Books Like...

How Do You Live? is a coming-of-age story that follows a young boy named Copper in pre-WWII Japan. After his father's death, he faces significant changes and betrayal, while his uncle provides guidance through journal entries filled with philosophical insights. The narrative encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and choices amidst the backdrop of a rich historical and cultural setting.

The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters and a mix of Japanese vocabulary that adds depth to the story. It beautifully intertwines personal and philosophical themes, making it suitable for both young readers and adults. The book inspires thoughtful reflection and delivers important lessons about living a meaningful life, aligning with the values of friendship and moral integrity.

'Lizard' by Banana Yoshimoto is a collection of six short stories that delve into themes of relationships, discovery, magic realism, hope, awareness, healing, and acceptance. The stories follow young urbanites navigating through emotional intrigue, self-discovery, and encounters with supernatural elements like shape shifters and healers. Yoshimoto's writing style is described as crystal clear, elegant, svelte, simple, and atmospheric, with a focus on communicating deep meanings and thoughts through short declarative sentences.

'69' by Ryu Murakami is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story set in 1969, following the protagonist Kensuke Yazaki, a 17-year-old high school student in Japan. The story delves into Yazaki's rebellious antics and efforts to impress a girl named Lady Jane, including organizing a festival and staging a play. The narrative captures the essence of youth in the late '60s, with references to music, pop culture, and political activism, all portrayed through a lighthearted and humorous lens.

Ryu Murakami skillfully weaves together elements of nostalgia, humor, and introspection in '69', creating a compelling story that explores themes of adolescent angst, rebellion, and the pursuit of identity. Through Yazaki's misadventures and interactions with his friends, the book offers a glimpse into a pivotal year in the protagonist's life, marked by self-discovery, youthful exuberance, and the desire to break free from societal norms.

Botchan is a young first-year mathematics teacher assigned to teach in a rural school. He is portrayed as forthright and impetuous, often clashing with the students and fellow teachers due to his arrogance and self-righteousness. The story follows Botchan's journey of coming to terms with the realities of life and navigating through the humorous incidents and manipulative aspects of the school setting in 19th century Japan.

"Hardboiled & Hard Luck" by Banana Yoshimoto consists of two novellas that explore themes of loss, grief, and coming to terms with the past. The first story follows a young woman haunted by memories and ghosts after encountering an ominous shrine in the mountains, while the second story focuses on a family dealing with the impending death of a sister who is in a vegetative state. The writing style is described as spare, introspective, and emotional, with a focus on the female characters' experiences and emotions.

Yasunari Kawabata's novella, 'House of the Sleeping Beauties,' delves into the introspective journey of a 67-year-old man, Eguchi, who seeks solace in the company of young girls who are put into a deep sleep. The story explores themes of aging, death, and the complexities of human relationships through Eguchi's interactions with the sleeping girls, each encounter evoking memories of his past and contemplations on his own mortality. The writing style is described as sensual, with vivid descriptions that engage the reader's senses, creating an eerie yet captivating atmosphere throughout the narrative.

The novella offers a unique exploration of desire, intimacy, and the passage of time, as Eguchi grapples with his own fears and desires in the haunting setting of the house of the sleeping beauties. Through dream-like sequences and symbolic interactions, Kawabata weaves a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, inviting readers to ponder the deeper meanings behind Eguchi's nocturnal visits and the profound impact they have on his psyche.

The Nakano Thrift Shop by Hiromi Kawakami is a gentle and captivating novel that follows the lives of the employees and customers of a small Japanese thrift shop. Through vignettes set in the shop, readers get a glimpse into the quirky and intimate moments of the characters' lives, with a focus on the protagonist Hitomi and her interactions with her co-workers, Mr. Nakano, Takeo, and Masayo. The narrative is described as slow-paced, atmospheric, and filled with deadpan humor, capturing the casual conversations and relationships among the characters.

'Naive. Super' by Erlend Loe follows the story of a 20-something protagonist who is lost and unsure of his path in life. The book portrays his journey of trying to connect with the world around him, showcasing his childlike innocence and unique way of viewing the world. The writing style is simple, with short chapters and lists, making it a quick and engaging read that delves into themes of friendship, self-discovery, and finding meaning in life.

Enchanted Night by Steven Millhauser is a novella that delves into the lives of forgotten people and objects in a small town in Connecticut. The narrative unfolds on a hot summer night, where various characters, both animate and inanimate, are portrayed with delicate intricacy. The book explores the paradoxical nature of the people of the night, who come alive when most are asleep, seeking something more while being trapped in the bubble of night. The story is more about atmosphere, memories, and myth, inviting readers to float upon lyrical prose and rekindle a sense of wonder felt in childhood and adolescence.

The novella progresses by introducing different characters in a seemingly random manner, with no clear protagonists or antagonists. The brief chapters create a mood that wraps itself around the reader, evoking the world of the Unconscious and its mysteries. The writing style is described as poetic, whimsical, and magical, akin to a vivid dream capturing both longing and melancholy, reminding readers of the depth of human existence beyond mundane duties and obligations.