So I went back and forth on whether to join the Japanese Literature Challenge, which Bellezza is hosting, and in the end I couldn’t resist. I mean, you can read however many books you want but least one and that’s during a nine month period. Surely I can do this.
Oh and the other great part is that for this challenge you can read works from children’s books, short stories, mystery, biography, sci-fi/fantasy, manga and poetry.
I looked through my stacks for books that I could consider and I found these titles:
- Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima
- A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami
- On Parole by Akira Yoshimura
- Grotesque by Natsuo Kirino
I’ve read all of these authors except for Yukio Mishima. All of these books sound very interesting and that’s why I have them in my stacks but you know who I wish wasn’t missing from my stacks? Banana Yoshimoto. I could have sworn I had another book of hers waiting to be read.
Anyway, I’m excited to join in the challenge, which is now in its seventh year – wow! How about you, are you joining?
Fun! I read a book of Mishima’s short stories for the inaugural Japanese challenge and loved it. Haven’t read him since and I want to so thanks for the reminder!
You can do it! The only one I’ve heard of Murakami, and I haven’t read him yet, so obviously I haven’t read any of these! I look forward to your thoughts on these or any of the books you read! 🙂
Stefanie – Yay! Hope you’ll get a chance to read another Mishima.
Heather – I highly recommend Sputnik Sweetheart by Murakami. I think that’s probably a great intro to his work! I’ll keep you guys posted.
I do have a Yoshimoto sitting on my shelf unread. The Lake? Something similar. I haven’t gotten to it yet but really should. I love this challenge of Bellezza’s. I just finished up The Wind-up Bird Chronicle and really enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy these.
Trish – The Lake is great! See a good reason to join in the challenge!
I’m contemplating joining, too, as I want to read some Japanese lit–maybe some Japanese crime to go along with my current mystery/crime binge. I’ll have to go check this one out, too!