There is much going on in my reading world, particularly this March. Before we get to that, I would like to point out a few links for the Japanese Literature Challenge 12. It is lovely to have Michelle, of su[shu], join in the challenge once again. She has read and reviewed Genocide of One by Kazuaki Takano. (Please let me know if you have reviewed a book for the JLC12 so that I can add your link.)

I have been reading Star by Yukio Mishima, for which I will host a give-away in March before it is published this April. I am currently giving away a collection of short stories published by Vintage Minis entitled Desire. Please enter to win if you would like, as the give away ends Thursday. I have also posted thoughts on The Pillow Book which turned out to be a delightful surprise. It kept a slow pace, just what I need before starting the mad rush involved in reading for the Man Booker International Prize 2019.

I am thrilled to be a member of the Shadow Jury once again, as we read the long list and put forth what we, as readers, deem the most worthy of the prize. Several of us are already hopeful of seeing a few titles when the long list is revealed on March 13. (For example, I hope to see Drive Your Plow Over The Bones of The Dead, and Tell Them of Battles, Kings and Elephants, and The Governesses. I would be especially thrilled if a Japanese title were to be included; even though Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami has received mixed reviews, I thought it was wonderful.)

Also, an event called Boekenweek is coming up in March for which I am reading three books from World Editions. (I will host give-aways for each of these books, too.) Boekenweek is a literary event of ten days celebrating Dutch literature in the Netherlands; it has been celebrated annually in March since 1932. Stay tuned for my reviews, and give-aways, on March 28, 2019.

Until then, may your reading be joyful! May you find yourself lost within the pages of your books as I find myself to be.