Another wonderful way to start the year is by joining the Japanese Literature Challenge hosted by Dolce Bellezza. This challenge is now in it’s 17th year and runs through the end of February 2024.
I’ve enjoyed participating in this challenge over the years so I can’t wait to see which book(s) I discover this year. Whether it’s a mystery, classic or contemporary fiction, I do enjoy Japanese literature a lot. I would love to visit Japan one day but in the meantime, I’ll let the books take me there.
So here is the pile of possibilities:
At the End of the Matinee by Keiichiro Hiram; translated by Juliet Winters Carpenter
Fish Swimming in Dappled Sunlight by Riku Onda; translated by Alison Watts
The Inugami Curse by Seishi Yokomizo; translated by Yumiko Yamakazi
Where the Wild Ladies Are by Yoko Matsuda; translated by Polly Barton
There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura; translated by Polly Barton
With the exception of Riku Onda, the other authors are all new to me. I hope to read at least two books for this challenge but all of these sound so good that I don’t know which one to start with. Do I go with a mystery or short stories? I’ll tell you which one I chose start with soon.
In the meantime, I am contemplating a few other challenges. Why is it that the new year, I always feel like I can conquer all? If you are thinking of a reading challenge and not sure where to start, check out this amazing list.
Anyway, I’d love to hear if you are participating in the Japanese Literature challenge or if you recommend any of the titles I listed. Or if you are participating in any other challenge let me know.
Yeah this is a good challenge — Japanese Lit is so good. I need to join in. I will think of a title I’d like to read. thx for the reminder. & good luck with it.
Susan – Oh glad to hear you are joining in too! Look forward to hearing what you’ll read. I would love to start one of my choices now but I realize I need to start my mystery book for my book group as I’m leading the discussion! Anyway, have fun!
I am hoping to read one or two Japanese books in between the books for my two long-standing book groups. In addition, also reading titles from NYRB Women 24 list and Roxane Gay’s Audacious Book Club.
Nina Lehman – Oh the NYRB Women 24 list sounds interesting and I’ll also have to look into Roxane Gay’s book club. I hadn’t heard about it. Hope you are able to enjoy some Japanese Literature!
Good luck on your challenge! Sounds like a fun one!