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Ms Ice Sandwich by Mieko Kawakami is a sweet and quirky novella that follows the story of a lonely fourth-grade boy who becomes infatuated with a woman who sells sandwiches at a local supermarket. The boy, accompanied by his best friend, navigates themes of friendship, love, loss, and growing up as he grapples with his feelings for the enigmatic Ms Ice Sandwich. The narrative is filled with moments of poignancy, power, and simplicity, drawing readers into the young narrator's world and emphasizing the importance of cherishing precious moments and relationships.

The writing style of Ms Ice Sandwich is described as beguiling, deceptively simple, and utterly wonderful. Through the eyes of the young protagonist, readers are taken on a journey that explores themes of grief, loneliness, and the complexities of human emotions. The novella leaves some questions unanswered, mirroring the unpredictability of life, while delivering a universal message of staying true to oneself and embracing uniqueness.

If you liked Ms Ice Sandwich, here are the top 62 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami
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    'Breasts and Eggs' by Mieko Kawakami is a novel that follows the story of Natsuko and her relationships with her sister Makiko and niece Midoriko. The book delves into themes of womanhood, gender, class, motherhood, and societal expectations in Japan. The plot is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on Makiko's visit to Tokyo for breast enhancement surgery and the second part exploring Natsuko's contemplation of motherhood and her struggles as a writer. The writing style is described as straightforward, clear, and insightful, providing a moving and original perspective on women's bodies and their roles in Japanese society.

    If you want to know how poor somebody was growing up, ask them how many windows they had. Don’t ask what was in their fridge or in their closet. The number of windows says it all. It says everything. ...

  2. #2

    There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Polly Barton, Kikuko Tsumura
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    'There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job' by Polly Barton, Kikuko Tsumura follows the journey of a 30-something Japanese woman who takes on a series of temporary jobs to assess what she wants to do with her life. Each job presents unique challenges and bizarre situations, leading her to discover more about herself and her true calling. The book is structured as a collection of short stories, offering insights into Japanese culture and the struggles of working life, all presented in a light and amusing tone.

    The writing style of the book is described as quirky, well-written, and casually friendly, with a touch of magical realism. The protagonist's interactions with her colleagues and the community add depth to her journey of self-discovery, while the plot unfolds in a series of job experiences that are both mundane and weird. The story provides a commentary on modern life and the pursuit of meaningful work, offering a glimpse into the protagonist's quest for a job that fits her desires and aspirations.

    Both screens showed the same person. The footage on the left-hand screen dated from 22:00 the previous night, and the footage on the right-hand screen from 20:00 the night before that. In both, the pe...

  3. #3

    Butter by Asako Yuzuki
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    'Butter' by Asako Yuzuki is a crime thriller novel inspired by a true story of a female gourmet cook and serial killer, and the journalist trying to uncover her case. The book delves into themes of feminism, media, career, companionship, misogyny, obsession, and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, with vivid descriptions of food and deep insights into Japanese culture and the culinary arts. The novel explores the complexities of its characters and their relationships, providing a slow but engaging read that offers a unique perspective on societal expectations and female liberation.


  4. #4

    Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
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    'Kitchen' by Banana Yoshimoto is a collection of two novellas that explore themes of love, loss, grief, and personal growth. The stories delve into the lives of characters coping with death and navigating relationships in a quiet and introspective manner. The writing style is described as spare yet evocative, capturing the essence of deep emotions and everyday actions with clarity and openness.

    The place I like best in this world is the kitchen. No matter where it is, no matter what kind, if it's a kitchen, if it's a place where they make food, it's fine with me. Ideally it should be well br...

  5. #5

    The Nakano Thrift Shop by Hiromi Kawakami
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    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.

    The three of us had gone for an early lunch. Mr. Nakano ordered the gingered pork set lunch, Takeo the simmered fish of the day, and I went for the curry rice. The gingered pork and the simmered fish ...

