Scan barcode
seclement's review
5.0
Sadly I was gifted this after I left the UK so the seasons are all wrong, but this is a lovely book to pick up and read just before bed or just after waking. Totally observational but slightly educational, entirely British and absolutely sweet. A good coffee table or night stand read.
harrietannreads's review
4.0
This book took me a whole month and I’m not entirely sure why (partly because I left it behind when I was away for 2 weeks and partly because it was one of those books where you have only read 3 pages when you feel like you’ve read 20).
I really enjoyed this book and thought it was the most lovely concept. This was heightened by it being written during the first lockdown and it was just so interesting to return to that time. I understand so many people struggled because of loss of employment, loneliness, and poor mental health but for me lockdown was a rejuvenating period where I finally had time to reflect. This sort of experience was mirrored in this book (with an understanding of the challenges and the hardships) so it felt like it served as a reminder of what did I learn in lockdown? What should I be trying to implement from that time in my life now? I think this book can teach us all about finding beauty in the small things and noticing the little details in the day to day so I reckon I’ll return to it but maybe not reading it in full again.
The one thing that bothered me was when there was a micro season where not much happened. Instead of simply observing that not much happened and writing a small amount of the changes that were seen, the author decided to fill the chapter space with his own “philosophical” musings. I was only here for the nature observations so I found this annoying and unnecessary. It clearly didn’t detract too much from my overall opinion of the book though, hence the 4 stars.
I really enjoyed this book and thought it was the most lovely concept. This was heightened by it being written during the first lockdown and it was just so interesting to return to that time. I understand so many people struggled because of loss of employment, loneliness, and poor mental health but for me lockdown was a rejuvenating period where I finally had time to reflect. This sort of experience was mirrored in this book (with an understanding of the challenges and the hardships) so it felt like it served as a reminder of what did I learn in lockdown? What should I be trying to implement from that time in my life now? I think this book can teach us all about finding beauty in the small things and noticing the little details in the day to day so I reckon I’ll return to it but maybe not reading it in full again.
The one thing that bothered me was when there was a micro season where not much happened. Instead of simply observing that not much happened and writing a small amount of the changes that were seen, the author decided to fill the chapter space with his own “philosophical” musings. I was only here for the nature observations so I found this annoying and unnecessary. It clearly didn’t detract too much from my overall opinion of the book though, hence the 4 stars.
david66's review
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0
Written during the Covid pandemic, and following the Japanese tradition of dividing the year into 72 micro seasons, Lev Parikian charts his wanderings & observations around his suburban London home.
I LOVED this book: Levs style of writing, his way with words. He's witty, self-effacing and observant. There's something joyful on every page; a new observation, a funny anecdote, a piece of knowledge. I learnt a lot, but mostly it's made me more aware and appreciative of all that's around us. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
I LOVED this book: Levs style of writing, his way with words. He's witty, self-effacing and observant. There's something joyful on every page; a new observation, a funny anecdote, a piece of knowledge. I learnt a lot, but mostly it's made me more aware and appreciative of all that's around us. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
jess_97xo's review
5.0
A beautiful book which filled me with so much joy over and over again. I learned so much about Japanese culture and it reminded me to appreciate the small things in life, like the birds, flowers, solitude, and nature in general. I loved this book very much and will be recommending it to everyone.
charlottesomewhere's review
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
This was February's #TheWayBackBookClub recommendation from Melinda Salisbury.
It takes us through year in Britain through the 72 micro-seasons of ancient Japan.
The writing is clever, witty and made me laugh.
This book taught me a lot about the outside world, especially birds.
It takes us through year in Britain through the 72 micro-seasons of ancient Japan.
The writing is clever, witty and made me laugh.
This book taught me a lot about the outside world, especially birds.