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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
inspiring
slow-paced
I don’t see enough people recommending this book. It’s very good and the pacing was perfect for the narrative. I would recommend for fans of “The Housekeeper and the Professor” or “A Man Called Ove.”
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
EDIT: 2.5 > 2/5 stars - this was just alright. learned a bit about how leprosy patients were treated in japan then which was enlightening. aside from that though, i found this a pretty dull and boring read.
This book is greatest in its last two chapters. The rest of it was fine but not particularly affecting, while I found the ending really profound. The thesis is a version of the idea that each person is an entire universe unto themselves. They are the only one who will ever perceive the world exactly how they do, and that contribution is enough to lend meaning to the life they live. I also liked the idea of a tree cemetery; in lieu of a tombstone, each person having a tree planted to commemorate their life, growing a forest of lives past.
Favorite quotes:
"Some lives are all too brief, while others are a continual struggle. I couldn’t help thinking that it was a brutal assessment of people’s lives to employ usefulness to society as a yardstick by which to measure their value."
"The world that child senses exists because of it, and therefore that child’s life, too, has purpose and meaning."
"Anyone is capable of making a positive contribution to the world through simple observation, irrespective of circumstance."
Favorite quotes:
"Some lives are all too brief, while others are a continual struggle. I couldn’t help thinking that it was a brutal assessment of people’s lives to employ usefulness to society as a yardstick by which to measure their value."
"The world that child senses exists because of it, and therefore that child’s life, too, has purpose and meaning."
"Anyone is capable of making a positive contribution to the world through simple observation, irrespective of circumstance."
Utterly gorgeous! So unbelievably lovely! I am crying as I write this!
Everyone should read this. The most beautiful, uplifting novel.
Everyone should read this. The most beautiful, uplifting novel.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes