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The main character of Snow Country was very strange and honestly quite creepy. His advances were off putting and I didn’t find him to be a very likable character. However, I did appreciate the beautiful prose and the setting of the novel. I will check out Kawabata’s other works but this one is quite dated. However, if Japanese culture interests you and you want to read one of Japan’s most famous authors this is a good place to start.

Septology is one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. The writing style takes some getting used to, but it allows you to flow alongside Asle’s thoughts on life and God. I loved the way the novel weaves between Asle’s past and present—across seven books, we gain a deep understanding of the life he has lived, his challenges and successes, and his unwavering commitment to his wife, Ales.

At times, I found this book a bit of a struggle to get through. It is easily one of the longest I’ve ever read, but I’m glad I persevered. My favorite moments were Asle’s reflections on God and life—his observations are poignant and astute. The setting also adds to the novel’s atmosphere; the snow and crashing waves create a backdrop that mirrors its meditative tone.

I’m very excited to read more of Jon Fosse.

You’d be forgiven for believing this book to be innocent and carefree. However, Tomoko’s piercing observations reveal sinister undertones. This book contains multitudes. It is about growing up and family, but also the inevitable disappointments that maturity brings. If nothing else, read Mina’s Matchbox for the Pygmy hippo.

- JT

This book went down like ice cold water on a sweltering summer day. The book was incredibly engaging with a setting that I knew nothing about. I felt as if I was alongside Cristi as he fought against the oppression of communism. What a fantastic read.

One of the strangest books I’ve ever read. I’ll definitely have to read it again. It’s beautifully written and I think the ending is one of the most powerful endings I’ve read. Will definitely have to read again.

The Outrun is a beautiful book about healing. In Outrun, the main character Amy, struggles with her alcohol addiction. However, with courage and determination she is able to stay sober and rebuild her life. I loved this book. I found myself thinking about my own struggles and how like Amy, I found quiet determination to keep going. The Outrun is a powerful reminder to keep going.

As I Lay Dying took forever to read. It’s surprisingly dark which I wasn’t expecting. It gets better towards the end but this won’t be a book I’ll be revisiting. It was hard to piece the plot together. Each chapter is also told by the perspective of a different character and it can become very confusing. Although I didn’t love this book it was definitely a unique read.

I couldn’t put it down. Even though the main character does some very morally questionable things I still found myself rooting for her. She embodies struggles that we all have and I really found myself rooting for her by the end. At times the book felt like a train wreck I couldn’t look away from. However, I kept coming back because the book is written with a lot of style and heart.

Amazing. I always thought that this book would be superficial and shallow but it has a surprising amount of depth. There were a lot of great observations, and I genuinely feel like this book will help me to lead a better life.

About Love is a wonderful collection of short stories. Some end in disaster and others with painful longing. Chekov’s writing is beautiful. The way he describes the various landscapes and the innermost feelings of the different characters is gripping. My favorite out of the different stories is the first one. It was the most hopeful. Others such as the black monk left me feeling a bit melancholy. It’s a short read and I highly recommend it if you want something to read that doesn’t feel like a chore.