A Tale for the Time Being, by Ruth Ozeki, is a wonderful book written about a woman who stumbles upon a young Japanese girl’s diary. It transfers from the diary itself to Ruth’s reaction to everything she encounters within the pages. The book is captivating and allows you to escape from the daily, American routine, and into the life of 16 year old Naoko Yasutani’s. It helps you see what life is like in Japan for Nao and allows you to catch a glimpse of her high and low points throughout her high school years.

Throughout the entire novel, I never felt the need to put the book down. It gives a lot of significant information on Japanese culture and what it is like. Its plot is clear and to the point, which allowed me to relax and flow through the pages. Although this book does have a few downsides, such as its in depth description of quantam mechanics, it is easy to put yourself in Nao’s shoes and really see what life is like for her. What I also enjoyed about the book was how the author painted a picture of what was happening. It was easy to picture yourself in that exact moment, and I liked that.

Overall, I would easily give this book an eight out of ten. It is choppy in some parts, but the way it is tied together in the end is enough of a reason for you to start reading. Its high school humor and constant jokes about growing up allow you to escape from the norm and read into a Japanese teenager’s life. I believe this book is one that every high school student should read, because it not only teaches important life lessons but it will never fail to make you laugh. Ruth Ozeki mot certainly outdid herself with A Tale for the Time Being.