Tanitha's Cosmic Musings

Let’s face it: we are in the middle of a pandemic. No matter what politicians say, the dreaded Covid-19 is still with us and probably will be for a while longer. So, we need to limit any exposure to the virus, and take our precautions. So limit our traveling to different countries as well.

Which is what the 5th reading challenge is all about. To explore through books a country that I would like to visit. But where to start? I have traveled a bit around the world, from Cuba to Japan to Australia. I have a mixed heritage, having one parent from Italy and one from Greece. So I have seen a bit of the European literature and culture. We are all exposed to American culture and in Europe to some extent also to British culture.

I have to admit that this is a difficult choice. From Spain to Mexico, from Brazil to South Korea, from Iceland to Russia, from Algeria to Sudan and beyond, there are so many good choices, and all are wonderful.

My choice is Japan. I have been there but would love to go back for another visit. I love anime and manga. I started learning the language and was doing quite well, but had to stop due to money and time constraints. I have bought a few books on Japan and its culture, and this is an excuse to delve into them. I have a few books in English from Japanese authors, a result of my being a bookworm. Speaking of Japanese authors, I loved Kafka on The Shore by Haruki Murakami, and this is an opportunity to read more of his books.

Maybe when I have read the books I already have on Japan, I may delve in books that describe another country. You can live in a country for years, you can read the history, read the greatest authors that country produced, and discover something new about the country every day. Which is to say, that despite discovering more about Japan, I will also keep my eyes open and try to discover more about other countries as well, especially my chosen place of abode.

Which country would you like to visit or re-visit? Which country would you like to explore through books, history and art? And do you have a book on Japan or by a Japanese author to recommend?