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How Do You Live?
Anime master Hayao Miyazaki’s favorite childhood book, in English for the first time.
First published in 1937, Genzaburō Yoshino’s How Do You Live? has long been acknowledged in Japan as a crossover classic for young readers. Academy Award–winning animator Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle) has called it his favorite childhood book and announced plans to emerge from retirement to make it the basis of a final film.
How Do You Live? is narrated in two voices. The first belongs to Copper, fifteen, who after the death of his father must confront inevitable and enormous change, including his own betrayal of his best friend. In between episodes of Copper’s emerging story, his uncle writes to him in a journal, sharing knowledge and offering advice on life’s big questions as Copper begins to encounter them. Over the course of the story, Copper, like his namesake Copernicus, looks to the stars, and uses his discoveries about the heavens, earth, and human nature to answer the question of how he will live.
This first-ever English-language translation of a Japanese classic about finding one’s place in a world both infinitely large and unimaginably small is perfect for readers of philosophical fiction like The Alchemist and The Little Prince, as well as Miyazaki fans eager to understand one of his most important influences.
First published in 1937, Genzaburō Yoshino’s How Do You Live? has long been acknowledged in Japan as a crossover classic for young readers. Academy Award–winning animator Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle) has called it his favorite childhood book and announced plans to emerge from retirement to make it the basis of a final film.
How Do You Live? is narrated in two voices. The first belongs to Copper, fifteen, who after the death of his father must confront inevitable and enormous change, including his own betrayal of his best friend. In between episodes of Copper’s emerging story, his uncle writes to him in a journal, sharing knowledge and offering advice on life’s big questions as Copper begins to encounter them. Over the course of the story, Copper, like his namesake Copernicus, looks to the stars, and uses his discoveries about the heavens, earth, and human nature to answer the question of how he will live.
This first-ever English-language translation of a Japanese classic about finding one’s place in a world both infinitely large and unimaginably small is perfect for readers of philosophical fiction like The Alchemist and The Little Prince, as well as Miyazaki fans eager to understand one of his most important influences.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1937
About the author
Genzaburo Yoshino
5 books125 followersGenzaburo Yoshino (吉野 源三郎) was a Japanese writer, editor and journalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,185 reviews
November 26, 2022
i feel like i just went to kindness school.
this was pretty charming but insanelyyy didactic.
like.......the entire plot was moral lessons? it was as if the entire book was the last sentences from fables. hold the tortoise and the hare and the whole cool racing part, keep the part about not going very fast and avoiding naps.
the snooze parts, if you will.
bottom line: in many ways i liked it...but i didn't have fun.
------------------
tbr review
name a better genre than children's classics.
you can't. no other genre makes you sound smart while taking 45 minutes to read
this was pretty charming but insanelyyy didactic.
like.......the entire plot was moral lessons? it was as if the entire book was the last sentences from fables. hold the tortoise and the hare and the whole cool racing part, keep the part about not going very fast and avoiding naps.
the snooze parts, if you will.
bottom line: in many ways i liked it...but i didn't have fun.
------------------
tbr review
name a better genre than children's classics.
you can't. no other genre makes you sound smart while taking 45 minutes to read
October 18, 2021
How Do You Live? Is the first English translation of the classic Japanese novel for young readers. It “teaches the younger generation about the importance of the humanities to society and the value of thinking for oneself and standing up for others during troubled times.”
This is a story of a fifteen-year-old boy nicknamed Copper and his uncle. Copper was born and raised in Tokyo, now living outside the city. His adventures with his friends are intertwined with his uncle’s advice. After the passing of his father, Copper enjoys guidance of his uncle.
Copper is a good student. However, his mischievous side wouldn’t allow him to be a leader at school. He is not bad-spirited. He simply likes to make people laugh. At school, there is teasing and causing another discomfort by some, but there are also those who stand on the other side and show kindness. And that’s what Copper’s father would expect of his son. Copper is given advice to always consider his feelings, what moves him, to make a habit of thinking honestly. Like his father, his mother and uncle want him to become a great person, to have great thoughts, what it means to be human.
School teaches you to follow certain rules, but the most important thing is “to know yourself first, truly and deeply, where human greatness lies.” They don’t want him to be one of those acting “just for appearance’s sake – in order to seem great in the eyes of others.” Thus, neglecting the true self. “You absolutely must attend to the things you feel in your own heart, the things that move you deeply. That is what is most important, now and always.”
The story holds many lessons ranging from science to history, philosophy, ethics and more. It gives the story interesting dimensions. Nevertheless, the biggest lesson is what it means to be human, to understand social relationships. Anything that is presented be it through history or science, it all comes down to the same question how was it achieved? And was it achieved to help to advance the human race? Or was it for self-purposes? Any act of heroism must be devoted to human progress and goodness, otherwise it’s meaningless and lacks spirit.
There is a lesson to be learned from suffering and sadness and mistakes we make. “As long as we are human, we all make mistakes.” But we also have the ability to recover from mistakes.
It is a very poignant read. I enjoyed the voice of his uncle and what he was trying to relate. But I wonder, since the audience is YA, if messages should be shorter and more straight-forward. So their attention doesn’t wonder off.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story of a fifteen-year-old boy nicknamed Copper and his uncle. Copper was born and raised in Tokyo, now living outside the city. His adventures with his friends are intertwined with his uncle’s advice. After the passing of his father, Copper enjoys guidance of his uncle.
Copper is a good student. However, his mischievous side wouldn’t allow him to be a leader at school. He is not bad-spirited. He simply likes to make people laugh. At school, there is teasing and causing another discomfort by some, but there are also those who stand on the other side and show kindness. And that’s what Copper’s father would expect of his son. Copper is given advice to always consider his feelings, what moves him, to make a habit of thinking honestly. Like his father, his mother and uncle want him to become a great person, to have great thoughts, what it means to be human.
School teaches you to follow certain rules, but the most important thing is “to know yourself first, truly and deeply, where human greatness lies.” They don’t want him to be one of those acting “just for appearance’s sake – in order to seem great in the eyes of others.” Thus, neglecting the true self. “You absolutely must attend to the things you feel in your own heart, the things that move you deeply. That is what is most important, now and always.”
The story holds many lessons ranging from science to history, philosophy, ethics and more. It gives the story interesting dimensions. Nevertheless, the biggest lesson is what it means to be human, to understand social relationships. Anything that is presented be it through history or science, it all comes down to the same question how was it achieved? And was it achieved to help to advance the human race? Or was it for self-purposes? Any act of heroism must be devoted to human progress and goodness, otherwise it’s meaningless and lacks spirit.
There is a lesson to be learned from suffering and sadness and mistakes we make. “As long as we are human, we all make mistakes.” But we also have the ability to recover from mistakes.
It is a very poignant read. I enjoyed the voice of his uncle and what he was trying to relate. But I wonder, since the audience is YA, if messages should be shorter and more straight-forward. So their attention doesn’t wonder off.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2021
new favorite; so thought-provoking and comfy!
April 24, 2024
A hopeful, optimistic and beautiful work to start 2024 with. Life lessons and struggles to become a good person, especially if no one is looking and things get hard are delivered in a slice of life manner
We have the power to decide on our own who we will be.
Therefore, we will make mistakes.
However -
We have the power to decide who we will be.
Therefore, we can also recover from mistakes.
Firstly go watch The Boy and The Heron of Miyazaki, it is a surreal masterpiece, rightfully an Oscar winner and my favorite 2023 movie!
Secondly, this book is not really like the movie in many ways. The focus on ethics and finding once’s place in the world are similar, as in part the Japan around the Second World War setting, but for the rest it is much less fantastical.
A nephew (Jun’ichi Honda) and uncle discuss events and the wider world. How to handle poverty, how to do the right thing especially when no one is watching, the inner life of parents and their regrets, the way Buddhism and its sculpture was influenced by the campaigns of Alexander the Great, the achievements and dubious deeds of Napoleon. It’s a lot, engagingly brought to the reader as well.
We discuss Copernicus (lending the nickname Copper to the main character), taking the societal perspective, debates on the nature of electricity but also worrying about the height of the nephew in the sport line up and admiring friends who speak out against bullying.
Ethics, duty to society, capitalism and its limits, how to be a good person. Serious topics are imprinted on Copper, mostly to ponder and further mull about, by notes of his uncle.
I found it amusing in this mix that taiyaki is being called junkfood.
Mizutani childhood friend, Uragawa (tofu merchant son) and Kitami, rich and lonely form good friends to the main character, reinforcing his ethical lessons.
Quotes:
You and I, too, because we are human, must live with only our value as human beings in mind, not thinking we are unimportant if we happen to be poor or that we are great because we lead a wealthy life.
Despite that, the sad truth is that in today’s world, the people who will be in the most trouble if they get hurt are the people who are in the greatest danger of getting hurt.
And through those studies, you are free to take anything you wish from the accumulated results of tens of thousands of years of human efforts.
… the producers are needed far more than the consumers
We have the power to decide on our own who we will be.
Therefore, we will make mistakes.
However -
We have the power to decide who we will be.
Therefore, we can also recover from mistakes.
Firstly go watch The Boy and The Heron of Miyazaki, it is a surreal masterpiece, rightfully an Oscar winner and my favorite 2023 movie!
Secondly, this book is not really like the movie in many ways. The focus on ethics and finding once’s place in the world are similar, as in part the Japan around the Second World War setting, but for the rest it is much less fantastical.
A nephew (Jun’ichi Honda) and uncle discuss events and the wider world. How to handle poverty, how to do the right thing especially when no one is watching, the inner life of parents and their regrets, the way Buddhism and its sculpture was influenced by the campaigns of Alexander the Great, the achievements and dubious deeds of Napoleon. It’s a lot, engagingly brought to the reader as well.
We discuss Copernicus (lending the nickname Copper to the main character), taking the societal perspective, debates on the nature of electricity but also worrying about the height of the nephew in the sport line up and admiring friends who speak out against bullying.
Ethics, duty to society, capitalism and its limits, how to be a good person. Serious topics are imprinted on Copper, mostly to ponder and further mull about, by notes of his uncle.
I found it amusing in this mix that taiyaki is being called junkfood.
Mizutani childhood friend, Uragawa (tofu merchant son) and Kitami, rich and lonely form good friends to the main character, reinforcing his ethical lessons.
Quotes:
You and I, too, because we are human, must live with only our value as human beings in mind, not thinking we are unimportant if we happen to be poor or that we are great because we lead a wealthy life.
Despite that, the sad truth is that in today’s world, the people who will be in the most trouble if they get hurt are the people who are in the greatest danger of getting hurt.
And through those studies, you are free to take anything you wish from the accumulated results of tens of thousands of years of human efforts.
… the producers are needed far more than the consumers
April 28, 2024
I wish I read this book years earlier and recommend it to everyone I know!
This book is for you if you love books by Mitch Albom and if you want to read a life-changing kind of book, need a good book you would like to give to someone you love.
The story is about a boy growing up, with lots of questions about everything, with an understanding uncle who's there to listen to him. Well, that's the core part when it comes to the basic main characters and the plot.
You will get to answer some big and small questions about yourself and your life while reading this book. I was quite surprised as I didn't expect this when I picked up the book.
The book has lots to offer. It gave me the To Kill a Mockingbird vibes as well at how an adult interacts with a younger person in a very constructive and caring manner.
Also, you will get some of the most life-changing lessons from some of the amazing historical references used in the dialogues. So worth it.
Go for this book. Read it once. Just once.
This book is for you if you love books by Mitch Albom and if you want to read a life-changing kind of book, need a good book you would like to give to someone you love.
The story is about a boy growing up, with lots of questions about everything, with an understanding uncle who's there to listen to him. Well, that's the core part when it comes to the basic main characters and the plot.
You will get to answer some big and small questions about yourself and your life while reading this book. I was quite surprised as I didn't expect this when I picked up the book.
The book has lots to offer. It gave me the To Kill a Mockingbird vibes as well at how an adult interacts with a younger person in a very constructive and caring manner.
Also, you will get some of the most life-changing lessons from some of the amazing historical references used in the dialogues. So worth it.
Go for this book. Read it once. Just once.
December 24, 2021
Very inspiring, I have no words. 10/10
July 16, 2023
After finishing the book now I fully understand why Hayao Miyazaki has decided to adapt this one into a movie and above all I find it too beautiful that he did it to leave a legacy for his grandchildren.
I actually am very surprised that I liked it so much! It is a book that is full of teachings and morals and normally these kinds of books bore me. The first thing is: I agree with many of the things that this book tries to teach. But it is also written in a way that is entertaining and quick to read.
The second thing: unlike many other juvenile books, the author knew how to communicate what he has learned in an entertaining and credible way. Children are children and not someone that the author uses to communicate his own thoughts. For that he uses an adult, which works much better.
Definitely recommended! Cant wait to see the movie.
I actually am very surprised that I liked it so much! It is a book that is full of teachings and morals and normally these kinds of books bore me. The first thing is: I agree with many of the things that this book tries to teach. But it is also written in a way that is entertaining and quick to read.
The second thing: unlike many other juvenile books, the author knew how to communicate what he has learned in an entertaining and credible way. Children are children and not someone that the author uses to communicate his own thoughts. For that he uses an adult, which works much better.
Definitely recommended! Cant wait to see the movie.
January 23, 2024
یک کتاب زیبا و امیدبخش! یک شروع خوب برای 2024 کتابی من! درسهای زندگی و تقلای برای انسان خوبی شدن!
داستان پسری که درحال بزرگ شدن هست و سوالات زیادی درباره مفهوم زندگی و جهان داره و دایی اون که با درک بالا استاد راهنمای پسر هست.
یک خوانش باارزش!
داستان پسری که درحال بزرگ شدن هست و سوالات زیادی درباره مفهوم زندگی و جهان داره و دایی اون که با درک بالا استاد راهنمای پسر هست.
یک خوانش باارزش!
January 16, 2022
“We have the power to decide on our own who we will be. There, we can also recover from mistakes”
Absolutely beautiful book! So thought provoking and teach the reader so many things in life! Friendship, family, history, philosophy, even science… and how to live and also contribute and seeing the world in a different and broaden up point of view
The reason i picked up this book solelely because i was curious about Hayao Miyazaki (co owner of Studio Gibli and animator of Spirited Away, Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle ect) favorite childhood book that inspired him for his animations and WOOOW now i finished the book i feel inspired too
“How Do You Live?” Is actually a middle grade classic book published in 1937 and just got official English translation in 2021, the translation is wonderful and i flew by through the book, it’s narrated in 2 voices: Copper a fifteen years old boy and his uncle written in a journal
I cannot said much really other that YOU definetly need to experience this book and see how special and truely inspiring this book is
Absolutely beautiful book! So thought provoking and teach the reader so many things in life! Friendship, family, history, philosophy, even science… and how to live and also contribute and seeing the world in a different and broaden up point of view
The reason i picked up this book solelely because i was curious about Hayao Miyazaki (co owner of Studio Gibli and animator of Spirited Away, Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle ect) favorite childhood book that inspired him for his animations and WOOOW now i finished the book i feel inspired too
“How Do You Live?” Is actually a middle grade classic book published in 1937 and just got official English translation in 2021, the translation is wonderful and i flew by through the book, it’s narrated in 2 voices: Copper a fifteen years old boy and his uncle written in a journal
I cannot said much really other that YOU definetly need to experience this book and see how special and truely inspiring this book is
September 26, 2021
I have read a grand total of 4 books this September. The last time I read so few books must have been back in 2016 or 2015. But well, the mind refused to read, and I have decided to honor my mind sometimes, and indulge it rather than force-feed it.
This was a book I should have loved. But it turned out to be rather slow, a mindful slow, but a very didactic slow. The problem was the Uncle in the book who writes these very pompous notes to his nephew, and it just irritated me. I am sure the Uncle had good intentions but it took away the charm from describing Japan, the capers of the children, and the evocative prose.
