As I have mentioned before (to the point of boredom, forgive me…) I am an unreformed collector of second-hand books. I have an almost fanatical approach to the subject. When searching for the next gem to add to my collection, I can be quite determined.

This time was no different. I spotted it on my way to the shop to buy grapefruits on a table among other trinkets. And yes, an elderly couple was heading towards it. However, healing back the urge to run frantically, like a lady (surprisingly!?), I grabbed The Book of Form & Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki.

Clutching the book to my chest with joy I restrained a euphoric cry of triumph gracefully (mwahahah….) and purchased it without letting it out of my hand until the end.

Ruth Ozeki’s works have been familiar to me for some time now. Her book, which I recommend dearly, A Tale for the Time Being, is a story not only about growing up but explores generational and cultural differences as well. 16-year-old Nao leaves behind a diary found on the beach by writer Ruth. Despite the time difference and the distance separating them, a bond is formed between them. The tale challenges generational perceptions and provides food for thought. It’s worth mentioning here the main character’s great-grandmother, Jiko, a Buddhist nun, feminist, and anarchist, whose incredible story we learn about in the pages of the diary.

‘Here I would like to suggest further titles by authors who have made a moving impression on me.

One of them is Banana Yoshimoto. Written in an ethereal and charming style, the two complementary pieces, Kitchen and Moonlight Shadow, are about food, gender reassignment, love and the loss of loved ones.

The other one are stories about women, the clash of Chinese and American culture, memories of mother and daughter and the quest to discover one’s own identity, Chinese folklore, and the fascination mixed with horror at the perception of Chinese norms. You will find all this in The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingstone.

It’s hard not to mention Cho Nam-ju and her Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 and The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa. Both are worth your attention.

Nothing is more thought-provoking than an inspiring story about women.

Yours L.