동아시아의 평화와 화해의 정치학 Scrapbook: How Do You Live?: The inspiration for The Boy and the Heron, the major new Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli film eBook : Yoshino, Genzaburo: Amazon.com.au: Books

2025-11-13

How Do You Live?: The inspiration for The Boy and the Heron, the major new Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli film eBook : Yoshino, Genzaburo: Amazon.com.au: Books

The inspiration for The Boy and the Heron,

the major new Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli film eBook : Yoshino, Genzaburo: Amazon.com.au: Books

How Do You Live?: The inspiration for The Boy and the Heron, the major new Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli film Kindle Edition

by Genzaburo Yoshino (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,896)

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The inspiration for The Boy & The Heron, the major new Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli film and Golden Globe Award winner 2024

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'In How Do You Live?, Copper, our hero, and his uncle are our guides in science, in ethics, in thinking. And on the way they take us, through a school story set in Japan in 1937, to the heart of the questions we need to ask ourselves about the way we live our lives. We will experience betrayal and learn about how to make tofu. We will examine fear, and how we cannot always live up to who we think we are, and we learn about shame, and how to deal with it. We will learn about gravity and about cities, and most of all, we will learn to think about things - to, as the writer Theodore Sturgeon put it, ask the next question' - from the foreword by Neil Gaiman

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Print length

285 pages

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Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,896)

Yoshino Genzaburo

Bruno Navasky

Kindle Edition

$11.99

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

PandaVsCoala

5.0 out of 5 stars All teens should read this book

Reviewed in Australia on 29 March 2023

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Bought for my kid and loves it so much. Recommend it to every young middle school students. It's not a life guide, but rather a beautiful drawing or poem which make you start to thinking about the possibilty of your life. After reading such an interesting book, I guess all the children will start to thinking HOW DO YOU LIVE.

I read in another language and like it as well.

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the big pen

5.0 out of 5 stars Sage advice and lessons on how to live a good life

Reviewed in Australia on 19 May 2021

Format: KindleVerified Purchase

This is a surprising book. It should be on the reading list of all young people (and for that matter anyone) interested in living a good life.

The book takes readers on a journey of a boy growing up and beginning to ask questions of the world and his place in it. Along the way his uncle helps him to answer some of these questions or, more importantly how to think independently to find an answer. Along the way his uncle shares his observations on philosophy, history, science and sociology to illustrate how someone may want to consider their role in the world and make a meaningful contribution to society.

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M. F. Healsmith

3.0 out of 5 stars A Good Young Adult Book

Reviewed in Australia on 11 November 2024

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

But not really for grown ups

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peisheng

5.0 out of 5 stars Good

Reviewed in Australia on 11 December 2022

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Received in good condition

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Top reviews from other countries

Durham

5.0 out of 5 stars Ideal gift for a young teenager starting secondary education

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 November 2024

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Putting aside the supposed sub-theme of a book written in pre-WW2 Japan in an increasingly militaristic society where free speech was punished; this is an important book for adolescent teenagers. How I wish now, in my seventies, that I had read this book when I was "Copper's" age. It's not especially profound but it addresses issues that confront young people and invites them to think about what is important, to confront their fears and gain inner strength. No wonder it was the inspiration for the Boy and the Heron. If you know such a young person - give them this book.

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Nalim

5.0 out of 5 stars This reading held my heart

Reviewed in Brazil on 4 February 2025

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(and what a beautiful cover!!!!)

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Irene Canino

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely perfect!

Reviewed in Italy on 6 May 2021

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Absolutely perfect!

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A. M

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice edition

Reviewed in Mexico on 18 June 2023

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I wish Amazon could protect the books better, cheap editions only have paper cover on them so if tha tone gets damaged you end up with a naked book, mine came a big damaged

Aside that it's a wonderful work, really comfortable to read, big font

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Matthew Douglas

5.0 out of 5 stars Great philosophical story

Reviewed in the United States on 2 January 2024

Verified Purchase

This book was written to be a story to help educate some of the younger readers and students in Japan. It is meant to explore some different aspects of life and some philosophical ideas. That being said I really enjoyed the story and the characters portrayed. There was some great character development. The translation was nicely done and I felt that it conveyed the ideas that were meant to get across. For me it gave me some things to kind of think about and reflect upon. Which is a huge pro for me for any story. I love stories that have me engaged as a reader, having me think about the outcomes and consequences of the choices that are made. In the end it had me caring about the characters and what happened to them, which I can't say is true for a few of the books I have read in the past. I recommend giving it at least one read and if you have children in your life I think this is a great book to read.