This was a book I should have loved. But it turned out to be rather slow, a mindful slow, but a very didactic slow. The problem was the Uncle in the book who writes these very pompous notes to his nephew, and it just irritated me. I am sure the Uncle had good intentions but it took away the charm from describing Japan, the capers of the children, and the evocative prose.
April 15, 2024
similar feelings to silence by endo shusaku. some parts didn't really land for me but others were rather moving. quite enjoyed it—saw the movie before reading it this time :^]
3.75
3.75
May 11, 2022
3.75
How Do You Live? có bối cảnh năm 30 của Nhật bản, xoay quanh cậu bé 15 tuổi, Junichi Honda hay còn gọi là "Copper". Và cuốn sách đưa chúng ta đến với những thắc mắc của Copper về cuộc sống của cậu bé.
Bản thân mình yêu những khoảnh khắc trong cuộc của Copper cũng như của những người bạn của cậu bé. Những cảm giác thân thuộc mà tuổi thơ mình từng trải qua, qua đó mình nhìn nhận được rất nhiều điều tươi đẹp và đơn giản, có những kỷ niệm buồn nhưng đó là một phần để tạo nên một sự trưởng thành trong đời bạn; những vấn đề giữa giàu và nghèo, vấn đề giáo dục thời bấy giờ vẫn còn khó kiểm soát.
Ở một vài chương thì phần cuối sẽ có phần "ghi chép" của Người chú của Copper dành cho cậu bé, để sau khi đọc được Copper sẽ hiểu hơn về những "thắc mắc" của cậu bé. Thật sự là phần "ghi chép của Người chú" hơi khó đối với mình - nó đề cập rất nhiều thứ hơi "triết lý", Napoleon, định luật Newton...v.v Và có lẽ cảm giác của mình như Copper khi đọc về "ghi chép", nhưng bản thân mình vẫn hiểu ý nghĩa của nó.
"Cháu đã đọc cuốn sổ của chú nhiều lần. Một số nội dung vẫn còn quá khó đối với cháu, nhưng cháu vẫn không bỏ qua bất kì phần nào và đọc hết."
Sau khi đọc xong mình mắc kẹt giữa hai mâu thuẫn: Cuối cùng cuốn sách cũng kết thúc và Mong rằng cuốn sách vẫn còn tiếp. Thật sự những đoạn "triết lý" khó hiểu với mình, nhưng vẫn vui vì được đọc nó. Con người luôn luôn thắc mắc, trao dồi và học hỏi - luôn luôn tạo ra sự phát triển giữa các nền văn hóa, thời đại. Với câu hỏi của Copper "Bạn muốn sống như thế nào?" mình vẫn chưa tìm ra câu trả lời, nhưng có lẽ vẫn cứ sống như cách bạn muốn và sống thật tốt, bạn sẽ tìm ra được câu trả lời vào một ngày nào đó.
"Miễn là bản thân cháu trở thành một người tốt, cháu có thể tạo ra một điều tốt cho thế giới, cháu có thể làm được điều đó. Cháu tin rằng nếu bạn quyết tâm trở thành một người tốt, bạn có khả năng sẽ tạo ra nhiều thứ hơn cho thế giới."
Điều đặc biệt là How Do You Live? sẽ được chuyển thể thành phim bởi hãng phim hoạt hình Ghibli, mình cũng khá tò mò khi chuyển thể thành hoạt hình thì cuốn sách sẽ thế nào? Đặc biệt là các đoạn "ghi chép".
April 29, 2021
I love that the story revolves around the life of a 15-year-old boy who lived during the pre-war era in Japan. It feels authentic and historical to view the way of life and the portrait of Tokyo in the earliest 1930s. Copper, who after the death of his father needs to confront the inevitable and enormous change in life, learning and encountering new perspective also considering life's biggest questions for the first time. Copper turns to his dear uncle for guidance and advices of which his uncle replied it in a form of written journals, sharing knowledge and offering a poignant reflection on life as Copper begins to encounter them.
I love that it holds the lessons on everything; from art, science, history and politics to philosophy, ethic, humanity and morality. As the chapters were alternately told in between Copper and his uncle, I am more fond to read about Copper rather than delving myself into his uncle's journals which I find (sometimes) to be too lengthy and confusing (could really relate when Copper said; "I went back and read your notes again. There were still parts that were confusing to me..."). Despite that, I appreciate his uncle's concern and his sense of responsibility towards Copper and I think the author did great in portraying the relationship between these two characters.
Love Copper and his friends a lot! Their friendship story was quite insightful, too dramatic but also a bit heart-wrenching. And somehow even I don't fancy much on reading the journal chapters, it did leave a deep impression for me. Simple yet profound, very motivational too. 3.5 stars to be exact!
"The things that you feel most deeply, from the very bottom of your heart, will never deceive you in the slightest."
"So this long, long story, for now at least, comes to an end. And now I think I want to ask you a question; how will you live?"
Thanks to Pansing Distribution for gifting me a copy of this book in return for an honest review!
I love that it holds the lessons on everything; from art, science, history and politics to philosophy, ethic, humanity and morality. As the chapters were alternately told in between Copper and his uncle, I am more fond to read about Copper rather than delving myself into his uncle's journals which I find (sometimes) to be too lengthy and confusing (could really relate when Copper said; "I went back and read your notes again. There were still parts that were confusing to me..."). Despite that, I appreciate his uncle's concern and his sense of responsibility towards Copper and I think the author did great in portraying the relationship between these two characters.