  6. #6

    The Pachinko Parlour by Elisa Shua Dusapin
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    From the author of Winter in Sokcho , which won the 2021 National Book Award for Translated Literature.

    The days are beginning to draw in. The sky is dark by seven in the evening. I lie on the floor and gaze out of the window. Women's calves, men'

    ...

  7. #7

    The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
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    In "The Housekeeper and the Professor" by Yoko Ogawa, the story revolves around an elderly mathematician who, due to a head injury, can only retain memories for eighty minutes at a time. The professor forms a special bond with his housekeeper and her son, as they navigate the challenges of his condition while delving into the beauty of numbers and mathematics. The book explores themes of friendship, memory, and the significance of human relationships, all intertwined with a subtle undertone involving the fragility of memory and the eternal nature of numbers.

    The novel is character-driven, focusing on the development of the three main characters - the professor, the housekeeper, and her son. Through the daily interactions between the characters, the author skillfully weaves in math concepts, showcasing the magic of numbers and how they bring this unlikely trio together. The writing style is described as quiet, tender, and beautifully poignant, leaving a lasting impact on the reader long after the final page is turned.

    "Yes, there is," he said, pointing at his chest. "It's in here. It'sthe most discreet sort of number, so it never comes out where itcan be seen. But it's here." We fell silent for a moment, trying top...

  8. #8

    Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami
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    "Strange Weather in Tokyo" by Hiromi Kawakami is a tender and quiet story that follows Tsukiko, a lonely office worker in her thirties, who unexpectedly reconnects with her former high school teacher, Sensei, in a Tokyo bar. Despite their age difference and differences in personalities, the two form an unlikely companionship that slowly blossoms into a delicate and heartfelt romance. The book explores themes of loneliness, connection, and love through the lens of everyday interactions, food, and sake, creating a dreamlike atmosphere rooted in Japanese culture and societal norms. Kawakami's writing style is spare yet mesmerizing, drawing readers into the evolving relationship between Tsukiko and Sensei with subtle humor and poignant observations.

    Sensei and I exchanged glances. Despite the fact that we came to this bar almost every other night, the owner had never once treated us like regulars or made a point of making friendly conversation. R...

  9. #9

    Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
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    'Sweet Bean Paste' by Durian Sukegawa is a heartwarming tale that follows Sentaro, a man working in a confectionary shop making dorayaki pancakes filled with sweet bean paste. His life takes an unexpected turn when an elderly woman named Tokue joins him at the shop, bringing with her a delicious bean paste recipe and a unique perspective on life. As their friendship blossoms, they both learn valuable lessons about redemption, friendship, and the beauty of everyday life. The book delves into themes of confinement, past traumas, and the importance of finding hope and meaning in life.

    The writing style of 'Sweet Bean Paste' is described as evocative, spare, and poignant, with a simple yet profound narrative that explores deep cultural and philosophical themes. The story unfolds through the interactions between the characters, revealing layers of complexity and emotion as they navigate personal struggles, societal prejudices, and the power of human connection.

    Sentaro stood over a hot griddle inside the Doraharu shop, as he did all day everyday, cooking pancakes for his dorayaki. Cherry Blossom Street was a run-down commercial strip in a depressed part of t...

  10. #10

    All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami
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    "All the Lovers in the Night" by Mieko Kawakami follows the story of Fuyoko Irie, a 34-year-old woman living alone in Tokyo, whose days are filled with working as a proofreader. Fuyoko is portrayed as an introverted observer of the world, living in a state of daze to cope with the increasingly hostile outside world. Through her interactions with friends like Hijiri and a physics professor, Fuyoko's hidden poetic personality slowly emerges, leading her to question the meaning of relationships and life itself. The novel is described as a poetic, touching, and thought-provoking exploration of Fuyoko's internal struggles and the challenges she faces in finding her place in the world.

    Once I had the pot on the burner, I switched the phone from between my chin and shoulder into my left hand, went back into the other room and crouched down in front of the two cardboard boxes that had...

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