wells140's review
5.0
This book was a wonderful surprise. When I began reading, I expected to be bored with the discussion of dictionary creation. The book was full of romance, nuanced social interaction and relayed the importance of meaning in a very human way.
jena_ah's review
3.0
3.5/5 stars
- Simple and short read
- Definition and the usage of words can be used differently, including incorrectly- which is why defining words is a very important process
- cute book
- Majime a chill character
- recommended for those who like simplicity and short reads
- Simple and short read
- Definition and the usage of words can be used differently, including incorrectly- which is why defining words is a very important process
- cute book
- Majime a chill character
- recommended for those who like simplicity and short reads
saralynnburnett's review
5.0
I love this book so much! What a find! I’m so glad this got translated – we need more books like this in English. The story is a sweet one and all about the relationships between a group of people working on a dictionary in Japan (and it takes something like 15 years). The characters are all lovable, the relationships grow and change along with each and the information woven in about the creation of dictionaries was fantastic. This was turned into a movie in Japan and if you know where a full subtitled version exists to stream please let me know.
If you were a fan of Word by word or contemporary Japanese literature you’re going to love this.
If you were a fan of Word by word or contemporary Japanese literature you’re going to love this.
crisadmaiora's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
hadia_00's review
4.0
A story revolving around various workaholics told through 5 (tediously long) chapters, following a different character in each. We follow lexicographers who are polar opposites of each other but come together to achieve a mutual goal of making a modern Japanese dictionary. The book has a slice-of-life feel that is common in cosy Japanese fiction, and I loved it! didn't like the long chapters tho 😥
mcgab's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
wisestudent's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
sungold's review
3.0
This is one of those books that you want to love but end up quite-liking instead.
Before reading this book, I had not considered dictionary-making an art form; it had seemed to me that a person, probably named Webster (like from Webster's Dictionary), had gone and compiled definitions for our most commonly used words--and that was that! I did not consider that these definitions have any significant variances, that there are social, cultural, and political constructs that determine what we do and do not see in a dictionary. I had not even considered that the review process would be all-enveloping or that there are people, lovely people, who have devoted their lives to that line of work.
This book follows several characters, most of whom are considered slightly odd or erratic, as they navigate love: love of dictionaries, love of friends and, of course, romantic love. It is the kind of quirky you find in books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, where the characters are different enough to stand out but related to on a level that is quite personal.
Good read, overall. Would recommend for readers who like slow-build books without big climaxes. The journey here is long and steady--just like that of creating a dictionary.
Before reading this book, I had not considered dictionary-making an art form; it had seemed to me that a person, probably named Webster (like from Webster's Dictionary), had gone and compiled definitions for our most commonly used words--and that was that! I did not consider that these definitions have any significant variances, that there are social, cultural, and political constructs that determine what we do and do not see in a dictionary. I had not even considered that the review process would be all-enveloping or that there are people, lovely people, who have devoted their lives to that line of work.
This book follows several characters, most of whom are considered slightly odd or erratic, as they navigate love: love of dictionaries, love of friends and, of course, romantic love. It is the kind of quirky you find in books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, where the characters are different enough to stand out but related to on a level that is quite personal.
Good read, overall. Would recommend for readers who like slow-build books without big climaxes. The journey here is long and steady--just like that of creating a dictionary.
markoobu's review against another edition
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
beezybee's review against another edition
5.0
I never thought that a book about creating a dictionary would mean so much to me but it did. The translation was very well done and didn't leave out any of the context or certain words. This book shows so much love for ones language that was so contagious even though I've never been one who cared much about the written word (at least to the extent of our main characters in the novel). I think about it often and that's all I can ask for when I read something. I loved all of the POVs and seeing the different personalities and personal struggles our characters are going through. A great story about friendship, love, and what true passion about your work can do for you.
Highly recommend the audiobook as well. It was so enjoyable and helped with some of the pronunciations I would've struggled with otherwise.
Highly recommend the audiobook as well. It was so enjoyable and helped with some of the pronunciations I would've struggled with otherwise.