Love Copper and his friends a lot! Their friendship story was quite insightful, too dramatic but also a bit heart-wrenching. And somehow even I don't fancy much on reading the journal chapters, it did leave a deep impression for me. Simple yet profound, very motivational too. 3.5 stars to be exact!
"The things that you feel most deeply, from the very bottom of your heart, will never deceive you in the slightest."
"So this long, long story, for now at least, comes to an end. And now I think I want to ask you a question; how will you live?"
Thanks to Pansing Distribution for gifting me a copy of this book in return for an honest review!
January 27, 2022
2.5*
I appreciate this book a lot more than I enjoyed it.
I appreciate this book a lot more than I enjoyed it.
January 21, 2024
شاید اگه ۱۴،۱۵ ساله بودم از خوندنش خیلی بیشتر لذت میبردم.
May 2, 2024
not me being lectured on kindness in 2024
I thought i had that down by now
I thought i had that down by now
May 23, 2023
How Do You Live? - Genzaburo Yoshino
عمل كلاسيكي ياباني شهير، نشر لأول مرة في 1937م ضمن سلسلة لليافعين وهو كان الجزء الأخير في تلك السلسلة.
يطرح الكتاب أسئلة عميقة ولكن الأهم أنه يطرح مواضيع مهمة لكل وقت وعصر، مواضيع تهم الصغار خاصة والكبار أيضًا مثل التنمر والتحزب وصعود الأفكار القومية والفقر إلخ .
أحببت الكتاب ومقدمة نيل غايمان كانت مذهلة، وسعيدة أنه سيتحول لفيلم على يد هاياو ميازاكي قريبًا . .
عمل كلاسيكي ياباني شهير، نشر لأول مرة في 1937م ضمن سلسلة لليافعين وهو كان الجزء الأخير في تلك السلسلة.
يطرح الكتاب أسئلة عميقة ولكن الأهم أنه يطرح مواضيع مهمة لكل وقت وعصر، مواضيع تهم الصغار خاصة والكبار أيضًا مثل التنمر والتحزب وصعود الأفكار القومية والفقر إلخ .
أحببت الكتاب ومقدمة نيل غايمان كانت مذهلة، وسعيدة أنه سيتحول لفيلم على يد هاياو ميازاكي قريبًا . .
November 6, 2022
This has to be my biggest disappointment of the year so far, and I couldn't feel sadder about it. With it being Miyazaki's favourite childhood book, possibly the inspiration for the next Studio Ghibli film; a book about a kid who wonders and questions what it means to live, to love, to create connections with others without feeling lonely; what could go wrong? It had all the ingredients for me to adore it.
And yet, here I am trying not to be too negative 🙈
I'll say this first: if this had been told from Copper's perspective only, I probably would have enjoyed it so much more. The uncle's chapters ruined it completely for me.
I praised this book during a reading vlog when I'd just read the first few chapters, saying how much I loved that it was treating kids respectfully - meaning, treating them as the smart, sensible, curious people they are, despite their naivety, which was also embraced, as it should be. Their youth was not being used as an excuse for them to be looked down at or mistreated by adults, which I always appreciate.
While I never felt this book was exactly disrespecting children, soon enough, when we started getting the uncle's responses to Copper's letters, it immediately went downhill for me. Copper asks big questions; questions that either don't have answers and everyone spends their lives trying to figure them out or, when they do, they're not simple, easy answers. I was hoping for the book to touch on that, and to tell Copper that it's okay. The world is a messy, complicated place, and everyone feels lost. All we can do is try to be the best version of ourselves, help others, be empathetic and respectful, and navigate all this mess together.
Instead, what I got were extremely condescending responses from the uncle. Instead of meaningful conversations, they were pretentious. Instead of taking time to slowly try to unfold and discuss complicated topics (school bullying, poverty, racism, classism are all mentioned examples), they were rushed and treated like something simple, and if they were discussing favourite colours. His responses sounded pompous, and dismissed his nephew's intelligence and care when questioning him.
This would have been a lovely opportunity to develop Copper and his uncle's relationship, while leaving subtle hints about the world around them, with all its ups and downs. But unfortunately, it didn't feel meaningful at all.
And yet, here I am trying not to be too negative 🙈
I'll say this first: if this had been told from Copper's perspective only, I probably would have enjoyed it so much more. The uncle's chapters ruined it completely for me.
I praised this book during a reading vlog when I'd just read the first few chapters, saying how much I loved that it was treating kids respectfully - meaning, treating them as the smart, sensible, curious people they are, despite their naivety, which was also embraced, as it should be. Their youth was not being used as an excuse for them to be looked down at or mistreated by adults, which I always appreciate.
While I never felt this book was exactly disrespecting children, soon enough, when we started getting the uncle's responses to Copper's letters, it immediately went downhill for me. Copper asks big questions; questions that either don't have answers and everyone spends their lives trying to figure them out or, when they do, they're not simple, easy answers. I was hoping for the book to touch on that, and to tell Copper that it's okay. The world is a messy, complicated place, and everyone feels lost. All we can do is try to be the best version of ourselves, help others, be empathetic and respectful, and navigate all this mess together.
Instead, what I got were extremely condescending responses from the uncle. Instead of meaningful conversations, they were pretentious. Instead of taking time to slowly try to unfold and discuss complicated topics (school bullying, poverty, racism, classism are all mentioned examples), they were rushed and treated like something simple, and if they were discussing favourite colours. His responses sounded pompous, and dismissed his nephew's intelligence and care when questioning him.
