A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

This is probably my most recommended book (and I recommend books A LOT). It is complex and layered while staying fresh and unpretentious. The characters seem so real, and the book has a plethora of themes including family and loyalty, philosophy and loss, memory and erasure, ethical technology and war, climate change and spirituality, time and being (and not being). For having multiple dark elements, it’s still such a pleasure to read – entertaining, clever, and bright.

Starter Pack

22 days ago

Comments

Lyla

@trillingSep 25, 2026

The most beautiful book

Annie Loves

@annielovesSep 26, 2026

I loved this book and still think about it a long while after having read it

Seema Vennam

@diversifyyourshelfSep 26, 2026

Same! It really sticks with you. I need to do a re-read!

Kate

@mostofallSep 27, 2026

A favorite! I rarely reread, but this is one I’ve gone back to.

sarah daly

@sarahdalySep 28, 2026

ruth ozeki supremacy

Betsy

@beeetsyOct 9, 2026

loved this one!

Across Rec League

A Tale for the Time Being

Erica

“Still think about this book often even though I probably read it ~8 years ago. Compelling characters and amazing atmosphere - set in a Buddhist monastery in the mountains of Japan and a remote island in British Columbia. I wanted to live inside this book!!”