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From Australia

PandaVsCoala

5.0 out of 5 stars All teens should read this book

Reviewed in Australia on 29 March 2023

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I read in another language and like it as well.

One person found this helpful

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the big pen

5.0 out of 5 stars Sage advice and lessons on how to live a good life

Reviewed in Australia on 19 May 2021

Format: KindleVerified Purchase

This is a surprising book. It should be on the reading list of all young people (and for that matter anyone) interested in living a good life.

One person found this helpful

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M. F. Healsmith

3.0 out of 5 stars A Good Young Adult Book

Reviewed in Australia on 11 November 2024

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

But not really for grown ups

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peisheng

5.0 out of 5 stars Good

Reviewed in Australia on 11 December 2022

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Received in good condition

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From other countries

Durham

5.0 out of 5 stars Ideal gift for a young teenager starting secondary education

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 November 2024

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

2 people found this helpful

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Nalim

5.0 out of 5 stars This reading held my heart

Reviewed in Brazil on 4 February 2025

Verified Purchase

(and what a beautiful cover!!!!)

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Irene Canino

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely perfect!

Reviewed in Italy on 6 May 2021

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Absolutely perfect!

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A. M

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice edition

Reviewed in Mexico on 18 June 2023

Verified Purchase

I wish Amazon could protect the books better, cheap editions only have paper cover on them so if tha tone gets damaged you end up with a naked book, mine came a big damaged

Aside that it's a wonderful work, really comfortable to read, big font

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Matthew Douglas

5.0 out of 5 stars Great philosophical story

Reviewed in the United States on 2 January 2024

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7 people found this helpful

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Amazon Kunde

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful author

Reviewed in Germany on 19 April 2024

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

A very touching and philosophical book in its simplicity.

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From other countries

Adnan

5.0 out of 5 stars A must

Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on 24 April 2024

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I think everybody must read this book.

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eric

5.0 out of 5 stars How do you live

Reviewed in Japan on 5 August 2024

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

It`s a good read

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Sena ORAK

4.0 out of 5 stars Güzel bir kitap

Reviewed in Turkey on 20 December 2022

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Miyazaki'nin son filmin esinlendiği kitap olduğu için Türkçe çevirisini beklemek yerine halihazırda bulunan ingilizce çevirisini okumaya karar verdim ve çok az okumama rağmen şimdiden keyifli bir deneyim oldu.

Kitap 1 gün içerisinde geldi ki ingilizce bir kitap için hızlı bir teslimat oldu. Fakat kitabın dışında çamurlu lekeler vardı. Kabını çıkarttığımda çok sorun etmedim tabi ama yine de bu fiyata daha dikkatli olunması gerekirdi.

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Cliente Amazon

5.0 out of 5 stars Edición de bolsillo super ligera para llevar de viaje

Reviewed in Spain on 17 May 2025

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Un clásico un must read

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Jaina Shah

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking

Reviewed in Sweden on 10 May 2023

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

It is written so beautifully, I have ended up buying more copies as presents for family and friends. Delivery was quick and efficient.

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Saba

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for teenagers!

Reviewed in India on 4 July 2025

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This is one of my favorite books of all time. this needs to be in every high school library and should be taught in school.

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S_M_DEEPAK

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must read for everyone

Reviewed in India on 27 May 2023

Verified Purchase

I've read the book completely and I always felt the human in me whenever I engaged with it. At times, it made my eyes wet with emotions. This book had led me to various places which has the potential to make me a whole human being. And, I'm going to gift this to my inner circles.

If you ask me, everyone should this book, especially in these times where we highly require real-humans.

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UnhappyLittleMan

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book, a new favorite for me.

Reviewed in the United States on 25 March 2023

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I read this book because of the upcoming Studio Ghibli film. Did not expect to read what would become one of my new favorite books. What a blessing to have an English translation of such a beautiful work of literature from Japan. This book masterfully pairs a story of a young boy in 1937 Tokyo with important lessons in real philosophy, history, and science. There is also a lot of Japanese vocabulary that is used and explained to the reader. This book encouraged me to think deeply about me and my own life, as well as the lives of everyone else. I feel like this book is educational, fun to read, culturally enriching, and inspirational to be a better person. 10/10

18 people found this helpful

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Thuraiya

4.0 out of 5 stars Good

Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on 7 July 2022

Verified Purchase

In good condition but the cover was torn a bit. Wanted to give it as a gift but can’t now

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G. James

4.0 out of 5 stars A thought-provoking read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 July 2023

Format: KindleVerified Purchase

This book contains quite a bit of fiction and also a lot of history, science, philosophy and ethics.

