Link: Japanese Literature Challenge 7
Time Frame: June 1 2013 - January 30 2014
Goal: Read a number of works in Japanese Literature
Readers can chose to read a variety of genres in Japanese written works, including children's books, short stories, mystery, biography, sci-fi/fantasy, manga and poetry with an optional monthly theme. June is children's literature.
I recently read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami for the Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge, The Big Book Challenge and The Wind-Up Bird Read Along hosted by Ti at Book Chatter. I'm looking forward to sampling some more Japanese literature in the coming months.
I'm planning to read at least five Japanese books. I'll keep a running list of the books I read for this challenge here, editing this post as I go along. Below is a list of five books I'm strongly considering, which is open to change as I discover more about Japanese literature.
1. Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami
2. Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
3. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
4. Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima
5. A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki [Japanese-American author]
I know it doesn't really count because it's not written by a Japanese author, but I also plan to read Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. Come to think of it, I'm not certain A Tale for the Time Being technically counts, either.
Have you read Japanese Literature? If so, what do you recommend?
**** EDITED ****
Books read to date:
1. Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruiki Murakami
2. A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki [Japanese-American author]
3. Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
I read a lot of Mangas...a LOT, rather than novels. If you have the chance, Twelve Kingdoms by Fuyumi Ono. This series is for young ladies/girls, but I loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks alys! If I can find them in one of my local libraries, I'll give it a try. :)
ReplyDeleteI think I read a Japanese children's book years ago, but can't remember the title. My kids love Manga, though and read a lot of that.
ReplyDeleteI'm always interested in more books set in Asia/written by Asians. Sounds like a fun challenge. I'd join but this year isn't the right time for me. Maybe next year!
ReplyDeleteBrandy :: Sounds like I ought to check out the manga shelves at my library, too!
ReplyDeleteLinda :: There's always next year! This challenge is already in its 7th year.. I don't imagine it stopping now! ;)
I liked Murakami's shorter novel, After Dark, set in Tokyo at night..
ReplyDeleteHere's my review of After Dark:
DeleteAfter Dark
Thanks Harvee! I'm reading Sputnik Sweetheart right now..have you read it? I may try to read After Dark by the end of the year or save it for next year's Murakami Challenge. I don't want to overdose on him. Reading The Wind-Up Bird was a challenge in itself! ha!
ReplyDelete