This would have been a lovely opportunity to develop Copper and his uncle's relationship, while leaving subtle hints about the world around them, with all its ups and downs. But unfortunately, it didn't feel meaningful at all.
November 1, 2021
5 stars
This is Hayao Miyazaki's favorite childhood book—and, according to Neil Gaiman's foreword included in this English translation, it's going to be the focus of his last upcoming film. This book was a beautiful, thought-provoking and philosophical epic wrapped around the story of one young boy's journey in 1937 Japan.
It's often the youngest of stories with the largest of messages, and How Do You Live? is no exception.
Writing: ★★★★★
Themes: ★★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
Born and raised in Tokyo, but now finding himself living outside of the city, Copper is a young teenaged boy growing up in 1937 Japan under the guidance of his family. He's trying to make his way in the world like all of us do at that age—looking to family, school, friends, and society for ways and tools on how to be, how to think, and how to live.
This novel portrays that sense of "finding oneself" during those tumultuous years in such an entrancing way. There are interjections on ethics, societal reflections, and life lessons. There are moments where Copper struggles for identity amongst his family and lot in life. There are moments where he is just a boy, doing boy things.
Life is not just one thing, or even multiple things. And neither are people just one thing, or many things. How Do You Live? showcases those complexities and nuances in ways that are simply astounding for a novel tailored to such a young audience.
It's a poignant and compelling read—and, most important, it's an engaging one. I was riveted to Copper's journey and was right there with him for every moment.
Do yourself a favor and pick this one if you're interested in the subject or in Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli films—this book's core resonates with a lot of the master's work.
Thank you to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
This is Hayao Miyazaki's favorite childhood book—and, according to Neil Gaiman's foreword included in this English translation, it's going to be the focus of his last upcoming film. This book was a beautiful, thought-provoking and philosophical epic wrapped around the story of one young boy's journey in 1937 Japan.
It's often the youngest of stories with the largest of messages, and How Do You Live? is no exception.
Writing: ★★★★★
Themes: ★★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
Born and raised in Tokyo, but now finding himself living outside of the city, Copper is a young teenaged boy growing up in 1937 Japan under the guidance of his family. He's trying to make his way in the world like all of us do at that age—looking to family, school, friends, and society for ways and tools on how to be, how to think, and how to live.
This novel portrays that sense of "finding oneself" during those tumultuous years in such an entrancing way. There are interjections on ethics, societal reflections, and life lessons. There are moments where Copper struggles for identity amongst his family and lot in life. There are moments where he is just a boy, doing boy things.
Life is not just one thing, or even multiple things. And neither are people just one thing, or many things. How Do You Live? showcases those complexities and nuances in ways that are simply astounding for a novel tailored to such a young audience.
It's a poignant and compelling read—and, most important, it's an engaging one. I was riveted to Copper's journey and was right there with him for every moment.
Do yourself a favor and pick this one if you're interested in the subject or in Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli films—this book's core resonates with a lot of the master's work.
Thank you to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
October 25, 2021
How Do You Live? was a childhood favourite of Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle) and I am truly honored to be reading a book that I feel helped shaped him into being the awe-inspiring creator that he became.
This book is a coming of age story, set in Tokyo in the 1930s. It is a history lesson, a science lesson, philosophy lesson all while talking about what it truly means to be human. It is beautiful and inspiring and I can see why and how it became Miyazaki's childhood favourite.
It is told in two points of view, our main character Copper and his Uncle. Copper's father has been dead for a few years now and his Uncle is taking it upon himself to guide his young nephew with advice and wisdom. He's pov's are in the form of letters that he is compiling in a notebook that he will one day hand to Copper. Topics such as what it means to be human, to be heroic, and other lessons. He tells of Coppers fathers words that he wanted passed on to him.
Copper is in junior high school, he comes from a well off family as do most of his friends, with the exception of one. He is a deep thinker, who sees the world a little different then others boys his age. With the help of his friends, his uncle and his mother he learns what it means to be human and good one at that. As the book flows through the seasons, we feel Coppers growth, his emotions, his regrets. His struggles and how he deals with them.
How Do You Live, descriptions of the simplest things, such as a seed and it is eventually into a flower will make you pause and reflect. The whole book is wonderful and I truly feel honored to experience it for myself.
Thank you Algonquin Young Readers for giving me the chance to read and spread the word about this special book.
I will be adding a physical copy to my own shelf and over the moon to see this become the spectacular anime that Hayo Miyazaki will create.
Orginally published on I Can Has Books?
This book is a coming of age story, set in Tokyo in the 1930s. It is a history lesson, a science lesson, philosophy lesson all while talking about what it truly means to be human. It is beautiful and inspiring and I can see why and how it became Miyazaki's childhood favourite.
It is told in two points of view, our main character Copper and his Uncle. Copper's father has been dead for a few years now and his Uncle is taking it upon himself to guide his young nephew with advice and wisdom. He's pov's are in the form of letters that he is compiling in a notebook that he will one day hand to Copper. Topics such as what it means to be human, to be heroic, and other lessons. He tells of Coppers fathers words that he wanted passed on to him.
Copper is in junior high school, he comes from a well off family as do most of his friends, with the exception of one. He is a deep thinker, who sees the world a little different then others boys his age. With the help of his friends, his uncle and his mother he learns what it means to be human and good one at that. As the book flows through the seasons, we feel Coppers growth, his emotions, his regrets. His struggles and how he deals with them.