It took me a while to warm to the characters. We must remember though that it was written in quite a different era and a different culture form what we know today.

Nevertheless, the story was very engaging and thought provoking.

4 people found this helpful

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From other countries

MoMo

5.0 out of 5 stars Precious time of reading

Reviewed in Japan on 25 May 2024

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I bought the Kindle one. This is the greatest book of 2023 for me.

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Luciana C. Franceschini

5.0 out of 5 stars Muito bom

Reviewed in Brazil on 19 April 2024

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Livro interessante.

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Julian Chircop

5.0 out of 5 stars Well packaged and good quality

Reviewed in Germany on 1 March 2024

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Timeliness and packaging were perfect

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Iuri Monteiro

5.0 out of 5 stars A book not to be missed

Reviewed in Spain on 9 August 2021

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

a truly beautiful and unique story.

One person found this helpful

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3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good but didn't live up to the hype.

Reviewed in Japan on 1 March 2024

Verified Purchase

Having heard so many positive things about this book, I guess I was expecting a bit more. I think it might be more suitable for young readers. Some nice life lessons here but nothing that wouldn't be common sense for most adults. The "virtuous and flawless" uncle really grated on me to be honest.

Anyway, a teen reader might appreciate this but I wouldn't recommend it for adults. 3 stars for the good intentions of the author.

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ANA G.

2.0 out of 5 stars Dissastified

Reviewed in Spain on 14 September 2023

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Although I payed for a new book, it arrived with a broken front cover.

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Darko

3.0 out of 5 stars Ehh ...

Reviewed in Germany on 14 June 2025

Verified Purchase

Better suited for a much younger reader in a much different age.

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Amazon Customer

4.0 out of 5 stars Great edition but mediocre story

Reviewed in India on 7 June 2023

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

The hardcover edition is gorgeous and a steal deal for the price. But the story is okayish and the book delivers a simple message. Good for school kids.

2 people found this helpful

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Robert sweeney

5.0 out of 5 stars Go read it

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 May 2025

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Great book and well worth a read

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Shay G

5.0 out of 5 stars How do you live

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 August 2025

Format: KindleVerified Purchase

Great book interesting and informative and led me down a path I had not expected I would recommend this book to anyone to read

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From other countries

Fox Dear

5.0 out of 5 stars A Short Book Inspiring Us to Think

Reviewed in Japan on 22 January 2023

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I originally read this because it was going to be the next Studio Ghilbi’s next animation film.

This book make me think what it mean to be human. The book focus on a boy growing up in 1937’s Japan and his experience and how they apply to us. Each chapter are divided in two: one will describe the events of Copper (the main character) and the other is a response from his dear uncle responding to those event in encouragement of critical thinking. One chapter struck me was the concept that we are all born as expert consumers and as an adult, we have responsibility to contribute to society as producers. This made me analyze my value in society and to myself living my life.

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Tasso Dinsung

5.0 out of 5 stars Good

Reviewed in India on 7 July 2025

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Loved it

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cookie schultz

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read-philosophy + life lessons 🥰

Reviewed in the United States on 3 February 2025

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Watched a Ghibli movie and this book was mentioned and in the background. I purchased it and LOVED it. Bought a copy for my granddaughter and she loved it too. It is philosophically a fun read and very insightful. Highly recommend

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Yiqing Bao

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching read - high recommended!

Reviewed in Germany on 11 December 2021

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Seems to be a plain story about a teenager's life. It shares a lot of wisdom in thoughts, values, and action & reflection. Looking forward to the next movie from Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki.

2 people found this helpful

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nathan

5.0 out of 5 stars Otima qualidade

Reviewed in Brazil on 11 March 2023

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Gostei da capa dura, boa qualidade, mas a capa em folha veio descolada e toda torta pra esquerda

4 people found this helpful

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Ehsan Kakaei

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful design

Reviewed in Germany on 3 January 2022

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

The book itself is very well-written and is easy-to-read. I also really like the cover design.

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gOODREADS

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2,975 results

Profile Image for Brenda Waworga.

