A review by spcandybars
The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki

emotional informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I have to say that I absolutely love, no, completely adore this book. So much feels so relatable - the depiction of the mother’s ADHD, the presence of the Marie Kondo + Japanese minimalism tidying boom, the odd complications of aging into adulthood within a rapidly changing society - but then there are the the moments that aren’t relatable, that don’t make you feel nostalgic about your life. There’s pain and struggles with mental health that may seem far away but are so close anyway.  I heavily appreciated the tie between Benny’s auditory hallucinations, the likely ghost of the Kenji, and the incorporation of the Japanese/Shinto beliefs surrounding the spirit of all things. I also love “the book” and how it encompasses many a book lover’s inner ramblings about their favorite item while also representing something much more abstract. I could dig into so many pieces of this book but in this moment I’m just so happy to have added it to a never ending collection of stories (which I think would make the book happy as well). 
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