How Do You Live? - BookWyrm Underscore

256 pages

English language

Published March 9, 2021 by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.

ISBN:: 978-1-61620-977-3

(1 review)

First published in 1937, Genzaburō Yoshino’s How Do You Live? has long been acknowledged in Japan as a crossover classic for young readers. The novel is narrated in two voices. The first belongs to Copper, fifteen, who after the death of his father must confront inevitable and enormous change, including his own betrayal of his best friend. In between episodes of Copper’s emerging story, his uncle writes to him in a journal, sharing knowledge and offering advice on life’s big questions as Copper begins to encounter them. Over the course of the story, Copper, like his namesake Copernicus, looks to the stars, and uses his discoveries about the heavens, earth, and human nature to answer the question of how he will live.

This first-ever English-language translation of a Japanese classic about finding one’s place in a world both infinitely large and unimaginably small is perfect for readers of philosophical fiction …

First published in 1937, Genzaburō Yoshino’s How Do You Live? has long been acknowledged in Japan as a crossover classic for young readers. The novel is narrated in two voices. The first belongs to Copper, fifteen, who after the death of his father must confront inevitable and enormous change, including his own betrayal of his best friend. In between episodes of Copper’s emerging story, his uncle writes to him in a journal, sharing knowledge and offering advice on life’s big questions as Copper begins to encounter them. Over the course of the story, Copper, like his namesake Copernicus, looks to the stars, and uses his discoveries about the heavens, earth, and human nature to answer the question of how he will live.

This first-ever English-language translation of a Japanese classic about finding one’s place in a world both infinitely large and unimaginably small is perfect for readers of philosophical fiction like The Alchemist and The Little Prince, as well as Miyazaki fans eager to understand his many influences.

5 editions

GnomeKing@bookwyrm.social reviewed How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino

Review of 'How Do You Live?' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

This is a remarkable book, it has an interesting history, written as part of a series of books for young Japanese nationals, it shows them how to behave in the world, how to become a great human and how you should treat others. I found it really inspiring but at the same time it made me realise how world weary I have become, each time I go on social media there is always somebody showing their worst side and I just wanna sit them down and make them have a read of this book.

The book is centred around Copper a 15 year old school boy, we follow him as he makes friends, deals with bullies and cares for those who are considered outcasts. His Dad has recently died and his uncle has stepped up to be the father figure in Copper’s life, the uncle is the sort of person …

This is a remarkable book, it has an interesting history, written as part of a series of books for young Japanese nationals, it shows them how to behave in the world, how to become a great human and how you should treat others. I found it really inspiring but at the same time it made me realise how world weary I have become, each time I go on social media there is always somebody showing their worst side and I just wanna sit them down and make them have a read of this book.

The book is centred around Copper a 15 year old school boy, we follow him as he makes friends, deals with bullies and cares for those who are considered outcasts. His Dad has recently died and his uncle has stepped up to be the father figure in Copper’s life, the uncle is the sort of person everybody needs guiding them at a young age, very wise and ethical, it is his diary entries that guide Copper through any tricky situation. As well as giving fatherly advice he teaches Copper about history, we learn about gravity, Napoleon and Buddhist statues and he has a fantastic voice the keeps the reader engrossed.

If I had read this as a child would I have found it interesting? I doubt it, it is the sort of book that needs to be read to you when young for you to fully appreciate it’s message, I reckon if my parents had read this to me I would be less of a troll as an adult