How Do You Live, descriptions of the simplest things, such as a seed and it is eventually into a flower will make you pause and reflect. The whole book is wonderful and I truly feel honored to experience it for myself.
Thank you Algonquin Young Readers for giving me the chance to read and spread the word about this special book.
I will be adding a physical copy to my own shelf and over the moon to see this become the spectacular anime that Hayo Miyazaki will create.
Orginally published on I Can Has Books?
January 16, 2022
This novel, which I’d never heard of until recently, is as charming a story as anything I’ve read in a long time. It’s a story about a young boy growing up and learning about the good and bad of the world, and his potential to embody both of these qualities, and it’s also full of letters that his uncle writes to him encouraging him to become a great man one day. One could almost say that half the book is a story with a traditional arc, along with something verging on essays that reflect on the story’s events and help the young boy see the deeper side of his not fully understood experiences. “How Do You Live?” is charming, transporting, and full of important lessons for us all. I know I’ll re-read this later, and recommend it to others, and I also look forward to seeing how Miyazaki transforms it into a movie. In many ways, it seems as if it would be a perfect fit.
December 24, 2023
"The things that you feel most deeply, from the very bottom of your heart, will never deceive you in the slightest."
.
.
The story is about a boy growing up, with lots of questions about everything. He is a deep thinker, who sees the world a little differently than other boys his age. with an understanding uncle who's there to listen to him. He guides him to the right path in an enjoyable and philosophical way.
.
.
At first, I thought How Do You Live? was just the story of a boy and his uncle. The boy is becoming a young man and has adventures with his friends. The uncle cares for his nephew and offers him advice. As I read more of the book, I discovered that, in addition to the story, it contains lessons on everything: Family, friends, art, science, history, politics, and philosophy.
Despite the amount of information in it, the story was very warm, beautiful, and relaxing. I loved all the chapters and all the characters.
This book should be read by everyone, because of the important ideas it contains for our present and our future.
.
.
“You take many things from the world, but I wonder what you will give back in return?”
.
.
The story is about a boy growing up, with lots of questions about everything. He is a deep thinker, who sees the world a little differently than other boys his age. with an understanding uncle who's there to listen to him. He guides him to the right path in an enjoyable and philosophical way.
.
.
At first, I thought How Do You Live? was just the story of a boy and his uncle. The boy is becoming a young man and has adventures with his friends. The uncle cares for his nephew and offers him advice. As I read more of the book, I discovered that, in addition to the story, it contains lessons on everything: Family, friends, art, science, history, politics, and philosophy.
Despite the amount of information in it, the story was very warm, beautiful, and relaxing. I loved all the chapters and all the characters.
This book should be read by everyone, because of the important ideas it contains for our present and our future.
.
.
“You take many things from the world, but I wonder what you will give back in return?”
June 6, 2021
10/10 shiny stars
This book is beautiful inside out. I went into this book completely blind, except with the knowledge that it’s Hayao Miyazaki favourite book of all time. I’m glad I chose to go into it without any expectations. The writing captivated me right from the first chapter. I was enthralled by the main character, Copper. He’s just such a sweetheart and an intriguing character to read from. The chapters where we were able to read from Copper’s uncle’s notebook were nothing but fascinating. I love how the author uses stories about Copernicus and Napoleon to share the message he’s trying to bring across. The philosophy, teachings and beliefs were eye-opening. I thoroughly felt that I’ve learnt a lot from this book, and I truly believe that if everyone were to read this, the world would be a way better place to live in. Reading this book is truly live-changing and it makes me want to be a better person - that’s how I want to live my life - and all I want to do is to reflect and mediate on some of the key points the author has shared. Would definitely recommend this book, and I reckon you’d be able to gain new insights/perspective whenever you reread it. So don’t be surprise if you see me re-read this a million times.
p/s I really can’t wait for studio ghibli’s adaption of this book!
This book is beautiful inside out. I went into this book completely blind, except with the knowledge that it’s Hayao Miyazaki favourite book of all time. I’m glad I chose to go into it without any expectations. The writing captivated me right from the first chapter. I was enthralled by the main character, Copper. He’s just such a sweetheart and an intriguing character to read from. The chapters where we were able to read from Copper’s uncle’s notebook were nothing but fascinating. I love how the author uses stories about Copernicus and Napoleon to share the message he’s trying to bring across. The philosophy, teachings and beliefs were eye-opening. I thoroughly felt that I’ve learnt a lot from this book, and I truly believe that if everyone were to read this, the world would be a way better place to live in. Reading this book is truly live-changing and it makes me want to be a better person - that’s how I want to live my life - and all I want to do is to reflect and mediate on some of the key points the author has shared. Would definitely recommend this book, and I reckon you’d be able to gain new insights/perspective whenever you reread it. So don’t be surprise if you see me re-read this a million times.
p/s I really can’t wait for studio ghibli’s adaption of this book!
December 6, 2022
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I can see why How Do You Live? is considered a crossover classic in Japan. There’s so much wisdom and inspiration in these pages. I was amazed by how Genzaburō Yoshino made deep and important concepts easier to grasp and absorb! While I was reading it, I kept thinking: “Parents should read and discuss this with their children.”
When I learned that Yoshino was an advocate for peace and international cooperation and he wrote this book to impart necessary lessons to the younger generation—during a time when it’s dangerous to criticize the Japanese government—my admiration for Yoshino and my love for this novel doubled.