Brenda Waworga

663 reviews

697 followers

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

26 likes

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RyeCather

218 reviews

January 28, 2022

2.5*

I appreciate this book a lot more than I enjoyed it.

classics

japanese-lit

25 likes

1 comment

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James Scholz

116 reviews

4,160 followers

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

23 likes

9 comments

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Cherisa B

689 reviews

82 followers

October 13, 2025

A sweet coming of age story set in early 20th century Tokyo, with a mother and an uncle who care deeply for the middle school protagonist who lost his father 2 years before the story begins. Part of the story has the uncle keeping a maroon notebook where he writes to his nephew about his current issues at home or school and ethical behavior the child is working through for perusal in the future. Lovely.

asia

ya-kiddielit

25 likes

3 comments

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maryamongstories

112 reviews

515 followers

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.

18 likes

1 comment

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sophie ⚘

333 reviews

13 followers

May 3, 2024

not me being lectured on kindness in 2024

I thought i had that down by now

20 likes

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hans

1,148 reviews

152 followers

April 30, 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!

japaneseliterature

pansing

18 likes

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Sarah ~

1,041 reviews

1,026 followers

May 24, 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 . .

2023

favorites

18 likes

2 comments

Comment

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Liina

143 reviews

5 followers

June 3, 2022

Did the history lesson about Napoleon and Napoleonic Wars need to be 20 pages long???

18 likes

Comment

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Sara.khammar

101 reviews

9 followers

January 12, 2025

اين كتاب ، كتابِ سفري ام بود.

گذاشته بودمش توي كيفم و هرجا كه ميرفتم( غالبا سركار) چند صفحشو ميخوندم ( ناگفته نماند نتيجه اش هم شده جلد اسيب ديده اي كه هربار نگاه انداختن بهش قلبمو ميشكونه💔)

با شروع هر فصل جديد مشتاقانه صفحاتشو ورق ميزدم تا به قسمت هاي دايي برسم؛شيفته طرز نگرش عميقش به روزمره هاي زندگي شدم.

ساپيوفيليا/ساپيوسكشوال؟اينكه عاشق ادماي باهوش ميشي؟😂🤦🏻‍♀️

فكر كنم دلبسته جناب دايي شدم.

بسكه طرز تفکرش عاقلانه و قابل لمس بود.

اين کتاب از اوناييه كه هيچ رنج سني مشخص نداره

يه بچه دبستاني تا كسي كه نوه دبستاني داره ميتونه از خوندنش لذت ببره.

جزو top 10 انتخابيم براي هديه دادنه.

17 likes

1 comment

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Phu

782 reviews

May 12, 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".

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Zeinab khatoon

103 reviews

16 followers

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!

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Emerson‌●ω●

158 reviews

January 22, 2024

شاید اگه ۱۴،۱۵ ساله بودم از خوندنش خیلی بیشتر لذت میبردم.

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Amy Imogene Reads

1,204 reviews

1,145 followers

November 2, 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.

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Carrie

1,031 reviews

618 followers

October 26, 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?

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David

Author

4 books

109 followers

January 17, 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.

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Hannah

383 reviews

214 followers

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!

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Irene

1,320 reviews

126 followers

January 10, 2022

I first thought this was going to be a perfectly benign book about bullying and learning to think for yourself, but it lost me entirely when it went on a bizarre tangent about how wonderful and admirable Napoleon was, the great conqueror and self-appointed Emperor, and about how being brave is somehow the same thing as going into battle to kill people as long as you do it for The Cause™. Even when the entire point really is just... conquest. I find this quite incompatible with the author's alleged passion for peace and non-violence. The Japanese have this very hardcore approach to nationalism and even school pride that I find vaguely disturbing, even if it's understandable from a historic point of view. I think my least favourite part was the teenage boy melodrama I have been a coward and betrayed my friends and I wish I would DIE, which was, while realistic, quite irritating. I should have DNFd this after the Napoleon chapter but I was really curious to know why Miyazaki wants to make a movie out of it. I guess I'll find out.

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Nourhan Khaled

Author

1 book

382 followers

December 25, 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?”

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675 reviews

66 followers

December 7, 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!

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Medisa

315 reviews

22 followers

November 13, 2024

من و پسرخالم پسرک و مرغ ماهی‌خوار رو دیدیم و بعد هرچی فهمیدیم رو کنار هم گذاشتیم و دیدیم روی هم رفته چهل درصد ازش رو متوجه شدیم واسه همین به کتاب رو اوردم! اما این کجا و اون کجا، هیچ شباهتی به هم نداشتن😕 به هر حال دوستش داشتم، بخوام کلی بگم راجب عقاید و اتفاق‌هایی که برای یه پسر نوجوان می‌افتاد و اظهارنظرهای دایی‌اش درباره‌ی هریک از اون‌ها بود.

