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Friday, July 31, 2009

Japanese Literature Challenge 3


I have just learned about this challenge today and I am really excited about it. I have been a huge fan of Murakami's work for quite some time, but I have never really branched out to any other Japanese writers' works, which is exactly what this challenge will help me to do. For information about this challenge go to the following link Dolce Bellezza and join up! The challenge only requires that you read one book, but I am quite sure that I will be reading more than one. In fact, I already have in mind some of the books that I want to read for this challenge. I was thinking about Banana Yoshimoto's book, Kitchen - which I have heard such great things about. Also, I want to get a copy of Yoko Ogawa's book, The Housekeeper and The Professor. And I might read a Murakami book that I have not read before, maybe Kafka on the Shore or Sputnik Sweetheart? Either way, there are so many fantastic Japanese writers to choose from and I just can't wait to dive right in! Crikey! I just realized that I am now going to be participating in 4 challenges. Yikes! Maybe I need to see which books can overlap in which challenges. Hmmm. Either way, I am going to be reading some great literature. Cheers for now! Happy reading!!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that you're joining in, Nadia! I read Kafak on The Shore for the second time this summer because I absolutely love it. (It isn't a clear book, but rather open to one's interpretation, but a second reading really helped my understanding!) I've heard such good things about The Housekeeper and The Professor, so I'll try to add that to my list this time around. Anyway, welcome!

Nadia said...

Thanks for the welcome! I am really excited about this challenge. And I know what you mean about rereading Murakami's work - I really think it helps sometimes. I remember that after I finished After Dark I was just very disappointed with it. However, after discussing it with a friend I found myself recalling things that made me recognize what a great book it really is, which made me reread it.

claire said...

Kafka on the Shore is indeed baffling, but also endearing. It's the only Murakami I've read but I guess is representative of his work as it is very surreal.

I'm glad we're reading Kitchen and The Housekeeper together! (I also notice you're reading Monica ALi's In the Kitchen. I'll be reading that, too, for the Spice of Life CHallenge. Yoshimoto's Kitchen is an overlap for both challenges. :D)

Nadia said...

Claire - To be honest I always think that Murakmi's work is tad baffling. There is just so much going on at times and he is just so imaginative that it takes me awhile sometimes to get a grasp of where he may be going with a book. I just love his writing.

I think its cool we are reading the same books for the challenge. It will be great to share what we thought about the books. Looking forward to it! Cheers!

Anne Brooke said...

Murakami is so wonderful!! I love all his stuff. Maybe I just like being baffled? Interesting challenge indeed ...

:))

Axxx

Allison said...

So .. I guess reading Japanese manga is out of the question? Boo :( I am not familiar with any Japanese authors. Considering it's one of my favorite cultures - I probably should do this challenge and learn a few. :)

Allison said...

Whoops NM. I read the rules.. manga is allowed. BUT I think I will try to explore the other options. :)

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Green Road said...

Best of luck for the challenge. It's easy to get sucked in because you only have to read one book to meet the challenge! Your list sounds very interesting. I'm going to be reading some Murakami too in the next few months, I've heard such good things about him.