If you are planning to buy a copy of this book, I would recommend the edition with the straightforward and thoughtful foreword by Neil Gaiman. He described this novel perfectly.
I’m excited to watch Hayao Miyazaki’s adaptation! Considering How Do You Live? was his favorite childhood book, I wouldn’t be surprised if that film turns out to be his best work!
I can see why How Do You Live? is considered a crossover classic in Japan. There’s so much wisdom and inspiration in these pages. I was amazed by how Genzaburō Yoshino made deep and important concepts easier to grasp and absorb! While I was reading it, I kept thinking: “Parents should read and discuss this with their children.”
When I learned that Yoshino was an advocate for peace and international cooperation and he wrote this book to impart necessary lessons to the younger generation—during a time when it’s dangerous to criticize the Japanese government—my admiration for Yoshino and my love for this novel doubled.
If you are planning to buy a copy of this book, I would recommend the edition with the straightforward and thoughtful foreword by Neil Gaiman. He described this novel perfectly.
I’m excited to watch Hayao Miyazaki’s adaptation! Considering How Do You Live? was his favorite childhood book, I wouldn’t be surprised if that film turns out to be his best work!
December 25, 2023
for what this is, a book meant to teach kids in a way that they can digest and take in, it was nice.
December 27, 2023
Such a fantastic story, its uplifting wisdom reminded me a lot of of The Little Prince, which is, of course, an all time favorite of mine. Required reading for any young person!! Can’t wait to see Miyazaki’s adaptation in the theatre tonight :)
June 2, 2022
Did the history lesson about Napoleon and Napoleonic Wars need to be 20 pages long???
January 28, 2024
My opinion is clouded by the fact that this is Miyazaki's favorite book. I cannot separate that from my opinion 😫
If your regrets help you to really learn an essential thing about being human, that experience won't have been wasted on you."
Update 27/01/24:
Okay, yes I started reading this because it's Miyazaki's favorite and because his latest film has the same title in Japanese; a reference to this book.
Just the fact that this is children's literature in Japan is so amazing. The literature that was imposed to me by school curricula as a child/teenager is complete trash compared to this.
That is because this book is just a book about a 15 year old boy growing up. No crazy things happen in this book, and it doesn't need to. The struggles of life are enough to be interesting. This book is a book about a young boy, Copper, searching for his purpose in the world. Tbh as a child none of the Dutch books I had to read had anything to do with purpose of life!
The story is set in 1937, Japan. The title How do you live? is fitting because indirectly, Copper seems to try to find the answer to this question by navigating through life. I totally understand how a book like this would be Miyazaki's favorite, because in a way his movies do the same. Exploring heavy and universal themes such as betrayal, shame, bravery through the simplistic portrayal of the life of a high school student. This makes the book relatable to anyone. It also makes me wish I grew up in Japan and had read this book before!
Human beings are so great that they demonstrate their greatness by recognizing their own misery. A tree does not recognize that it is miserable.
If your regrets help you to really learn an essential thing about being human, that experience won't have been wasted on you."
Update 27/01/24:
Okay, yes I started reading this because it's Miyazaki's favorite and because his latest film has the same title in Japanese; a reference to this book.
Just the fact that this is children's literature in Japan is so amazing. The literature that was imposed to me by school curricula as a child/teenager is complete trash compared to this.
That is because this book is just a book about a 15 year old boy growing up. No crazy things happen in this book, and it doesn't need to. The struggles of life are enough to be interesting. This book is a book about a young boy, Copper, searching for his purpose in the world. Tbh as a child none of the Dutch books I had to read had anything to do with purpose of life!
The story is set in 1937, Japan. The title How do you live? is fitting because indirectly, Copper seems to try to find the answer to this question by navigating through life. I totally understand how a book like this would be Miyazaki's favorite, because in a way his movies do the same. Exploring heavy and universal themes such as betrayal, shame, bravery through the simplistic portrayal of the life of a high school student. This makes the book relatable to anyone. It also makes me wish I grew up in Japan and had read this book before!
Human beings are so great that they demonstrate their greatness by recognizing their own misery. A tree does not recognize that it is miserable.
June 22, 2023
بسمهوذکره
داستان دوست داشتنیای داشت.
قسمت اخر کتاب که درمورد تاریخچه بودا صحبت شده بود، بیشتر از قسمت های دیگهی کتاب مورد علاقهام شد.
اما شاید بهتر بود این کتاب رو وقتی ۱۷ ۱۸ ساله بودم میخوندم!
داستان دوست داشتنیای داشت.
قسمت اخر کتاب که درمورد تاریخچه بودا صحبت شده بود، بیشتر از قسمت های دیگهی کتاب مورد علاقهام شد.
اما شاید بهتر بود این کتاب رو وقتی ۱۷ ۱۸ ساله بودم میخوندم!
September 11, 2023
La principal razón por la que leí este título es que fue la inspiración de Miyazaki para su "última" película, así que quería saber qué se traía entre manos el genio de Studio Ghibli. Fue una lectura rara, ya que, por momentos, tenía un ritmo más ligero, en un estilo muy típico de la literatura japonesa. Pero también contaba con porciones más densas con historia, en donde solía abandonar la lectura, y después me costaba retomar. Entiendo que este libro es parte de una serie que se publicó en Japón para educar a los chicos en varios aspectos, y también entiendo que resulte tan importante para Miyazaki. Para mí, una lectura más del montón, pero que me alegra haber podido abordar.
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