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textual_sensations's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In this mesmerizing novel, Ruth Ozeki weaves a tale that transcends time, space, and, culture. The story follows two seemingly disparate narratives - that of a young Japanese girl, Nao, and an American novelist, Ruth - which eventually intersect in profound ways.
Ozeki's masterful storytelling will transport you to the streets of Tokyo, the coast of British Columbia, and the depths of human consciousness. Her writing is both poignant and humorous, as she explores themes of identity, family, and the power of stories to connect us across generations.
Nao's journey, in particular, will capture your heart - her struggles with bullying, her love for her grandmother, and her quest for meaning in a chaotic world. You'll find yourself rooting for her from the very beginning.
Ruth's narrative offers a fascinating exploration of the writing process, the importance of storytelling, and the interconnectedness of all things.
As the two narratives converge, Ozeki reveals the profound impact that our individual stories can have on one another. It's a testament to the power of empathy, compassion, and understanding.
"A Tale for the Time Being" is a must-read for anyone who loves stories that linger long after the final page is turned. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and contemplate the very nature of existence. Trust me, you won't regret immersing yourself in this extraordinary tale.
Overall, If I had to sum it up as short as possible I would say, “A Tale for the Time Being" is a nuanced blend of introspection, empathy, and wonder, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the characters' experiences and reflect on their own lives. The book tackles tough subjects, it does so in a thoughtful and poetic way, making it more suitable for readers who appreciate a lyrical and introspective writing style.
Minor: Cursing, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Suicide attempt
“A Tale for the Time Being" by Ruth Ozeki contains themes and content that may be triggering for some readers, including: 1. Suicide ideation and attempts: Nao's struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts are portrayed in a realistic and sensitive manner. 2. Bullying: Nao faces severe bullying at school, which may be distressing for some readers. 3. Mental health struggles: The novel explores themes of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 4. Loss and grief: The story deals with the loss of loved ones and the emotional aftermath. 5. Environmental disaster: The novel touches on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster and its consequences. 6. Cultural displacement and identity struggles: Nao's experiences as a Japanese-American may resonate with readers who have faced similar struggles. 7. some sexual content and brief strong language. While these themes are handled with care and sensitivity, it's essential to be aware of them before reading the book. If you're concerned about triggers, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or a trusted adult for support. The themes and content in "A Tale for the Time Being" are handled with sensitivity and nuance, and while they may be intense and emotional, I would describe them as more mild than graphic. The author, Ruth Ozeki, approaches these topics with a thoughtful and poetic touch, without explicit or gratuitous descriptions. For example, while Nao's struggles with suicidal thoughts and self-harm are deeply affecting, they are not graphically depicted. The focus is on her emotional journey and the impact of her experiences on her life, rather than explicit descriptions of self-harm or suicidal acts. Similarly, the bullying scenes are more suggestive than explicit, conveying the emotional pain and distress Nao experiences without gratuitous details. The novel's approach is more lyrical and introspective, emphasizing the characters' emotional and psychological journeys over graphic content. However, individual reader sensitivities may vary, and it's always important to prioritize self-care and well-being when engaging with potentially triggering material.alyssapusateri's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Cursing, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Trafficking, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
miciahsreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
worldbuilding - .75
plot - .75
enjoyment - .75
writing - 1
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death
thmei's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
this book explored a lot of themes in a very tangible, human way and that’s what i loved about it. i think i could talk about it for ages. it obviously won’t work for everyone, but i personally am very glad i picked it up. if you’re a writer, a big reader, someone who feels a little lost or a little lonely, someone who had a rough childhood or shitty parents, or someone who likes to think about life or death or truth or memory or love or anything else in the synopsis, give it a shot.
i’m going to keep the content warning explanations as spoiler free as possible but i do still want to explain the big things, because i think there are some things you can skip around if you have to, and for some you should avoid this book entirely if you think they might trigger you. i’ve marked pretty much everything as spoilers so if you’re just looking for one specific explanation, you can choose that. i know i always want explanations so hopefully someone finds them helpful.
Graphic: Bullying, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Dementia, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and War
Minor: Animal cruelty, Cursing, Death, and Racial slurs
BULLYING:jameslyons's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence, Dementia, Grief, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Gore, Blood, Death of parent, and Colonisation
kateschu's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Bullying, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Death, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, and Trafficking
joshlegere's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Bullying and Cursing