We are delighted to announce the launch of the IJA Japanese Book Club! Our purpose is to create a vibrant community of book lovers who share a passion for Japanese literature, culture, philosophy, business, history, and more.
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We are dedicated to exploring a diverse range of books each month, engaging in thoughtful discussions, expanding our knowledge, and fostering friendships among members. What’s more, we won’t limit ourselves to just Japanese authors; we’ll also delve into the works of Irish authors with connections to Japan.
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With our official launch scheduled for September, we have conducted two trial runs with a small group of participants during the summer break. It was truly fascinating to see how different perspectives and insights emerge, even when reading the same book. We believe that sharing our reading experiences with others can deepen our understanding and appreciation of literature.
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Wouldn’t you like to be a part of this exciting literary journey with us? Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting to explore the world of books, our book club welcomes everyone. Together, we’ll embark on a fascinating exploration of Japanese literature and beyond.
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HOW TO REGISTER
Please let us know if you are interested in joining our book club and send us an email to: info@ija.ie. We look forward to having you as a fellow book enthusiast and a valued member of our growing community. Open to the IJA members only.
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Meetings take place once a month and the date, time and Zoom link is shared with registered club members via email.
Please see the book selection for October – December below.
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OCTOBER 2024
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Date: 24th October
Book of the month: Sunny
Author: Colin O’Sullivan, an Irish teacher/writer living in Japan
Genre: Science Fiction (set in Japan)
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Summary:
Sunny is set in a near-future Japan and follows the story of an American woman, who receives a mysterious robot named Sunny. The robot appears to have been sent by her husband, who disappeared under strange circumstances. Lily tries to unravel the mystery of her husband’s disappearance…
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Kindle:
https://amzn.to/3zFaUGf
Japanese:
https://amzn.to/3XPv2NY
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NOVEMBER 2024
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Date: 21st November
Book of the month: Butter
Author: Asako Yuzuki
Genre: Non-fiction, True Crime/Suspense
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Summary:
Butter is inspired by a real-life criminal case in Japan, where a woman is suspected of using her extraordinary cooking skills to seduce and manipulate men, leading to their deaths. The novel follows a journalist who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the woman’s actions. As she delves deeper into the case, she starts questioning the nature of desire, power, and how society views women. Suspenseful and thought-provoking, Butter explores the fine line between indulgence and control.
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Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ZIuoEA
Japanese: https://amzn.to/4dqBzVi
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DECEMBER 2024
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Date: 12th December
Book of the month: Best Books of the Year
Genre: Open
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For the final meeting of the year, we invite all members to share their favorite book of 2024! It doesn’t have to be Japan-related—just the best book you’ve read this year. We will compile all recommendations into a list and send it out to the members afterward, so be ready to share your top pick and hear what others enjoyed!
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