How Do You Live?
The uplifting Japanese classic and inspiration for award-winning film, The Boy and the Heron
-
-
3.8 • 8 Ratings
-
-
- £6.99
-
- £6.99
Publisher Description
The uplifting Japanese bestseller and coming-of-age classic, a heartwarming tale about finding one’s place in the world. For fans of The Little Prince.
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELER
OVER 2 MILLION COPIES SOLD
The streets of Tokyo swarm below fifteen-year-old Copper as he gazes out into the city of his childhood. Struck by the thought of the infinite people whose lives play out alongside his own, he begins to wonder, how do you live?
Considering life's biggest questions for the first time, Copper turns to his dear uncle for heart-warming wisdom. As the old man guides the boy on a journey of philosophical discovery, a timeless tale unfolds, offering a poignant reflection on what it means to be human.
The favourite childhood book of Academy Award-winning anime master Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle), this beloved modern classic is a thought-provoking and uplifting tale about discovering what really matters in life.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
First published in 1937, this deeply thoughtful Japanese classic—filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki's favorite childhood book—is offered in its first English translation via Navasky's quiet, carefully measured prose. Born and raised in Tokyo, 15-year-old Honda Jun'ichi, known as Copper and small for his age, "can be a bit too mischievous." When his bank director father passed away around two years ago, Copper and his mother downsized and moved to a modest suburban home, now frequently visited by Copper's maternal uncle, with whom he is "terribly close." Interspersed with prosaic recollections of a year of Copper's school days, interpersonal dramas, and developing friendships, entries from Uncle's Notebook relay affirmative messages to Copper, covering topics such as science, philosophy, history, and poverty. What results is a gentle tale of self-discovery and reflection, and a compassionate guidebook on integrity punctuated by rich sensory details. If the book unfurls a bit slowly, Yoshino's timeless lessons ("You must live your life like a true human being and feel just what you feel"), will resonate with sensitive readers young and old. Front matter includes a foreword by Neil Gaiman; back matter includes a note from the translator. Ages 10–14.
Customer Reviews
How do you live.
An amazing read, very thought provoking and a lovely storyline.
Well worth it.