I just finished Botchan a novel by Natsume Soseki.
It kind of looked dumb from the cover and I actually stole it from my Japanese class. It claims to be the most widely read novel in Japan. So I thought I would give it a shot. It turned out to be a really engaing book. It does not have much of a deep meaning. The only meaning I could pull from it was do not take people for face value. It is not really deep as it is written right on the paper. Although not a deep novel it is fun. I found myself having trouble putting down the book. It is short, but I highly recommend it. The story is that of a man named Botchan (clever title, heh) who is from Tokyo. He is labeled as the family screw up and because of this lives up to his roll. He latter assumes some responsibilty and goes to school and after completing this gets an offer to teach in a small, nothing country town. The story is about his mis-adventures in this small town as a school math teacher. I would recommend this read, it’s witty, funny and and enjoyable read. You do not have to be a Japanophile to enjoy this book. It can be purchased through Amazon or through any major retailer.
Killer Tofu