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reejy

204 reviews

64 followers

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.

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Zoë!

262 reviews

226 followers

December 28, 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 :)

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Samah

97 reviews

53 followers

January 29, 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.

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Akankshya

258 reviews

142 followers

May 31, 2024

Anime master Hayao Miyazaki’s favorite childhood book: might have been mine if I'd read this as a child. This was a cute and comfy read. Miyazaki's latest (and last) Oscar-winning movie The Boy and The Heron was inspired by the book, and in this case, the movie beats the book. I was bored during the history fact dumps but liked the philosophical and emotional aspects. Bonus points for making me feel nostalgic - the author includes incredibly accurate descriptions of childhood friendships and eccentric games that kids play when they're comfortable with their friends.

Books like this are important. I’m so glad Mr Miyazaki is making his film, not least because it means that, eighty-four years after it was written, Genzaburō Yoshino’s novel can be read in English, in Bruno Navasky’s gentle and winning translation, and that I got to read it.

Neil Gaiman, Introduction for How Do You Live?

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Knigoqdec

1,165 reviews

184 followers

October 13, 2025

Когато започна много да се шуми за тази книга, не изпитвах желание да занимавам ума си с "философска литература". Хората имат различна настройка за тези неща, а аз имам лека алергия към философиите от времената в университета. На някакво ниво знаех, че все пак става дума за нещо източно и следователно различно от нещата, с които сме свикнали тук, казвайки "философия". Но това е една друга история.

Нежна, мека, човечна и топла е историята на "Как живееш?". Това е разказ за едно момче, което открива, че всички ние сме "молекули" от едно цяло и участваме в "мрежа" от безброй и безброй непознати, пръснати из цялата Земя... И не, тези открития са само прашинка от света, който тепърва ще се открива пред очите му.

История, лишена от осъдителни констатации, лишена от песимизъм и зло лаене какво е правилно и какво грешно, дарена с чудото на израстването в борба за добро, независимо от грозните примери на живота.

Многопластова е, а дори не го усещаш, преминавайки през теми, свързани с човешките взаимоотношения, приятелството, историята на света и, и...

Не съм сигурна дали трябва да се рекламира толкова упорито като "вдъхновение за "Момчето и чаплата" на Гибли", но несъмнено е повлияла на Миязаки чисто философски. И той, и Йошино Гензабуро упорито ни напомнят какво означава да си добър, без това да е обвързано с тежки религиозни догматики или изфабрикувани правила. Просто да си добър чрез сърцето си. Радвам се, че книгата дойде при мен когато е трявало, а не само заради шума около нея.

П.П.: Историята на будите от Гандхара продължава да ме държи безмълвно възхитена. Не е първият пример на общо човешко изкуство, за който съм чувала, но включването ѝ беше невъзможно вълнуващо за мен.

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erika ☾⋆｡

161 reviews

72 followers

February 20, 2022

[3.5] i know i’ve said the rating will only stay at 4 stars or go up. but i guess im not the right audience for (preachy) self-help manuals like this, the alchemist, and the little prince (probs the most imaginative out of three).

as a matter of fact, it was a heartwarming, wholesome read that wasn’t a waste of my time. uncle’s journals of wisdom are truly eye-opening and important for everyone. but some aren’t relevant to mentally and/or physically disabled people. the book lost its pacing in the section about napoleon, and given the time it was written, it was also pro-colonialist.

i understand why miyazaki loves this book so much and while i estimate the adaptation won’t surpass his magnum opuses, im still eagerly waiting for it - of course.

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Coos Burton

906 reviews

1,563 followers

September 12, 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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Melica

77 reviews

37 followers

July 10, 2024

If I wanted a preaching I would have gone go to a church!

Without the uncle's notebook this would be a decent story, a little too much but fine.

But as a whole this book made me sick with all the preachings and teachings it tried to feed me! Let the reader understand what they will from the story don't spoon feed them!

Chapter seven redeemed the book to two stars as before reading it I was going to rate it with one. I really liked that chapter.

And the views on poverty and Napoleon? Spare me! please.

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Teck Wu

329 reviews

69 followers

November 29, 2021

This book, written in Japan in the 1930s when the Thought Police were a thing, makes light on how to live with wisdom, courage, and grace, with anecdotes by the Uncle of heroes from the distant past on how they did it. Is a good book for young adults.

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2025-11-13

How Do You Live?: The inspiration for The Boy and the Heron, the major new Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli film eBook : Yoshino, Genzaburo: Amazon.com.au: Books

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