and I immediately have challenge envy. Only for this one because of my love for Japanese literature but I am horrible, HORRIBLE at challenges.
Nadia, I tried to leave two comments here, but they wouldn’t take this morning. Hopefully now this will go through! I have loved everything I’ve read by Banana Yoshimoto, most particularly Kitchen. However, Moshi Moshi has long been on my list. Also, how brilliant of you to reread Haruki Murakami’s book(s). I’ve only reread Kafka on The Shore, but all of them could bear a rereading. Your list is so enticing, filled with exciting reads, some of them I’ve not only not read, but haven’t heard of. I’m excited to see what you think of what you read, and I thank you for posting about the challenge, but most especially for reading with me. Xo
So many Banana Yoshimoto books! :D How fun.
Great selections
I have so far read two stories from The Cake Tree in Ruins. This week I posted on a very moving story, "The Whale Who Fell in Love with a Submarine"
I hope also to read for JLC12 the newly translated Mishima
The Penquin Book of Japanese Short Stories is providing me first reads on lots of writers.
I first read Banana Yoshimoto during JlC3 in 2009 and loved her work.
Looking forward to reading your posts
Ti, I know what you mean. I love to join challenges, but sticking with them is hard. Except for this one. Its too easy not to complete - one book in three months. Plus, there are so many good ones out there waiting to be read. So, I'm definitely going to enjoy this one.
M, I'm so happy to be joining in on the fun with you :) There are just so many wonderful books to be read - its hard to choose. I love the ones you shared that you are wanting to read for JLC12. Some are new to me, which I love - more new books for me to get my hands on :) I loved Kitchen - such a great one. I love the cover of Moshi Moshi - I'm really looking forward to it. Oh, I love to reread my favorite books and you can't go wrong with Murakami, right? I was actually thinking of picking up Kafka on the Shore again - the first time I read it I had nightmares, maybe this time round I won't :) Thanks, M xo
Lark, I know. I'm so excited :)
Mel U, thanks :) I need to check out that post. The Mishima should be a great read. I'm hoping the Penguin book provides me with some new-to-me writers :) Looking forward to your posts as well :)
Be sure to read "The Whale Who fell in Love with a Submarine"'. Would enjoy seeing your reaction.
Mel u, will do. Thanks :)
Lot's of books to choose from! I am new to your blog so I don't know what genre you prefer -and I'm not too thrilled about Banana Yoshimoto myself- but Strangers by Taichi Yamada is one of my all-time favourites. Also, Woman in the Dunes by Kobo Abe is un_for_get_table. And Kazuo Ishiguro is probably not "allowed" but his A Pale View of Hills is set in Japan and a lovely quiet novella.
Just thought I would make it a little harder for you to choose ;)
That was me, commenting above.... Don't know why it says anonymous!
Nadia,by coincidence I read strangers back in September 2009 and greatly enjoyed it
Here is my post.
I have read several works by Kobe Abe. Very interesting
My post on Strangers
http://rereadinglives.blogspot.com/2009/09/strangers-by-taichi-yamada-japanese.html
Gnoe, thanks for your comment - I am jotting down those titles now :) More books to look forward to.
Mel u, thank you for the link! I'm heading over now :)
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